How to avoid the holiday mobile bills blues this summer

07-07-2008 11:50

If you are sick of the huge costs of using your mobile whilst on holiday then the worry is finally over thanks to our top 10 tips.

With take-up of internet use on the move surging, travellers using devices such as the increasingly-popular wireless broadband "dongle" could be in for a costly shock due to the expense of downloading when overseas.

In January 2008, Ofcom urged the industry to take the initiative to reduce the cost of sending texts and downloading data whilst abroad, warning that if this did not happen further regulatory action at a European level may be needed.

A number of operators have since reduced their charges. However, Ofcom encourages mobile operators to continue to address this issue in the consumer's interest, so with that in mind, this advice is designed to help consumers make the most of the various mobile phone packages and offers available and keep bills down as they travel abroad.

Ten tips to keep mobile bills down whilst abroad

1. Enable your mobile phone: Check with your mobile provider that your phone has been enabled to use abroad. Operators are obliged to provide this information to customers.

2. Check your handset: Check with your mobile provider that your handset will work in the country you are travelling to.

3. Check the prices before you leave: Contact your mobile provider to check your tariff before you travel to help avoid unexpectedly high bills.