If I might be permitted to deviate [slightly] from the theme, I would like to relate my tale of woe, arising from an overnight stay - not in a HOTEL, but in bunking down [literally] at a Venetian Youth Hostel - (yes, even "golden oldies" like me are permitted to use these places!) some years ago, prior to mobile phones becoming so fashionable.
I'd arranged to contact my then girlfriend to simply notify her of my arrival. Using my visa card, I duly dialled the International Operator - who spoke with an American accent - and asked to be put through to the appropriate number. This done, I estimated my call had lasted barely five minutes.
It was only when my bank statement came in a month or so later, that I realised - to my horror - the single entry therein, showed my account had been debited to the tune of £35.??p.Naturally enough, before agreeing to part with this astronomical sum, I asked staff to investigate. They DID, and eventually they were even able to provide me with an explanatory breakdown of the charge. Apparently I had actully OVERestimated the time I'd spent on the call which - in the event - turned out to have been only marginally more than 3 minutes!!! It transpired my call had been intercepted by an operator in San Diego, California [would you believe!] and THEN diverted to the UK - hence its cost.
I post this message in the hope that it serves as a warning to others to be extremely wary when phoning from abroad.
