Mobile phone tariffs: recognize cost traps

In this practical tip, we show you which cost traps are in mobile phone tariffs and how you can recognize them.

Cost trap 1: Missing data flat rate

Nowadays you hardly get "normal" cell phones anymore, but only modern smartphones with internet access and app store. This becomes problematic if you don't have a data flat rate in your tariff.

• Most old mobile phone tariffs do not include data flat rate, but you can still access the Internet because it is activated. If you only open a weather app on your smartphone once, it can be expensive. There are also applications that automatically check for updates in the background.
• You can counteract this by booking an internet flat rate for your smartphone. Such flats usually cost around ten euros a month. Or you can switch to a tariff that includes a data flat rate.
• If you do not want to use mobile Internet with your cell phone, you can have your provider block Internet access. You can also deactivate mobile data usage in the smartphone itself. You can read how this works with Android smartphones in this practical tip.

2. Surf and call abroad

Making calls in the EU has become affordable. However, using mobile internet abroad can be expensive. Quickly upload a vacation photo to Facebook or send it via WhatsApp - this can quickly cost several euros without the right tariff.

• Before starting the trip, find out whether your provider offers foreign options. At Telekom, for example, there are tariffs that include inclusive minutes and data volumes for abroad. Otherwise you can book a so-called "DayPass" or "WeekPass". With this you buy a certain amount of data volume. All in all, this is cheaper than if you simply surf on the go.
• Important tip: Most smartphones have a menu item "Disable roaming". You should make use of this. Because your mobile device updates the weather app, WhatsApp, Facebook or the email inbox in the background, for example. It is therefore important that you shut down the data connection abroad.

3. Third party costs

You will find advertising banners in many apps. The banners are often placed so that you can quickly click on the advertisement. With nasty stitches you can already have a paid subscription.

• The best way to protect yourself from this cost trap is to have your provider block third-party providers. Then something like this cannot happen and you are on the safe side.
• If you have not set up such a block, you should always keep an eye on your bills. Regular checks are essential. If you notice anything, you have four to six weeks to complain, depending on the provider. You still have to cancel the subscription yourself. The information about the third-party provider is on the invoice.
• By the way: The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 automatically blocks third parties

You can find the best tariffs at the best conditions in our mobile phone tariff calculator.