Can you imagine getting a mobile bill for £7,000? You'd just assume it was a mistake wouldn't you?

Unfortunately, it's what one traveller was charged by his mobile broadband provider after he listened to Radio 4 online whilst stranded abroad in the last round of volcanic disruptions.

UK mobile phone and broadband providers have put EU-stipulated measures in place to reduce the number of people that rack up horrendous bills while they're overseas. However, this just goes to show that it is still possible to slip up.

Don't Fall Victim to These 5 Costly Mistakes When You Use Your Mobile Abroad otherwise you could find an exorbitant bill waiting on your doormat when you get home from your next getaway.

If you're not careful you could end up with a mountainous mobile bill on your return. Here's how to keep your mobile costs in check while you're overseas.

If you're a slave to your mobile you'll need to be particularly careful when you leave the UK, here's why:

1. Don't assume your current tariff counts abroad

It's unlikely that any minutes, texts and data download limits included with your current contract will count outside the UK. Instead, overseas usage will usually be subject to separate, often significantly higher charges and you'll be billed accordingly. So, before you go away it's really important to check what your provider charges for overseas usage so you don't get caught out.

2. Check what you'll be charged

You'll need to check how much you'll be charged for:

* making and receiving calls
* sending texts
* data downloads
* using voicemail

The EU roaming rules that UK providers have to adhere to place a cap on the amount you'll pay for making (max 40p/min) and receiving calls (max 20p/min) and sending texts (max 11p) while you're in an EU country. However, this doesn't apply to non-EU countries and the cost of calls, texts and data could be significantly higher.

Your provider will have country by country call costs listed on their website so always check what you'll be charged before you travel.

3. Check that your usage limit is capped

In accordance with EU regulations your provider should place a monthly cap on data downloads while you're overseas. This will be approximately £40 but will vary from provider to provider.

You'll need to be careful as not all providers automatically enforce this limit, some require you to opt-in while you're still in the UK so you'll need to check. You also have the option to increase or decrease this limit should you wish.

With the cap in place you'll receive a warning when you get to 80% of the agreed limit and then have your connection severed once you reach it.

The amount of data you'll be able to download for £40 will depend very much on how much your provider charges for internet access overseas. You'll also need to check when their daily usage limits for data apply; some work on UK time instead of the time at your holiday destination!

So, it's well worth investigating prices and daily usage policies before you go to find out just how much checking your emails or watching a video on YouTube will cost you.

4. Turn off your voicemail

You'll be charged for picking up messages from your voicemail when you're overseas but you may also be charged when people leave them, even if your phone is off. For this reason it's really important to find out what your provider's policy is and what they charge.

If you aren't worried about using voicemail while you're away then the best thing to do is to simply turn it off while you're overseas. Your provider should have instructions on their website that explain how to do this.

5. Turn off your phones' data roaming facility

Smartphones that automatically pick up emails, like Blackberrys, constantly connect to the web even when you're overseas. This could prove very costly so it's a good idea to disable your phone's data connection facility before you go abroad.

6. Investigate cheaper alternatives

There are ways to cut the cost of calls and internet usage while you're overseas. As the difference can sometimes be significant it's worth investigating your options.

For instance, make the most of free wi-fi access offered by your hotel, consider adding an overseas bolt-on to your contract before you go or even look into getting a local or international roaming SIM to use while you're overseas (your phone will need to be unlocked for this).

For other tips & to compare cheap products to save money please visit our main website The Money Express.