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Saint Barthelemy Roaming Tips: Save Money on Data Abroad (2026)

The 30-second answer

Disable data roaming before landing in Saint Barthelemy. Use an eSIM on Orange for $43.34/20GB instead of $10/day carrier roaming. Saves $27 over 7 days.

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June 2026 verified1+ networksFrom $5.705 providers comparedUpdated June 2026
Pre-Departure

Before You Land

Pick the Right Data Plan

Match your plan to your trip length. A 1GB eSIM covers light use for 7 days at $5.70. For heavy use, unlimited daily plans start at $5.65/day.

eSIM plans for Saint Barthelemy by trip length
Trip LengthRecommendedCost
3-5 days1GB$5.70
3-5 days3GB$16
7-10 days5GB$22.66
7-10 days10GB$32.56
14+ days20GB$43.34

Compare all eSIM providers for Saint Barthelemy

Phone Preparation Checklist

  • Install your eSIM over home WiFi
  • Download offline maps for Saint Barthelemy
  • Enable WiFi Calling on your phone
  • Turn off automatic app updates over cellular
  • Charge a portable battery pack
  • Save Saint Barthelemy's emergency number: 15/17/18

Download These Apps First

  • Offline maps: Google Maps or Maps.me for Saint Barthelemy
  • Translation: Google Translate language pack
  • Currency: converter app for EUR

Know Your Carrier's Rates

AT&T: $10/day (auto-triggered). Verizon: $10/day (2GB cap). T-Mobile: free at 256 Kbps (too slow for maps). Without any plan: $2.05/MB. Know these numbers so you can calculate what you are saving.

Arrival

At the Airport

When to Activate Your eSIM

After clearing customs at Saint Barthelemy's airport, before leaving the terminal. Do not enable your eSIM during layovers. Each country your phone connects to triggers a separate carrier charge. Your eSIM plan timer starts at first network connection.

First Connection Test

  1. Open your browser and load any page to confirm data works
  2. Check the status bar for Orange carrier name
  3. Verify your home SIM still receives calls
  4. Run a speed test at fast.com
iPhone

iPhone Roaming Settings for Saint Barthelemy

iPhone 14 and newer models sold in the US are eSIM-only. Both SIM slots are digital. Open Settings > Cellular to see your installed lines. Tap your home carrier line (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). Turn off Data Roaming under Cellular Data Options. This one toggle prevents the $10/day charge on Orange in Saint Barthelemy. Next, install a Saint Barthelemy travel e SIM: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider or use the provider's app. After installation, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the travel eSIM as your data line. Your home carrier stays active for calls and texts. The eSIM handles all data on Orange at $5.70 for 1GB. Over 7 days, this saves $64.30 versus AT&T Day Pass.

Samsung

Samsung Roaming Settings for Saint Barthelemy

Samsung One UI includes a Roaming quick tile in the notification shade. Swipe down twice from the top of your Galaxy S24 or S25. Find the Roaming tile (may need to edit tile layout: tap the pencil icon and drag Roaming into your active tiles). Tap the tile to toggle roaming OFF on your home carrier before landing at the airport. This is the fastest one-tap method on any Android phone. For eSIM installation: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Scan the provider's QR code. Set the e-SIM as your mobile data line. The quick tile confirms roaming status at a glance: OFF on your home carrier, data flowing through Orange on your eSIM at $5.70 for 1GB.

Pixel

Pixel Roaming Settings for Saint Barthelemy

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 on Android 15: open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. Tap your home carrier (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). Toggle Roaming OFF. This prevents the $10/day charge on Orange in Saint Barthelemy. Install a travel eSIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM (or download from your provider's app). After scanning the QR code, return to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and tap the new e-SIM entry. Set it as your mobile data SIM. Your home carrier handles calls and texts. The eSIM handles all data on Orange at $5.70 for 1GB. Pixel phones support per-SIM roaming toggles, so roaming stays OFF on your home carrier and ON for the eSIM simultaneously.

