Before you go
Everything you need to do before setting off into the sun
Toothbrush. Passport. Mobile
What you need to do before you travel abroad
Perhaps you're going away on business, on holiday, or maybe just for a short break. Well, if you're taking your mobile with you there are a few things to do before you go.
- It's obvious, but remember to pack your mobile phone and don't forget your charger and travel adaptor.
- Make sure your mobile will work in the country you're travelling to. You'll find more information on this below.
- The numbers in your phone book need to have the international dialling format i.e. +44 for the UK and remove the first digit from the area code.
When you arrive at your destination, your mobile will automatically select a network with the best service, you should also be able to access most of the services you use in the UK.
Making sure your mobile works abroad
Don't be afraid of the techno jargon, it's simple really. Any phones that work on O2 in the UK operate in the 900 MHz band - they're called single band. Most modern mobile phones work on at least two frequencies: 900 and 1800 MHz - they're called dual band. You also get better coverage with these phones in the UK.
In the Americas, they operate on 1900 MHz, so you need another band to connect. Mobiles that do this are called tri band. The very latest phones are quad band and they work with any network, anywhere in the world.
If you're not sure which type of phone you have, have a look at your mobile's User Guide or call Customer Services.
You'll find your Customer Service number here
If you need to hire a handset, because yours won't work in the country you're travelling to, you can call us on 0870 737 0202 or click the following link for more information on Rentals from O2.
Find out more about using your phone abroad for:
Receiving calls abroad
You may be charged for receiving calls while you're abroad. When you're abroad, O2 will get charged a cost per minute by the home country network. We pass a proportion of this cost to our customers.
Find out how much it will cost to receive calls
Using Voicemail abroad
Voicemail 901 is an easy and convenient way to access your messages while overseas. You simply retrieve your messages by dialling your Voicemail Retrieval Number (VRN) that you keep and re-use. Instructions on how to get this number are below. Message retrieval is charged at the rate for a call to the UK.
Follow these simple steps to set up Voicemail 901 abroad:
- If it isn't already on, activate your Voicemail by calling 1750
- Dial 1780 to receive your Voicemail Retrieval Number (VRN). If you forget to do this while in the UK you can call +447802 090 100
- You'll hear your VRN read out to you and receive it in a text
- Save it to your mobile
- To pick up your messages, dial your VRN when overseas
In some countries you'll hear your own personal greeting. If so, key * then your Voicemail 901 four digit PIN code (the default PIN is 8705) and then press 2 to access you messages.
Callers can leave messages directly in your Voicemail 901 mailbox by dialling your VRN (callers will then only be charged for a UK call).
To divert all calls to Voicemail 901. Either use the menu on your mobile or key *21*901# and send. All your calls will then be answered by Voicemail 901, to cancel this service key ##21# send.
How to call local and international numbers
Whenever you use your mobile phone abroad you should always use the international dialling code of the country you're calling. Just key '+', then the country code, followed by the area code (without the 0) and then the phone number.
For example, to call a Manchester number from abroad: Key: +44 161 123 4567
Full list of dialing codes
International Directory Enquiries
If you need a local number while you're abroad, just call the International Directory Enquiries service on +44 118505 and you'll get any listed foreign number you need.
Media messaging
You can use Media Messaging to send or receive pictures on any foreign network providing a WAP or GPRS service. For more details see below.
GPRS Mobile Internet abroad
With the web in your pocket, you'll be able to keep up with friends and colleagues using email, play games online, book flights or hotel accommodation and find out the latest news - all from your mobile phone. And because it's using a GPRS connection, you'll always be connected, so access is faster and cheaper than ordinary WAP or other data services.
International GPRS usage will be charged at £6 per Mb.
Find out whether the country you're visiting has a GPRS network
Receiving calls abroad
You may be charged for receiving calls while you're abroad. When you're abroad, O2 will get charged a cost per minute by the home country network. We pass a proportion of this cost to our customers.
Find out how much it will cost to receive calls
Voicemail
If you don't have your Voicemail service already activated, simply call 1750. In many popular countries you can access your Voicemail as you do at home. We call these countries Direct Dial countries. When you're in one of these countries, you'll be able to access Voicemail the same way you do at home by dialing the shortcode 901.
