Consumer information

Private: Mobile phones

Consumer Focus’s top mobile phone tips for people travelling outside the EU:

Check your rates before you go, as these will be much higher than in the UK and Europe. Ask what add-ons or bundles your mobile phone company offers on calls, texts and data; some, such as Vodafone’s ‘Passport’ scheme, are free and could make you considerable savings
Remember that while abroad you won’t be able to use your inclusive minutes, texts and data allowance (except inclusive minutes under Vodafone’s Passport service) and will pay to receive as well as to make calls which could add up
Photos and videos can be expensive to upload from mobiles while abroad so consider other options such as uploading using a computer at an internet cafe or hotel instead
You could consider getting a local SIM card for use in South Africa if you will be making calls to numbers within the country
If your phone is lost or stolen while abroad report it to your mobile provider as soon as possible as you will be liable for any calls made. Make a note of the emergency contact number for your network and keep this separate from your mobile
If you are contracting friends and family in South Africa from the UK, there are add-ons that could bring down the cost of staying in touch, such as O2’s ‘International Caller Bolt On’