Dual SIM

Dual SIM Configuration for Saint Barthelemy

Dual-SIM configuration for Saint Barthelemy: home SIM for calls and texts via WiFi Calling, eSIM for data on Orange. VoIP services (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Zoom) work without restrictions over the eSIM connection. This means you have three calling options: WiFi Calling on your home SIM (domestic rates), VoIP apps over eSIM data (free), and traditional carrier calls (avoid: $1-3/minute). Set your home SIM's Data Roaming to OFF. Set the e SIM as your data line with roaming ON. Enable WiFi Calling on your home SIM. All three calling methods work. AT&T's $10/day charge does not trigger because data roaming is disabled on the home line. The eSIM costs $5.70 for 1GB on Orange.

WiFi Calling

WiFi Calling Setup for Saint Barthelemy

WiFi Calling and emergency calls in Saint Barthelemy: emergency calls (15/17/18) always route through the strongest available cellular network, regardless of your WiFi Calling or eSIM settings. This means emergency calls work even if your home SIM has data roaming OFF and your eSIM has no remaining data. Enable WiFi Calling for regular calls: iPhone Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling ON. Keep your eSIM active on Orange for data at $5.70 for 1GB. Use WiFi Calling for voice at domestic rates. For emergencies, dial 15/17/18 directly. The call routes through Orange or any available network without a data plan, eSIM, or WiFi connection. Save 15/17/18 in your contacts before departure.

Background Data

Background App Settings for Saint Barthelemy

Background App Refresh (iPhone)

Settings > General > Background App Refresh

Disable globally or per-app. Background refresh on Orange in Saint Barthelemy consumes 50-200 MB/day without you opening any app. At $2.05/MB without a roaming plan, that is $102-410/day in silent charges. With an eSIM, this data counts against your plan. Disable for social media, news, and shopping apps. Keep enabled for Maps and messaging.

Mail Fetch vs Push (iPhone)

Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data

Switch from Push to Fetch (every 30 minutes or Manual). Push email checks Orange's network every 15-60 seconds in Saint Barthelemy. At AST (UTC-4) timezone, overnight pushes sync while US colleagues send daytime emails. Fetch reduces email data by 60-80% compared to Push. Each push check: 0.5-2 MB.

iCloud Photos cellular upload (iPhone)

Settings > Photos > Cellular Data OFF

iCloud uploads every photo to the cloud over cellular by default. After a day of sightseeing in Saint Barthelemy, 50-200 photos queue for upload overnight. Each high-res photo: 3-8 MB. Total overnight upload on Orange: 150-1,600 MB. At $2.05/MB: $307-3,280 without a plan. With an eSIM, this drains your data balance. Upload photos manually on hotel WiFi instead.

Data Saver (One UI) (Samsung)

Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Data Saver ON

Samsung Data Saver restricts background data for all apps except whitelisted ones. Whitelist Maps, your messaging app, and your eSIM provider app. Block background data for social media, streaming, and news. This reduces background consumption on Orange in Saint Barthelemy by 30-50%. Your eSIM data lasts longer without manual intervention.

Auto-sync toggle (Samsung)

Settings > Accounts and Backup > Manage Accounts > Auto Sync Data OFF

Auto-sync pushes email, contacts, calendar, and app data over Orange in Saint Barthelemy. Disabling auto-sync stops all account synchronization on cellular. Sync manually on hotel WiFi. Re-enable auto-sync when you return home. This single toggle prevents the largest category of background data usage on Samsung devices.

Adaptive Battery and data (Pixel)

Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery ON

Pixel's Adaptive Battery restricts background activity for infrequently used apps. In Saint Barthelemy, this reduces unnecessary data consumption on Orange without manual app-by-app management. Keep Adaptive Battery ON. It learns your usage pattern and limits background data for apps you rarely open while traveling.

Set data warning and limit (Pixel)

Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > eSIM > Data Warning & Limit

Set a data warning at 80% of your eSIM plan and a hard limit at 95%. Pixel shows a notification when you approach the warning threshold. The hard limit stops cellular data before you exceed your plan in Saint Barthelemy. This prevents overage charges on prepaid eSIM plans and unexpected top-up costs on Orange.

