Top 10 commonsense ways to reduce your cellular-phone bill

1. Give yourself some room for error

Almost everyone who gets a mobile phone ends up using it more than originally intended. For this reason, you're better off getting a plan that gives you a few more minutes of free calls. That's because calls are generally cheaper on higher plans and if you are spending in excess of the monthly access of a plan higher than yours, then you would effectively save money on a higher plan.

2. The big hand is on

ck what time you are making your call. All networks offer peak and off-peak calling times and it is usually cheaper to call at off peak times. So if you are planning on chatting for a while and it isn’t important, then perhaps it is a good idea to wait until the off peak calling time kicks in. Different networks have different off-peak specials. Some even offer round-the-clock low rates, but then you will only break even on the high subscription rates if you really need to make tons of calls mainly during peak hours.

3. Pick the right network

Picking the correct network for your calling needs is key to reducing your bill. Certain networks and plans offer nationwide calling rates while others offer rates based on distance. If you are overseas, make sure you choose a network with rates that suit your usage pattern.

4. Call when you have to, not when you can

The reason for many phones bills being extremely high is that people use their phone to amuse themselves rather than making important calls. Don’t use your phone to be lazy, call from a fixed line phone or wait until off-peak times to make the call. Whenever possible, make use of the Short Message Service to send notes to your receipients.

5. Watch the clock

It is very easy to keep on talking, but if you are watching your purse you should also watch the minutes ticking away. Having long winded conversations on your mobile is an expensive pastime.

6. Information is power

Almost every subscription plan includes free call credit. It's great to take advantage of the free calls but it's a good idea to set your phone to log how much time you have used since the beginning of the payment cycle.

7. When is a free call not a free call?

Most people aren't aware that in certain countries, if you call 1800, 13 or 1300 numbers from your mobile phone you will be charged your standard mobile phone rates. This can be an expensive mistake, especially if you are put on hold!

8. A watchful eye

Keep an eye on your mobile phone. A very easy way to make your phone bill double overnight is if someone steals it and uses it. Always program a security code into your phone and do not share your PIN with anyone. Also watch for children playing with your phone. It isn’t a toy, but children can very easily call someone and not hang up - a recipe for disaster.

9. Share and share alike?

Often people without a phone will ask to use yours. If this is the case and you are hesitant, but you just can’t say no, inform them that your bill is quite high this month and ask them to keep the call short.

10. Frequent Flyer

If you plan on using your phone whilst on foreign shores, be aware how international calls work. It can be an expensive pastime making or receiving international calls with calls costing much more than your standard plan rates.

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