Business travelers fearful of excessive overseas roaming charges
Fears about the ‘bill shock’ of travelers racking up huge data roaming charges could be impacting the productivity of business travelers while on the road, a report suggests.
A study by Serious Insights and Telestial Inc says six out of ten travelers do not always respond immediately to important work or personal emails or use GPS for directions if they believe it will significantly increase cellphone data charges.
"Much of the change in behavior stems from fear of facing big cell phone bill charges upon returning home," the ‘American Travelers: Not Masters of International Data’ report said.
The report said 82% are fearful about the cost of using data while overseas but only 43% have bought a local SIM card as a cheaper alternative during an international trip.
"Americans just don’t get international data. Addicted to connectivity at home, they needlessly cut themselves off while abroad," said Dan Rasmus, founder and principal analyst at Serious Insights.
"Global travelers from other countries are much more familiar and comfortable with options like country-specific SIM cards, data bundles or different devices for controlling overseas data costs. American travelers lag way behind."
While many American travelers rely on the use of public Wi-Fi for communication, 64% said Wi-Fi networks are either inadequate or do not meet all their needs.
It said 78% of American travelers said better access would have resulted in less time and money spent during a business trip.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025