Don't get burnt by mobile phone charges this summer

With holiday season in full swing and the school break fast approaching, moneysupermarket.com advises how to make the most of your mobile phone abroad and avoid the traps when using internet enabled handsets or dongles.

Make the most of your mobile

James Parker, manager of mobiles and broadband at moneysupermarket.com, said: "There is good news for holidaymakers in Europe this summer. The latest wave of roaming caps came into place on July 1st 2009 bringing down the costs of calls and texts throughout the EU. However, there are sill traps to look out for.

"Calls and texts abroad don't come out of your bundle so the cost of using your mobile abroad can be expensive, particularly outside the EU. People need to spend a little time looking at roaming plans as they could save you a lot of money.

"Vodafone Passport is free for all customers until the end of August, allowing users to make calls at their normal rate in 35 countries including most of Europe and in Australia. O2 also offer a good deal with My Europe Extra which, for £10 p/m, will bring rates down to 11p per text, 25p per minute and allows you to receive calls for free. O2 International Traveller Service (ITS) offers a similar deal to those travelling the USA and Australia."

Avoid the internet traps

"If you're going away this summer and thinking about using the internet on your phone, think twice. Those who have internet access on their phone and pay a set price for using it in the UK should be aware using the internet abroad is not included. There have been cases where people have racked up thousands of pounds on their phone bill, just by using mobile internet abroad and assuming it's included in their call package.

"Using a dongle abroad can be equally as expensive costing up to £7.50 per MB. If you really can't do without internet access on holiday then Vodafone are currently offering a deal of £9.99 for 24 hours of internet access up to 50MB in Europe, Australia and the USA, and 3 are offering the best roaming rates in the EU at £1.25 per MB.

"Another good option is to look at getting a local SIM card that allows you access to the internet at a local rate, although an internet café is probably still the best option."

moneysupermarket.com's top tips

Check with your network that you are on its roaming service

If you do need to use the internet on holiday, check the price per MB before you go

Turn your phone off when you are not using it to avoid being charged to receive calls/ texts

Remember that a quick call can be cheaper than a series of texts

If you regularly visit the same place consider getting a local SIM card