Global SIM card 'can save gappers money'

Gap year travellers may be able to benefit from purchasing a global SIM card for their mobile phone, it has been suggested.

Speaking to This Is Money, Mike Wilson, manager of mobile phones at moneysupermarket.com, said mobile charges can be expensive for Brits using their devices outside the UK.

He explained that the cost of sending and receiving calls and messages increases when devices are used outside the UK.

"Although a lot is being done by the European Commission to bring down costs for using mobiles in Europe, there is no such action in process when travelling further afield," Mr Wilson stated.

"It is vital consumers are up to speed with the charges they might face."

Mr Wilson noted that global SIMs offer reduced rates in various countries, and gappers should check whether they are applicable in the countries they plan to visit.

He suggested switching off certain facilities, such as voicemail, data roaming and automatic updates to avoid running up significant costs while away.

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