A
Android Question
Guest
what is packet data, should i have this on or off when going to usa?
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SiempreTuna
Android Expert
It's basically data: data on networks (including the interweb) is broken into packets, hence the name. I assume in this case it means data via the phone network rather than WiFi.
I would suggest you turn your data off as using network data when you're roaming can be extremely expensive. Might be worth checking with your network, though as sometimes they do deals on data roaming that are only very, very expensive
You can still use WiFi, though. Most hotels and some other places like coffee shops, provide it for 'free' (at least, the cost is covered in the room rate or the $5 you paid for that coffee
)
I would suggest you turn your data off as using network data when you're roaming can be extremely expensive. Might be worth checking with your network, though as sometimes they do deals on data roaming that are only very, very expensive
You can still use WiFi, though. Most hotels and some other places like coffee shops, provide it for 'free' (at least, the cost is covered in the room rate or the $5 you paid for that coffee
)
Packet data is the way all mobile data is done these days - GPRS/EDGE/HSPDA/LTE are all packet data systems. So in practice it just means "data".
Data roaming costs are very high, so if you don't want the bill I would both disable data roaming and turn off all mobile data before going to the USA (either should suffice, both is insurance). You can turn on for short periods if you need it, but make sure you know what it costs first - people who just use data normally have received horrific bills.
Be aware also that call and text charges will be much higher in the States. It's now a lot more affordable to make calls and send texts when roaming within the EU because the EU ruled that competition wasn't working (i.e. all operators charged excessively) and so capped what the networks can charge for roaming use. However, that only applies within the EU, so roaming costs when visiting the States can still be very high. Again, check what your network charges before leaving.
Data roaming costs are very high, so if you don't want the bill I would both disable data roaming and turn off all mobile data before going to the USA (either should suffice, both is insurance). You can turn on for short periods if you need it, but make sure you know what it costs first - people who just use data normally have received horrific bills.
Be aware also that call and text charges will be much higher in the States. It's now a lot more affordable to make calls and send texts when roaming within the EU because the EU ruled that competition wasn't working (i.e. all operators charged excessively) and so capped what the networks can charge for roaming use. However, that only applies within the EU, so roaming costs when visiting the States can still be very high. Again, check what your network charges before leaving.