Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Nil Einne

Extended validity SIM for international roaming?

Nil Einne — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:06:03 +0800

Hi,

I'm looking for the best Malaysian SIM option for roaming in New Zealand. Mostly to be able to receive SMS from Malaysia which should be free. I plan to use this long term, so I want extended validity. It would also be useful to be able to make calls and send SMS (including short code SMS if possible) back to Malaysia if it's ever needed without paying excessively (maybe under RM8 per minute and RM2.50 per SMS) but this isn't so important. Data roaming does not matter. I don't mind paying to extend validity, since I probably won't be using the credit, it's better to pay RM33 to extend validity for 365 days than to reload RM50 for 365 days validity for example.

I've looked at these threads
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3899430
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3803865

and also online.

It seems that many of the common MVNO recommended don't offer roaming so are not suitable. E.g. Friendi, Tron, Xiddig.

Options which may work and are still available:

TuneTalk pay RM28 for 365 days validity https://www.tunetalk.com/my/PlanRates/oneyearvalidity but this uses a SMS short code. I don't see it mentioned you can subscribe to this online. You use the same SMS short code to subscribe to roaming packs while roaming for RM2 per SMS https://www.tunetalk.com/my/PlanRates/roami...iteddataroaming so this probably means you can do the same for one year validity. But unless you can also use the USSD to subscribe to the 365 day extended validity or do it online, I guess total cost is RM30.

Hotlink pay RM33 for 365 days validity http://www.hotlink.com.my/en/plans/validity-365.html I think this is still available provided you avoid he #Hotlink plan. You use a USSD. If this works while roaming, and I think it probably does since it's used to activate features while roaming (unless it's a special roaming only menu) https://www.hotlink.com.my/en/my-hotlink/do...nk/roaming.html and I'm pretty sure it's free, then I guess total price is RM33.

The final possible option is OneXOX. AFAIK, you can get 28 months validity if you to MNP or if you topup RM50 within 30 days (or maybe topup RM10 within 24 hours) of activation. Roaming is mentioned here http://www.onexox.my/membuat-panggilan-antarabangsa.html but I can't find any info from XOX on rates but I guess this means it's probably supported. Possibly the rate to call Malaysia (or receive call from Malaysia) is same as IDD mobile rate for the country but I'm not sure. I think sending SMS is RM2.50 http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/travel-b...ds-5367253.html

I'm also confused about the difference between OneXOX and XOX Prepaid Plus. This is significant especially after the 28 months. XOX Prepaid Plus lets you pay RM25 to extend validity via SMS short code http://www.xox.com.my/plans/prepaid-plus/ . If this works while roaming, and the price of SMS is RM2.50 (per above) or RM2 (this is the rate quoted for XOX) then I guess total price is RM27.50 or RM27. Otherwise while the 28 months validity is useful, after 28 months I have to try and do some MNP while roaming which could be costly or complicated or not even possible unless it can be done online (and I saw something saying it currently can't be).

I saw some people say you can also get 28 months validity on XOX Prepaid Plus but I can't find this mentioned on the XOX site. (Although the XOX site is confusing since I only found one page about XOX Prepaid Plus, most other stuff seems to be about OneXOX. Have non OneXOX XOX prepaid plans been abandoned?)

I appreciate that either way, it's possible that any network especially a MVNO may shut down in the future. (XOX seems at greater risk than TuneTalk given who's backing TuneTalk.) More significantly, there's no guarantee 365 day validity options will still exist in the future or at the same price. Although I believe in the past the trend has to been to remove the option for new plans, but keep them for old plans/customers.

Any other suggestions or comments?

Thanks!

Prevent Maybank account from going inactive/dorman

Nil Einne — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:58:59 +0800

Hi,

I'm currently overseas with a Maybank account in Malaysia. I want to keep imy account active to avoid getting charged maintenence fees. Originally I planned to make transaction with GIRO via Maybank2u but unfortunately I neglected to topup my MY HP in time so it expired, no more TAC. Because of 'verified by VISA' this also limits my ability to make online transactions with my debit card. But I still got Maybankard Visa debit including linked to a PayPal account, setup before I left Malaysia and it doesn't seem to care about verified by Visa. I have made a few small PayPal transactions successfully recently (after I left Malaysia). Does anyone know if this will keep my account active? Is there a minimum amount needed to keep my account active as these transactions were very small (total under RM10).

If this won't work will transactions overseas via my Maybankard Visadebit be sufficient? I don't believe I activated the overseas flag before I left, but I can always call them to activate it.

Because I am overseas don't ask me to visit a branch to check. Calling will also be a bit expensive so I prefer not to.

