Kogan Mobile: able to receive texts in HK!

This is more of a public service announcement, not sure how long this has been the case (as I haven't been overseas for a while) but I'm on one of the 365 day Kogan mobile plans and in Hong Kong at the moment and I'm able to receive texts which is surprising.

It's been helpful when asked to verify payments for things sending texts to my AU mobile number. Very cool imo!
(I don't think I'll be charged extra as it's a prepaid service anyway?)

Edit: here's a screenshot showing the message and the roaming sign http://imgur.com/a/pv4rssa

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Comments

  • Related to International Roaming? It's indeed very useful.

    • +2

      Possibly. But I didn't buy any package (I guess it's not available to buy yet anyway).
      So it may go away when that does happen…

  • I got below email from Kogan few days ago, Not sure about the packages though

    We’re excited to announce that you’ll soon be able to access data in many countries by buying one of our NEW International Roaming Packs!

    You'll be able to roam far and wide while sharing pics, using apps and maps in many countries without worrying about hidden data costs or searching for Wi-Fi.

    Stay tuned for further updates soon.

    Your Kogan Mobile Team.

  • +1

    would you mind doing a test if people can ring you and you can recrive calls? not that you will be charged anyway.. but just curious..
    please do share the outcome

    • +5

      Just tested. Can't receive calls.
      Can only receive texts.

      Can't send texts either.
      I think it's using the 3 network.

      • thanks mate

  • are these just not text being sent through data (ie iphone to iphone) and not sms . if this makes no sense disregard. i just noticed even with kogan sim removed i got texts from some people.

    • I'm on android.

      I got sent a text from PayPal AU with a verification code to verify identity (since it noticed I was in a foreign country) if that helps. Also tested it with a friend in Australia.

      Also received a text from ING.

  • +4

    It has nothing to do with Kogan. Regardless of provider, you should be able to receive SMS while you are overseas (as long as you have interntional roaming enabled). And unlike incoming phone calls where you are charged an exorbitant amount, incoming SMS are always free. This has been the case even before the days of the smart phone.

    • +1

      well that's something I never knew.
      thanks.

    • +1

      the point OP trying to make is.. now you can with Kogan. Previously you cant as Kogan is a prepaid only service and international roaming was not possible. this is a good change

    • Wait so if somebody calls you while you are overseas aka international roaming and you don't have a plan for that YOU get charged? Huh is this correct.. if so TIL.

      • If you enable international roaming. But default, it should be be "off".
        However, some prepaid providers might decide to leave it permanently "on" simply because most prepaid users do not buy additional credit in the first place (ie. their credit balance is always zero), and hence wouldn't be able to receive calls overseas.

        • Interesting this can be mind of shady and sneaky to post paid users.. oh man the bill shock is anxiety.. thank god for prepaid aka bill shock saviour.

          • @AlienC: it's not that much of a shock *(yes it's a relative term). Telstra has $10 daily roaming plan. Voda at$5, and I believe Optus also at $10. So it's not as bad as it used to be!
            You should enquire about roaming before you travel.

            • @eutama: Daily? So if I am there a month or two it is $1030 or $1060 idk that sounds like a lot unless you meant monthly fee not daily international roaming fees

              • @AlienC: it's $10 per day (and no you dont have to use it everyday if you dont need to) on top of your monthly fee.
                So if your holiday is for a month that's $300 on top of your monthly fee.
                But if you are going for a week it's only $70.. hence in a relative term.
                That is still reasonable and cheaper than Kogan $15/day.
                Of course, if you are there for long term… get local sim as it is way cheaper that way.
                At least you know your cost in advance and dont have to be shocked.. cos u know upfront.. rite?

                • @eutama: Ah yeah thanks it is definitely good to know. Local sim always over international roaming unless with a good plan.

                  • @AlienC: here is an example how the $10/day gives you value for your money. Let's say you are going to europe. Being Ozbargainer, you would know that the cheapest airline would be the chinese airlines. You would also order your Europe Three sim in advance before you go.. which will provide you internet in Europe. Let's say you are stopping over in China for a few days. Now, as far as I know, China dont sell local sim card that easily, plus, as you know, they block certain sites such as facebook or google gmail. By turning your roaming on for $10/day means that you have access immediately when you land.. And you can access those blocked sited without problem. And suddenly $10 seems a good value doesnt it?

                    • @eutama: I guess if Facebook and all those other blocked sites is really worth it or necessary to you for me I can honestly live without it but I see your point now it acts like a VPN kinda and gives you uninterrupted access. Nice.

  • I was also receiving SMS msgs on catchconnect while in Canada. Very useful for those sms verification msgs.

  • great news!

  • +1

    Can confirm, Kogan works in India too! It connects to the Vodafone IN network.
    However, when it does connect, a text straight away arrives:

    Welcome to India. Roaming in this country is not available on Kogan Mobile. Please use Wi-Fi if you wish to use your mobile. Have a safe trip.

    However, I need access to my number only to receive OTPs etc so that's not a problem, don't need to send SMS or make calls (I have local SIM for that).
    Good news that Kogan allows their SIMs to connect to overseas networks now.

  • Can anyone confirm if this can be used in Taiwan?

    I know it is not one of the listed countries, but I was wondering if you would be able to receive texts from Australia in Taiwan using the normal Kogan plans without the international pack.

    • Late reply working and tested.

  • Similarly, If anyone has had success in using their Kogan sim card to receive OTP sms's in Vietnam, please let us know.
    I'm not sure whether to leave the card at home and use something like pushbullet, or take it with me. Thanks.

  • So you can receive SMS on any Kogan plan anywhere in the world if you turn roaming on on your phone? Is this the same for all providers?

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