Travel safely and worry free with affordable roaming rates from MTN.
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Before Travelling
Prepaid and TopUp Contract
1. Check if you have roaming service activated via MTN App or USSD*135# & *136# option 5 for self-service and follow prompts.
2. Check if there is a Prepaid roaming partner in the country you are visiting.
3. Check your airtime balance and ensure you have sufficient airtime before leaving
4. Purchase an MTN Hello World bundle on *136# and please take note of where bundles for prepaid customers are available under Hello World Data bundles information.
5. If you are visiting one of the countries that only have LTE i.e., USA, please ensure your device is capable for VoLTE.
Contract:
1. Check if you have Roaming service activated via USSD*135# & *136# option 5 for self-service and follow prompts, or at a MTN store or contact the call centre via 135.
2. Check if there is a Roaming partner in the country you are visiting.
3. Check if your Contract Spend Limit will be sufficient for roaming USAge via *136# or the MTN App. Alternatively, you can recharge with Airtime
4. Purchase an MTN Hello World bundle on *136#.
5. If you are visiting one of the countries that only have LTE i.e., USA, please ensure your device is capable for VoLTE.
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MTN Hello World Data Bundle
When it comes to roaming anywhere in the world, there are many ways to get mobile data and deciding how can be a real headache. So, at MTN wegotu with affordable roaming rates!
We have launched MTN Hello World data roaming bundles which are a suite of roaming bundles in 2 zones, uniquely designed for roaming.
The bundles allow you to manage your data spend while travelling in countries where MTN operates (Zone 1) and other selected countries that do not have MTN operations (Zone 2).
MTN Hello World data roaming bundles are available via USSD (*136#) and can be bought locally or in country. They have simple and affordable rates that allow you control over how much you spend on data. It is best to buy MTN Hello World data roaming bundles before leaving South Africa
Please see below Zones for more information:
Hello World Zone 1 Bundles
| Zone 1 Roaming Bundles |
|---|
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BUNDLE
|
PRICE |
VALIDITY PERIOD |
| 50MB | R29 | 3 days |
| 100MB | R49 | 3 days |
| 500MB | R109 | 7 days |
| 1GB | R179 | 14 days |
Zone 1 Roaming Bundles are available in the following countries only on MTN for all customer types.
| Country Name | Network Operator | Available for Prepaid |
|---|
| Afghanistan | MTN Afghanistan | Yes |
| Benin | MTN Benin | Yes |
| Cameroon | MTN Cameroon | Yes |
| Cote d' Ivoire | MTN Cote d' Ivoire | Yes |
| Botswana | MTN (Mascom) Botswana | Yes |
| Cyprus | MTN Cyprus | Yes |
| Ghana | MTN Ghana | Yes |
| Guinea Bissau | MTN Guinea Bissau | Yes |
| Guinea Republic | MTN Guinea Republic | Yes |
| Iran M | MTN Iran M | Yes |
| Liberia | MTN Liberia | Yes |
| Nigeria | MTN Nigeria | Yes |
| Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville) | MTN Congo Brazzaville | Yes |
| Rwanda | MTN Rwandacell Rwanda | Yes |
| Sudan | MTN North Sudan | Yes |
| Swaziland | MTN Swaziland | Yes |
| Uganda | MTN Uganda | Yes |
| Yemen | MTN Yemen | Yes |
| Zambia | MTN Zambia | Yes |
Hello World Zone 2 Roaming Bundles
If you are travelling to countries outside the MTN footprint. Please see available bundles. Prepaid is available in selected networks.
| Zone 2 Roaming Bundles |
|---|
|
BUNDLE
|
PRICE |
VALIDITY PERIOD |
| 50MB | R49 | 3 days |
| 100MB | R75 | 3 days |
| 500MB | R179 | 7 days |
| 1GB | R299 | 14 days |
| Country Name | Network Operator | Available for Prepaid |
|---|
| Australia | Telstra | Yes |
| Australia | Vodafone | Yes |
| Canada | Rogers Communications | Yes |
| Canada | SaskTel | Yes |
| Canada | Bell Mobility | Yes |
| Canada | Telus | Yes |
| France | Orange | Yes |
| France | SFR | No |
| France | Bouygues Telecom | Yes |
| Germany | T-Mobile | Yes |
| Germany | Vodafone D2 | No |
| Italy | Telecom Italia Mobile | Yes |
| Italy | Vodafone Omnitel | Yes |
| Italy | Wind | No |
| Kenya | Airtel | Yes |
| Lesotho | Vodacom | Yes |
| Mauritius | Orange (Cellplus) | Yes |
| Mozambique | Vodacom | Yes |
| Netherlands | KPN Mobile | Yes |
| Netherlands | Telfort | No |
| Netherlands | T-Mobile | Yes |
| Netherlands | Vodafone | No |
| New Zealand | 2 Degrees (New Zealand Comms) | Yes |
| New Zealand | Vodafone | No |
| Portugal | Meo | Yes |
| Portugal | Vodafone | Yes |
| Seychelles | Airtel | No |
| Spain | Orange | Yes |
| Spain | Vodafone | Yes |
| Switzerland | Swisscom Mobile | Yes |
| Tanzania | Airtel | Yes |
| Tanzania | Vodacom | No |
| Thailand | Advanced Wireless Network (AWN) | Yes |
| Turkey | Vodafone | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Everything Everywhere | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Hutchison 3G | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Vodafone | Yes |
| USA | AT&T Mobility | Yes |
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Data Roaming Opt-In
Sharing special moments, staying close to your loved ones or just streaming your favorite content when you are travelling abroad need not lead to getting a shock on your bill when you return home.
