Roaming charges

Mobile phone users need to be aware of roaming costs for both making and receiving calls and data use charges when using their mobile phones abroad.

A survey of 2,000 people by Carphone Warehouse in June 2011 revealed that just six per cent knew the cost per megabyte when used abroad. 81 per cent of people had a bill up to £100 more expensive than they expected after an overseas holiday.

In some circumstances you need to switch to the local mobile network and service provider when you arrive at your destination to take advantage of local charges. However, you should check the terms and conditions of your own contract with your provider to check how to get the most cost-efficient usage whilst abroad.

	EU mobile roaming charges to fall from July Brits travelling to Europe this summer will have significantly lower mobile phone bills after the EU confirmed price caps on data roaming charges.
	Warning to holidaymakers over cost of roaming data charges The Carphone Warehouse has warned smartphone users to do their research before travelling abroad on the costs of using their mobile to avoid a nasty bill when they return.
	Vodafone drops roaming charges Vodafone today announced it was dropping roaming charges this summer.
	Roaming charges may be slashed further Text messages across the European Union are set to become cheaper next year if plans to slash mobile charges go through in July.
	Pension charges to be banned under auto-enrolment The government has announced an outright ban on pension consultancy charges under auto-enrolment and is consulting on a cap on defined contribution scheme charges.