Roaming abroad from Megafon - overview of options and services

Turkey is one of the best places for a summer vacation: sea, sun, beach, an unforgettable vacation. But despite all these delights, vacationers need to stay in touch: some to work, and others to communicate with family and friends. Roaming in Turkey, as in other countries, is not cheap, but cellular operators have foreseen this point and have developed special profitable options for saving. MTS, Tele2, Megafon and Beeline - the largest telecom operators set different prices. What is more profitable is up to you to choose.

Please note that if the trip is long, you can save money and disable in advance all unnecessary services that will not be needed on vacation.

The nuances of mobile communications when planning a trip to distant countries or how not to disconnect your native SIM card

Before getting ready for a long journey, do not forget about mobile communications.
Some people, when going on a trip, turn off their cell phones for this period of time or use foreign SIM cards, hoping to save money. But we want to assure you that this method does not bring any savings, but on the contrary, tariffs in other countries are very expensive compared to ours. In addition, in order to use a local telephone card, you will have to somehow notify your loved ones about the change of number and this will not save money.

Therefore, let us introduce you to the conditions for using the roaming option from the Megafon operator:

1. First of all, you should pay attention to the state of your personal account - the subscriber’s balance must be positive .
2. To activate the option, it is necessary that in the country where you are traveling, it is possible to receive a signal from Megafon.
3. Activate the roaming option on your number (you will learn about this later in the article).

When leaving, check in advance for information about roaming opportunities on the official website.
In roaming, all standard options included in the operator’s tariffs will be available:

• Incoming and outgoing calls.
• Package of SMS and MMS messages.
• Internet connection.

In most countries of the world, online tariffs apply , but not in China, Greenland, Palestine, and some countries of Central and South America, so Megafon subscribers have the opportunity to activate an extended roaming option on Megafon (without a monthly fee or connection fee) if a trip is planned exactly to those parts.

Tourist SIM cards

The Turks almost do not offer special SIM cards for tourists. The only option in 2021 is the “Holiday line” tariff plan from Vodafone with a comfortable Internet package. A SIM card can be purchased by providing a foreign passport. Price – 105 liras. You can issue up to 3 cards per ID card. The user is provided with 300 minutes on the local network, 30 minutes on the international network, and 30 GB of Internet. The SMS option is functional for 3 months. If there is a lack of traffic, you can pay extra by sending an SMS with the text “ABONE (number of months) AY (number of gigabytes) GB”:

• 6 GB for a month – 50 liras;
• 12 GB for a three-month period – 80 liras.

Tourist SIM cards are more profitable than local ones and are more convenient to use. Among the popular sellers of international Travel-SIMs that allow you to make cheap calls from Turkey to Russia are:

1. GoodLine. The cost of a minute call to all countries of the world is 3 rubles, 1 MB of traffic is 60 cents. Additional options include linking a Russian subscriber number and free use of Viber.
2. GlobalSim. There is no subscription fee. A minute of call from a mobile to a landline number is 0.05 euros, to a mobile phone – 0.3. The Estonian operator offers various Internet packages with traffic up to 5 GB.

3. SimTravel. The cost of a minute call is 0.05 euros. For 1 MB of Internet, the operator asks 0.02 euros. Additional options: unlimited communication in instant messengers for 12 euros per year, forwarding, many Internet packages.

How to activate international roaming for traveling abroad?

To connect any services, the Megafon operator provides a number of standard methods.

Roaming is no exception, and if you want this service to work on your number, then:

• Call support service to the short number 0500 .

Technical support phone number.

• the service center specialists in your city with this question
• Personal Account will help you connect to the service yourself .

Authorization

Go to the “Roaming” section

Select the desired option and click on the “Connect” button

Replenishment methods

To transfer money, it is convenient to use a bank card, which is linked to the specialized mobile application “MTS Money”. Also used:

• Webmoney, Qiwi, other electronic payment systems;
• transfer of funds from the second personal account of an MTS subscriber (other operators);
• specialized payment cards.

You can top up your account using Webmoney and Qiwi.

At large resorts you can use a payment terminal to top up.

Popular options from Megafon for international roaming

Now we will help you choose a profitable package that was developed for subscribers who often use roaming services.

The whole world

As you know, being outside the home and national networks, subscribers pay not only for outgoing calls, but also for incoming ones.

