Overseas Roaming

FAQs

• Why is my data being used up even if I am not accessing the internet on my phone?

  Even if you aren’t browsing online, it’s likely your phone is still using the net in the background – such as retrieving emails, getting social media notifications, or auto updating apps. If you want to be sure not to use mobile data while you’re roaming, it’s best to disable it in your phone settings.

  Skinny websites or Apps are zero-rated while in New Zealand and overseas while roaming so you don’t incur any charges browsing skinny.co.nz or using the Skinny mobile app.

• How do I access my voicemail from overseas?

  You'll need to set up your voicemail PIN before you leave New Zealand.

  This is easy to do, simply follow steps as mentioned above under the ‘To set up and check voicemail’ section.

  If this was not done prior to travel, for security reasons we require you to contact us on +64 371 0866 to set or reset the pin.

  Please remember to dial the voicemail number with the international prefix +64 204 864 236 while you are overseas.

  Please note: To retrieve a voicemail while overseas, you'll be charged a specific rate based on the destination that you're visiting, for example - $0.50 per minute to listen to your voicemail whilst you're roaming in Australia. To find out how much you'll be charged based on the destination you'll be visiting, refer to the Casual Roaming Rates section. If you have a Roaming Add-On, it will be charged per minute from your Roaming Minutes. Alternatively, you can turn off voicemail while you’re overseas by calling us.

• How do I top-up while overseas?

  Topping up is easy – you can use the Skinny App if you have a smartphone, top up online or call us on +64 3 371 0866 (free from a Skinny mobile).

• I’m overseas and I need help, how do I get in touch with Skinny?

  Call us on +64 3 371 0866 (free if you're using a Skinny Mobile SIM from anywhere in the world), send us your question at support@skinny.co.nz or flick us a message on our Facebook page.

• My data doesn’t work in the country that I’m in, how can I get it to work?

  Your phone has settings that allow it to connect to a network. If you are having issues please call us on +64 3 371 0866 (free if you're using a Skinny Mobile SIM from anywhere in the world) or flick us a message on our Facebook page.

• What happens if I don’t buy a Roaming Add-On?

  As soon as you head overseas, NZ rates or plans don’t apply. If you make calls or texts, the credit you have in your account will be used up. Also, data won’t work overseas until you’ve got one of our Roam Add-Ons.

• Will my phone work where I’m travelling to?

  First, check out our Roaming destinations above to find out if you can buy a Roaming pack with Skinny. Heads up! You are automatically roaming when you use your phone in another destination, so your credit will be used. If you don’t or can’t buy a Roaming pack for your destination, we recommend disabling some or all roaming services on your phone or tablet so it doesn’t use your credit. If you need help doing this, please contact the Roaming helpdesk on +64 3371 0866

  Next, you need to make sure you’ve got the right roaming settings on your phone or tablet. If the destination you are travelling to isn't listed, we recommend you grab a SIM from the local provider in that country so you don’t use up your credit. Just make sure to check your phone is compatible with the international SIM.

  Roaming is not available over sea or in-flight with Skinny.

• How do I activate roaming on my phone?

  Once you've bought a Roaming Add-On, that’s pretty much all you need to do. Just turn your phone on when you land in your destination where Skinny has roaming coverage and it should work.
  
  You can buy a Roaming Add-On through the app, or by free texting the country you’re roaming in to 2424. A Roaming Add-On is activated the moment you buy it, and not when you land in your destination

• Once I have purchased the Add-On, can I use these Roaming Minutes/Texts for other countries? (Inbound and Outbound)

  Absolutely. If you have a roaming pack with minutes and text allowances, the allowance includes all person-to-person incoming and outgoing calls and texts to and from anywhere in the world.

  This includes incoming calls from landlines.

  You can also use the same roaming add-on in any of our ‘roaming destinations’ as listed above.
  If an add on minute allowance is exceeded, incoming and outgoing calls will be charged at the applicable per minute rate for the destination the roamer is in, unless an additional add on is purchased. So, if you happen to be travelling to multiple (eligible) destinations the one add-on will suffice until it expires, or you have used up the allowances.

• Is it better to purchase a Roaming Add-On before or after I arrive at my destination?

  Your 3 or 7 Day Roaming Add-On will become active from the moment you buy it and will expire 3 days or 7 days later (depending on what pack you chose). We recommend to get the best bang for your buck, you purchase the Add-On once you arrive in your destination, or as close to leaving NZ as possible.

• Not sure how much data you'll need while roaming?

  Your data usage depends on what mobile device you're using and how much time you're spending online. You can get an idea of your potential data needs by looking at how much mobile data you're using in New Zealand.

  Some devices can show your data usage in the last month or show how much data an app has used.

  Faster mobile networks will use more data than slower ones. For example, you might use up more data on a 5G network than a 4G or 3G network. Especially for things like streaming HD video.

  Your roaming usage depends on several other things too. Like the model of your device, the device settings, which network you're using, or any app settings.

  Your roaming usage may change while travelling. For example, you might use more data when looking at maps and using GPS in unfamiliar destinations.

  You can reduce your data usage when roaming by:

  • Using local Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Turning off mobile data – Find out how to switch mobile and roaming data on or off by searching for your device here
  • Enabling data saving settings in apps
  • Avoiding streaming videos and music
  • Disabling background data services in a device or apps

  Roaming packs with included allowances (in eligible countries) may be more reliable for roamers. Depending on how much data you use, it might be cheaper than casual rates.

• Do I pay GST when roaming?

  As of 1 April 2022, all Skinny Overseas Roaming packs and casual rates include GST. This is because overseas roaming charges have become subject to GST and Skinny has decided to pass that on.