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Don't get ripped off abroad

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1) Consider a bolt-on option

If you're planning to do a lot of calling while you're abroad on holiday, you could consider a bolt-on option to keep your costs down. For example, O2 offers My Europe Extra for just £10 a month, as well as its International Traveller Service - both of which  give you discounts on making and receiving calls while abroad.

Orange also offers a World Traveller package for just £1.96 a month which will give you up to 50% off calls you make and receive.

Find out more about bolt-on options in Cut the costs of calling from abroad.

2) Stick to texting

If you can cope with only texting while you're on holiday, O2 pay monthly and Simplicity plans include texts sent from abroad within your standard allowance. One roaming text or media message is the equivalent of four messages sent in the UK. So this works out to be much more cost-effective.

3) Buy an international SIM card

If you're a frequent traveller, you could also buy an international SIM card - although you might need to get your phone unlocked in order to use this card.

Once you've done this, you'll then need to buy a global SIM card to replace your UK one when you go abroad. These usually cost between £15-35 and should also include some phone credit.

Buying an international SIM will allow you to make discounted calls all over the world. And in some cases, you won't be charged for any calls you receive while you're away. All you have to do is pop the SIM into your phone and top it up online.

Good places to check out include GeoSim, WorldSIM and Sim4Travel.

4) Turn off your voicemail

It's always a good idea to ask your network provider to switch off your voicemail before you go away. That's because if someone leaves a message on your voicemail while you're overseas, you will be charged the overseas rate to receive a call - whether your phone is on or off.

And if you phone your voicemail to hear the message, you'll be charged the overseas rate again.

5) Avoid expensive foreign downloads

Although many contract deals now come with unlimited web surfing, surf on your phone abroad, and you’re likely to be hit with an astronomical bill. So, the advice is simple: do not use your mobile phone to browse the internet while abroad, or you may regret it.