Automatic App Downloads (iPhone)

Settings > App Store > App Downloads: toggle OFF for cellular

A single app update runs 50-500 MB. At $2.05/MB on Orange in Saint Barthelemy: $102-1,025 per update without a plan. With an eSIM, one update can consume 10-50% of a small data plan. Disable automatic downloads. Update apps manually on hotel WiFi only. Check for updates before departure so critical apps are current.

Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode Sequence for Saint Barthelemy

After landing at the airport, verify your dual-SIM configuration before disabling Airplane Mode. Check list: (1) Home SIM Data Roaming OFF. (2) eSIM set as Cellular Data line. (3) eSIM Data Roaming ON (allows Orange connection). iPhone: Settings > Cellular > verify both lines. Samsung: Settings > SIM Manager > verify both lines. Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > verify both. Only after confirming all three settings: disable Airplane Mode. Your phone connects to Orange through the e SIM at $5.70 for 1GB. If any setting is wrong, Airplane Mode keeps you safe. Fix the setting, then disable Airplane Mode. Zero risk of a $10 AT&T trigger.

Data Tracking

Data Usage Monitoring in Saint Barthelemy

Reset your iPhone data counter before activating your eSIM in Saint Barthelemy. Settings > Cellular > scroll to the bottom > Reset Cellular Statistics. This gives you a clean baseline for tracking eSIM usage on Orange. A 20GB plan over 7 days means a daily budget of 2.9 GB. Check Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Usage daily to stay under budget. iOS does not reset automatically. Set a daily alarm to check consumption. If you hit 80% of your plan with days remaining, enable Low Data Mode and offload streaming to hotel WiFi. Top up through your eSIM provider's app if the balance drops to zero.

Country-Specific

Saint Barthelemy-Specific Device Settings

Switch email from Push to Fetch in Saint Barthelemy. The AST (UTC-4) timezone means US business hours overlap with your nighttime. Push email checks Orange's network every 15-60 seconds while you sleep. Each check costs 0.5-2 MB at $2.05/MB without a plan. iPhone: Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data > switch to Every 30 Minutes or Manually. Android: open your email app Settings > Sync frequency > Every 30 Minutes or Manual.

Device Guides

Turn Off Roaming: Saint Barthelemy Device Guide

iPhone

To turn off roaming on iPhone before visiting Saint Barthelemy, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and toggle Data Roaming off.

With Data Roaming off, your iPhone will not connect to Orange's network through your US carrier. WiFi still works normally. To use mobile data, add a travel eSIM: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Choose 20GB on Orange for $43.34.

Samsung

Samsung users visiting Saint Barthelemy should disable roaming at Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks. Then install an eSIM through SIM Manager.

After disabling Data Roaming on Samsung, also turn off Auto Sync in Settings > Accounts. This prevents background data from consuming your eSIM allowance during your 7-day trip to Saint Barthelemy.

Pixel

To turn off roaming on Google Pixel before visiting Saint Barthelemy, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > select your carrier > toggle Roaming off.

With Roaming disabled, your Pixel phone will not bill through your carrier in Saint Barthelemy. Add a travel eSIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM. Scan the QR code for 20GB on Orange at $43.34.

Data Guide

Getting Data in Saint Barthelemy

Best Way to Get Data

The best way to get data in Saint Barthelemy is a travel eSIM on Orange — 20GB for $43.34, activated before you land.

Local SIMs are available at the airport but require queuing. An eSIM skips the counter entirely. You buy it online, scan a QR code, and connect to Orange's 5G network. The 20GB plan costs $43.34 and lasts your entire 7-day trip.

  1. Check that your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Pixel 3+).
  2. Buy a Saint Barthelemy eSIM: 20GB on Orange for $43.34.
  3. Scan the QR code: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Samsung).
  4. Disable carrier data roaming to prevent simultaneous charges.
  5. Land in Saint Barthelemy with data already active on Orange.

