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Help center

All you need to know about HOVOS

  1.  

    Our Traveler Membership is: $10/Year. This is a special offer as we desperately need more volunteers.

    This gives full access to all hosts as well as a FREE Travel SIM. However, travelers can create an account for free so they can start ‘favoring hosts’ and build their profile - but advanced features such as contacting hosts will be unavailable until they become members.

    Note: Members can also increase the trust by verifying their mobile phone and passport. Increased trust means more chance to find a host or volunteer.

  2.  

    We support all major credit cards and hundreds of local payment methods including bank transfers and cheques.

  3.  

    Five hours a day and five days a week is a typical help schedule. But it depends on the type of work to be done. Both the host and the volunteer have to come to a mutually agreeable deal.

  4.  

    Hovos is a unique way to plan your next vacation, travel adventure or learn new and unusual skills. Regardless of your budget or travel goals, we have a variety of options to help you make the most out of your next trip.

    Discover travel opportunities you didn't even know existed, experience the world the way you want to, take a course, or save money on your next vacation.

  5.  

    The founders of Hovos have over 25 years of experience with online services. The whole team behind Hovos consists of highly qualified professionals. We use the latest and most reliable hardware and software for our website and the highest security to protect our users. All pages of the website are secured using SSL encryption and in the address bar of your browser you will always see the security lock closed.

  6.  

    First you have to sign up as a host or traveller and create your profile. Once done you can start contacting hosts or volunteers. (Unless you are an Experience Host, you must allow travellers to contact you.) Volunteers/travellers can contact hosts and hosts can contact volunteers. Volunteers normally start their search based upon a country or area they wish to go to and are offered tools to refine the list of host results. Hosts normally search for the type of help they need.

  7.  

    Traveler Membership: $10/Year
    This gives full access to all hosts as well as a FREE Travel SIM. However, travelers can create an account for free so they can start ‘favoriting hosts’ and build their profile - but advanced features such as contacting hosts will be unavailable until they become members.

    Host Membership: $0/Year
    It is free for hosts to sign up and they can begin contacting travelers immediately.

  8.  

    Yes. Photos are very important and we strongly advise you to add at least a few photos. Volunteers like to see pictures of potential hosts and volunteers like to see pictures of the volunteers. It's easy to upload photos from your computer or mobile device. If you want you can send the photos to us by email, and we can add them to your profile.

  9.  

    Yes. At all times you can edit any of your details including your email address, password and profile settings like personal notes, preferences or photos. Just sign in to your account and select 'Edit profile'.

  10.  

    You start with creating an account using your email address and a password. Once done you are invited to create your profile as a host or traveller. You can walk through the registration pages in a few minutes, but it is advised to spend some time on this. The better your profile the more chance of being successful.

  1.  

    Traveler Membership: $10/Year
    This gives full access to all hosts as well as a FREE Travel SIM. However, travelers can create an account for free so they can start ‘favoriting hosts’ and build their profile - but advanced features such as contacting hosts will be unavailable until they become members.

    Host Membership: $0/Year
    It is free for hosts to sign up and they can begin contacting travelers immediately.

  2.  

    Yes. Photos are very important and we strongly advise you to add at least a few photos. Volunteers like to see pictures of potential hosts and volunteers like to see pictures of the volunteers. It's easy to upload photos from your computer or mobile device. If you want you can send the photos to us by email, and we can add them to your profile.

  3.  

    Yes. At all times you can edit any of your details including your email address, password and profile settings like personal notes, preferences or photos. Just sign in to your account and select 'Edit profile'.

  4.  

    You start with creating an account using your email address and a password. Once done you are invited to create your profile as a host or traveller. You can walk through the registration pages in a few minutes, but it is advised to spend some time on this. The better your profile the more chance of being successful.

  5.  

    Check your spam filter. If you find the lost messages there you may have to add mail from us to your 'trusted sender list'. Some large email providers are notorious and have very tough spam filters like AOL, Yahoo and Hotmail. We always recommend Gmail as their spam filters prove to be the best.

  1.  

    Our Traveler Membership is: $10/Year. This is a special offer as we desperately need more volunteers.

    This gives full access to all hosts as well as a FREE Travel SIM. However, travelers can create an account for free so they can start ‘favoring hosts’ and build their profile - but advanced features such as contacting hosts will be unavailable until they become members.