MTN is giving customers enhanced control over their data roaming expenses.
All MTN roaming partner networks that charge a data rate higher than R15/MB will automatically be opted-out of the data service.
Now, you can choose to opt-in, to use data service in countries where the data costs are more than R15/MB.
Travelling to more than one destination? Click here to see current International Roaming rates.
How to opt-in to using data services?
Dial *135*7626# and select yes.
How to opt-out to using data services?
Yes, customers can opt-out before 24hrs lapse by dialling *135*7626# and select yes.
T&C apply
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Who is eligible for the Data Roaming Block Service?
All MTN contract customers that have roaming activated will automatically have the service.
Prepaid customers will not have access to this service; however, prepaid customers will be able to de-activate Data Roaming Service on My MTNApp or by dialling *135#.
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How does the Data Roaming Block service work?
Customers will have access to data roaming in all destinations where the data retail rate is R15/MB or less
Data Roaming Services will automatically be blocked in all destinations where the data retail rate is more than R15/MB and customers will have to opt-in to use data services while roaming.
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How long is the opt-in valid for?
Opt-in is valid for 24 hours, and once it lapses customer will be blocked again.
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Can I opt-out before 24hrs cycle lapses?
Yes, customers can opt-out before 24hrs lapse by dialling *135*7626# and select yes.
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If I need help with the roaming service, who do I call?
For any support you can call +27 83 135. Alternatively, you can reach us on
Email: customercare@mtn.com or
Reach us on social media.
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VoLTE Roaming
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What is Volte i.e., Voice over LTE?
Voice over LTE refers to voice calls made over 4G LTE network.
VoLTE offers high quality voice calls due to high-definition call quality.
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What are the charges?
Customers will be billed at normal international roaming voice rates.
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What are the charges?
Customers will be billed at normal international roaming voice rates.
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What do I need?
A VoLTE capable handset is required to make these calls.
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In Which countries can I use VoLTE
Currently, VoLTE is available in USA.
In USA, our preferred partner network has since shut down the 2G & 3G networks, only LTE and higher network bands are available.
As a customer, you will not be to make normal voice calls, therefore you will need a VoLTE capable handset and ensure your network selection is LTE and VoLTE is enabled under setting.
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FAQs
We have blocked certain countries while we negotiate roaming rates in order to ensure that you can roam without having to worry about a high roaming bill when you come back from your travels.
We have taken this decision in order to act in the best interests of our customers, while we work on negotiating more favourable and reasonable rates for our customers.
If the country you're travelling to is not on our roaming list, please take advantage of the following tips in the meantime:
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WiFi hotspots are readily available in most Asian and European countries take advantage of that and use whatsapp voice or video calling to stay in touch with loved ones or business contacts.
What you need to know about International Roaming
Staying close when you've travelled far is that much easier because we've partnered with over 600 networks in 170 countries. This service will ensure that you are always reachable even if you are miles away from home.
Below is the International Roaming Guide with all the information you need while roaming.
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If I need help with the roaming service who do I call?
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For any support you can call +27 83 135. Alternatively, you can reach us on
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Email:customercare@mtn.com or
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Reach us on social media.
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How to set-up SMS Only Roaming?
SMS Only Roaming is available to all MTN subscribers. Once the SMS Only roaming service is activated, subscribers will not be able to make or receive calls and data will not work either. To activate the SMS Only Roaming service dial *135# and follow prompts or use the MTN App.
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What happens if SMS Only Roaming is activated, and I am back in South Africa?
Voice and data will be blocked, subscribers will not be able to use these services. Customers would need deactivate the SMS only Roaming service by dialling *135# when they are back in the country.
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How do I SMS someone in South Africa from abroad?
Type your message as normal. On the "to" field enter + or 00 followed by the South African country code 27 and the mobile number e.g. +27 83 123 1234 and press send.
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How does International Data Roaming work?
- Gives you the access to the Internet while abroad. You can go online and send emails using your mobile phone, a laptop or another internet-enabled device. It's the same service you have at home, but with international roaming costs.
- Data roaming can quickly exceed 10MB as downloading presentations, pictures, music and videos is typically very data intensive Just 10MB could cost between R10 and R5 000 depending on the country you're roaming in. If you have a smartphone (or any other device which uses data) and don't intend using data while roaming, you should disable all data-related activity before leaving South Africa.