An eSIM costs $43.34 vs carrier roaming at $70 or airport SIM at $15-25+.

Do You Need an eSIM?

You need mobile data in Saint Barthelemy for maps, translation, and ride-hailing. An eSIM provides it for $43.34/20GB. Without one, you rely on WiFi or pay $10/day carrier roaming.

Three reasons travelers choose eSIMs for Saint Barthelemy: 1) No SIM swap or passport registration. 2) 20GB on Orange for $43.34 total. 3) Your home number stays active for calls and texts.

With an eSIM, a 7-day trip to Saint Barthelemy costs $43.34 for data. Carrier roaming costs $70.

Key Tip

Top Roaming Tip for Saint Barthelemy

✓ Pro tip

Disable data roaming before landing in Saint Barthelemy. Use an eSIM on Orange for $43.34/20GB instead of $10/day carrier roaming. Saves $27 over 7 days.

Daily Tips

During Your Stay

Stretch Your Data

  • Use WiFi for downloads and streaming
  • Keep video quality at 480p on cellular
  • Disable auto-play on social media feeds
  • Use offline maps for navigation
  • Compress photos before uploading

Tethering and Hotspot

Share your eSIM data with travel companions via Personal Hotspot. Most eSIM providers allow tethering. Holafly supports it on all plans. Airalo supports it on most plans. Battery drains faster with hotspot enabled.

Top Up If You Run Out

Buy more data through the provider app. Or purchase a second eSIM. Switch to unlimited daily at $5.65/day for worry-free data. eSIM installation refresher →

Watch Out

Mistakes that cost travelers in Saint Barthelemy

The Push Notification Trap

! One notification = $10

One push notification triggers AT&T's $10 daily charge. Weather widgets, email sync, WhatsApp pings. The charge resets at midnight Eastern, not Saint Barthelemy local time.

The WiFi Drop Trap

Walking out of hotel WiFi range triggers a carrier connection on Orange. One webpage load on your home SIM costs $10. Keep home SIM data roaming OFF.

The Background Sync Trap

iCloud backup overnight at per-MB rates: $1,025-2,099. A single app update (200 MB): $410. Photo sync and email attachment downloads add up fast. Disable all background sync on your home SIM before departure.

The Departure Day Trap

Carrier charges apply on departure day. Your phone connects to Orange at Saint Barthelemy's airport during check-in, triggering an extra $10 charge. Disable roaming on your home SIM before leaving your hotel.

The Transit Layover Trap

Each country layover triggers a separate $10/day charge. A flight with one layover means two countries, two charges. Keep airplane mode on during all layovers.

More Mistakes to Avoid

1

WiFi Assist left on

iOS WiFi Assist automatically switches to cellular when hotel WiFi weakens. In Saint Barthelemy, this routes data through your home SIM on Orange, triggering AT&T's $10/day charge mid-session. Disable WiFi Assist under Settings > Cellular before departure.

2

iCloud backup over cellular

iCloud backs up overnight using any available data connection. A 500 MB backup at $2.05/MB costs over $1,000 on Orange in Saint Barthelemy. Disable iCloud backup on cellular in Settings > Cellular before landing.

3

Day pass midnight reset misunderstood

AT&T's $10/day pass resets at midnight AST (UTC-4) time — not local time in Saint Barthelemy. Landing at 10pm local time can trigger two separate $10 charges before you sleep. An eSIM on Orange at $5.70 has no midnight reset.

Save More

Money-Saving Tricks

eSIM Stacking

Visiting multiple countries? Buy a regional eSIM instead of per-country plans. Airalo offers Asialink, Eurolink, and other regional options. Delete expired profiles to free eSIM slots on your phone.

WiFi Calling for Free Voice

Use WiFi Calling on your home number for free inbound and outbound calls. iPhone: Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling. Android: Settings > Network > WiFi Calling. Works alongside your eSIM data. No per-minute carrier roaming charges.

