With the summer holiday season approaching, millions of Britons are being urged to check their mobile phone contracts before travelling abroad to avoid hefty roaming fees. New research from iD Mobile reveals that travellers incur an extra £150 million in unexpected charges annually, with more than 1.5 million people hit with bills exceeding £100.
Roaming charges are among the most frustrating hidden costs of going abroad, alongside ATM withdrawal fees, foreign transaction charges, and hotel extras. Many holidaymakers are unaware of how roaming charges are calculated or which destinations are covered by their plans, leading to confusion and unexpected bills upon return.
As a result, nearly two-thirds of travellers now consider free or inclusive roaming a top priority when choosing a mobile provider. Lewis Henry, director of customer and marketing at iD Mobile, said: 'Being hit with a huge roaming bill when you return home is genuinely frustrating. Many travellers don’t know what’s included in their plan, or when charges might apply.'
iD Mobile offers inclusive roaming across 50 destinations worldwide, but the company advises all travellers to check what their network offers before they fly. Failure to do so could result in a shock bill that dampens the holiday spirit.
