Keeping call costs down for numbers outside your plan

Some destinations and number types sit outside every plan. Here is how to avoid the expensive surprises.

Know before you dial

The app shows the per-minute rate for any destination not included in your plan before the call connects, and out-of-plan calls draw from your wallet balance - they can never run up an open-ended bill behind your back.

The usual suspects

• Premium-rate and directory numbers (in the UK too) are never included in plans and can be expensive anywhere.
• Satellite and special-service international prefixes carry high rates on every network.
• Short but frequent calls to one country add up - if a destination has become a habit, a corridor plan that includes it usually pays for itself.

Practical savers

1. Check whether the person you call uses a data app you both have - app-to-app calls just use data, which is unlimited in the UK on every plan.
2. If you call one or two countries regularly, compare corridor plans in the app.
3. Keep an eye on your wallet activity - it is the fastest way to spot a number that is quietly costing you money.