Cost of holiday texts slashed

Taking your phone on holiday is set to become a lot cheaper this summer. Here's the lowdown, plus some handy tips on how to save while away.

The cost of sending a text in Europe is set to come down this summer, as Euro MPs voted overwhelmingly last week to cut messaging costs while abroad.

From 1st July, charges will be capped at a maximum of 11 euro cents (around 10p) bringing them in line with average UK costs. Caps on UK voice calls will also be reduced to 43 cents (39p), while receiving a call will be capped at 19 cents (17p).

Currently, sending a text from Europe costs around 25p, so a few texts here and there can quickly add up.

So great news - but with two months to go before the new rules kick-in, what are the other ways you can combat overseas charges?

Well, if you're already with O2, most of these changes will have little effect on you. This is because all O2 pay monthly and Simplicity plans include texts sent from abroad from your standard allowance.

One roaming text or media message is the equivalent of four messages sent in the UK - a handy feature for those who want to keep in touch while abroad, without being hit by some of the inflated charges.

Even better is 3 Mobile. Its 3 Like Home service lets you enjoy the same call rates as the UK, provided you're in one of the seven countries that support the service (Austria, Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland and Sweden).

You can even use any minutes, texts and Skype services included with your price plan, and there are no charges for receiving calls within these countries.

For a 75p per call connection charge, Vodafone's Passport service allows you to talk at the same rates you would enjoy in the UK (including any minutes from your monthly allowance). The same is true when you receive calls, and after one flat charge, you are free to chat away to your heart's content.

Bear in mind this only applies to selected countries, (although most of Europe is included).

The service is available to both pay monthly and pay-as-you-go customers, and you can register by calling 5555 from your phone.

Delivering on data

As well as caps on calls and texts, Euro MPs also backed limits on charges for surfing the internet while abroad. From July, the maximum you'll pay for surfing while abroad is one euro (approx. 88p) per megabyte of data, down from 1.68 euros (£1.50).

I still think this is extremely high, and unless you're desperate I'd advise against getting connected abroad, or you could end up with a nasty shock when your bill arrives.

If the temptation is too much, you might be better off with Vodafone, which will let you download up to 15Mb a day for £5, provided you surf within one of its passport countries.

Be warned though, 15MB does not get you much surf time. Start roaming outside the passport countries and you'll be charged £8 per MB.

Of course, if you're more than the occasional holidaymaker, you may find it more value to buy a local SIM once you land. Alternatively, you could invest in a global SIM, such as those offered by StoryTelecom, Sim4travel and OneRoam, which will also keep the costs of calls down, wherever you travel.

Finally, remember that unlike the UK, you pay to receive calls and voicemail when abroad. So to avoid being stung by unecessary extras on your bill, call your provider to turn off voicemail before going abroad.

As mobile phones become increasingly indispensible, it's nice to know that keeping it touch won't cost so much this summer. I just hope calls and texts made outside Europe will follow suit...

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