International calling

There are several ways you can call an international number from your mobile:

Through your normal network operator

Using your normal network operator can prove very expensive, as call charges are typically high. However, many network operators offer special deals for calling abroad where you can get a significantly cheaper rate. Always check call rates before you dial to avoid any nasty surprises when the bill arrives.

Sending texts abroad are usually set at a fixed rate depending on the destination – check with your network operator.

Using a prefix access number

The most common way to dial abroad for free, or for a cheaper pence per minute rate than that of your standard network operator, is by using a prefix number that you dial directly before dialling the international number you wish to call.

Just like with home phones, there are independent telecom providers that offer services for making cheap international calls. Some of these will allow you to have the cost of the call as part of your inclusive minutes on your pay monthly tariff, providing cross network minutes are part of your deal. This works because the access number you dial is a UK number and therefore comes under the inclusive allowance.

Watch out though – many of these telecom providers that offer cheap international calls, whilst claiming to have amazingly low pence per minute rates, actually have rather a lot of hidden charges – look out for connection charges; joining fees; administration fees; charges if you don’t use the service for a certain amount of time and credit expiry dates.

Vouchers or calling cards

In much the same way as a top-up voucher works for pay as you go customers, you can also buy vouchers specifically for making international calls, which give you cheaper rates than the standard rate from your network operator. Again, watch out for hidden charges and make sure you read all the small print before making any hasty decisions.

If your friend is abroad, you’re in the UK and you really need to get hold of them, you can call their mobile (provided they have roaming set up to receive calls) and the rate you will pay to make the call will be the same as though they were in the UK. However, when abroad, you have to pay to receive calls so your friend might not appreciate receiving a call that costs them £1 or so per minute (rates vary but they’re always very expensive) so only call if it’s urgent and a text won’t suffice.

If you’re abroad with your friend and lose them on the beach and need to call to find out where they are, you’ll have to pay your network’s roaming charges and your friend will also have to pay to receive the call – so it’s best if you just try hard not to lose each other.

International roaming is the condition of using your mobile while abroad. All network operators have agreements in place with foreign network operators, which allow you to make and receive calls, send and pick up text messages as well as use some of the other mobile services. The exact services available and the charges for their use vary between operators.

When you use your phone abroad, the foreign network provider sends a bill to your operator – this is called a wholesale charge. Your network then charges you for your usage whilst abroad. International roaming agreements are quite complex and wholesale charges can vary depending on a wide range of factors.

Calls and text messages can cost much more if you use your mobile abroad, especially if you have a prepay service. Unlike at home, it is likely you will also normally have to pay to receive calls and to pick up voicemail when abroad. What you are charged and the services available can vary according to which country you are in.

Find out what your network operator charges you for using your mobile abroad. If you’re not happy, see what alternatives your network offers – all UK mobile operators have a range of available tariffs, particularly around holiday periods where special offers are often available.

If you are still unhappy, it may be worthwhile considering an alternative network operator, or try some of our roaming tips.

• Consider switching from a pay as you go to a pay monthly contract tariff. If you travel frequently, the monthly line rental cost may be offset by cheaper roaming rates
• Many operators offer discounted tariffs for roaming calls, consider whether switching to one of these tariffs would reduce total call costs whilst roaming
• Request that incoming calls are diverted directly to your voicemail (or to someone in the UK) and do not access your voicemail whilst abroad
• Use text messages instead of making voice calls; although be aware that exchanging information using more than one text message might prove more costly, although receipt of text messages whilst abroad is usually (but not always) free of charge
• Consider sending emails via internet cafes or Wi-Fi centres
• Consider using local payphones (but check their rates first)
• Replace the UK SIM card in your phone with a local SIM card which can be purchased in the country you’re visiting, or sometimes even in the UK before you go
• Consider buying or renting a different mobile phone when you reach your destination