Any ideas on how I use a Blackberry abroad without paying a fortune?

[LotsofLovelyShoes]

I have been scouring the internet for help on this subject but need it explaining to me in plain numpty language.

forums talk about data packages which I understand to be the email and connection to the internet which is always on. So...if I switch off the data option will I be able to use this as a normal phone without paying any roaming charges for emails. Not bothered about emailing when away just want to use my phone for calls and texting.

See that I will be able to Skype soon - is this free calls to mobiles and land lines??

thanks if you have stuck with this ....

On the skype question, it is only free to call other people who are using it ("skype-in"). Calls to normal mobiles and landlines ("skype-out") are chargeable.

Not sure about your blackberry question. Don't you have a normal phone handset you can use? The very cheapest option is to buy a local country SIM when you arrive and put it in a old handset, then you are not roaming. Which operator are you with, their shops should be able to advise you of the best option.

thanks Pendulum, I have got a foreign SIM and use that for calls inside Italy and also got a PAYG phone on a special cheap calls package on Orange for phoning to the UK. But have just been away for a week and managed to get through just over £60 on the Orange PAYG phone and another 30 euros on the Italian PAYG phone! That was just making calls to the family....

heartbrakingly expensive isn't it.

thanks for the SKYPE info.

Sounds like you are doing most of the right things already.

Try e-mailing instead?

thanks - seems a right rip off doesn't it though!

Will talk to Orange and see how many options they come up with.

i have a lebara sim card. payg. works anywhere. 10p a text. 10 a min calls. when using between anywhere in europe when your call/text anywhere in europe.free to other lebara.

wow riding - i'll have to google that one. ta

you can buy them in phones for you. and get top ups online , phones for you and morrisions. i usually just top mine up online as it's super easy after the first time.

cheers riding - is the 10p a min for calling from Europe to the UK. I just looked at their website and see that their roaming charges are more. or am I barking up the wrong tree?

most countries in europe are 10p a min no matter where you are and where destinations are. unless your just unlucky and country you need is expensive