Using Your MTN/Telecel SIM International the UK/US: Calls & Mobile Money Abroad

In our increasingly interconnected world, the ease of travel often brings up questions about staying in touch with loved ones back home. A common query from those journeying from Ghana to destinations like the UK or the US is: "Can I travel with my MTN and Telecel SIM cards and still receive calls and use mobile money services?"

The simple answer is yes! With your visa secured, you can indeed travel with your local MTN and Telecel SIM cards and maintain connectivity. You won't need to immediately worry about obtaining a foreign number. This is particularly convenient as many of your contacts will likely still be using your Ghanaian number.

The Small Catch: Roaming Charges

The primary consideration is that you will be using roaming services, which can incur higher charges. It's advisable to have a sufficient amount of call credit – perhaps around GHS 150 to GHS 200 as a starting point. Keep in mind that you might be charged even when receiving calls.

Many travelers opt for more cost-effective communication methods like WhatsApp Calls or WhatsApp Video calls, especially when connected to Wi-Fi.

Activating Roaming Before You Fly

To ensure seamless connectivity upon arrival, you'll need to activate roaming services before leaving. Here's how to do it on both Android and iPhone devices:

For Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet.
3. Select Mobile network.
4. Toggle Data roaming to the "on" position.

For iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Mobile Data or Cellular.
3. Tap on Data Options.
4. Turn Roaming on.

A Simpler Method (for most phones):

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Use the search bar at the top and type "Roaming".
3. Wait for the results to load and click on Roaming.
4. You should see your SIM card (e.g., MTN). Tap on it.
5. Look for an option like "Roaming - Connect data services when roaming" and ensure it is enabled.

These steps will help you stay connected and communicate with home for a while before you decide to get a local foreign number. Safe travels! (And we appreciate the thought about bread upon your return!

Mobile Money (MOMO) Abroad

Yes, you can also send and receive mobile money while roaming, provided your number remains active. However, accessing physical mobile money agents for withdrawals might be challenging depending on your location abroad.

Fortunately, there are alternative solutions:

• Some online portals accept mobile money as a payment method.
• You can often send money directly to your bank account from your mobile money wallet. Simply navigate to the "Financial Services" section within your mobile money app.

Do You Need an eSIM?

While you might have come across information about MTN eSIM, it's important to note that you can still use your physical SIM card to make calls and use mobile money services while roaming without needing an eSIM.

For those curious, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your device during manufacturing. It performs the same functions as a traditional physical SIM but is activated by installing an "eSIM profile" rather than inserting a physical card.

MTN Ghana does offer eSIM services, available to both prepaid and postpaid subscribers. The activation process is entirely digital through the myMTN app. You can explore this option within the app or by contacting MTN on 100 for more information.

In conclusion, you can travel with your local MTN and Telecel SIM cards to the UK or US to receive calls and, with some considerations, utilize mobile money services. Just remember to activate roaming, be mindful of potential charges, and explore alternative communication and financial transaction methods for a smooth experience abroad.