Offline Everything

Download before departure: maps, translation packs, entertainment (Netflix and Spotify offline mode), boarding passes, and hotel confirmations. This reduces daily data usage from 1.5 GB to under 500 MB.

Family and Group Savings

✓ Family savings math

4 phones × $10/day × 7 days = $280 carrier cost. 4 eSIMs at $5.70 each = $22.80. Savings: $257.20. Or share one eSIM via hotspot for even more savings.

Common questions

Everything you asked about roaming in Saint Barthelemy roaming tips

How do I turn off data roaming on my iPhone for Saint Barthelemy?

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it off. Do this before boarding. Once your phone detects Orange's tower in Saint Barthelemy, AT&T charges $10/day the instant any data crosses the connection. On Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming (off). After disabling roaming, install your Saint Barthelemy eSIM while still on home WiFi. Set the eSIM as your data line before landing. Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles all data without touching your carrier plan.

A typical smartphone performs 15 background syncs per hour, each transferring 3-5 MB. That is 45-75 MB/hour in invisible data usage. At AT&T's $2.05/MB roaming rate on Orange, 8 hours of sleeping with roaming enabled costs $738-1,230. Even with AT&T Day Pass ($10/day), data caps at 2 GB can trigger overage throttling. Common background consumers: iCloud sync (50 MB/day), Google Drive (30 MB/day), email accounts (20 MB/day), push notifications (10 MB/day), and app updates (100+ MB when queued). Disable all background activity before arriving in Saint Barthelemy or install an eSIM at $5.70 and let apps sync at flat-rate pricing.

Your phone connects to Orange and AT&T charges $2.05/MB without a plan. A single 50 MB background sync costs over $100. With AT&T International Day Pass, you pay $10 the moment any data is used, even a push notification. Act immediately: turn on Airplane Mode, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and switch it off, then disable Airplane Mode. Your home SIM resumes voice and SMS without data. Install an eSIM ($5.70 for 1GB on Orange) to restore data access. Call your carrier within 48 hours because AT&T and Verizon both waive first-time roaming overcharges if reported in the same billing cycle.

An eSIM gives you complete control over data spending in Saint Barthelemy. Carrier roaming charges start automatically when your phone connects to Orange. You cannot predict the final bill until it arrives. An eSIM at $43.34 for 20GB sets a fixed maximum cost. When the data runs out, it stops. No surprise charges, no auto-renewal, no per-MB billing. You can top up with additional data if needed. Carrier roaming has no spending cap by default. AT&T Day Pass caps data at 2 GB/day but charges $10 regardless of usage.

AT&T International Day Pass charges $10/day in Saint Barthelemy, totaling $70 for a 7-day trip. Verizon TravelPass costs the same $10/day. Without a day pass, AT&T pay-per-use rates reach $2.05/MB, so a 50 MB Google Maps session costs over $100. T-Mobile includes free international data but throttles to 256 Kbps, which is too slow for navigation or video calls. A travel eSIM connects to Orange starting at $5.70 for 1 GB with no daily activation fee and no per-MB overages.

Use both. WiFi Calling routes calls through your home carrier over WiFi, using your home minutes. It is free on most US carrier plans. The limitation: WiFi Calling only works when connected to WiFi, not mobile data. An eSIM on Orange at $5.70 gives you mobile data everywhere. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime over eSIM data for calls when WiFi is unavailable. Enable WiFi Calling before departure: iPhone Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling. When on hotel WiFi, calls route free through your home carrier. When on mobile data, use WhatsApp calls through the eSIM.

Do not suspend for trips under 30 days. Suspending your home SIM disables calls, texts, and SMS verification codes. You lose the ability to receive two-factor authentication codes from banks and apps. For trips of 1-4 weeks, keep your home SIM active with data roaming off. Incoming call costs ($1.00-1.29/minute) are minimal if you let most calls go to voicemail. For trips over 30 days, consider T-Mobile's Military/Suspend plan ($10/month to hold your number) or AT&T Suspend ($10/month). Your eSIM on Orange at $5.70 handles all data regardless of home SIM status. Port your number to Google Voice ($20 one-time) for permanent VoIP access.

