Mobile phones are great. They allow us to communicate and stay in-touch in a way that was not possible in the recent past. However, this increased connectivity comes at a cost, and if you are not careful you may end up spending money unnecessarily. Here are five basic tips for reducing your mobile phone costs without sacrificing your communications with your family, friends or business contacts.

1. Use a landline wherever and whenever possible.

No matter how great a deal you got on your last mobile phone contract or prepaid (pay as you go) offer, the good old fashioned landline is usually cheaper. Save your mobile phone for the times when it is the only alternative. Before making a call on your mobile phone, ask yourself whether this call is really necessary. When you are out of your house carry around a phone card and small change, and take advantage of public pay phones whenever you can.

2. Send SMS text messages

Short Message Service (SMS) text messages are usually charged on a per-message basis and are generally cheaper than normal calls. The SMS is the modern-day equivalent of a telegram. If you are creative, you can convey a lot of information in an SMS message and avoid having to make a more costly voice call. If you dont go overboard with the fun of sending SMS messages, and use them only when they are needed, then you can save a lot of money by following this tip.

3. Purchase the phone that you need

You may be enticed to follow the fashion and get the latest phone loaded with all kinds of gadgets, but you will have to pay for it. Choose a handset that does what you need. If you only need to make phone calls, then dont pay extra for a phone that has a built-in MP3 player and camera. If you are satisfied with your present phone, then keep it and dont buy a new one. Even if you upgrade to a new or different service plan, you do not have to get a new phone. Choose a SIM only plan and use the new SIM card in your old phone.

4. Keep Track of Your Business Calls

If you are using your mobile phone to give better service to your clients, then you can get the costs of these calls reimbursed when you do your billing. Keep a good record of calls that were made for your business and recover this cost whenever possible. Also, if you maintain an accurate record of how much you are paying your service provider, you will be in a better position in case of any billing disputes.

5. Choose the phone plan that best matches your calling habits

If you are buying a mobile phone on a contract or upgrading your plan, you may be thinking that you will use the mobile phone only for limited calling. However you could end up using it more frequently as you get used to the convenience. Instead of opting for a plan that has low monthly rates combined with a high per-call rate and no special features look for a contract that combines a reasonable monthly rate with low per-call rates and access to discounts.

So if you have been scratching your head and wondering how to reduce your mobile phone costs then follow these simple tips and enjoy the convenience of mobile telephony without burdening yourself with unnecessary expenditures.