Good news for expatriates living in property in Spain, as calling relatives back in the UK could be cheaper from now on.

European Commission regulations effective from the start of July mean that UK citizens travelling throughout Europe are now subject to caps on the amount they can be charged for roaming calls.

Receiving a call can now cost no more than 12.5p per minute, while receiving a voicemail should cost nothing at all.

Meanwhile, making a call should incur a roaming charge of no more than 32p per minute if in property in Spain or anywhere else in the EU.

"As people set off on holiday abroad it is great to know that the cost of mobile calls home from Spain, France and other European countries will be cheaper than ever," says minister for communications Ed Vaizey.

Neelie Kroes, European Commission vice-president for the digital agenda, adds that the charge caps have been brought in to ensure that tourists and business travellers alike do not suffer "bill shocks" on their return home.

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