2degrees Business Roaming FAQ

How do I set up Business Roaming on my mobile?

When you arrive in your destination and turn off flight mode on your phone and connect to a cellular network, you’ll receive a welcome text from 2degrees. If you’re travelling in a $0 or $8 Daily Roaming Destination, you can start roaming immediately.

If you’re in a destination where you need to purchase a Data Add-on, follow the instructions in the welcome text. If you do not purchase a Data Add-on, you will still be able to call and text for a great rate, but you will not be able to use mobile data in that destination.

How do I set up Business Roaming on my iPad or tablet?

If you’re a tablet or iPad user in a Daily Business Roaming destination, roaming services will be activated upon turning off flight mode on your device. Tablet and iPad users in Business Roaming Add-On destinations need to insert the device’s SIM card into a mobile phone then text ‘Y’ to 237.

Do I need to turn off Business Roaming when I return to NZ?

When you land back in New Zealand, we'll automatically detect that you're home and your regular plan use will resume. You don’t need to do anything else.

What if I don’t want to use Business Roaming while I’m travelling?

If you don’t want to use Business Roaming while you're away, make sure you keep your phone on Flight Mode. You will be unable to access the internet, receive or make texts or calls when your device is in Flight Mode, unless you connect to wifi networks.

Will my phone number change?

No. Colleagues and family in New Zealand can use your regular number to contact you when you’re overseas. Callers outside New Zealand will still need to use New Zealand’s country code (+64 then your number without the first 0) even if they’re in the same international location as you.

What will it cost someone to call me if I'm overseas?

When you're roaming overseas, the person calling you pays the same as if you were in NZ.

Will it cost me if someone calls me while I’m overseas?

If you’re not in a Daily Business Roaming destination, a $1 per minute charge will be incurred when someone calls you.

How do I make a call or send a text?

You’ll need to add country codes to the beginning of all the numbers you call or text on your mobile, including the country you're in. For example, to call or text a New Zealand number, replace the first 0 with +64 (New Zealand’s country code).

How do I monitor how much data I use while travelling?

If you want to check your balance or how much data you have remaining, use your 2degrees Mobile App, or log in to Your 2degrees online and click on Your Usage. We’ll send you a notification text if your data is low or has expired. If you're using an iPad or tablet, you won’t receive text alerts, so please remember to check your balance online, or by using the App.

How do I set a limit to the total amount I spend on roaming?

Spend Control is a handy tool that keeps an eye on your total spend (including any extra Add-ons you may purchase). Set up Spend Control online by logging into Your 2degrees or our Mobile App, set your Spend Control limit, and we’ll notify you when you’re within $10 of your limit so you can decide if you want to increase your spend.

How do I reduce my data usage when roaming?

The only guaranteed way to avoid incurring costs as you travel is to keep your phone in Flight Mode as you travel. Here are some ideas to help you manage your data usage:

• Connect to wifi and hotspots in your hotel or at cafes and restaurants during your travels. Be aware that if the WiFi signal is weak, your phone may switch to and start consuming mobile data. We suggest you turn off WiFi Assist (for Apple) / Smart Network Switch (for Android) as these services cause your device to switch to mobile data when a wifi signal is low.
• Some apps might operate in the background and use significant data even if your screen isn’t on. Check your App Store or Play Store settings and consider setting your phone to only update apps or perform backups when connected to wifi.
• Switch off subscriptions to podcasts, internet radio and any other streaming media/apps.
• Download offline maps when you have access to free wifi, so you don't have to use data to navigate a foreign destination. On Google Maps, search for the city you'll be visiting, then tap the city's name in the middle of the screen and tap the Download button that appears on the next screen. You can see and manage all of your downloaded maps in the ‘Offline maps’ section of the app.
• Turn off the auto-play function on video-streaming or social media apps, and look for settings that will limit your mobile data usage.
• Use WiFi Calling on your 2degrees phone to make and receive calls and texts rather than using online messaging services. See below for more on this. 
• Be aware of how much data the 'thing you're doing' actually uses – see below for examples of how much data popular activities can use. 

How much data does my phone use in a day?

Data usage will vary depending on several factors including the device model, device settings, network used and application settings. Check out this handy guide for some estimates on how much data you could use on a 4G network. Please note, this information is a guide only.

Source: New Zealand Telecommunications Forum Inc International Mobile Roaming Guide, 14 June 2018, Version 3

There are 1024kb (kilobytes) in 1MB (megabyte), and 1024MB in 1GB (gigabyte).

Actual data used will vary depending on the size and quality of media, and you may notice your usage change while travelling internationally. For example, you may spend longer looking at maps or using ride-share apps but less time streaming bandwidth-hungry videos.