Brits baffled by mobile roaming charges, risking hefty bills abroad | Travel News | Travel

A study of 2,000 mobile phone users revealed 63% are confused by the cost of using their phone abroad. Among the most perplexing things are the price difference in varying countries (59%), how texts and calls are charged (55%) and if roaming charges are already covered in their mobile plan (54%).

A further 58% are muddled by how they will be charged and if it’s a daily cost or a cost per gigabyte they use. This has seen 59% paying £24, on average, for using their phone abroad on a single trip. But one in 20 (four per cent) have ended up with a bill exceeding £120.

The study was commissioned by Sim Local, which has created a tool which allows holidaymakers to find out how much data they will need based on their usage on their travels.

Sarah McGarr, chief digital officer at the travel eSIM provider, said: “Everyone loves jetting off on holiday, but it’s evident people like to keep in touch with what’s going on back home and in the world around them wherever they are, and that they rely on data for all sorts of holiday essentials – from maps to translations to transport. So our mobiles really are crucial while abroad.

“But it’s hard to know what you’re going to need your phone for until you reach your destination so it’s easy to be unprepared and not consider how much it might end up costing you.”

The study also found 47% will take the cost ‘on the chin’ as they don’t want to fiddle about with changing sims. While 32% will endeavour to only use free Wi-Fi on their getaways. However, 42% have been hit with charges they didn’t anticipate, averaging at £50 in unexpected fees.

Over two-thirds (68%) use their data abroad, despite 31% not being confident they even understand what roaming is. But 34% of those who use their data abroad wait until they arrive at their destination to see what their network charges them. And 11% carry on using their phone as normal and pray they don’t get landed with a hefty bill at the end.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 12% of respondents have even ended up forking out for the cost of their child’s roaming charges, at £37.20 on average for a single trip. But four per cent have footed a bill of more than £100. While 35% are under the impression they can’t change network providers when travelling abroad. However, 44% do consider the cost of roaming when deciding which network to go with.

But the same percentage called on providers to give more information on what they charge for using phones abroad – as well as what it actually means.

The research also revealed how much data holidaymakers are using abroad, adding up to 3.7GB a day as typical usage for those who use their data roaming to stream films, TV shows, audio, make internet searches and video calls. 

Sarah from Sim Local added: “Our research paints a clear picture – travellers are increasingly perplexed when it comes to understanding the complexities of roaming and data usage abroad.

“With people jetting off more than ever, getting your data plans sorted before you travel is almost as important as remembering to pack your passport. Otherwise, the lasting memory of what should have been a highlight of the year, is actually the costly pitfalls you came home to.

“eSIMs are an increasingly popular way to avoid any pitfalls as they allow you to automatically switch between cost-effective mobile networks without replacing your physical SIM card. In fact, eSIM use globally is predicted to rise by almost 440% by 2028.”