When Vodacom announced its Travel Data Bundles and All For You bundles, it was a South African first. These bundles allow Vodacom Customers to connect like locals on foreign soil, without worrying about going into costly roaming charges. These options are available for pre-paid, post-paid and top-up customers.

Cost Effective Alternatives

Rashid Tar Mohamed, Managing Executive for Post Paid Products, Service at Vodacom SA, says this product is a first in the market and gives consumers user simplicity, and control of their spending while also ensuring that Vodacom delivers on its purpose of digital inclusivity from anywhere in the world.

“At a time consumers are feeling the pinch, international roaming bundles allow for simplicity in its purchase journey, control of spend, and worry-free travel to 200 countries,” says Tar Mohamed.

Unpacking Travel Bundles

The All For You bundles include data and voice options for those who want the best of both. These roaming bundles allow customers to save on data roaming costs through a fixed bundle fee. Customers receive data and voice allocations and they can choose between two different packages:

• 1GB + 100min for R199
• 5G + 200minfor R549

The Travel Bundles are for those who only want a data connection for sharing on social media and for functional travel services like ehailing or Google Maps to get around. The two travel data bundle allocations available are valid for 7 days:

• 1GB data for R99
• 5GB data for R349

Tracking Your Usage

Vodacom will send all customers usage notifications and alerts to monitor when you reach your limit, which is free over SMS. This ensures you never run out of data and start paying out-of-bundle fees, which is currently at a low R0.49 per MB. Customers can opt-in for auto allocation when they run out, which automatically tops them up. They can opt-out when they no longer need them.

Customers can also monitor their data usage directly on the My Vodacom app.

What To Do To Get Worry-Free Connection When Abroad

Before purchasing the bundles, customers need to check their roaming status by calling customer care on (082)135 or accessing the USSD menu through dialling *135*130#.

Once the service is active, customers have three options for purchasing their bundle:

• USSD *135*130#
• VodaPay

It's Important to note that the bundles only work on land and not in-flight in the air, or when on a cruise ship as they use satellite services that are not covered on the bundles.

The full list of countries can be accessed here.

The full breakdown of roaming costs can be accessed here.

It is important that customers buy their chosen allocation before they depart for their international destination.

“We have addressed a real need for travellers, particularly at this time of year and considering that many South Africans are trying to save money wherever they can. With our latest international roaming bundles customers are assured convenient and cost-effective connectivity while they are abroad,” says Rashid Tar Mohamed.