Material on the topic: Megafon also raised prices for international roaming

With Megafon, paying for incoming calls will not bother users for some time, since the tariff provides for the accrual of 40 free minutes of incoming calls and this is for a symbolic fee of 99 rubles. per day.

Compared to the prices for calls in the roaming zone, the monthly fee for the “Whole World” function can be considered symbolic.

The option is activated using the USSD request: *131*1# . You can also send a message to 0500978 . In addition to who has access to your Personal Account, all settings can be made there yourself.

Ussd command for connection.

SMS request for connection.

Voice assistant for connection.

Do not forget that the subscription fee is charged for the entire time the option is activated, so when you return back, to avoid unnecessary expenses, you should disable it. This can be done, again using the special command *131*0#, Personal Account or SMS with the word STOP to the number indicated above.

SMS request to disconnect.

Ussd shutdown request.

Around the world

If you want to know how much it costs to call home from other countries of the world, then check out Megafon’s price list. Prices are for standard mode.

For economy mode, we advise you to activate the “Around the World” option, with which the costs of calls and SMS will significantly decrease.

To enable this option, Megafon also provides a USSD command - *105*708# . The connection is also made by sending an SMS to the number 000105708 .

Ussd command for connection.

SMS request for connection.

25/50 minutes World

By activating the option, the subscriber can initially choose how many minutes he will need on the trip - 25 minutes for 829 rubles or 50 minutes for 1,429 rubles.

The 25/50 minutes World option can also be activated in your Personal Account.

These minutes can be spent on all calls, the only exception being outgoing calls abroad and not in the Russian Federation.

25/50 minutes Europe and CIS

This option works in the same way as the previous one.

It is possible to activate the “25/50 minutes Europe and CIS” options on the Megafon website without logging into your Personal Account.

The only difference is the cost of the service:

• For 25 minutes within European and CIS countries you will have to pay 329 rubles.
• For 50 minutes within the same limits - 495 rubles.

50/100 SMS World

For those who are going to save on calls and communicate via text messages, this option will come in handy:

• A package of 50 text messages will cost 990.00 rubles.
• Package of 100 SMS – 1190.00 rubles.

Features of the provision of sms packages posted on the Megafon website.

50/100 Europe and CIS

The package is more limited geographically, but the cost here is lower, which is good news:

• 50 SMS in Europe and the CIS will cost the subscriber 690.00 rubles.
• 100 SMS – 790.00 rub.

Checking SMS balance:

USSD command.

Reply message.

World Online

Allows Megafon subscribers to use unlimited traffic while in any of 43 countries of the world (the list can be found on the operator’s website). A subscription fee of 600 rubles per day will be charged for the service.

If you agree to these conditions, then you can activate “World Online” using the command – *136# and the call button at the end.

Ussd command to manage the option.

SMS request for connection.

SMS request to disable the option.

Again, we warn you that upon returning back to your homeland, you must disable the option, since the subscription fee is debited automatically for each day.

Vacation Online

This is another option that allows you to enjoy preferential conditions for Internet access while roaming.

The connection fee is only 30 rubles, and the tariff is set to pay for each megabyte used. For the opportunity to surf social networks, listen to music and download files, the subscriber will pay 15 rubles/MB.

To connect, remember the command – *501# and the call button. You can refuse the service in the same way by completing the request - *501*0# or sending a message with the word STOP to the number 0500960 .

Connection option.

Request to disable the option.

SMS request to disconnect.

What additional services are there?

If, with the “Zabugorische” option activated, the package of outgoing calls has run out, purchase 50 minutes for 250 rubles. 500 MB of traffic costs the same. The option for calls (Internet) is valid until the end of the day according to the time of your home region (24 hours).

Activate services remotely using the following codes:

• 50 minutes - *111*673#;
• “Turbo button” - *111*485#.

To clarify the balance of packages, dial *100*1# or *111*217, respectively.

It is recommended to additionally activate the free code *111*588#. After activation, the user will receive automatic alerts when expenses exceed the levels of 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rubles.

To maintain the ability to use mobile communications with a negative personal account balance, dial the code *111*32# to connect . The initial limit (300 rubles) increases over time. In addition to the service period, this parameter is influenced by the calculation of the subscriber’s average monthly expenses and strict compliance with the terms of the main agreement with the operator.

Subtleties of roaming in individual countries

We would like to enlighten you not only about useful additional options, but also about the conditions that apply in some countries of popular destinations. Since the tariff on your room will depend on which of them you plan to go to.

