If you own an iPhone, (or indeed any Smartphone) you probably are aware that if you go abroad you can rack up a hefty bill if you don't turn off your data roaming button.

For those who don't know what data roaming is, then let me explain briefly.

Data roaming is basically your Smartphone connecting to the internet when you are not aware of it to update your apps or to update the phone itself.

In order for anything on a Smartphone to be updated, it needs to connect to the internet.

Now, that could be using mobile 3G or 4G, or, it could be through a wifi connection.

I've wrote in a previous article that 3G/4G and wifi are basically two ways of being able to connect to the internet to do the same thing - surf the web on your Smartphone.

If you use 3G/4G doing this, you will be charged, depending on how much FREE data you have from your MSP per month. I have 1GB of data on 3G per month.

If you use Home wifi connection or someone else's to surf the web, you won't be charged!

If you don't turn off data roaming when abroad or travelling out of UK, your MSP (mobile service provider) will charge you - and it will probably be a shock when you get your monthly bill!

So, how do you turn off data roaming on iPhone?

Well, you go to settings on the main menu of your iPhone.

Scroll down to general and tap.

You then come to three options.

1. Mobile Data (turn on/off
2. Enable/Disable 3G
3. Dara Roaming (turn on/off)

Now, if you turn off mobile data, you are effectively turning off your iPhone!

If you turn off data roaming (it tells you to do this anyway when you are abroad) anything that wants to connect to the internet will not be able to roam looking for things on your smartphone to update - hence, you won't be charged! YAY!

If you disable 3G - you can also SAVE on BATTERY!

Another handy tip!

The best way to avoid charges is to do the above, but, to also contact your MSP and ask them to give you a detailed explanation as to what you will be charged for when you are planning your trip abroad, and what deals they can do for you regarding using your phone abroad!

As they say, planning every aspect of your trip will save you money and save you a headache on your return when you find your mobile bill is hefty!