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When connected, you'll be charged for the data you send and receive in increments that may vary per mobile operator. Surfing the internet on your mobile can amount to a few 100KB per day, but can require several MB if rich multimedia content is accessed.
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Smartphones typically have many apps running in the background e.g., a weather app, that continuously or periodically use a data connection. If you use a tablet or laptop, make sure you're aware of all background download activity, e.g., Windows updates, anti-virus updates or any other app downloads
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How do I know how much I spent on data roaming?
MTN has set up by default data USAge notifications to help you manage your data USAge while abroad. You are alerted of your data USAge in increments of R500, but you can change this to any amount of your choice by dialling *135# and follow the prompts.
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How do I enable data roaming on an Android handset?
- • Generally, Data roaming can be activated under Settings > Mobile Network > Data Roaming, but this could vary based on make and model of the handset you are using.
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Can the Data bundle I bought in South Africa be used when I'm roaming?
Only Hello World Roaming data bundles (Zone 1 and Zone 2) can be used for roaming data USAge whilst travelling.
The local Data, Voice and SMS bundles bought shall not be used for roaming USAge whilst travelling.
Airtime or Contract Spend Limits can be used for international data due to specific data rates in the roaming destination.
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Can the Contract inclusive/allocated value be used when I'm roaming?
Unfortunately not, the contract inclusive value is for local USAge only. You will need to load Airtime or use your Contract Spend Limit
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How do set-up my Contract Spend Limits?
- You need to ensure you have an Account Bill Limit set at a MTN store or contract the Call centre via 135
- Once you have Account Bill Limit set, you can then manage your Subscriber Spend limit via the MTN App or *136*1*7852#
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How do I recharge with Airtime while I'm abroad?
All customer types:
- Use the www.mtn.co.za, recharge but you'll need a Credit/Debit card (Make sure you notify your bank before travelling out of SA boarders, to ensure your Credit/Debit card works)
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the MTN App, ensure you have the App downloaded from your App store (Use the MTN App in Wi-Fi enabled areas)
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Online Banking i.e. website or Banking App (Make sure you notify your bank before travelling out of SA boarders)
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What is LTE Roaming?
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It is a Wireless Broadband technology that enables Data roaming with faster speeds which is high than 3G. Creating a seamless experience when streaming music and video, uploading, downloading and web-surfing
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List of our roaming partners with LTE roaming is available at https://www.mtn.co.za/Pages/InternationalRoaming.aspx
- If you have an LTE handset and the country you are visiting is not on the list, please ensure you change the network setting on your handset to 3G or 2G.
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Will my voicemail work when I am roaming?
Yes, your voicemail will work when you are roaming. Before you leave South Africa you can divert all calls to go to voicemail. This means that whenever someone calls you the call will not leave South Africa to go to the country you are in - it will go straight to voicemail. That way you don't have to pay for an incoming call while roaming.
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How do I check my Voicemails when abroad?
Simply dial +2783 1000 000 to listen to your Voicemail and you will pay for an outgoing call at International voice rates.
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How do I manually change networks when I am abroad?
Go to your phone's Settings menu, and change the Network Selection mode. Please note that the process of manually selecting a network varies between phones and devices.
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How much does it cost to make a call when I am roaming?
Call charges for your roaming use will be made up as follows: The actual basic cost of the call, as determined by the roaming partner's tariff, and the call's duration and the type of call you are making, including taxes You can visit https://www.mtn.co.za/Pages/InternationalRoaming.aspx to check rates applicable to calls, text messages and data in different countries. or you can dial *135# or download the mtn app to check the rates if you are a contract customer, all relevant roaming charges will be invoiced and displayed in your bill.
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Will I be charged for sending and receiving SMS when I am roaming?
Yes, you will be charged for sending text messages when you are roaming. Roaming charges are dependent on the roaming partner's network. Receiving SMS is FREE while roaming
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What can I do if I cannot make calls or send SMS while roaming?
If for any reason, you are unable to make calls or send SMS while roaming, do the following simple checks:
- Check that you are connected to a network that MTN supports in the country you are visiting via https://www.mtn.co.za/Pages/InternationalRoaming.aspx or the MTN App
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Check that you have sufficient airtime to make a call or send SMS.
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Check the network signal strength on your phone to be sure you have adequate network signal in the location you are in.
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Switch your device on and off, select a preferred network provider and try making a call or sending the SMS again.
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How do I receive my bills when I am roaming?
The network on which you are roaming will send your roaming charges to your home network. This means that your roaming charges will be added to your bill once MTN South Africa gets the bill from the network that you are roaming on. However, depending on the date that MTN South Africa receives your roaming charges, these charges may be reflected in your current or following month's bill.
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How do I check my balance when abroad?
You can check your balance on the MTN App or dial *136# to check Airtime balance and follow prompts
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When I use the MTN App will I incur any Data roaming charges?
We encourage you to use your the MTN App in a Wi-Fi enabled area to avoid roaming cost as using the app whilst roaming is not zero rated yet
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