    Note: Members can also increase the trust by verifying their mobile phone and passport. Increased trust means more chance to find a host or volunteer.

  2.  

    We support all major credit cards and hundreds of local payment methods including bank transfers and cheques.

  3.  

    You do not get paid any 'salary' as a volunteer. Volunteers offer their help in return for accommodation and meals. If you would have to prepare your own meals, your host could give you money to buy your own food.

    Some hosts do offer an additional monetary bonus. These hosts can be found under "Work Exchanges".

  4.  

    Apart from the common credit cards we also accept PayPal and many hundreds of local payment methods. If you wish you can wire the service fee to our bank account or send us a cheque. To avoid delay we will trust you and will allow you to continue to complete the help offer arrangement.

  1.  

    Five hours a day and five days a week is a typical help schedule. But it depends on the type of work to be done. Both the host and the volunteer have to come to a mutually agreeable deal.

  2.  

    Hovos is a unique way to plan your next vacation, travel adventure or learn new and unusual skills. Regardless of your budget or travel goals, we have a variety of options to help you make the most out of your next trip.

    Discover travel opportunities you didn't even know existed, experience the world the way you want to, take a course, or save money on your next vacation.

  3.  

    The founders of Hovos have over 25 years of experience with online services. The whole team behind Hovos consists of highly qualified professionals. We use the latest and most reliable hardware and software for our website and the highest security to protect our users. All pages of the website are secured using SSL encryption and in the address bar of your browser you will always see the security lock closed.

  4.  

    First you have to sign up as a host or traveller and create your profile. Once done you can start contacting hosts or volunteers. (Unless you are an Experience Host, you must allow travellers to contact you.) Volunteers/travellers can contact hosts and hosts can contact volunteers. Volunteers normally start their search based upon a country or area they wish to go to and are offered tools to refine the list of host results. Hosts normally search for the type of help they need.

  5.  

    To add or replace photos of your profile sign in to your account. Click on the 'Profile' button which will show your profile. Along side the information you will see edit icons. Click on the edit icon near the section you wish to add or replace photos.

    Uploading photos should be fairly easy. Alternatively you can send the photos to support@hovos.com and we will take care of adding it to your information.

  6.  

    It depends on the host. The basic deal is an exchange of accommodation and meals for work. Some hosts offer a financial compensation for additional hours. Hosts who are in fact farmers may need seasonal workers for harvesting or picking fruits like cherries or grapes and they could offer the volunteer an hourly compensation in money.

  7.  

    You do not.

    You are still welcome to create an account as a traveller (you would not need to complete your profile), however, this is not a requirement. Even without an account you can contact, pay for, and review any experiences offered on Hovos.

  8.  

    Experience Hosts are a new opportunity that we have recently added to Hovos.

    They are generally a business and they offer a travel experience or education course, along with accommodation. In exchange for their experience, they charge a daily rate which is paid through Hovos.

    Examples of what an Experience Host might offer:
    -Surf Camps — Yoga/Meditation Retreats — Homesteading/Survival Skill Training —
    Language Immersion —Adventure Travel (Scuba diving, skiing, rock climbing, etc...) —Art/Dance/Music/Culinary Lessons

  1.  

    This depends on the country you wish to go to and on the country where you come from. For traveling within the EU as a EU citizen you don't need anything. If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, you might need a visa to travel to an EU country for different purposes, including work or holiday. The rules for visa are different for almost every country, so we advise you to Google on 'visa' and the name of the country you wish to go to. Most countries offer an official website for your visa requirements. Since it's so complex and changes so often we have decided not to offer this support on the website of Hovos.

  2.  

    It s difficult to select the right travel insurance, especially when you are travelling to exotic countries or when you intend to do adventurous activities. We have compared many insurers and basically there is only one we can recommend for all your travels: World Nomads. The insurances they offer are designed by travelers and volunteers to cover your trip essentials. Other reasons why we like their insurances:

    * Covers overseas emergency medical treatment,
    * Covers stolen or damaged gear such as iPads, laptops and cellphones whilst travelling
    * Covers cancellations
    * For adventure activities they cover trekking to 6,000 meter, scuba diving, skiing / snowboarding, mountain biking
    * You can resume your trip when cancelled (not all policies offer this, check their website)

    We would rate their services 4 out of 5 stars, although we do advise you to read the conditions and small print carefully. For more information, click on this link to the World Nomads website.

