Avoid the frost-byte of high mobile bills abroad this winter
moneysupermarket.com warns those jetting off on a winter getaway to avoid costly mobile bills, especially those with internet enabled handsets.
Mike Wilson, mobiles and broadband manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Those escaping for a winter holiday or celebrating Christmas abroad must remember that calls, messages and data will be charged at a much higher rate as inclusive minutes and texts with your operator become invalid as soon as you leave UK soil.
"My advice is to speak to your network provider before you jet off to ensure you are aware of how much calls, texts and internet use will set you back. Your provider should be able to give you a better understanding of how your tariff differs when away. I would also advise checking whether there is a cheaper international tariff available if you want to use your phone without returning to a hefty bill on the doorstep."
For travellers looking for a specific tariff to use when overseas one of the best deals is Vodafone Passport; it is free for all customers and allows you to make calls charged at the normal network rate. Customers can take advantage of up to sixty minutes call time for free in Europe and Australia, with a 75p connection charge. T-Mobile and Three offer good traveller rates with other providers also offering value for customers with flat rates for calls, texts and internet, for a small monthly fee.
In the last few years the popularity of smartphone handsets has gone through the roof. With more and more people wanting to get their hands on the most hi tech mobile devices there is more and more data being used not only by those conducting business through their phone but those wanting to keep up to date on social media and browse the web.
Mike Wilson continued: "Using mobile internet abroad on Smartphones such as iPhones and BlackBerrys have never been more poplar for leisure or for business use. You should make sure you have turned off data functions before setting off, to avoid any extra charges as you may not even be aware your phone is automatically roaming. In addition, unless you really need the internet access, keep downloading to a minimum to avoid high costs. Charges for mobile internet can be as low as £1 per MB from Vodafone and Virgin offers a ‘24 hour travel pass' rate of £6 should you need a day access of mobile internet."
moneysupermarket.com's top tips for using your phone abroad:
Make sure you're free to roam - Check with your network that you're on its roaming service. This can significantly cut your bill for overseas use.
Check the price per MB - Don't surf the internet blindly, check how much you'll pay for each MB before you fly and avoid any heavy downloading or streaming.
Turn your handset off - If you aren't using your phone then switch it off. You'll be charged to receive calls and texts, which will be pretty galling if they are sales calls!
It can be cheaper to talk - Sometimes, a quick phone call can cost less than a series of text messages when you're overseas.
Consider a local SIM card - If you do plan to spend your trip with your phone glued to your ear, it might be worth investing in a pay-as-you-go local SIM card for your stay. That will mean you'll be contactable in case of emergency but you won't be charged for receiving calls. It will also help you keep track of how much you're spending on your phone.