Thanks ChukFickens, I see what you mean !!, not so bad from the EU but from places like Thailand where I also visit quite a lot �1.99 per min. seems like legalised extortion to me. I asked this because I remember a few years ago mobiles would not work abroad unless you specifically requested it.
on my O2 phone international roaming was enabled by default, that said it certainly wouldn't hurt for you to check with O2 that yours is enabled for roaming before going. give customer services a call on 4445 from your O2 phone (25p fixed call rate)
Look, this may sound a bit simplified, and I don't know your personal circumstances, but do you need to use your phone when you're abroad.
My PAYG mobile was given a �15 top-up just before Christmas and as I speak It's still got �9.47 of credit. I always take my phone on holiday in case of emergencies but I have yet to use it abroad.
Think to yourself 'is that call really necessary'.