  1.  

    When powering up the phone, the SIM LOCATION menu will normally appear.

    If not please follow the following guidance notes:
    1. Select 'Settings'
    2. Select 'Phone'
    3. Select 'SIM applications'
    4.Select 'Multi account' > country selection
    5. SIM data will refresh, this might take up to 2 minutes

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need.

    To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window with the specific actions that you have personally taken when attempting to self-resolve the issue you are experiencing.

  2.  

    No. Please note that virtual numbers are landline numbers and cannot receive text messages sent to them. You can only receive text messages to the UK number which is the default number of your SIM card.

  3.  

    The Sim Location Menu will automatically appear for the majority of handsets within 30 seconds of restarting your handset.

    To manually select a profile*, dial #988 and the Sim Location Menu will appear.

    The default profile on Roam Free SIM cards is the 'Global' setting. On some handsets, after changing profile, you may need to restart your phone for the profile to become active.

    Samsung Android Users - Caution
    *If you are using a Samsung Android handset, you should not dial #988. For further information, please check the guide for:'Profile selection on Samsung Android handsets.'

  4.  

    To use the Hovos Travel SIM low cost Call Forwarding facility, you will need to forward your Hovos Travel SIM number to the number abroad that you wish to call. Then simply dial your Hovos Travel SIM number and you will be diverted to the number abroad.

    To set up call forwarding, simply:
    1. Log in to your account
    2. Go to Hovos Travel SIM card page.
    3. Scroll down to the 'Set Forwarding' section and enter the number that you want to forward your calls to. Ensure that you input the number in international format excluding the 00/+ prefix (e.g 4412345689).
    4. Set Call Back to 'Yes.'
    5. Forwarding is all set now.

    You will receive an on screen confirmation message that the new setting has been applied. However if you come out of this screen and return to it, the Set Forwarding section will appear as blank. In reality this is not the case. Call forwarding has been set up and applied on our system to the number you received a confirmation of. You can test the latest setting by dialling your Hovos Travel SIM number.

    Please note that you can amend the number entered here to any other number of your choice. However to deactivate call forwarding, you will need to request this by contacting Customer Service.

    You can reach Customer Service by completing the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

    Alternatively, you can also set up forwarding using your Hovos Travel SIM phone. Dial 102 (number) to set forwarding to ON. Dial 103 to turn forwarding OFF.

  5.  

    Log into your account online
    Goto Hovos Travel SIM card page, your available balance will be displayed next to your phone number.

    Alternatively dial 187 to see your balance from your handset or mobile device

  6.  

    Log into your account online
    Goto Hovos Travel SIM card page and click on "Top Up" button if you would like to add pay as you go credit or an international data bundle click on and follow the instructions to add credit to your phone instantly.

    Please note that it is a requirement for your SIM to be registered.

  7.  

    If you have a voucher code, and you are unable to redeem the voucher code, kindly dial *18digitvouchercode# and then press the send button.
    This means type a * before the redeem code and a # at the end of the redeem code, with no spaces in between, and then press the send button.
    Now check your balance by dialling 187.
    The updated balance should display on your handset.

    If this did not help to resolve your issue, please contact us using the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  8.  

    Yes, simply go to https://www.hovos.com/hovos-travel-sim and scroll down to bundles tab page, select the bundle you want and dial code that shows just below the section. This will not work if you have a data SIM as you can not make calls on data SIM cards as they are data only.

  9.  

    Yes! If you do not manually select one of our preferred networks then your prepaid credit will be used instead of your data bundle. View all our preferred networks here https://www.hovos.com/hovos-roaming-partners

  10.  

    You can purchase as many bundles as you like but you can only have one active bundle for each area (i.e. one global bundle or one Europe bundle for example), as soon as the bundle has expired you will be able to activate another bundle.

  11.  

    Virtual Numbers refer to geographic landline numbers. These are numbers that start with an area code that is related to a specific location. For example, a number that is from London will start with +44(0)207. Users can dial this number at the cost of a local call and (if they are in the same country).

  12.  

    It is possible to have over 40 additional local numbers associated with your Hovos Travel SIM. Some countries require additional documentation to be supplied in order to set up a local number. This is a fraud prevention measure, and is required by regulation.

  13.  

