UK tourists have been cautioned that common errors can lead to increased phone bills when travelling abroad. To avoid this travel mishap, it is wise to take a few precautions before jetting off.
Roaming Charges Can Add Up
With major networks having reintroduced EU roaming charges, and other destinations outside standard roaming agreements, using a handset overseas can prove seriously expensive. Fortunately, expert advice has been shared to help people avoid being stung by roaming charges.
"Roaming policies vary," explained Oleksii Pimenov, mobile data and SIM expert at global data eSIM provider SIMBUSTER. "The best way to protect yourself is to check what your plan actually includes before you travel. Don't rely on the 'new customer' ads."
Accidental Data Use Can Be Costly
Oleksii pointed out that some UK plans still include EU roaming, while others charge a daily fee of up to £2.50. Beyond Europe, that charge can climb to as much as £8 per day, which adds up rapidly. The most infuriating aspect of daily roaming is that on most networks, an accidental search when the hotel's Wi-Fi drops out can trigger a full day's roaming fee.
According to the expert, ten accidental days during a fortnight adds up to £25 squandered on nothing, or £80 if you happen to be in Egypt or anywhere else beyond the EU. With EE, out-of-plan data abroad can set you back £13.90 per gigabyte, according to Oleksii, though the cost varies depending on location. For context, downloading a film can eat up 2GB, and streaming a live football match would gobble up even more.
Switch Off Data Roaming
"If you're not using a travel SIM, switch off data roaming and background app refresh until you actually need them," advised Oleksii. "It can save you more than you think."
Consider eSIMs
If your phone supports eSIMs, it's another smart way to slash costs. Rather than shelling out for an overpriced SIM at the airport, you can download and activate an eSIM before leaving home, giving you affordable data the instant you land. "With an eSIM, you know exactly what you're paying upfront, and you can have everything ready before you even board the plane," explained Oleksii.
What's more, if you're visiting multiple countries, you can get an eSIM that covers a whole region, such as Europe, rather than a single country SIM.
Preparation Is Key
A bit of forward planning can also make a real difference in reducing expenses. Download everything you need, such as maps, children's entertainment, and music, before you leave. Hotel Wi-Fi isn't always reliable enough for hefty downloads, and if you've already got everything saved on your phone or tablet, you won't need to worry about it.
Tips for Cruise Lovers
Cruise and ferry passengers also need to be vigilant. Maritime mobile networks operate separately from standard roaming, and the charges can be eye-watering. "Unless you can use the ship's Wi-Fi, I'd always recommend switching your phone to Airplane Mode while at sea," added Oleksii.
Extra Advice
If you do replace your UK SIM for travel purposes, you risk missing vital messages, including bank verification codes or unexpected calls. By keeping your UK SIM active alongside a data eSIM, you won't miss anything important. And, if you travel to a specific destination frequently, whether for work or pleasure, it's often far more sensible to get a virtual local number.
