One in 10 Brits unaware of changes to roaming charges
More than 10% of holidaymakers are unaware of new EU data roaming charges.
A survey conducted by On the Beach found that more than one in 10 holidaymakers still expects to be charged for their phone calls and data use when on holiday in the EU.
The survey of 1,000 British holidaymakers found that 16% of travellers are unaware of changes whilst 27% say that although they are aware of these changes, they are not clear on the facts and are unsure about whether they will still be charged for data usage whilst abroad.
The new EU roaming rules, which came into effect in June 2017, means holidaymakers are now able to roam in the same way they are at home, with any data usage taken out of their agreed allowance.
However, 6% of British holidaymakers will not use their phone abroad because they’re concerned they’ll run up high bills.
On the Beach marketing director Alan Harding said: "This lack of understanding suggests our government and indeed mobile service providers simply haven’t done enough to make sure people understand these new EU regulations.
"For years, many British holidaymakers have returned home from their holiday only to be find they have been charged extortionate prices for their data usage, so this is great news for all.
"We can only hope that the Government works hard to ensure roaming charges are not reintroduced after Brexit."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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