Why Does My Data Balance Change After Adding FLEX Credits, Traveling, or Switching Plans?
Managing your data balance within the Roamless app can sometimes feel confusing, particularly when you notice sudden changes in the displayed data after adding credits, traveling to a different country, or reviewing your plan details. This guide explains the most common scenarios for these fluctuations and how Roamless FLEX and FIX balances work.
How FLEX Balance Converts to Data
Roamless FLEX operates on a pay-as-you-go model, where your monetary balance converts into a data allowance based on the local per-GB rate in the country you’re currently in. These rates vary by location, so the same dollar balance will appear as a different amount of data depending on where you are. For example:
If the rate in Canada is $4.45 per GB and you have $25, the app will display about 5.6 GB (25 ÷ 4.45).
Upon traveling to Nepal, where the rate is $9.95 per GB, that same $25 would recalculate to about 2.5 GB.
This dynamic calculation ensures accurate and fair usage based on your current location without requiring user action.
Example Scenario: Adding Funds
If you add funds to your FLEX balance while situated in a country with high data costs, the resulting displayed data may appear lower than expected. This is because the conversion immediately reflects the local rate. For instance, $25 will provide approximately 5 GB in a country where the rate is $4.95 per GB.
Impact of Location on Data Balances
When you travel between countries, Roamless automatically recalculates your available data balance based on the destination's local data rate. This means:
Your visible GB amount may increase in countries with lower data rates.
Conversely, your GB balance will decrease in countries with higher data rates. For example, traveling from Switzerland (at $2.45/GB) to Nepal ($9.95/GB) can show a significant drop in available data for the same monetary balance.
You can check the exact data rate for your current location directly in the app to manage expectations.
Differences Between FLEX and FIX Plans
It’s essential to distinguish between FLEX balances and FIX plans in the app. Here’s how they differ:
FLEX (Pay-as-you-go) Balance: Credits are global and adjust to local rates. They appear in the app’s main balance section and are used wherever FLEX is available. They also carry over to your future travels and never expire.
FIX Data Plans: These are country- or region-specific plans that provide a fixed amount of data in their designated location (e.g., a 5 GB Portugal FIX plan). FIX balances do not appear alongside FLEX balances and must be accessed in the “Plans & Rewards” section of the app.
Using a FIX plan outside its designated location will not work, and you’ll need to rely on your FLEX balance instead.
Resolving Low Balance Warnings
Sometimes, you may receive a low balance warning despite having funds or other data plans available. This typically occurs when a separate balance, such as an active Rewards balance (e.g. HELLO15 rewards), is getting low. Your main FLEX balance remains accessible for data usage and is displayed prominently within the app.
Tracking and Estimating Data Usage in the App
Roamless provides tools to track your data usage and current balance effectively:
View Current Rates: Check the local per-GB rate for your current or upcoming location within the app. This can help set expectations for how your balance will convert into data in different countries.
Estimate Your Data: The app automatically updates your visible data balance based on location-specific rates, so what you see always reflects your usable balance. For instance, your $5 FLEX balance might show 1.1 GB while in Canada ($4.45/GB), but will recalculate to 1.7 GB upon arriving in India ($2.95/GB).
By understanding these mechanics of FLEX credit conversion, FIX plans, and automated recalculations, you can navigate your Roamless balances with confidence, ensuring you get the best value wherever you go!