This comprehensive guideline looks at the best way on how to activate roaming on MTN when already abroad. The guideline looks into the SMS and the voice activation models.
Partnering with over 600 networks in 170 countries, MTN ensures that you are always reachable, bridging the gap between continents and making communication a breeze even when miles away from home.
From understanding the MTN Hello World data roaming bundles to navigating the technicalities of international roaming, this guide empowers users with insights on how to make the most of MTN’s roaming offerings on a global scale.
Join Mamzanzi as we explore the benefits, activation processes, and available bundles that make MTN your reliable companion for communication needs, wherever your journey takes you.
Most operators establish international roaming agreements with foreign mobile providers, facilitating the utilization of local mobile networks on your SIM card. This service, supported by international roaming, is compatible with various devices, including your mobile phone and tablet. It ensures seamless communication and internet access while you’re on the go.
There are 3 roaming options available to you and they are:
- Voice, SMS, and Data roaming options all together
- Voice and SMS roaming only
- SMS-only roaming.
In most cases, SMS roaming is free ( has limits though), however for the best experience, it is recommended to choose the first option, though the cost of activation is a little bit higher than the rest ( it still makes sense).
While it is advisable to activate roaming on your MTN line or number 7 days before your departure, the company gave room to people who want to initiate roaming when already abroad, and that is the whole essence of this tutorial.
How do I Activate MTN roaming?
To enable MTN roaming when already abroad, initiate the following steps depending on your plan:
Top-Up and Prepaid Contracts:
- Activation Verification: Follow the on-screen instructions after dialling *135# & *136#, selecting option 5 for self-service, or confirming roaming service status via the MTN App.
- Roaming Partner Confirmation: – Ensure the presence of an MTN Prepaid roaming partner in the country you intend to visit.
- Airtime Verification: Ensure that your airtime balance is sufficient prior to your scheduled departure.
- Bundle Acquisition: To acquire an MTN Hello World bundle, dial *136#. Notate that prepaid bundles are available in the section labelled “Hello World Data bundles.”
- LTE Capability: In nations where LTE networks are exclusive, such as the United States, verify that your device is VoLTE-capable.
Contract:
- Activation Verification: – For self-service, check the status of roaming service by utilising USSD codes *135# and *136# (option 5), visiting an MTN store or calling the call centre on 135.
- Roaming Partner Confirmation: Ensure there is an MTN roaming partner in the country you are intending to visit.
- Check Contract Spend Limit: Use the MTN App or dial *136# to verify whether your Contract Spend Limit is adequate for roaming. Conversely, recharge through the use of airtime.
- Bundle Acquisition: To acquire an MTN Hello World bundle, dial *136#.
- LTE Compatibility: – Ensure that your device is VoLTE-capable if your destination is an LTE-only country, such as the United States.
To efficiently activate MTN roaming, adhere to the steps specified for your specific plan and destination.
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List of MTN Roaming Countries and Partners
From the coastal port enclave of Durban in South Africa to Alexandria in Egypt, the Zuma rock in Abuja, down to the Persian state ( Iran); MTN has a roaming presence in more than 170 countries.
To fully grasp how to activate MTN roaming while abroad, it is pertinent to know and understand these countries. These countries are further partitioned into 2 zones i.e. Zone 1 and 2; A brief listing of the roaming countries in partnership with MTN are:
Zone 1:
In Zone 1, MTN is present and they operates, they include;
- Afghanistan
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Cote d’ Ivoire
- Botswana (Mascom)
- Cyprus
- Ghana
- Guinea Bissau
- Guinea Republic
- Iran
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville)
- Rwanda
- Sudan (North Sudan)
- Swaziland
- Uganda
- Yemen
- Zambia
- South Africa
Zone 2:
This zone constitutes the bulk of MTN roaming countries because MTN does not physical presence but they partnered with the mobile telecommunications that are present on the ground in the country.
1. Australia:
- Telstra: Yes
- Vodafone: Yes
2. Canada:
- Rogers Communications: Yes
- SaskTel: Yes
- Bell Mobility: Yes
- Telus: Yes
3. France:
- Orange: Yes
- SFR: No
- Bouygues Telecom: Yes
4. Germany:
- TMobile: Yes
- Vodafone D2: No
5. Italy:
- Telecom Italia Mobile: Yes
- Vodafone Omnitel: Yes
- Wind: No
6. Kenya:
- Airtel: Yes
7. Mauritius:
- Orange (Cellplus): Yes
8. Mozambique:
- Vodacom: Yes
9. Netherlands:
- KPN Mobile: Yes
- Telfort: No
- TMobile: Yes
- Vodafone: No
10. New Zealand:
- 2 Degrees (New Zealand Comms): Yes
- Vodafone: No
11. Portugal:
- Meo: Yes
- Vodafone: Yes
12. Seychelles:
- Airtel: No
13. Spain:
- Orange: Yes
- Vodafone: Yes
14. Switzerland:
- Swisscom Mobile: Yes
15. Tanzania:
- Airtel: Yes
- Vodacom: No
16. Thailand:
- Advanced Wireless Network (AWN): Yes
17. Turkey:
- Vodafone: Yes
18. United Kingdom:
- Everything Everywhere: Yes
- Hutchison 3G: Yes
- Vodafone: Yes
19. USA:
- AT&T Mobility: Yes
20. Lesotho:
- Vodacom: Yes
Before traveling, make sure you check this list or check the MTN international roaming page to be sure whether they are partners with MTN.
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How Much Does it Cost to Roam MTN Line?
For data-related costs, the cheapest is R29 and it propagates upward in terms of cost; a brief synopsis of the cost of roaming MTN when abroad is listed below.
1. Zone 1 Roaming Bundles:
- 50MB: R29 for 3 days
- 100MB: R49 for 3 days
- 500MB: R109 for 7 days
- 1GB: R179 for 14 days
2. Zone 2 Roaming Bundles
- 50MB: R49 for 3 days
- 100MB: R75 for 3 days
- 500MB: R179 for 7 days
- 1GB: R299 for 14 days
