For people holidaying abroad this summer and taking their mobile phone with them should remember the mobile deal they have with their operator ends when they leave UK soil and that inclusive minutes and texts are invalid and calls, messages and data are charged at a much higher rate when you are abroad, warns
moneysupermarket.com.
The comparison site says Smartphones such as iPhones and BlackBerrys have never been more poplar and many people may be heading off abroad for the first time with their new gadget.
However, moneysupermarket.com says it is vital users be aware of the cost of using the data function on these devices before they jet off and even more crucial to understand how to turn this function off if they want to avoid these charges.
Many smartphones automatically update using data roaming so, to prevent users racking up a hefty bill unawares, moneysupermarket.com says this feature should be turned off altogether.
With roaming caps in place on the cost of calls and texts in Europe, mobile users are finally getting a better deal, says moneysupermarket.com. For those worried about high mobile bills from data usage while travelling in Europe, new rules from the EU are now in effect to set a cut-off point for the cost of data use.
The default is €50, which is generally enough to handle a dozen emails with attachments, keep up with Twitter and do some browsing, but you can speak to your provider before you leave to set an alternative amount (whether higher or lower) that will suit your usage.
But, this only applies to EU destinations; anyone travelling elsewhere will have to keep a close eye on costs and charges for using data roaming, says
moneysupermarket.com.
"The best advice to get a better understanding of how your tariff differs when you are abroad is to speak to your network provider before you escape the country to be sure how much calls, texts and internet use will set you back when you're away,” said Mike Wilson, mobiles and broadband manager at moneysupermarket.com.
“I would also advise checking whether there is a cheaper international tariff available if you want to use your phone without worrying about an expensive bill when you get home.
"One of the best deals for travellers is Vodafone Passport; it is free for all customers and allows you to make calls charged at the normal network rate, plus a 75p connection charge, in over 35 European countries as well as New Zealand and Australia.
“Orange and O2 also offer good traveller services offering flat rate costs for calls and texts, again for a small monthly fee.
"Holiday makers also need to be wary about using mobile Internet abroad. The general rule is that downloading should be kept to a minimum to avoid big costs.
“But if you really need Internet access, bear in mind the costs that come with it. Typical cost for mobile internet from.3 is £1.25 per MB and Orange offers ‘Travel Data Daily' rates of £2 for 2MB."
moneysupermarket.com's top tips for using your phone abroad:
• Check with your network that you are on its roaming tariff - this can save a significant amount of money on your mobile bill
• If you do need to use the internet on holiday, check the price per MB before you go and avoid any heavy downloading or streaming
• Turn your phone off when you are not using it to avoid being charged to receive calls
• Turn the data roaming/internet services option of your phone off when you are away to avoid charges for automatic downloads/updates
• 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
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