When you are there: Phoning home

Global telecommunications networks have advanced considerably in recent years, so phoning the UK from abroad should be an easy task in theory. Public pay phones are usually reliable, but there are several other ways to call home.

Direct dialling

This can be done from any public, hotel or residential phone in most countries. Operator assistance may be needed in less developed destinations. It's worth remembering that:

• To phone the UK from most European countries the code is 00 44; then drop the first zero from the UK number so 0208 becomes 0044 208. To phone from the US the code is 011 44.
• Only local currency and phone cards can be used for public telephones
• Prepaid phone cards, available at shops or hotels, can also be used at payphones
• Call rates per minute should be checked before dialling
• Making overseas calls from hotel or airport phones can be pricey
• It's possible to make transfer charge calls through an operator in most countries
• Most hotels require a credit card impression before they will connect the phone in your room

PTT Bureaux

Often consisting of wall-to-wall telephone booths, these facilities offer direct dialling, fax and telex services. As usual, check call rates beforehand if you're on a budget. Calls must be paid for in cash or with a credit card.

International calling cards

Many telephone companies now offer an international calling card service, which works very much like store charge cards. Customers phone a number on the card, connect to an operator and have calls put through. A bill is sent later, or calls may be charged to a credit card.

• Always shop around for the best call rate deal before signing up for a card
• Don't worry about security - card users are usually given a PIN number and access code
• If staying at a hotel, check first whether they allow calling cards - some do not
• Be prepared for some public phones to reject toll-free numbers on calling cards

Mobile Phones

Thanks to the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) - a digital mobile phone system - it's possible to use abroad mobile phones bought in the UK. Convenience is the main advantage, as mobile networks may charge premium rates for calls made overseas.

Not all mobiles have GSM installed, so have the service added to yours if necessary.

GSM covers more than 100 countries - check whether your destination is included.

E-mailing

Although sending electronic mail doesn't actually involve picking up a phone, you do need a phone line to do it. E-mails are a cheap means of communication and many hotels now offer internet access. Internet cafés are also becoming a common feature around the world.

Note how your internet access is billed - by a flat hourly rate or per minute, for example.

If you don't have an e-mail address consider getting one before leaving home.