British holidaymakers have lost around £200 to date on unexpected travel costs – such as currency conversion fees (35%), and city taxes (27%).
Other ways Brits have been stung whilst travelling include unanticipated baggage or accommodation costs, being charged to use a cash machine, or overpaying for excursions that could have been booked for cheaper elsewhere.
But one of the top costs Brits have been caught out by is data roaming charges (31%) – with 32% having found out the hard way, after forgetting to turn their data roaming off whilst abroad.
And the poll of 2,000 adults found that such unexpected costs impact their holiday enjoyment – as 55% feel they enjoyed their trip less after being left out of pocket.
Nearly a fifth (18%) were forced to dip into their savings to cover the unplanned outgoings, while 22% had to cut back on their spending for the remainder of the trip.
The research was commissioned by Virgin Media O2, which offers inclusive EU roaming to customers.
And the mobile network has teamed up with Roman Kemp, to create an informational video to help customers prepare for their travels.
The radio presenter, who takes on the role of an airline captain in the footage, speaks over an intercom as he says: “Before take-off we'd like to share some important safety with you – data roaming safety, that is.
“We've prepared some tips for you – the top four things to remember to avoid racking up a massive phone bill while on holidays.”
Of those who have travel with a mobile phone, over half (53%) don’t know if their provider would charge them such fees if they were to travel abroad this summer.
But the research, carried out via OnePoll, found that over a quarter (27%) admit they dislike pre-holiday admin, and tend to avoid tasks like shopping around for good exchange rates, and arranging adequate insurance cover.
It also emerged 61% were “disappointed” to see the return of roaming charges in European countries last year – with 46% claiming they “need” data roaming when visiting such places.
The study found that 39% would worry about staying in contact with their loved ones if they didn’t have access to Wi-Fi or free data roaming, while the same number would struggle without it, as they would be unable to use mapping apps on their phone as readily.
Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer for Virgin Media O2, said: “Holidays are a major source of joy and relaxation, and people often splash out to make the most of their trip.
“But no one wants to fork out for extra costs they hadn’t planned for.”
TOP 20 UNEXPECTED COSTS BRITS HAVE RUN INTO ABROAD:
- Charges to convert your cash
- Paying a fortune on data roaming charges on your phone
- Having a taxi bill much higher than expected
- Getting unexpectedly charged to use a cash machine
- Overpaying for tours/excursions
- Unexpected city taxes
- Last-minute excursion costs
- Unexpected baggage costs
- Unexpected accommodation fees
- Attempting to haggle, but still getting fleeced on a product
- A flight delay meaning you have to stay another night at a hotel
- Taking something out of the minibar without realising the price
- Additional airline costs
- Not realising how much the airport transfer was going to cost
- Unexpected VISA costs
- Travel insurance not covering something you thought it would
- Being tricked by a scammer
- Losing your passport and needing to sort out a new one
- Having your bank card skimmed after using a shady ATM or contactless machine
- Picking the wrong insurance policy
