More than a fifth of holidaymakers have fallen into tourist traps while abroad
More than a fifth of holidaymakers have fallen into tourist traps while holidaying abroad, with victims losing an average of £200.
A survey of 2,000 adults who have been on holiday abroad found a further 27 per cent have knowingly been ripped off or overcharged while on holiday.
The most common include overpriced food and drinks sold at tourist hotspots, taxi rides, hidden fees when using card machines, being charged more than locals at restaurants, and fake tour guides.
As a result, 49 per cent are now more cautious when spending money or booking activities abroad compared to five years ago.
The research was commissioned by the eSIM platform Airalo, which offers mobile data coverage in more than 200 destinations around the world.
Matteo Papa, growth director (Europe & CIS), said: “Falling victim to a tourist trap can put a dampener on, and in some cases a financial strain on, a dream holiday.
“While some traps can seem harmless at first, the costs can quickly add up and leave travellers feeling frustrated or out of pocket.
“Doing a little research before you travel, checking reviews, and staying connected while you’re on the go can help holidaymakers make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
“Being aware of the most common rip-off tactics in your destination can go a long way towards helping you enjoy a smoother, more stress-free trip.”
The study also found having reliable internet access makes 69 per cent feel safer when travelling abroad, with 21 per cent typically ‘always’ connected to the internet or mobile data when on holiday.
Almost half (46 per cent) said without internet access they wouldn’t be able to contact friends or family, while others would be unable to navigate unfamiliar areas (40 per cent), and or access tickets and bookings (29 per cent).
When it came to the top things holidaymakers worry about when going abroad, having a medical emergency or accident was at the top of the list.
However, missing flights (47 per cent), losing luggage (45 per cent), and food poisoning (38 per cent) also ranked highly.
It also emerged 52 per cent believe rip-offs in popular overseas holiday destinations are getting worse each year.
But to prevent being ripped off while on holiday, 50 per cent have avoided carrying large amounts of cash, while 37 per cent have only used licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.
And 39 per cent believe younger generations are just as likely as older ones to be tricked into spending more money while on holiday abroad.
Of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll.com, 65 per cent now think they would be confident in spotting a tourist trap before falling victim to it.
Airalo launched an activation in London, creating a ‘Tourist Trap’ featuring overpriced croissants with the price tag of €15 to warn passers-by of the bait faced on holiday.
To help holidaymakers dodge additional costs this summer, the brand is offering new users 20 per cent off sitewide data plans with the code ‘CROISSANT’, ensuring travellers stay connected and protected.
A spokesperson for the brand added: “Even seasoned travellers can be caught out when they’re unfamiliar with local customs, prices, or payment methods.
“Taking a few simple precautions before and during your trip can make a real difference, helping you feel more confident when making purchases or booking experiences.
“Ultimately, being prepared means you can spend less time worrying about unexpected costs and more time enjoying everything your destination has to offer.”
TOURIST TRAPS HOLIDAYMAKERS HAVE EXPERIENCED ABROAD:
1. Food, drinks, and merchandise sold at inflated prices because of a location’s captive audience
2. Overpriced taxi rides or taxi drivers taking deliberately longer routes to increase the fare
3. Hidden charges while eating out (e.g. paying for ‘complimentary bread’ left on the table)
4. Expensive local souvenirs which turn out to be cheaply mass-produced
5. Being charged more than a local would be in a restaurant
6. Card machines or ATMs secretly applying large hidden conversion fees
7. ‘Free’ gifts or bracelets which later require payment
8. Tour guide rip-offs (i.e. paying a premium for a low-quality tour)
9. Tourist photo scams (e.g. being charged unexpectedly for photos)
10. Paying for unsolicited ‘help’ with luggage at airports or train stations