Call our information line free on 2202 from your mobile phone to see whether the country you're traveling to is on our list of Direct Dial countries.
Accessing your Voicemail anywhere else in the world
To retrieve your messages, key *111*901#. Your mobile phone will go on standby for a few seconds. It will then ring. Please answer it and follow the simple voice prompt instructions. You'll be presented with a menu of services, just select the one you want. They are:
- Checking Voicemail
- Topping-up
- Calling UK Directory Enquires
- Calling UK International Directory Enquires
- Calling Customer Service
Top-up abroad
Whenever you go abroad, it's a good idea to Top-up your mobile phone before you leave. If you do need to Top-up from overseas, you have four easy ways to do it.
Option 1
Take your E Top-up card with you when you travel to Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Greece. There are 100 locations in Ireland, over 900 in Portugal, and over 1000 in Spain and Greece where you can use your O2 Top-up card. Just look out for the O2 logo in stores.
Option 2
Use your Credit or Debit Card. Just call the O2 Top-Up line free by dialing 4444 from your mobile.
Option 3
Take O2 Top-up vouchers with you. When you need to top-up, just call the O2 Top-up line free by dialing 4444 from your mobile phone.
Option 4
Top-up online, right here on o2.co.uk
Home from Home countries
In most parts of the world you can use your phone just like at home, but if you’ve travelled to somewhere more exotic where our home from home service doesn't work then this is how you top up.
Key *111*# then press the call button.
Your mobile phone will go on standby for a few seconds before it rings. Answer the call and simply follow the voice prompts to access the Top-up line by dialling 4444# and then proceed through the Top-up service as you would in the UK.
What to do if you're on an Easylife, U, Business Pay & Go or Pay & Go Free Best Friend
Irrespective of the country you're in, simply call the O2 Top-up line free by dialing 4444 from your mobile phone or dial 01753 552 277 (calls are charged at local rate) from any landline. Then follow the instructions to Top-up as you would in the UK.
To call local and international numbers
Whenever you use your mobile phone abroad, you should always use the international dialing code of the country you are calling. Just key '+', then the country code, followed by the area code (without the 0) and then the phone number.
For example, to call a Manchester number from abroad: Key: +44 161 123 4567
Full list of dialing codes
Text messaging abroad
Why write postcards when you can send a text? It's a low cost way of keeping in touch, and there are no charges to receive messages when you're abroad.
You can send text messages as you would if you were in the UK. Just check your message centre number is in the international format. It should be +44 7802 000 332.
Media messaging
You can use Media Messaging to send or receive pictures on any foreign network supporting WAP and GPRS services. For a list of these, please see below.
GPRS & GSM WAP
You can still access WAP via GPRS and normal WAP while you're abroad in certain countries. Different call charges apply depending on the country, but it's just as easy to access O2 Active.
Find out whether the country you're visiting has a GPRS network
GPRS Mobile Internet abroad
With the web in your pocket, you'll be able to keep up with friends and colleagues using email, play games online, book flights or hotel accommodation and find out the latest news - all from your mobile phone. And because it's using a GPRS connection, you'll always be connected, so access is faster and cheaper than ordinary WAP or other data services.
International GPRS usage will be charged at £6 per Mb.
Find out whether the country you're visiting has a GPRS network
Short codes
You'll be able to use some of the same short code services while abroad, as you do in the UK. Please see below for a full list of services that may be available to you, depending on the country you are travelling to.
| Short codes | |
|---|---|
| 4444 | O2 Pay & Go Customer Service |
| 123 | Timeline |
| 1471 | Calling Number Retrieval |
| 118505 | International Directory Enquiries |
| 118402 | O2 Directories |
| 322 | Group Conferencing |
| 323 | Group Chat |
| 901 | Voicemail 901 |
| 1750 | Voicemail Conditional Diverts |
| 1760 | Voicemail Conditional Diverts Off |
| 1780 | Obtain Voicemail Retrieval Number |
| 915000 | O2 WAP Portal |
Business
Receiving calls abroad
You may be charged for receiving calls while you're abroad. When you're abroad, O2 will get charged a cost per minute by the home country network. We pass a proportion of this cost to our customers.
