How to... Use your mobile when you travel

By DAVID PHELAN
updated]

First of all, remember that when you're abroad you pay to receive calls as well as make them. And your mobile won't work abroad at all if it isn't authorised for 'roaming' – the facility that lets you phone while overseas.

Ring your network before you go to be sure – they can also advise you how much calls, texts and internet-surfing on the phone cost, too.

Some networks have special offers: Vodafone has abolished many roaming charges this summer, and 3 has sister networks in some countries, such as Italy, Ireland and Australia, where calls to and from the UK are charged as though you were at home.

Most phones have cameras on them, which may be good enough to shoot a quick snap. Plus, you can send images instantly in a text message to make friends at home jealous

Top tips: Ring your network in advance - they can advise you how much calls, texts and internet-surfing on the phone are likely to cost

Travelling light is important, so leave the laptop at home if you can (it's a holiday, remember) and check email on your phone. Smartphones handle email easily, but almost any handset with internet access lets you check an email service such as Hotmail or Googlemail to see what's in your inbox.

Hotmail can forward messages as texts, but will charge you 12p per text. Google is free, but there's no text alert service so you'll need to check your mail periodically.

Remember that most phones now have cameras on them, which may be good enough to shoot a quick snap. Plus, you can send images instantly in a text message to make friends at home jealous.

Many phones also include conversion program features, such as currency converters. Some automatically track the latest rates; others need you to type them in.

Check your phone before you travel to see what else it can do. Nokia often includes a collection of handy items under the Applications menu, such as a translator.

Other possibilities include a clothing size converter, in addition to staples such as a world clock so that you know what time it is at home, and an alarm clock.


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