Roaming Tips
1. Make IDD calls while roaming
Different roaming destinations have different access codes for making IDD calls - eg China is 00 and US is 011.
In most cases, the + sign can be used to replace international access codes - eg when calling back to Hong Kong from the US, simply dial + 852 then the Hong Kong phone number.
2. Logon to an overseas network while roaming
While abroad, your mobile phone will select a network automatically. If your handset cannot connect to a local network, you can:
1. Power OFF and ON again.
2. Check handset setting to enable roaming:
- Flight mode = OFF
- means voice and data service in Hong Kong and while roaming are enabled - Data service = ON
- means data service in Hong Kong and while roaming is enabled - Data roaming = ON
- means data roaming is enabled
3. Go to "Setting" ->" Wireless and networks " ->" Mobile networks" -> choose "Network operators" -> your handset will list available networks -> then select a network
(manual network selection operations differ between handset models, so please refer to the manufacturer's user guide).
**Remember to Power OFF the phone or turn on “Flight mode” when on an aircraft to avoid roaming problems after landing.
3. IDD service while roaming
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When roaming, customers can only use IDD service provided by overseas networks.
4. Tips for using Voice Mail while roaming
When you are traveling abroad, 3G customers can continue to enjoy Voice Mail as if still in Hong Kong at no additional charge.
To ensure your Voice Mail works properly while roaming, please note the followings:
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Please press [##002#SEND] to cancel all types of call forwarding before you leave Hong Kong. This will also protect you from any unnecessary roaming charges incurred by manual call forwarding.
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To access Voice Mail from overseas, dial [+][852][63880000]. You will be prompted to enter your mobile phone number and password (similar to accessing Voice Mail box via a landline in Hong Kong).
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To ensure you are able to listen to your Voice Mail messages, please dial *92 to set up your password before leaving Hong Kong. You only need to do this once.
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To listen to voice messages while roaming:
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Via your mobile phone: You will need to pay the roaming charges similar to that incurred when making a call to Hong Kong
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Via a local landline: You will need to pay a local service provider's IDD charges.
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While roaming, no additional charge will be made for receiving Voice Mail alert SMS messages.
5. Tips for using Secretarial Service while roaming
When you are traveling abroad, 3G customers can continue to enjoy Secretarial Service as if still in Hong Kong at no additional charges.
To ensure your Secretarial Service works properly while roaming, please note the followings:
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If you have set call forwarding to your secretarial number in Hong Kong, the service will continue to work while roaming.
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If you have not set call forwarding to your secretarial number, all unanswered calls will be directed to your Voice Mail while roaming.
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While roaming, no additional charge will be made for receiving Secretarial Service alert SMS messages.
6. Avoid unnecessary roaming charges
Cancel conditional call-forwarding feature before leaving Hong Kong
Activating conditional call-forwarding features (including busy, unreachable and unanswered) will involve two IDD call-routing trips and incur IDD charges, so please cancel the conditional call-forwarding feature before leaving Hong Kong.
Lock the keypad
To avoid accidental calls and unnecessary roaming charges, please remember to lock your mobile phone's keypad after use.
Browsing PCCW WAP and assessing the Internet via mobile will incur data roaming charges
Free WAP and Internet browsing included in any local WAP & Mobile Data Service package is NOT applicable while roaming overseas. Using these services while roaming will incur data-roaming charges based on usage. Please click here for tariff and details.
Cancel automatic updates/downloads for mobile applications before roaming
Customers using smartphones (enabled widgets) or BlackBerry handhelds that have automatic updates activated for installed applications or email downloading will generate frequent data usage. To avoid unexpected data roaming usage charges, customers should disable all automatic application updates on a mobile handset before leaving Hong Kong. Please click here for simple steps to disable the data feature of certain handset models.
7. Preventing handsets from switching to roaming while in Hong Kong
Customers can take the action outlined below to prevent handsets from switching to mainland China-based mobile networks while in Hong Kong, thereby incurring unnecessary roaming charges.
i) Temporarily suspend roaming service.
Dial the following shortcodes:
- To suspend roaming service: *109# send
- To resume roaming service before leaving Hong Kong: #109# send
- To check roaming status: *#109# send
ii) Use your handset’s “manual network selection” mode to select the PCCW-HKT mobile service network.