    The cost of each number varies. The information page gives you an indication of how much each number costs per month. The longer you purchase a number for the cheaper it works out to per month. When you select the number on 'Hovos Travel SIM' page it will show you the total value of the purchase.

  14.  

    Outgoing call rates are exactly the same as making a regular call on your Hovos Travel SIM. To receive an incoming call on your Virtual number there is an additional charge of $0.15/min to your regular incoming call charges.

  15.  

    Yes. Once you have purchased a number and it shows in your account you can log in and change the Default Caller ID to any number you prefer. Then whenever you make an outgoing call the number you have selected will show. You can change Caller ID at any time.

  16.  

    Simply purchase a Virtual number which matches your country of residence. Then divert your existing mobile number to your virtual number (this would be the cost of calling a local number) and we forward all calls to your Hovos Travel SIM, so your contacts can continue to call your regular number whilst you travel the world. Please note, it is recommended to check with your mobile operator for any additional divert charges.

  17.  

    Numbers are usually assigned to your account/SIM instantly and can sometimes take up to 24 hours. Please allow this time to pass before you get in touch with us. There are some countries that require address proof. Please check your email in 24 hours after placing an order for a virtual number.

  18.  

    Yes, once a number appears in your account it is ready to use. You can start making and receiving calls at any time.

  19.  

    It is not possible to choose specific Virtual Numbers. Once your order has gone through a number will be generated and will show in your account. But you can choose for most numbers the area code.

  20.  

    If the expiry date passes and you have not renewed your number it will be unassigned. You can still purchase another number from the same country and city but you will be assigned a new number. We cannot retrieve lost numbers back to your account.

  21.  

    In order to stay in touch, you can forward all incoming calls from your Hovos Travel SIM number to any number. For example, when you return from your travels you may want to forward all calls to your local mobile. To do this, simply click on the forward option next to your UK number and enter the number you wish to forward all calls to. To cancel the forward, uncheck the box and confirm. Check here to see all call forwarding rates.

  22.  

    Your Virtual number is valid till the period you had purchased the number. You can check the expiry of your number by going to My Number Section under your account.

  23.  

    Yes, it is chargeable to receive calls on your Virtual numbers. To receive a call on your Virtual number there is an additional charge that will vary depending on where you are.

  24.  

    To find out whether your phone is 'network unlocked,' insert a SIM card from a different network into your phone. If it operates normally, it is unlocked. If not, you can ask your operator for an 'unlock code' which it is obliged to give you, though conditions and charges may apply.

    Alternatively you can unlock it yourself by taking your phone to an independent phone shop or by trying one of the independent unlocking websites.

  25.  

    To view your itemised billing and account history, simply log into your Hovos account online

    On Hovos Travel SIM page you will see your assigned numbers, balance, call history, billing history and other settings.

    If you have any further enquiries, please contact us using the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  26.  

    The Hovos Travel SIM number series include 07418, 07452

    Hovos Travel SIM numbers are UK mobile numbers. Hence the international code +44 applies.

    1. From most fixed lines dialling a Hovos Travel SIM number will be charged as a call to a mobile phone (BT landline: 12.5p/min peak, 4p/min off-peak).
    2. As mobile networks may levy different charges, it is best to check with your service provider about their charges.
    3. Although many mobile phone users have inclusive minutes with their existing network provider, some network providers may still charge you to call Hovos Travel SIM numbers. This decision is taken by each individual network provider to the exclusion of Hovos Travel SIM.
    4. It is the responsibility of the network provider to play a recorded message to alert their customer that the number that their customer is dialling is a chargeable call.

    If after checking with your network operator, you do find that calls to Hovos Travel SIM numbers are chargeable, then here are three easy ways to help you to overcome this:
    1. Hovos Travel SIM to Hovos Travel SIM calls are only 10p per minute. For further information, please visit our Tariffs and Coverage page.
    2. Register for free with https://www.cheaper-calls.com. Cheaper-Calls offer ultra-low international calling rates. Cheaper-Calls is a pin less dialling solution that enables you to make cheap international calls for less than 1p. The unique service saves you money by offering local numbers for each one of your international contacts. Cheaper-Calls to Hovos Travel SIM calls are only 12p per minute.
    3. Add a virtual number to your SIM card, then its the cost of calling a local number. Find out more here: https://www.hovos.com/hovos-travel-sim Please remember that the Hovos Travel SIM card will only work in 'unlocked' handsets. Your network operator or a mobile phone repair shop can unlock your handset for you.

