These days, your mobile phone is almost an extension of your arm! When you use your phone so much at home, it’s natural to want to do the same when you are on your holiday. Using your mobile phone in a different country however can be a bit of a minefield; that’s why I have collated some useful information to help you out when using your mobile phone abroad…
Mobile roaming charges reduced in the EU
The biggest downside to using your mobile phone abroad is the potential for a large and rather unwelcome phone bill landing on your door mat when you arrive home.
The good news is that these costs have recently been capped so there is always a maximum cost per minute, per text and per MB of data when you use your mobile phone in any EU country. This will help you to keep track of your costs when you are on holiday.
The new maximum costs, as of 1st July 2013, are as follows:
• €0.24 (£0.20p) per minute for making a phone call
• €0.05 (£0.04p) for receiving calls
• €0.08 (£0.7p) for sending texts
• €0.45 (£0.37.5p) per MB for data while travelling abroad
Reports also suggest that mobile roaming charges in the EU could be scrapped altogether by 1st July 2014! If and when this comes into effect, it will mean that you can use your mobile phone abroad for the same cost as you can at home in the UK, which will be welcome news to plenty of holidaymakers.
Finding out how much it will cost you for using your mobile phone abroad
Although the mobile roaming charges have been capped, the actual cost of using your mobile phone abroad can still vary between each network. That’s why I would advise you check with your network provider directly on their website to verify how much they charge under these new guidelines. This is especially recommended if you are travelling outside of the EU as this is when fees can really spiral out of control. If you are still unsure, why not contact them?
Here are some handy links to help you get started:
Three | Vodafone | Orange | EE (T Mobile) | O2 | Tesco Mobile | Virgin Mobile
Many networks also provide the option to cap your data usage, so if you reach your maximum you will no longer be able to use your mobile phone unless you contact them to increase your limit. Again, this ensures that you will keep on top of how much you are spending.
Investigate directly with your network about any add-ons which may be beneficial for you when you are away too. A prime example is the ‘Vodafone Eurotraveller; which currently costs £3 per day but allows you to use your minutes, texts and internet allowance as if you were in the UK. Orange and EE/T Mobile also offer similar add-ons but you will need to weigh up if it’s the right choice for you and the way you use your mobile phone.
Other bite size tips for using your mobile phone abroad
• If you don’t want any unexpected charges whatsoever, you will need to ensure you switch off 3G and data roaming on your phone before you leave the UK. If you aren’t sure if this is applicable to you; go into your mobile phone settings and look for the Wireless or Internet sub setting then un-tick the data roaming and 3G options. Alternatively, visit your local mobile phone network shop or telephone your network provider and a member of staff should be able to assist you. If you want to use the internet, wait until you are in a public area or an internet café and connect to the free Wifi instead!
• Be prepared and download any maps you think you might need before you travel to your destination. This way you won’t need to use any data and you won’t have to rely on locating a free Wifi signal when you are lost in the middle of nowhere.
• Receiving voicemails can end up costing you money and unfortunately, receiving them is outside of your control if the service is activated on your mobile phone. To be sure, switch off your voicemail service before you leave home.
• Another popular option to avoid a hefty bill is to buy a local SIM card when you arrive. You will need to ensure your phone is unlocked before doing so, but buying a local SIM can have real benefits, particularly if you are travelling outside of the EU.
