Whilst it is convenient to be able to use your mobile abroad, charges may be both higher than you expect and structured differently to charges for using your mobile in the UK.

How much do UK customers pay to use their mobiles abroad? The basics.

• pre-pay charges are nearly always higher than contract (post-pay) charges;

• you pay to receive calls and listen to voicemail - up to £1.50 a minute on pre-pay;

• charges and services can vary a lot between providers and tariffs. For example, in February 2003, Orange did not offer ‘international traveller services’ (ITS).

How can you make savings when using your mobile abroad?

To provide specific examples of the charges made and the savings available when using your mobile abroad, Oftel looked at charges for using UK mobiles in France in February 2003. Oftel’s analysis found that in many cases it was possible to cut spending by a third to a half, or even more.

These charges are often similar to those made for using mobiles in other popular European destinations. For example, in February 2002 Oftel looked at the charges, and savings available, when visiting the Republic of Ireland. Click on the link below for more specific advice on how to make savings and how much you can save.

• France (2003);
• the Republic of Ireland (2002);

For any destination it is worth considering action to cut costs. How much you might save personally will depend on the country being visited and how you use your mobile abroad.

Further information

Retailers and mobile providers offer the following types of information, which may help you to choose your best option and make any necessary arrangements:

• websites;
• customer services departments;
• leaflets;
• faxed summaries of charges for specific services and countries.

Advice on some practical aspects of mobile use abroad is also available, on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.