Beware texts on the beach

Published Date: 06 July 2008 THE cost of text messaging from abroad looks set to fall following moves by the European Commission to force mobile companies to cut their tariffs. But holidaymakers departing over the next few weeks should take care before they travel to avoid eye-watering bills on their return. All too often, tourists are shocked to arrive home to a telephone bill of more than £1,000, according to uSwitch expert Steve Weller. “People use their phones overseas with little understanding of how much it is costing them,â€_ he says. “But it is po ssible to keep bills to a minimum if consumers take a few simple measures.â€_ Before you travel, contact your company to set up what is called “roamingâ€_. This allows you to receive and make calls and texts abroad. Some packages include roaming as standard, but most... [read full story]