Six in 10 Brits say free roaming is their top priority when choosing a phone plan – with a third having being stung by additional fees.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed of the 34 per cent who had been charged roaming fees whilst abroad, 22 per cent had to fork out £50 or more extra from a single trip overseas – with 1.5 million travellers facing shocking bills of over £100.
Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) admitted they had no idea different charges applied to varying countries in Europe. Almost half (48 per cent) who were hit with surprise additional costs due to roaming said it had negatively affected their holiday as a result. The study also found, of those who have been charged with unexpected roaming fees, 90 per cent were shocked by the amount.
The research was commissioned by iD Mobile, which has teamed up with the former King of the Jungle and I’m a Celebrity… South Africa returnee, Harry Redknapp, to beat the sting of holiday bill shock.
A spokesperson for the network provider, which offers inclusive roaming as standard in 50 European destinations, said: “Being hit with a huge roaming bill when you return home is genuinely frustrating. Our research shows just how many people are unsure about roaming charges, how they work, and where they apply.”
Meanwhile 54 per cent said they do not understand how such charges are calculated on their current mobile phone plan, including what they are charged for calls, texts and data when abroad.
Over a quarter (28 per cent) said they didn’t understand what mobile roaming is and how the charges would work when travelling abroad.
When using their phone abroad, 42 per cent said it left them feeling anxious, regularly checking their usage (29 per cent) or actively limiting what they do to avoid unexpected costs (13 per cent). Tactics to avoid unexpected fees included switching off mobile data entirely (40 per cent) and not sending photos or videos to family and friends (20 per cent).
The study also found 30 per cent felt disconnected from friends and family while on holiday abroad, according to OnePoll.com figures. In a bid to stay connected, for 21 per cent, finding Wi-Fi would be the first thing they would do.
ATM withdrawal or foreign transaction card fees were the most unexpected costs (25 per cent), as well as hotel extras for pool towels, Wi-Fi and safe hire (16 per cent).
A spokesperson for iD Mobile, which partnered with Harry Redknapp for a campaign video which features the football star fighting the sting of roaming bills with his ‘Roaming Sting Repellent’, added: “People feel it when it comes to using their phones abroad.
“Many travellers don’t know what’s included in their phone plan, or when charges might apply, until they’re already away.
“That confusion is clearly influencing how people behave on holiday, with some cutting back on phone use entirely to avoid the risk of unexpected costs. No one should have to worry about being stung by their phone bill while trying to enjoy a well-earned break.”
Top 10 hidden holiday costs:
- ATM withdrawal or foreign transaction card fees
- Hotel or resort extras (e.g. pool towels, Wi-Fi, safe hire)
- Data roaming charges
- Baggage or hold luggage fees
- Charges for calling or texting friends/family at home
- Airline seat selection charges
- Car hire add-ons
- Mini-bar or in-room charges
- Airport parking
- Airport transfers