I’ve been reading a few horror stories about insane roaming charges when a wireless user goes into another country. The story usually goes like this. User takes their Internet capable wireless phone into another country. The user maybe sends one or 2 text messages, makes 1 call or uses the Internet once. After returning to the United States, the user finds that he/she has a $3,000 bill.

When you call the cell phone company to protest the bill, they will say they have nothing to do with the charges and that they are simply being billed by the other network and have to pass it on to you. If you bitch and moan enough, they will usually cut the bill in half. Still, a $3,000 bill down to $1,500 is still a lot.

Not only do these cell phone companies charge you these exorbitant rates, some even charge you insane amounts even if the phone is simply on and not being used.

If you asked me, the wireless providers shouldn’t allow these third party suppliers charge these amounts. They try to put the blame on them, saying there is nothing they can do. Oh yes there is! They could simply not allow these charges to be forwarded. Yet they see their customers continue to get hosed and do nothing.

Looks like the best option when traveling abroad is to keep your phone off. If you have to have service, be sure to check the terms and conditions of your wireless plan. Though the latter can often be cryptic and take hours to read.

Other horror stories:

Mexico Roaming?