    As a Hovos Travel SIM user, you will benefit from receiving free incoming calls on weekdays in over 90 countries and greatly reduced call rates while you are travelling and when you are at home. Save up to 85% on international roaming calls, data and SMS with a Hovos Travel SIM international SIM card.

    Please remember that the Hovos Travel SIM card will only work in ?unlocked? handsets. Your network operator or a mobile phone repair shop can unlock your handset for you.

  27.  

    To activate data, please create a new Access Point Name with the APN set as 'mobiledata' and save the profile as Hovos Travel SIM.

    Please ensure data roaming is enabled.

    Remember, that every time you change your location, you might have to confirgure the APN again as above.

  28.  

    If you would like to disable Data, please go into your handset data settings and follow the steps shown below:
    1. Disable data roaming or cellular data to prevent unwanted data sessions.
    2. Disable such software that updates automatically over the Internet, without the user being aware.

  29.  

    On the Home Screen

    Click Options
    Click Device
    Click Advanced System Settings
    Click TCP IP
    Select APN Settings Enabled and APN Authentication Enabled
    Type in the APN: 'mobiledata'
    Leave the Username and Password blank
    Press the Menu key and select Save

    Please install and use any external web browser using your 'BlackBerry App World' icon.

    The BBM service is normally supported by your standard network operator and therefore it will not work when using our service. If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need.

    To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention it in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  30.  

    Select 'Applications'
    Select 'Settings'
    Select 'Wireless and Network'
    Select 'Mobile Networks'
    Ensure that 'Use packet data' is ticked for UK profile, and for roaming 'Data Roaming' is ticked
    Select 'Access Point Name'
    Select 'Hovos Travel SIM' - if this isn't available then click on menu and select 'Add/Create/+ New APN)
    Set Name as 'Hovos Travel SIM' and APN as 'mobiledata'
    Leave all other fields blank
    Save the settings and restart the phone

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need.

    To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention it in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  31.  

    In the Homepage

    Select 'Settings'
    Depending on your operating system, select one of the following (as available)
    'Mobile Data/Mobile Networks/Cellular/Mobile.
    Enable 'Mobile Data
    Under Mobile Data Options Enable Data Roaming
    Scroll further down and select 'Mobile Data Network' set APN as 'mobiledata'
    Leave the username and password fields blank

    There is no need to change any of the other settings on this page
    Touch the 'Mobile' button as shown in the top left of your screen. Your settings will be saved. You can now select 'Use Mobile Data for' and complete your selection Exit screen.

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need. To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention it in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  32.  

    In the Homepage

    Select 'Settings'
    Depending on your operating system, select one of the following (as available)
    'Mobile Data/Mobile Networks/Cellular/Mobile.
    Enable 'Mobile Data
    Under Mobile Data Options Enable Data Roaming
    Scroll further down and select 'Mobile Data Network' set APN as 'mobiledata'
    Leave the username and password fields blank

    There is no need to change any of the other settings on this page
    Touch the 'Mobile' button as shown in the top left of your screen. Your settings will be saved. You can now select 'Use Mobile Data for' and complete your selection Exit screen.

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need. To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention it in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  33.  

    To set up a data connection, you will need to setup a new 'Access Point Name (APN)' on your mobile handset.
    APN = 'mobiledata'
    Leave the Username and Password fields blank.
    Leave other settings as default.
    Ensure that data roaming is active on your phone.

    Your phone may try to connect to your original network provider,
    Therefore, you may need to disable all other data connections including Wi-Fi.

  34.  

    Hovos Travel SIM is compatible with the majority of mobile phones purchased in the last four years. However your phone must be 'network unlocked' to use Hovos Travel SIM.

    Japan and South Korea: Hovos Travel SIM works in Japan. To use Hovos Travel SIM 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 two different 3G standards presently in use. To ensure that you have the correct handset for roaming in Japan, it is advisable that you check with either your current network operator, or preferably refer to their handset?s handbook to determine whether or not it is WCDMA 2100 compatible.

    Canada: Hovos Travel SIM works in Canada. To use Hovos Travel SIM in Canada and to register to the recommended Bell or Telus network provider, please be requested to use a 3G handset which supports 1900MHz band.

  35.  

