SeaRoam Frequently Asked Questions

Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, and the related Forms and web pages they reference, constitute a legal Agreement between You the end user and SeaRoam Limited.

What is SeaRoam?

SeaRoam is a new and unique way of you saving money while using your mobile phone while travelling outside your own country .

SeaRoam is a global roaming SIM card, that can be used in over 213 countries worldwide to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, emails, and browse the internet. Along with our 700+ global partners, we are able to deliver up to 80% savings over standard roaming fees.

Buy a SeaRoam SIM, and realise the savings instantly.

What will it cost me?

SeaRoam will cost you as little as $40.00 which includes $20.00 airtime. You can check our prices on our rates page.

With SeaRoam you can save up to 60%-80% when making calls, sending or receiving texts and email, or browsing the internet.

What kind of mobile phone do I need?

Our service only works with Java enabled mobile phones that are capable of installing a SIM, and that use GSM networks.

To get the best roaming mobile rates your phone must be at least tri-band, though quad-band phones are recommended for full global coverage.

Where exactly can I use my SeaRoam SIM?

Any SeaRoam in the 213+ countries we offer coverage, as per our "Coverage" page, provided you are within network coverage.

Can I call and text anywhere in the world?

Yes. Anyone, anywhere in the world can call or text you at any time, provided you are within network coverage. If you are not in network coverage, or your phone is powered off, those calling you can leave you a voice message on your SeaRoam Voicemail, which you can then access from your SeaRoam phone.

What is a SIM?

A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a removable smart card for mobile phones that use the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) mobile network. The SIM card allows users to change phones by simply removing the SIM card from one mobile phone and inserting it into another mobile phone.

The SIM card is what we sell you as part of the SeaRoam service.

[More information on this subject: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subscriber_Identity_Module]

What is an unlocked mobile phone?

An unlocked mobile phone is not tied to any particular network. You can put any SIM in it and it will register the SIM and connect to the appropriate mobile network operator.

It is fairly common in the European market. However, in the North American market it is not as common to see unlocked mobile phones.

Your phone may be locked if you purchased it on contract or pay as you go account.

To check if your phone is locked call your mobile service provider.

[More information on this subject: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock]

I have seen other travel SIM services. Why is SeaRoam better?

The common method for all “alternative roaming” SIM’s is to originate their service in some SeaRoam like Latvia, Estonia or Liechtenstein, or via a UK-based toll-free phone number. This approach doesn’t work very well.

The problem is that people have to call a strange country code just to call you. It just isn’t intuitive and it isn’t user-friendly. With SeaRoam we have made the service work as you would expect plus we’ve added a lot of new features that you will have never seen before.

Will SeaRoam work with an older phone?

The SeaRoam service works in almost all phones manufactured over the last 4 or 5 years.

Can I dial 800/900 (Freephone/Premium) numbers?

No. SeaRoam does not support dialling to 800/900 (Freephone/Premium) numbers.

Can I keep my existing phone number?

No. We do not own the rights to your existing phone number. You can choose to forward this number to your SeaRoam SIM. To do this please check with your original provider that they allow this feature.

What do I do if I lose my SIM card?

If you lose your SIM, please contact Customer Support immediately.

Your lost SIM will then be de-activated, preventing unauthorised use. If you need a replacement SIM, please order it online. Once you receive your SIM, contact Customer Support who will transfer the credit from your lost SIM, to your new SIM.

How long will it take to receive my SIM?

SeaRoam currently offer 2 delivery options

  • Standard Post: 7-10 working days
  • Express Courier: 3-5 working days

What local numbers can I add to my SeaRoam SIM?

You can add the following countries to your SeaRoam SIM. Adding extra local number begins at US $4.00 per month. All numbers and prices are subject to availability. Some numbers may require additional documentation, details of this are available upon request.

NOTE: A recently imposed restriction by our number providers requires identification to be provided to SeaRoam, in the form of a digital representation of a Government Issued ID accompanied by contact address, phone number and email, for the purchase of Australian, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine numbers. This requirement has been put into effect to combat a growing level of worldwide telephony fraud, and is outside SeaRoam's control. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
El Salvador
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan
Panama
Peru
Poland
Puerto Rico
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
UK
USA

If you don't see a country here that you would like don't worry. We are adding new countries all the time.

Can I use SeaRoam in Japan?

Yes, SeaRoam works in Japan. However, to use SeaRoam in Japan requires a 3GSM (or 3G) mobile phone that supports WCDMA 2100.

This is still a GSM phone, however it is using 3rd generation technology which is deployed in Japan. There are 2 different 3G standards presently in use.

To ensure that you have the correct phone for roaming in Japan, it is advisable that you check with either your current network operator, or preferably refer to their mobile’s handbook to determine whether or not it is WCDMA 2100 compatible.

Can I use SeaRoam in South Korea?

Yes, SeaRoam works in South Korea. However, to use SeaRoam in South Korea requires a 3GSM (or 3G) mobile phone that supports WCDMA 2100.

This is still a GSM phone, however it is using 3rd generation technology which is deployed in South Korea. There are 2 different 3G standards presently in use.

To ensure that you have the correct phone for roaming in South Korea, it is advisable that you check with either your current network operator, or preferably refer to their mobile’s handbook to determine whether or not it is WCDMA 2100 compatible.

How can I be sure my phone will work where I am roaming?

Not sure if your phone will work where you roam?

Check your phone manual, and find out what operating frequency your phone will run at. For standard phones, they can run at 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, and this will be stated in your phone's manual. There are also 3G phones that operate at different frequencies, so if you have a 3G phone, find out what frequency it runs at.

Once you have all this information, contact SeaRoam Customer Support with this, where you are travelling to, and we will let you know if your phone will work there.

