Making calls while traveling can sometimes feel like daunting task. In this article you’ll find instructions on how to call and text while abroad.
Here is a list of topics we will be covering within this article:
How to place calls when traveling
While traveling, it is important to know the dialing patterns of the country you are visiting as it may vary from the way you dial in Canada.
Important considerations
To call outside the country that you are visiting, you must dial the proper exit code. The “+” symbol in front of the country code will allow calls to successfully complete to the dialed party. To obtain the “+” symbol, press and hold the “0” key on your keypad.
You should research the applicable country code for the destinations you will be traveling to, online, so you can understand which country code to use when referring to the instructions below. More information about country codes can be found at howtocallabroad.com
Required dialing patterns while traveling
| Location | How to dial |
| Calling a phone number within the visited country Example: France to France Note: These types of calls are included in the Easy Roam daily fee. | Dial the Phone number Example: 802701239 Calls within the same country do not require an exit code (+) or country code. |
| Calling a phone number in Canada while traveling Example: France to Canada Note: These types of calls are included in the Easy Roam daily fee. | Dial “+” Country Code + Phone number. Press and hold the “0” key to obtain the “+” sign Example: + 39 06701239 |
| Calling a phone number outside of the traveled country Example: France to Italy Note: These types of calls are not included in the Easy Roam daily fee and will be charged the roaming pay-per-use rate for the country you’re calling from. | Dial “+” Country Code + Phone number. Press and hold the “0” key to obtain the “+” sign Example: + 39 06701239 |
| Calling a Toll Free number outside of Canada Example: US to US Roaming pay-per-use rates apply if calling North American toll free numbers from outside North America | Dial “+” Country Code + Phone number Press and hold the “0” key to obtain the “+” sign Example: +1 8665582273 |
| Calling Special Numbers Special numbers retain their dialing pattern Note: Dialing 411 and 511 will be charged the roaming pay-per-use rate for the country you are calling from. | Dial: 411, 511, *611, 911 |
Note: Some toll-free numbers may not work while traveling, especially if you are calling North American toll-free numbers from outside North America.
Send a text message while outside Canada
| Location | Texting instructions |
| Within the country you’re visiting. Example: Mexico to Mexico | 1. Create a new message 2. In the To field, enter the local destination number. The exit code (+) and country code are not necessary 3. Send the message |
| From the country you’re visiting to Canada or the US | 1. Create a new message 2. In the To field, type +1 followed by the ten-digit phone number 3. Send the message Press and hold the “0” key to obtain the “+” sign |
| From the country you’re visiting to another country (not Canada or the US) Note: Messages to these mobile numbers are also included in the Easy Roam daily fee, just like the scenarios above. | 1. Create a new message 2. In the To field, type the + sign, followed by the country code, followed by the area code (if applicable), and then the local phone number 3. Send the message Press and hold the “0” key to obtain the “+” sign |
Note: As iMessage uses data, it is not considered text messaging. Data usage with instant messaging like iMessage will use whatever data you’re using for travel:
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Easy Roam will deduct from your monthly rate plan data
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If you do not have Easy Roam, then roaming data pay-per-use rates will apply
Visit koodo.com/easyroam to see the rates and options for your travel destination.
Access your voicemail while traveling
Using voicemail and applicable charges
If you are using your Koodo mobile device, in most cases you will be able to access your voicemail as usual. Voicemail is treated like any other call while roaming, and the following charges will apply:
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Easy Roam: Will not use your monthly rate plan's minutes, but will activate the daily Easy Roam fee if you haven't done so already.
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Pay-per-use: If you do not have Easy Roam, calls to voicemail will be subject to the roaming pay-per-use rate for the country you’re calling from.
If you’re not able to access your voicemail from your Koodo mobile device, or if you are calling from a landline:
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Dial your own cell phone number from landline and then press * during greeting.
OR -
Dial the Voicemail: access numbers either from your cell phone or landline and follow the voice prompts.
Set up your voicemail before you leave
Ensure that you have set up your voicemail before leaving Canada, as you will not be able to do so while traveling. To set up your voicemail, try one of the following:
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From your Koodo mobile device, call your 10-digit number and follow the prompts
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From your Koodo mobile device, speed dial 1 and follow the prompts
Voicemail notifications may not always work
In some travel destinations, the voicemail notification on your device may not be available when someone leaves you a message in your voicemail.
Call forwarding while traveling
Call forwarding services may not be available while traveling abroad
Calls can only be forwarded to North American phone numbers, i.e. numbers with County Codes of +1. You cannot forward calls to international phone numbers, i.e. numbers with Country Codes other than +1.
For more information about call forwarding, view the support article: Call forwarding.
Contact Koodo while roaming
| Option | Steps |
| Koodo Assist | Visit Koodo.com/chat to get help from our Virtual assistant. If you need to speak with a live agent, scheduling a callback to your Koodo mobile phone number will not activate Easy Roam Note: Make sure to have data and data roaming OFF while waiting for the callback so your phone doesn’t use any data in the background. |
| Koodo Community | Ask your question here on the Koodo Community |
Emergency contacts while traveling
If you require emergency assistance while traveling (for example, natural disaster, political unrest), the Government of Canada has provided the following contact information:
| Option | Steps |
| In Person | Visit the nearest Embassy or Consulate in the visiting country Note: Only open during business hours |
| By Phone & Email | Contact Emergency Watch and Response Center in Ottawa (24 hrs) Email: sos@international.gc.ca Phone: +1-613-996-8885 Note: Collect calls accepted from anywhere in the world |
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