Roaming Charges Alert for UK Travelers in EU

As more Brits embark on their first holiday since the pandemic, many are facing a rude awakening regarding mobile roaming charges. A recent survey has revealed that over one-third of UK travelers are experiencing excessive charges for data roaming while in the European Union (EU).

Excessive Mobile Roaming Charges

Travelers are discovering just how costly it can be to use their mobile phones abroad. With the convenience of staying connected, many people take their phones with them for various purposes, including: Paying for food, drinks, and services Accessing mobile boarding passes for flights Navigating with maps

However, many holidaymakers return from their trips abroad to find huge bills for their data usage.

The Impact of Brexit

The situation has been exacerbated by Brexit, as UK mobile phone networks are no longer obligated to provide free data roaming across the EU. This change has left many travelers unaware of the potential costs they might incur while using their devices abroad.

Survey Findings

Mobile network Lebara UK commissioned a poll to investigate how many people believe they are being charged extra for roaming while on holiday in the EU. The findings revealed: 35% of Brits think they had been charged extra for roaming in the EU

Some individuals reported paying up to £1,000 extra, with the average charge just under £70

Age Demographics

The survey also highlighted age demographics among respondents: 25% were in the 25-34 age bracket 20% were over 65

Popular Destinations for High Charges

The research identified several popular countries in the EU where Brits clocked up significant data roaming charges, including: Spain Greece France

Expert Insight

Lebara UK managing director Rajesh Dongre emphasized the financial strain on families:

“After two years of the pandemic, British families want to get away for a well-deserved holiday abroad, but the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone hard. In an overstretched travel budget, roaming charges to use your network abroad are a further dampener during these difficult times.”

Network Usage

The research revealed that Vodafone was the most used network by Brits in the EU, with 22% of survey participants using it. This was followed by Tesco Mobile at 20%.

Other network providers, such as O2 and EE, also added significant roaming charges for their customers on holiday in the EU.