How do I register my SeaRoam SIM?

Remove your SeaRoam SIM card from the protective packaging it came in. Go to Register Your SIM.

Enter the required details, following the on screen instructions carefully. Once all your details have been registered, SeaRoam will automatically email you your SeaRoam User ID and Password, which you can use to access my SeaRoam.

How do I install my SeaRoam SIM?

Make sure your GSM phone operates on the frequency (If your mobile phone is “tri-band” or “quad-band” it should work just fine) of your destination AND is SIM lock free (unlocked), Switch OFF your phone and remove the battery cover and battery (usually necessary to access the SIM socket).

Enter the required details, following the on screen instructions carefully. Once all your details have been registered, SeaRoam will automatically email you your SeaRoam User ID and Password, which you can use to access my SeaRoam.

Carefully snap out the SeaRoam SIM card chip from the larger card. Insert the SIM into the SIM socket in your phone in the correct position (usually it only fits in one way). Replace battery and battery cover. Turn on the phone. Within approximately 90 seconds the phone will auto activate the service and register on a local available GSM network. If this does not occur, repeat steps 4-6 and be sure the SIM is properly in place or contact the SeaRoam Support Centre.

What is my number?

When you receive your SIM from us you will need to go to our website to register your SIM (this is a security measure).

SeaRoam will provide you with a dedicated number for your SIM, which you can use to receive calls at anytime. This number will be located on the packaging that you receive the SIM in.

Do I need to contact all my friends and business colleagues and tell them I have a new number when I travel?

No, you will have a new number on your SeaRoam SIM so you just need to forward your home phone or mobile phone to your new number and this is seamless.

How do I setup my voicemail?

Your SIM service includes full voicemail features. You can hold 1 to access or dial 00 32 486 191996 or +32 486 191996 to set up personalised greeting, check and save/erase voicemail messages.

All my contacts are on my current SIM. How do I transfer them to my SeaRoam SIM?

The easiest way to do this is to go to the address book on your phone and find the function that allows you to copy all numbers from your SIM onto your phone. Do this. Now, switch SIMs and do the reverse. Copy all your numbers from your phone address book onto the SeaRoam SIM. Each phone is different so you should check the manual that came with your mobile phone or go to the website of your handset manufacturer to find out more details.

Does the SeaRoam SIM have a PIN lock?

Yes, by default it is 1111. However, it is possible to lock your SeaRoam SIM by entering the wrong PIN number 3 times or more. If this occurs, please contact SeaRoam Customer Support to retrieve a PIN and PUK code for your SeaRoam SIM. Your PIN number, as well as the PUK number (PUK stands for Personal Unblocking Key), is printed on the credit card sized piece of plastic you received your SeaRoam SIM card in.

How do I make and receive calls?

For all incoming calls just answer your phone as you normally would.

For all outgoing calls do the following:

Always dial the FULL international phone number, even if dialling a local number. Dial using the + or 00 method, please remember all calls are international. After pressing the SEND key, wait 10 seconds. Your phone will ring. Answer it. You’ll hear the ringing of the party you called. When they answer, you’re connected!

Can I have more than one number on my SIM?

Yes you can, another amazing new feature from SeaRoam. You can have up to 50 numbers associated with your SeaRoam service. You can have up to 50 numbers from any combination of 52 different countries and if someone rings any of them, your mobile will ring Wherever you are.

How do I check my voice mail?

Hold 1 to access or dial 00 32 486 191996 or +32 486 191996 to set up personalised greeting, check and save/erase voicemail messages.

How much does it cost to check my voice mail?

To find out how much it costs to check your voice mail, go to our rates calculator. Select the country you are roaming in, and any other country as the country you are calling to. The rate for accessing voice mail will be shown in the created rates table.

How do I send a text message?

Same as you would normally, except always use international prefix of 00 or '+', country code, then the number you want to send the message to.

How do I check my account balance?

You can do this via your account page on the SeaRoam website by logging in using the username and password we sent you when you registered your SeaRoam SIM.

You can also check your balance directly from the SeaRoam SIM. Just text BAL to 1966. You will then receive a text of your current balance.

Can I make emergency calls?

Yes. Wherever you are. 999, 911 and 112 all work.

Can I make a data connection (i.e. send and receive email/MMS/surf the internet)?

To use this feature you need to enter our APN (mobile access point in your handset).

APN: web.be
Username: web
Password: web

To send or receive emails you will need to enter SMTP details. Our SMTP-server is mail.internetmail.be

Can I track and manage my account online?

Yes you can. Just go to my SeaRoam on the SeaRoam website. You can now:

Purchase Additional numbers

Remove and Renew additional numbers

Add airtime to your account

Set up Free Call Forwarding

View real time call billing

Online SMS only US $0.10

Do I have to have a credit card to top-up my SeaRoam SIM?

SeaRoam currently accept the following as payment methods:

AMEX

Mastercard

Visa

Laser

PayPal

How can I divert my existing mobile number to my SeaRoam number before I travel?

To divert all calls to your SeaRoam number on your mobile phone enter the following codes in your handset before removing your own SIM card:

**21* Your SeaRoam number # [SEND]

For example: **21*00353123456789# then press SEND

Any calls to your phone will now ring on your SeaRoam phone. Please note that SeaRoam have no control of the cost for forwarding your existing number to your new SeaRoam number. While SeaRoam will not charge you any additional fee to receive a diverted call, your existing carrier may charge you for this service. Please check with your carrier for any applicable fees before diverting calls to your new SeaRoam number.

How do I add Airtime to my Account?

You can do this via your account page on the SeaRoam website.

How much does it cost to receive text messages?

Nothing. Zero. Zilch. Receiving text messages to your SeaRoam number is FREE!