Martin Lewis’ MSE issues warning over ‘secret’ cost of using your phone abroad – are you affected?
MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) has issued a warning over the “secret” cost of using your phone abroad.
The summer holidays are pretty much here and many of us will soon be jetting off abroad.
Costs are already sky high but if you’re lucky enough to have a holiday booked then you’ll want to make sure you know about a hidden phone cost.
MSE warned holidaymakers that they should double-check how much mobile phone data they’ll have.
That’s because some mobile providers limit your data when you’re abroad – even if you have roaming as part of your bundle.
MSE revealed that Asda Mobile, Giffgaff, Lycamobile and iD mobile “severely limit” how much of your normal data allowance you can use abroad.
And another 12 firms also have data caps, though they are less restrictive.
If you go over your holiday data cap, you may be charged extra, even if it’s under your normal data plan allowance.
For example, Martin Lewis’ site shared that Asda Mobile customers could be charged £45 if they go over 5GB of data while abroad, while Giffgaff customers could pay £45.
This is on top of your monthly device plan.
Of those that are more generous with their data, O2 charges users £43 if they go over 25GB.
And Vodafone customers will need to pay £45 if they too go over 25GB.
Some providers might not make this very clear in your contract, so make sure to check before you fly.
How can I cut my mobile bill?
If you think your bills are too high and want to drive them down, the first thing to do is find out what the cheapest deal on the market is.
You can use this rate as a bargaining tool to get a better offer from your provider or as inspiration to switch providers.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, speed and provider.
Haggle a cheaper deal
If you’ve found a cheaper rate with another provider get in contact with your provider to see if they can match the price.
If you’re unsuccessful at haggling, then you could threaten to leave.
Your provider might then feel more inclined to keep you by offering you a better deal.
Attempting to haggle will always make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
Check if you can get a social tariff
If your household is on a low income it’s also worth investigating social tariffs.
These broadband packages and discounts have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
They’re often available to those on income support, Universal Credit, or disability allowance.
Around 4.2million households are eligible for these cheaper tariffs but only 55,000 are making use of them.
Voxi and SMARTY both offer these cheaper mobile phone contracts and prices start at £10 a month.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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