Mobile roaming charges

How to avoid overseas mobile costs

A worrying 66% of us are unwittingly leaving ourselves vulnerable to international roaming charges when we travel abroad simply by switching our mobile phones on in a new country. Unfortunately, the minute your phone has been detected on an overseas network, expensive roaming rates will start kicking in.

Even if you're careful with your mobile phone abroad and avoid making unnecessary calls, you can still be charged simply to receive a call or pick up a voicemail message. If you pick up voicemail while your phone is registered overseas, not only are you charged an overseas rate for the message being left, but you will be charged again to pick the message up.

What can I be charged for?

Our survey has found that out of 91% of you who take your mobile phones on holiday, 85% of you aren't sure of what you're being charged to use it. While most of you are aware that making calls abroad can cost a fortune, over 4 in 10 people have been shocked by expensive post-holiday phone bills.

If you do find you need to make phone calls abroad, the roaming charges can be hefty. EU guidelines state that the maximum amount a mobile phone provider can charge for services in Europe is:

  • 35p per minute to make phone calls
  • 11p per minute to receive phone calls
  • 11p to send a standard text message

(All charges exclude VAT)

However, during our survey, only 15% of people could correctly identify these maximum charges. 61% of you believe that receiving a text message while abroad costs you money, when this service is actually free.

How can I avoid international mobile roaming charges?

  • 'Know before you go' - beware of the charges you could be liable for
  • Switch your phone off in the UK and leave it off until you need it
  • Tell family and friends to only send you texts
  • Ask your mobile phone company to switch off your voicemail service while you're away
  • Ask your provider about a separate roaming package before you travel
  • Buy an international SIM card that lets you make cheaper calls abroad

Follow these simple tips and you can avoid the shock of a high phone bill on your return.

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