Related material: How to enable the “Call all countries” option from Megafon?

Roaming in Turkey and Europe

All calls in the direction Turkey - Russia and back will cost the subscriber 79.00 rubles per minute, the same rate will be for subscribers who decide to call within the country. Calls to other countries – 129 rubles.

When planning a visit to European countries, consider these same prices.

Internet access is provided in packages of 70 MB and costing 350 rubles. for every . Regarding messages, only outgoing messages are paid for.

As you can see, roaming tariffs are quite high, so it’s worth paying attention to Megafon’s additional services, which we wrote about above.

Roaming in Egypt

As it turned out, Egypt is more expensive for Russians in terms of mobile communications, because all calls made from its territory and within its borders, as well as to other countries of the world, will cost users 129.00 rubles. in a minute. The cost of one outgoing message from Egyptian resorts will be 25.00 rubles.

But Internet access will be limited to a package of 50 MB per day, for which the subscriber will pay 350.00 rubles.

Roaming in North America and Oceania

For the USA, Canada and the countries of the South-Eastern part of the globe, standard rates for messages and Internet access are provided, but calls from these countries will have to be more expensive - 199 rubles each. in a minute.

This, of course, will not be a problem for those who enable additional options, such as “The Whole World” or “Around the World”.

Please note the cost of services with and without the roaming option.

Mobile communications from CIS countries

As a separate point, I would like to discuss roaming in the countries of the former Soviet Union, since each region has its own tariffs.

Related material: Review and management of the “Trave without worries” option from Megafon

CIS countries also have their own special offers aimed at reducing roaming costs. Thus, for Abkhazia, Megafon’s option “Like home in Abkhazia” operates, according to which subscribers who connect it for 30 rubles can take advantage of preferential services.

It is also relevant now to use Megafon’s “Crimea” option, since to this day the use of Russian mobile communications is only possible under roaming conditions. By activating the “Crimea” option for 15 rubles per day, you can make calls and send messages at reduced rates.

USSD request to connect roaming in Crimea.

Request to disable roaming.

Rent Wi-Fi routers in Turkey

Another way to always have the Internet at hand is to rent a Wi-Fi router. This service can be found on the Internet, just like car rental. On the website you will need to indicate your contact information and the dates for which you are renting the router. You will be offered delivery directly to the hotel and unlimited 4G Internet traffic

The price is, of course, quite high. For example, 150 liras for 3 days with the ability to connect 5 devices or 320 liras for 7 days with the ability to connect up to 10 devices. This option is suitable if you are traveling in a large group.

Of course, you will decide for yourself which way to connect to the mobile Internet, based on your needs. But keep in mind that we have provided information only for a short stay in Turkey. If you are going to the country for several months or plan to stay there, these will be completely different conditions.

Useful Megafon tariff settings for those traveling abroad

Very often, for vacationers outside the country, replenishing the balance of their phone becomes a big problem. To prevent this from happening to you, we recommend that you turn to these and “Autopayment” from Megafon. Thanks to them, your phone will always stay in touch and you can contact your loved ones at any time without worrying about your balance going into minus.

Auto payment:

USSD request to enable auto payment.

SMS request for connection.

There are special commands to monitor the account status, but checking their balance each time takes some time. But why waste it on empty activities when you can spend it on sightseeing or other more pleasant moments.

Having connected from Megaphone, the system will automatically monitor it and provide information on the gadget’s display.

Description of roaming on the official Megafon website.

“Megafellow” option from Megafon will help you get all the information about mobile communications in the region where you are going . Her responsibilities include providing information on the cost of roaming services in the local region, how to top up the phone or check the account balance.

Also pay attention to the “Call Back” when communicating with the operator’s hotline, since it is designed specifically for cases such as roaming, where every minute is worth its weight in gold.

Description posted on the Megafon website.

Useful video:

Turkish mobile operators

Turkish providers offer visitors convenient rates for regular communication, Internet surfing, and watching movies. Current operators: Vodafone, Avea, Turkcell.

Mobile operators in Turkey

Vodafone

The 2G network covers the entire country (excluding desert areas and the mountainous east), 3G – large and medium-sized settlements, 4G – large cities.

