Holiday Rentals News - Ofcom issues tips to reduce mobile phone bills when abroad

Ofcom issues tips to reduce mobile phone bills when abroad

Ofcom have issued ten top tips to reduce mobile phone bills when using your mobile abroad. Ofcom's tips also include advice on using a mobile internet service abroad.

The advice has been designed to help users after various consumers contacted them with reports of "bill shock". As a result, Ofcom has issued the following tips:

1. Enable your mobile phone - check with your mobile phone provider that your phone has been enabled to use abroad.
2. Check your handset - check with your provider that your handset will work in the country you are travelling to.
3. Check the tariff before you leave - this should help you avoid unexpectedly high bills.
4. Ensure you are getting the best deal - check different international packages before you travel.
5. Remember the pan European tariff ('Eurotariff') only applies to voice calls - you will not be covered for text messages and data downloads. The Eurotariff is available from all operators across most European countries, but not Switzerland, Turkey or Croatia.
6. Check your bundles - don't assume that international calls are included in your bundled package.
7. Don't forget voicemail - calling your voicemail from abroad can cost the same as making a call to the UK. You may also be charged each time someone leaves a message on your voicemail. To avoid any charges, switch your voicemail off before leaving the UK.
8. Using mobile internet abroad is often considerably more expensive that at home
9. Think about buying a local SIM card - if you are going to be out of the country for a long period, it could be cheaper.
10. Tell your operator immediately if your phone is lost or stolen - you could be liable for the cost of calls made if your phone is lost or stolen. Make a note of your operator's contact details before leaving.

Consumers should also be aware of their rights and know that mobile phone operators are governed by regulations to protect these.

Ofcom's chief executive, Ed Richards, said: "Ofcom is encouraging industry to bring down the price of texts and downloading data when consumers are abroad. This advice will help to ensure that consumers can get the best value for money when keeping in touch and downloading data whilst abroad, and avoid unexpectedly high bills on their return."

In January 2008 Ofcom urged mobile phone operators to lower the cost of sending texts and downloading data when abroad. Some operators have since reduced their charges.

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