Smart Phones

[secsee1]

I have an HTC Desire G7 phone which I intend to take with me on holiday soon however after watching BBC Watchdog last night I was horrified that people have been getting bills of up to £5000. caused by their phone "Data Roaming" I have my data roaming TURNED OFF but apparently even though you turn off data roaming these phones still allow some such as location recognition & weather services along with auto app updates, I only need my phone to make calls or text messages so how can I be sure I will not be coming home to a huge bill (my provider is Virgin mobile by the way)

[mccfluff]

switch internet off as well and download an app killer

[hc4361]

I'm with Virgin and simply turn data roaming and 3G connection off.
I connect to the internet using wifi only when I'm abroad and haven't had any problems at all.

As a safeguard I have my credit limit with Virgin set to the lowest limit - £50 - although I have exceeded my included minutes, texts and internet.

[Vicasso]

My son had his IPhone taken by a pickpocket in Paris. He now leaves his replacement at home when he travels and puts his SIM card into a really cheap mobile that has basic phone and text facilities only.

[Gromit]

I leave my iPhone in Aircraft safe mode and Skype over wifi to make calls abroad.

[AB Editor]

If you're with Vodafone you can set up a "passport" cheaply (about £10 or free possibly.) This covers a small amount of data and add a small fee to making calls (but after that uses up your normal minutes).

[secsee1]

Thanks to everyone for your answers, just to be on the safe side I think I will put my sim card in an old mobile phone (non smart) as vicasso suggested, I don't know why but I really don't trust some technology and the last thing I need is a bill for thousands of pounds.