Avoid the holiday mobile blues

If you’re heading off on your holidays over the next few weeks, make sure you take a few moments to watch our video on using mobile services abroad.

It explains how you can avoid being stung with a sky-high holiday phone bill – particularly if you’re planning on using your phone to get online while you’re away.

There’s advice on ways you can surf the web overseas without running up a huge bill, as well as information on new rules which came into force in July 2010.

Mobile internet

The rules mean that all mobile operators now have to apply a cut-off limit once your mobile internet bill reaches 50 Euros – around £40 – per month, while you’re travelling in the European Union.

This happens automatically, unless you opt out. Additionally, some providers may offer different cut-off limits apart from €50, for you to select.

Mobile operators must also send customers a text message or email when they reach 80% and then 100% of the agreed limit.

Operators must then stop providing and charging for that mobile internet service when the limit is met unless the customer re-authorises their account.

Call and text charges

European Union law also requires all mobile companies to offer special voice and SMS tariffs called the Eurotariff and the Euro-SMS tariff.

Companies cannot charge more than a specified amount for these tariffs. They are available across most European countries but not in Switzerland, Turkey or Croatia.

All customers automatically benefit from the Eurotariff and the Euro-SMS tariff, unless they have chosen to switch to another roaming tariff offered by their operator.

Calls should cost no more than to €0.39 (33p) per minute excluding VAT, and consumers must be charged no more than €0.15 (12p) per minute excluding VAT to receive calls.

The price of sending a text should cost no more than €0.11 (9p)per text, and consumers cannot be charged to receive texts.

We also have a consumer guide – including more tips on using your mobile abroad – which you can download, print off and bring with you on your trip.

ParentPort: Working together for media standards