    To change the Caller ID of your Hovos Travel SiM number from your UK mobile number to your US mobile number or vice versa, if you have not done so already, please dial the short codes shown below to activate the numbers on your sim.

    133 Return my UK number
    160 Return my US number

    If you would like to withhold your Caller ID, this can be arranged too.

    Please contact us using the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

    Once we have completed your request, the next time you make an outbound call, depending on your requirements, your number will either appear as withheld, or your Caller ID will appear as the US or UK number.

  36.  

    When powering up the phone, the SIM LOCATION menu will not normally appear.

    Please do not dial #988 to call the menu. Instead please follow the following guidance notes:

    1. Select 'Applications'
    2. Select 'Sim Services'
    3. Select 'Select Location' - in this case Global for example.
    4. Choose' Global' location and a message will appear 'refreshing sim data'
    5. Wait for operator signals.
    6. Start dialling always using '+' or '00' before the number.
    7. Message will appear 'Not allowed by sim' and call will be ended.
    8. A small message will appear 'contacting server' and then another message 'Request sent'
    9. Within 10 seconds an incoming call will be received, answer the call to be connected to your destination number.

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need.

    To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window with the specific actions that you have personally taken when attempting to self-resolve the issue you are experiencing.

  37.  

    Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) is a unique identifier (normally 9 characters long and in the format "ABC123456") used by some mobile network operators to facilitate mobile number portability (MNP). This allows users to retain their mobile telephone number when switching operators.

    Hovos Travel SIM numbers are non-transferrable neither to Hovos Travel SIM, nor from Hovos Travel SIM, nor within Hovos Travel SIM. If your Hovos Travel SIM is lost, stolen, or damaged, and a replacement sim is acquired by you, the replacement sim will arrive to you with a new number.

    The reason for this is that Hovos Travel SIM offers a specialised international roaming service that works on a call back system using special numbers. These numbers are not part of the mobile number portability scheme. Due to this reason, we are unable to provide you with a PAC code.

    As an alternative, you can set up call forwarding to and from your Hovos Travel SIM number. Network operator charges will apply.
    If you have any further enquiries, please contact us using the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  38.  

    To retrieve your PIN/PUK code, please contact us using the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window and we will send the code to your registered email address.
    Note that the PIN/PUK code cannot be changed to a more memorable number.

  39.  

    Use these short codes from your Hovos Travel SIM:

    133 Returns My UK Number
    160 Returns US Number
    154 Customer Services (chargeable)
    188 Disable Charge Notification
    189 Enable Charge Notification
    102 Call Divert On
    190 Top Up
    187 Balance Check
    121 Voicemail Retrieval
    122 Voicemail On
    125 Voicemail Status
    123 Voicemail Off
    103 Call Divert Off
    #988 Sim Card Location Menu

    For any reason, if you are not able to check your balance by dialing 187 or unable to check your numbers, then please dial *201*187# for checking balance and *201*133# to check your numbers.

  40.  

    If your sim is not used or topped up for 12 months, the sim will automatically be deactivated after 12 months from last use, and the mobile number and any unused credit will be lost.
    This is a requirement from the operator from a regulatory perspective.
    If this does happen, you may need to purchase a new sim from here: https://www.hovos.com/hovos-travel-sim

    If you do not use the SIM card to make at least one chargeable call within a period of 12 months this agreement may terminate automatically and shall be deemed to be terminated by you.

    The Services supplied under this agreement shall continue to be supplied for 12 months following your last use of the services provided, you have sufficient airtime except in the event that this agreement is terminated in accordance with conditions contained in this Agreement. At the end of such period the Services will cease to be available to You regardless as to how much, if any, unused airtime You may have remaining on your account.
    If you do not use the SIM card for a period of 12 months and the sim card isn't registered on our website, this agreement will terminate automatically and shall be deemed to be terminated by You. Any credit remaining on the sim card will be permanently lost and will not be refunded.

  41.  

    If you have irreparably damaged your sim, or your sim was lost or stolen, we would be happy to block your sim to prevent any unauthorized use. Furthermore we would be happy to provide you with a discount voucher code that can be used to purchase a replacement sim at a discounted price.

    As we are not able to transfer mobile numbers from one sim to another, your replacement sim will arrive to you with a new mobile number.

    To obtain a replacement sim, please contact us using the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window. Let us know what has happened to the original sim and that you would like the original sim blocked. Mention that you would like a replacement sim and a discount voucher code. We will block your original sim, and then provide you with a discount voucher code.

