Ofcom offers tips on keeping mobile bills down

Communications watchdog Ofcom has offered travellers a number of tips on how to keep their bills down while using mobile devices overseas.

The government office said that the use of mobile phones and internet applications by travellers is "surging", but warned that many people who use the latest technologies could be surprised by the charges for overseas use.

Firstly, Ofcom advised that travellers ensure their mobile phone has been enabled for overseas use before departing and also check their tariff with their provider to avoid encountering any surprisingly high bills.

While making these checks, mobile users can also ensure they are on the best deal – with international packages sometimes more favourable for overseas use – and also verify whether the price of calls made abroad is included in their contract.

Ofcom also pointed out that people planning to connect to mobile internet while travelling may find that their handset or portable modem could cost more when used abroad than at home.

People who are out of the country for a long time could find it cheaper to but a local Sim card that can be used in a handset or a local portable modem.

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, 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."

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