After returning from a holiday of a lifetime, the last thing we want is the shock of a staggering phone bill. Turning on roaming when abroad can carry high charges, which many holidaymakers will not even realise is being charged.  

A data roaming bolt or boost on can be purchased from your phone provider. This can provide you with a higher data allowance at a better rate. However, you should always check whether these extra data packages apply to the country you’re travelling to.  

It may be easy to lose track of your data use when abroad. Data caps may be another alternative as they are in-built monitoring and ‘alert’ system which warns you when you’re going over the data allowance.  

Follow these tips to avoid costly data charges:  

• Once you are abroad, look for free Wi-Fi services whenever you can. However remember that public Wi-Fi does not afford you complete security – be cautious 
• Consider staying in touch with free-to-use Apps such as WhatsApp and Skype. If you’re not using Wi-Fi, avoid data-heavy activities such as watching videos, updating social media with photos or downloading music 
• See if your operator has an app to monitor your usage. Make sure to download this before you set off 
• An option may be to buy a local SIM card to put into your phone, with pre-paid credit. It may be a bit fiddly and you’ll have a different phone number but if you use a lot of data, rather than calls, it will help you keep track of how much you are using and paying 
• Go on a ‘Digital Detox’. Take a break from using your phone and focus on enjoying your holiday without being glued to a screen