    Simply login online, and using your discount voucher code, proceed with purchasing a replacement sim.

    Once your replacement sim arrives in the post, contact us if you would like your balance transferred to your new sim.

  42.  

    Dial the short codes mentioned here to activate and deactivate your voicemail.
    122 Voicemail On
    123 Voicemail Off

    You will receive an on screen confirmation message that the new setting has been applied. However if you come out of this screen and return to it, it will appear as if the change you had made reverted to the former setting. In reality this is not the case. The latest setting you had selected has been applied on our system. You can test the latest setting by dialling your handset.

    If you have any further enquiries, please contact us using the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window.

  43.  

    For UK and Special Profiles

    When you are on the UK and Special profile setting, you can dial the number in the following format:
    If you are in the UK, to dial a UK local number: 02088192557
    To dial an international US number: 0012126609969
    For Global Profile

    When on the Global profile, Hovos Travel SIM uses call-back technology to ensure that you benefit from the lowest rates.
    To make a call, enter the number using the full country code and press dial. You will receive a brief 'call back' between dialling the number and being connected. See the following steps for more details:
    Dial your destination number for e.g. 00442088192557 and press dial.
    You will see a "Please Wait" message. The phone will then disconnect. Please note that different phones will display varied messages. Some may even say "call failed", "call rejected", or "sending a request". It is normal to receive these messages.
    Within a few seconds you will receive a 'call back' and your phone will ring.
    Answer the call and you will hear a message saying your call is being connected.
    You will be connected to the destination number.

  44.  

    If your call keeps disconnecting whilst you are in a call, please Remove the sim and battery. After 30 seconds, re insert the sim and battery. You may need to select the correct profile again.

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need.

    To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window with the specific actions that you have personally taken when attempting to self-resolve the issue you are experiencing.

  45.  

    Prior to reporting a technical issue, kindly check the following:

    1. Please ensure you are using an unlocked handset. Unlocked handsets can be used by any network provider's SIM.
    2. Remove the sim and battery. After 30 seconds, re insert the sim and battery.
    3. A Roaming Partner Network for the country you are roaming in.
    4. Check your balance by dialling '187'. You need to have a minimum balance of 1.00 to ensure calls can be received. To make calls, the minimum balance should cover the cost of calling your destination number. To receive SMS, you will need to have a credit balance on your sim. To send SMS you must have a minimum credit balance to cover the cost of sending an SMS.
    5. Check if there is a message centre number in your message settings. The correct SMSC address for all profiles is: '447624499970.' If this is missing or if there is a different SMSC address showing, then amend the SMSC address to: 447624499970 and save the new setting.

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need.

    To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, please contact Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window with the specific actions that you have personally taken when attempting to self-resolve the issue you are experiencing.

  46.  

    Prior to reporting a technical issue, kindly check the following:
    1. Please ensure you are using an unlocked handset. Unlocked handsets can be used by any network provider's SIM.
    2. Remove the sim and battery. After 30 seconds, re insert the sim and battery.
    3. Select the correct profile for the country you are roaming in. While in UK, select 'UK.' While in USA, Canada, Mexico and European Union use Special profile. In all other countries use ?Global.?
    4. Please be advised that the network operator that may appear on your handset may not be one that Hovos Travel SIM has a Roaming Partner Agreement with. To avoid unwanted service issues, and to benefit from our published pricing please select:
    I. 'Network Settings' on your handset and change the Network selection to 'Manual.'
    II. A Roaming Partner Network for the country you are roaming in. After the sim has registered to the network, check if you have good network coverage.
    5. Check your balance by dialling '187'. You need to have a minimum balance of 1.00 to ensure calls can be received. To make calls, the minimum balance should cover the cost of calling your destination number.
    6. Dial your destination number. While in UK, USA or Eurozone locations, UK numbers are to be dialled without the country code, whilst numbers for all other countries are to be dialled using the full international format (e.g. 00'country code''number'). On Global Location, all numbers (including UK numbers) are to be dialled with the full international format.

    If you have done this, yet your issue remains unresolved, we will do everything possible to give you the support that you need.

    To help us to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, we would be grateful if you would mention in the Hovos support from bottom-right corner of window with the specific actions that you have taken when attempting to self-resolve the issue you are experiencing.

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