Don't get piste off when calling from abroad this winter

Brits venturing abroad this winter could be in for a nasty shock when they return home to their mobile phone bill.

However, for the savvy traveller this winter there are ways to keep the costs down. Some providers now offer international discount tariffs such as Orange's World Traveller Service or O2's International Traveller Service - cheaper alternatives when travelling worldwide.

Someone signing up to O2 ITS can make calls for 17p per minute instead of the standard rate of £1.37 per minute when calling from the USA. Vodafone passport can also offer great savings, they charge a connection fee of 64p then the rest of the call comes out of inclusive minutes or is charged at a domestic rate.

James Parker, manager of mobiles at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "Whether you're flying off to Lapland or hitting the ski slopes, the cost of using your mobile abroad can be significant. Before going away this winter you should always check with your operator how much calls, texts and data will cost and if there's a cheaper international tariff available while you're away.

"For frequent travellers, global SIM cards can be a cost effective option, allowing you to roam almost anywhere in the world with a single SIM, ideal for anyone travelling to several countries. If you regularly travel to one destination, it's worthwhile considering a local SIM card - they can help save a lot of money on your mobile bill."

With roaming caps in place in Europe, mobile users are getting a better deal than ever before, but texts and data charges are still significantly higher when using a phone overseas, including Europe.

Parker continues, "It's not just calls or texts that can be expensive outside the UK, the cost of downloading files or content can be significant. Just spending a little time finding out what the best option is when using your phone abroad can save you a fair amount of money."