Using your mobile phone abroad

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Mobile Phones

International roaming services offered by UK mobile operators provide an easy and convenient service for consumers travelling abroad. It is a service offered by mobile operators that allows you to use your phone abroad. You may need to have your premium rate and international bar lifted to make calls abroad.

Your operator has agreements with foreign networks that allow you to make and receive calls, send and pick up text messages as well as use some of the other mobile services (such as access to voicemail or topping-up credit on pre-pay phones) just as you do at home. 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. Your operator then charges you for your usage whilst abroad. International roaming agreements are quite complex and wholesale charges can vary depending on a number of factors.

This has led to a wide range of roaming prices paid by consumers. Although some operators have simplified retail tariffs over recent years, it can still be difficult for mobile phone users to have a clear idea of the price they are likely to pay when using their phone overseas.

International calls may take longer to appear on your bill.

If you have not had your phone for long, your provider may charge you for having the bar lifted. Also, if you only go abroad once a year, it may be advisable to put the bar back on your phone when you return. This means that should your phone be lost or stolen, no one will be able to make premium rate calls from your phone.

How to reduce the costs of roaming

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.

You can cut your costs significantly in various ways. The best way for you depends largely on how much you use your mobile abroad, and how convenient it would be to switch to an alternative option listed below. You should also check on the cost of any alternative before using it. Nevertheless, customers on all types of tariffs can make savings by selecting some of the options described below.

Find out what your mobile provider charges you for using your mobile abroad. If you’re not happy, see what alternatives your provider 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 mobile provider, potentially together with some of the other options set out below.

• Consider switching from a pre-pay to a post-pay contract tariff where you pay a monthly bill. 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 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. The SIM card is a small electronic chip that links your phone to a particular mobile network and can easily be changed
• Consider buying or renting a different mobile phone after you’ve reached your destination