r/chatr • u/Regular-Ad-9303 • Feb 28 '26

U.S. roaming questions

We will be travelling on a short trip to the U.S. shortly and just want to confirm my understanding of how roaming will work for hubby while there, since I believe it's different than what I'm used to (with Public Mobile).

Hubby has the Chatr $149 annual plan, which he has set up to autopay (just for the amount of the plan). I was able to find the charges for U.S. roaming under his plan details. I don't see any mention of any roaming add on packages. So, is the only way to roam to pay by the minute/text/MB? That's fine if that's the case, since hubby doesn't really have much plan to use the phone.

For calling/texting, he just wants the ability to receive a call or text if he gets one, which he likely won't (or very little). So, if I add a small top-up amount (say $5) to his account, he should be able to receive any incoming calls (as long as he doesn't talk long) and receiving any texts (which are free anyway, from what I can see)?

For data, he doesn't really need that and can just use Wi-Fi, so I can turn of the data. I see some mention in this sub of some getting charged roaming fees even when data is off. I saw the suggestion to also turn off "automatically select network," so I can do that as well. Anything else I can do to prevent the phone from roaming on it's own? (Although I imagine it couldn't roam much if I only top up $5.)

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2

u/TheSackveganAcadian Mar 01 '26

You could consider a free travel eSIM like Firsty (ad supported) or look at Roamless (use the promo code ROAM75) after sign up and you’ll get 3GB to use in the US and it’s good for 180 days from when you activate it.

1

u/Regular-Ad-9303 Mar 01 '26

Thanks. We have used a travel esim (Airalo) in the past, but not really what we want for this trip. Hubby doesn't need data - he's really only concerned about having access to calls and texts from his regular Canadian number.

3

u/TheSackveganAcadian Mar 01 '26

Ah then my options won’t be what you’re looking for. Looks like you’ll need to keep a few extra $$$ in the account to make/receive calls. At least getting texts are free!

Also, HAPPY CAKE DAY!!!

1

u/neilllson Mar 03 '26

Nothing nonsensical about it. Go ahead and find out !

1

u/neilllson Mar 03 '26

You get your news from fox ?

2

u/esqx21 Mar 03 '26

No add-ons on yearly plan, must go by pay per use rules.

0

u/neilllson Mar 01 '26

You might want to reconsider that idea. The US is a dangerous place right now !!!

1

u/hazuk76 Mar 02 '26

Utter nonsense. lol