Vodafone is notable for having the largest number of weekly and monthly internet packages on offer. The options are:

• 10 liras – 1 GB for a week (activation via SMS to number 3636 with the text 1GB HAFTALIK);
• 16 – 1 GB for a month (ABONE SUPER 1GB);
• 22 – 2 GB per month (ABONE SUPER 2GB);
• 40 – 4 GB (ABONE DEVAM 4GB);
• 50 – 6 GB (ABONE 3AY6GB);
• 80 – 12 GB for a 3-month period (ABONE 3AY12GB).

Vodafone communication salon
The cost of the card is 70 liras (50 bonus liras are credited to the account).

The balance is checked by dialing *123#.

Vodafone offers a “Passes” program, which provides unlimited use of social networks for a certain period of time. It is activated by sending the word HAFTALIK (to receive a weekly service) and PASS (monthly) to number 7000.

Turkcell

Leading operator in Turkey. The 2G network operates on 99% of the territory, 3G – 95%, 4G covers all major settlements.

A card with a basic package valid for a week will cost 50 liras. It includes 20 liras on your balance, 500 minutes of on-net calls (international calls are not provided), 1000 SMS, 2 GB of traffic. The minimum cost for updating the package is 27 liras.

If you wish, you can add Internet traffic for a month:

• 1 GB – 12 liras (type the message TANISMA 1GB, send to number 2222);
• 4 GB – 44 (ABONE 4GB);
• 8 GB – 70 (ABONE 8GB).

Avea

The operator is popular due to its provision of good communications (including 4G) in all provinces of the country and the relatively low cost of services. The cost of a SIM card is 70 liras. The package includes 20 liras on the account, 4 GB of traffic. Domestic calls are cheap, but it is not very profitable to call from Turkey to the Russian Federation.

Monthly Internet traffic costs:

• 15 lira – 0.5 GB;
• 19 – 1 GB;
• 29 – 2 GB.

Internet roaming abroad from Megafon

If you are an active user of the latest service, then please note that using Internet access is very expensive, so you should familiarize yourself with the terms of your tariff and possibly connect additional services that will reduce the cost of accessing the network.

I would especially like to note that in terms of access to the network, the “World Online” and “Vacation Online” options will be very useful, which are designed specifically to reduce the cost of the Internet in roaming conditions.

Description and cost of the “Vacation-Online” option.

Reviews

Reviews from users who have already used the services confirm the need to include special offers to save money while traveling. Learn how to activate international roaming on Megafon and read reviews - this information will help you make the right decision.

Alex “is an ideal solution for those who are not used to giving up the Internet for work. Stay connected and enjoy high quality access."

Anna “I liked the option with packages of minutes. If necessary, for a small fee, I can make the calls I need and stay informed about what’s happening at home while I’m traveling.”

Ivan “Vacation Online” is an excellent offer for using the Internet for little money. You can see the information you need and not spend large sums.

Now you know how to activate Megafon roaming abroad and can use this information if necessary. If you want to travel the world without interrupting communication, this is what you need. And then, read about Megafon roaming within Russia.

How to disable Megafon's international roaming abroad?

If you still decide that you will do without this operator service on your trip, then to deactivate it you need to ban international roaming from the Megafon operator.

To do this, find the appropriate section in your Personal Account settings and deactivate the option. The operator’s technical support by calling 0500 will also help with this.

After roaming is deactivated when crossing the border of the Russian Federation, Megafon services will no longer be delivered to your phone.

Calls

Use the “Zero without Borders” option, and for 145 rubles a day you can call Russia for 45 minutes a day and spend the same amount of time on any incoming calls.

The service operates in more than fifty countries. Here is their list: Abkhazia, Australia, Austria, Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Brazil, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Hong Kong, Greece, Denmark, Egypt, Israel, India, Jordan, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Cambodia, Canada, Qatar, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Morocco, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Norway, UAE, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, USA, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Philippines, Finland, France, Croatia, Montenegro , Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia, South Korea.

• 
  Yota in St. Petersburg

What is the CEIR system

The Turkish spirit is difficult to understand. They are ready to control everything, including mobile communications. Authorities are recording every cell phone that connects to the networks of any of the three travel companies.

As soon as the subscriber inserts the SIM, turns on the phone and starts using it, the system begins recording the IMEI number (this is a unique number for each device). From this moment the countdown of 120 days starts and during this time you need to contact the tax service and pay a tax of 165 liras. You can also present documents that the device was purchased on the territory of the Republic and the tax on it has already been assessed and paid.

In addition, the phone will no longer work in the country, so you will have to get a new one. If you insert a new SIM into it, it will no longer work.