Using your mobile abroad

If you’re travelling abroad over the next few weeks – maybe to go skiing or to head for warmer climes – why not take a few moments to watch our video on using mobile services abroad.

It explains how you can avoid being hit with a big bill – particularly if you’re planning on using your phone to get online while you’re away.

Call and text charges

Under EU law all mobile companies have 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 €0.35 (around 30p) per minute excluding VAT, and consumers must be charged no more than €0.11 (around 9p) per minute excluding VAT to receive calls.

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

Roaming prices

Although the costs of using your mobile in Europe are continuing to fall, there are still times when consumers can find themselves faced with unexpectedly high bills.

If you are planning to travel outside of Europe, it is especially important to check roaming prices before you go, as they can be higher.

You could also see if there is another tariff or service that would suit you better – maybe using local WiFi hotspots instead of mobile internet, or changing to a travel SIM card.

Some operators allow you to set a monthly limit on using the mobile internet outside of Europe, to help avoid unexpected bills.

When outside of Europe, you might be charged when someone else leaves a message on your voicemail (as well as when you pick the message up). Speak to your operator if you want to switch voicemail off before you leave.

ParentPort: Working together for media standards