Cheers

Sold house & moving overseas, closing TNB & Syabas

Nil Einne — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:13:57 +0800

Hi,

S&P signed and received deposit but not final balance. We are moving overseas before receiving balance. Last time sold shop, closed TNB (Tenaga Nasional) and Syabas accounts after received balance and purchaser moved in, easy then. This time I'm not sure what to do. If we close TNB and Syabas accounts now, doesn't that mean they will want to terminate supply? I read old posts some people say it's not the case but I don't understand how since otherwise if the usage increase who's responsible? If they terminate supply, problem there is we are moving out direct to airport (movers already removed items from house) so we don't want to lose electricity until last day (and we are leaving in afternoon). If we moved already can't enter house so can't terminate supply. In many countries schedule for them to come on the morning of day we are leaving may be can, Malaysia I doubt can trust them :-(

Other alternative is to wait until purchaser moved in then close our account. Problem is since we are overseas I don't think will be very easy to do. I've heard if purchaser transfer to their name it will automatically close account, makes sense. Problem is if purchaser does not do so, it will remain in our name and if any big bill the new owner refuses to pay they will come after us.

BTW either way I've read we need to show S&P to TNB/Syabas. Is that correct?

Of course getting any refund of utilities deposit is another matter since it takes several months and seems they want to send cheque, can't transfer to bank account but that one worst case scenario we lose the deposit.

Cheers

P.S. We do have lawyer who is dealing with S&P, receiving balance, handing over keys but I don't think they will deal with utilities, at least not unless pay more.
P.P.S. Disconnect telephone line should not be a problem right? AFAIK they don't need to enter house to do that, just disconnect at the exchange.

[addedon]April 11, 2011, 1:27 pm[/addedon]One more thing, if we close account/terminate supply I guess it will make more problems for the buyer so one possibility is to tell them we will leave it be but we expect them to change to their name once they move in. As I understand it, the buyer just need to show S&P and preferably give details of where to send any refund cheque for us, don't need anything from us when they change to their name right?

Happy reload with Digi pin still can?

Nil Einne — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:12:26 +0800

Happy Club seems to have disappeared (V1 closed, V2 can't find) so ask in forum.

I heard before Happy can reload with Digi pin. Is this still possible? What about online topup? I wonder because last time *128# work fine. Then it don't work for a long time, now seems to work again.

Cheers

Maybank - changing account type possible?

Nil Einne — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:23:11 +0800

Is it possible to change account type of an existing account with Maybank? E.g. If I have Kawanku account (savings account) and want to change to Maybank2u.Premier Account (current account) so can get Maybank Mastercard Platinum Debit? (The existing account have no ATM card.) Presume meet the minimum balance requirements.

If this is possible, is this considered a new account? I mean if I close the Maybank2u.Premier Account within 3 months it will be charged RM20 (the savings account long time open already so should not be charged).

Cheers

Samsung Tocco lite (Samsung Star) and LG Cookie

Nil Einne — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:48:35 +0800

What's the current price for the Samsung Tocco lite (aka Samsung Star i.e. S5230/S5233) and LG Cookie (KP500/KP501) in KL, AP set, if you shop around? Original price also welcome but please specify.

Can't check myself since I'm not in Malaysia :-P

Cheers

MSI Media Live DIVA - WTB in Klang Valley?

Nil Einne — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:11:53 +0800

Hey all,

Not sure whether to ask here or on comp desk but decided here more likely to be someone who has looked into to this.

Does anyone know if the MSI Media Live DIVA (MSI-7411) can be bought anywhere in Klang Valley (or Malaysia)? This is the mobo which can have built in amplifier to output directly to 5.1 speakers useful for HTPC/media computer. (Quality said to be quite good.) Can't find any mention of this in forums or elsewhere so perhaps not but thought I might as well ask.

Cheers

Ordering from Dell - telegraphic transfer

Nil Einne — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:12:39 +0800

I ordered something from Dell want to pay via telegraphic transfer. They say to put the order number or quotation number as reference but the online order information don't show these numbers. Received 1 email also don't show either number. Only number so far is the online reference number (which when I looked at their website is a different number). Anyway know if this is acceptable? Or must wait for further e-mails from Dell which have the quotation or order number?

If you're wondering why I don't just ask Dell, they've closed for the day already, just wondering if anyone here knows. If no response I will post what Dell says tomorrow.

[addedon]August 7, 2007, 11:39 am[/addedon]Just to let you people know, Dell says online reference number is fine as well

Pro-Active Techniques Sdn Bhd

Nil Einne — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:51:23 +0800

Just wondering any had any experience with the shop Pro-Active Techniques Sdn Bhd in Low Yat. They sell second hand items like monitors and also some items that are osteniably new e.g. Dell that they claim are old stock or clearance items. They offer one year warranty on new items so I wonder if they can be trusted.

Thanks for any replies

Admin/mod delete me please

Nil Einne — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:49:27 +0800

Double post