Consumers like taking their mobile overseas because it’s convenient. You don’t have to worry about switching numbers or finding a payphone, and family and friends can still reach you on the same mobile number. Below is a checklist of ‘to-do’ items before you leave, and mobile tips and tricks for when you and your mobile are off sightseeing.

Call your Plan Provider

We know, it’s the dreaded call to your mobile service provider’s customer service centre. But making this call could save you frustration and a four-figure bill later on. We know you can switch on global roaming via your online mobile account, but you will not be able to confirm the charges and ensure that you are on the best plan.

Things you should be asking your friendly customer service representative:

- Can I get coverage to where I am travelling to, and what network does it use? (Don’t forget to let them know where you are travelling to!)

- Can I get global roaming switched on? (If this isn’t activated, you won’t be using your phone overseas).

- Am I on the best plan for where I am going? (Some plan providers such as Vodafone have two different global roaming services, with two different charges – one will be cheaper than the other, depending on the country you are travelling to).

- Ask what the rates are, bearing in mind that there are charges for making calls, receiving calls, SMS, voicemail (pricey!) and using the internet. The charges may be different for each country you are travelling to, and roaming charges are not included in most post-paid caps. Global roaming can be very expensive, particularly if you are using internet data.

- If you don’t know what your handset’s IMEI number is, check to see if the representative can look it up for you. If the phone gets lost or stolen, you will need it to obtain a police report for insurance purposes (but of course it’s preferable that you don’t lose your phone in the first place).

- Find out when your next mobile bill is due: if you are overseas at the time, organise for it to be paid via direct debit, by a friend, or get the due date extended.

- If you plan on using voicemail overseas, find out what number you have to dial to retrieve messages; it will be different to what you dial here. Also ask the representative what their customer service number is when you dial from overseas in case you run into any trouble once you’re over there.

When you’re abroad:

- To make a local call, simply dial the local number.
- For a national call, dial the area code followed by the number you are calling.

- To make an international call, you need to dial: + (country code) (area code minus the first digit)(number)

- Someone calling you? Whether it’s Mum calling from back home or your new travel buddy is calling you from the backpacker’s next door, they only need to dial your basic mobile number.

Other tips and tricks:

- If you plan to use a different handset but the same SIM card, make sure the handset you will be using isn’t locked to another service provider’s network (just put the SIM in and make sure it works).

- Try to text not call – it’s cheaper! If a call is necessary, it is also usually cheaper to receive a call than to make a call – get Mum to call you!

- Don’t forget to bring your charger along with an electrical converter.

- If you have a smartphone, download some awesome travel apps to help guide you on your journey – receive real time flight updates, know where to go and learn some local phrases!

- Global roaming charges may take months to appear on your bill – you may not be in the clear yet...

- Most providers will stipulate that they cannot guarantee a full mobile service if you travel overseas – if you are relying heavily on full network coverage, it might be better to opt for a local SIM to remain connected.