Most travel eSIMs for Saint Barthelemy connect to Orange and Dauphin Telecom as the primary network, with automatic fallback to secondary carriers if the primary signal is weak. Your phone selects the strongest available tower. This multi-carrier support means better coverage than a single-network physical SIM. When roaming with AT&T or Verizon, you are locked to their specific roaming partner. The eSIM's ability to connect to multiple Saint Barthelemy carriers provides wider coverage at $5.70/GB versus $10/day for limited carrier roaming.

Yes. WiFi Calling lets you make and receive calls using your home number over any WiFi network without roaming charges. On iPhone: Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling > toggle on. On Android: Settings > Connections > WiFi Calling > toggle on. Test it at home before departure. With WiFi Calling active in Saint Barthelemy, incoming calls ring through WiFi instead of Orange's roaming network. Combined with an eSIM for data ($5.70), you have full phone functionality at zero carrier roaming cost. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all support WiFi Calling. Check with your carrier to confirm it works for international destinations.

Carrier roaming charges are nearly impossible to reverse after the first billing cycle. AT&T may waive first-time overcharges as a "courtesy credit" within 48 hours. Verizon offers similar one-time adjustments. After that, charges from Orange are final. Day Pass charges are non-refundable because they are classified as "used" once triggered. With an eSIM at $43.34 for 20GB, your maximum cost is fixed at purchase. If the eSIM does not activate, most providers refund within 14-30 days. The financial risk of an eSIM is $43.34; the risk of carrier roaming is uncapped.

The fastest test: borrow a SIM card from a friend on a different carrier and insert it. If your phone shows signal bars and connects, it is unlocked. For eSIM specifically, check your phone settings. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (if the option exists, eSIM is supported). Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. If neither option appears, your phone either does not support eSIM or is carrier-locked. Call your carrier (611) to verify. Do this at least 1 week before traveling to Saint Barthelemy. Unlocked phones connect to Orange via eSIM at $5.70.

Yes. Running a personal hotspot while on cellular data drains battery 2-3x faster than normal use. Expect 3-5 hours of hotspot use before needing to charge (versus 8-12 hours of normal phone use). The phone maintains both the cellular connection to Orange and the WiFi broadcast to connected devices, doubling radio usage. Bring a portable battery pack or keep your phone plugged in while tethering. On iPhone, battery optimization (Settings > Battery > Battery Health > Optimized Battery Charging) helps but does not prevent rapid drain. Factor battery into your Saint Barthelemy travel kit alongside the eSIM at $5.70.

Gather evidence before calling your carrier. Screenshot Settings > Cellular > Current Period Roaming (iPhone) or Settings > Data Usage (Android) to show the data volume used. Download your carrier app and export the itemized bill showing each charge from Orange in Saint Barthelemy. Save your travel itinerary and flight confirmation to prove your dates in Saint Barthelemy. Note the exact dollar amount disputed and the date it appeared on your account. Write down the name and employee ID of every carrier agent you speak with. This documentation package gives you a complete record if the dispute escalates to the FCC or a credit card chargeback.

Yes. Your phone scans for available carriers and attaches to Orange automatically the moment it detects a stronger signal from Saint Barthelemy. This happens without any confirmation from you. AT&T International Day Pass activates instantly at that moment and charges $10 for the calendar day. Verizon TravelPass does the same. You do not need to open an app or make a call. The Day Pass triggers on a single background sync: an email push, a location ping, or an app update check. Enable Airplane Mode before crossing and install an eSIM at $5.70 to prevent automatic carrier switching.

Save money on data abroad

Save money on data in Saint Barthelemy.

A 1GB eSIM costs $5.70 on Orange. AT&T charges $70 for the same 7 days.

Compare eSIM providers →Full prevention guide →
Sarah ChenRoaming Charges Analyst
205 countries6 carriers tracked

Former consumer pricing analyst at J.D. Power covering wireless carrier satisfaction surveys

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