Experts at Uswitch found that one in three (29%) Brits have been stung by roaming charges in the past, paying an average of £24 more than their usual bill. A study by the price comparison website found that almost one in 10 (9%) have returned home to an unexpected bill of £30.01 or more post-trip abroad.
With an estimated two million Brits set to travel abroad this February half term, parents are being warned to check their mobile phone provider’s data roaming policy if they go on holiday.
Uswitch warned that while several mobile providers offer free EU roaming as part of all their plans, many EE, Three, Vodafone, and Sky Mobile customers will need to purchase specific ‘roaming passes’, as they may not have roaming included.
With the average cost of roaming plans in Europe standing at £2.22 per day – according to Uswitch calculations – Brits travelling for the February half term for five days can expect an additional £11.10 in charges. This is more than the monthly cost of many SIM-only plans that already include free EU roaming.
Roaming customers will also be subject to a fair usage cap, regardless of whether their plans include free roaming or not.
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A fair usage policy is a set of measures that mobile providers can apply to their customers to prevent ‘abuse’ (or overuse) of their network, particularly while using their data abroad. For Brits travelling this half term, any data amount used over the fair usage will trigger a special charge rate.
Uswitch found that two-thirds (65%) of Brits with a mobile phone aren’t fully aware of their network’s fair usage policy – leaving them at risk of being hit by unexpected bills.
The fair usage amount is often lower than a customer may get at home – which could leave holidaymakers hit with unexpected costs, even if they believe the destination is covered within their policy.
‘It’s essential to review your individual plan’
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Staying connected while travelling abroad is crucial for many, but no one wants to face a surprise bill that could ruin their holiday.
“For those travelling this half term, it’s a good idea to check your provider’s roaming policy, as well as your personal data allowances and usage limits before you go.
“Roaming deals can vary between users on the same network, so it’s essential to review your individual plan. Instead of paying for an expensive roaming add-on, consider opting for a SIM-only deal, which can offer more affordable options for staying connected abroad.
“If you’re unsure, reach out to your provider to discuss roaming caps, your current deal’s coverage, and potential costs to avoid any surprises.”
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