Find out how much it will cost to receive calls
Using Voicemail abroad
Voicemail 901 is an easy and convenient way to access your messages while you're overseas. You simply retrieve your messages by dialling your Voicemail Retrieval Number (VRN) that you keep and re-use. Instructions on how to get this number are below. Message retrieval is charged at the rate for a call to the UK.
Follow these simple steps to set up Voicemail 901 abroad:
- If it isn't already on, activate your voicemail by calling 1750
- Dial 1780 to receive your Voicemail Retrieval Number (VRN). If you forget to do this while in the UK you can call +447802 090 100
- You'll hear your VRN read out to you and receive it in a text
- Save it to your mobile
- To pick up your messages, dial your VRN when you're overseas
In some countries you'll hear your own personal greeting. If so, key * then your Voicemail 901 four digit PIN code (the default PIN is 8705) and then press 2 to access you messages.
Callers can leave messages directly in your Voicemail 901 mailbox by dialling your VRN (they'll then only be charged for a UK call).
To divert all calls to Voicemail 901 either use your mobiles menu or key *21*901# and send. All your calls will then be answered by Voicemail 901, to cancel this service key ##21# send.
Leaving Messages
People calling you can leave a message directly to your Voicemail 901 mailbox from abroad by dialing your VRN directly. This way, callers will only pay for a UK call.
How to call local and international numbers
Whenever you use your mobile phone abroad, you should always use the international dialing code of the country you are calling. So key '+', then the country code, followed by the area code (without the 0) and then the phone number.
For example, to call a Manchester number from abroad: Key: +44 161 123 4567
Full list of dialing codes
Group Conferencing
You can still use your Group Conferencing service when you're abroad. Just dial +44 7720 322 322 or 322 from your O2 mobile phone.
International Directory Enquiries
If you need a local number while you're abroad, just call the International Directory Enquiries service on +44 118505 and you'll get any listed foreign number you need.
Text messaging
You can send text messages as you would if you were in the UK. Just check that your message centre number is in the international format. It should be +44 7802 000 332.
Data and fax
You can send faxes from your laptop and mobile phone while abroad, as well as surf the Internet and check your Internet-based emails. This service is network and mobile dependent, so please check with your Service Provider.
GPRS Mobile Internet abroad
With the web in your pocket, you'll be able to keep up with friends and colleagues using email, play games online, book flights or hotel accommodation and find out the latest news - all from your mobile phone. And because it's using a GPRS connection, you'll always be connected, so access is faster and cheaper than ordinary WAP or other data services.
International GPRS usage will be charged at £6 per Mb.
Find out whether the country you're visiting has a GPRS network
GSM WAP
You can still access WAP via GPRS and normal WAP while you're abroad in certain countries. Different call charges apply depending on the country but it's just as easy to surf the Mobile Internet.
Short codes
You'll be able to use some of the same short code services while abroad, as you would in the UK. Please see below for a full list of services that may be available to you, depending on the country you are travelling to.
| Short codes | |
|---|---|
| 100 | O2 UK Member Service |
| 123 | Timeline |
| 1471 | Calling Number Retrieval |
| 118505 | International Directory Enquiries |
| 1702 | O2 Online Member Service |
| 118402 | O2 Directories |
| 322 | Group Conferencing |
| 323 | Group Chat |
| 901 | Voicemail 901 |
| 1750 | Voicemail Conditional Diverts |
| 1760 | Voicemail Conditional Diverts Off |
| 1780 | Obtain Voicemail Retrieval Number |
| 915000 | O2 WAP Portal |
Using Mobile Extension and Best for Business abroad
Mobile Extension and Best for Business customers are now able to use short code dialing from a small number of foreign networks. You'll receive reduced rates for calls made back to the office and to other Mobile Extension and Best for Business mobile phones.
Find out more about Mobile Extension and Best for Business
O2 Home from Home Roaming
There's one home comfort you'll find useful abroad - being able to use your mobile phone the same way you do at home. That's why we've made this possible wherever we can in the world.
"Home from Home" is available with every network in the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- USA