Holidays aren't cheap, but one of the largest bills that you rack up during a trip abroad could come as a shock for many.
Following Brexit, UK holidaymakers are no longer be able to use their mobile data plans in the 28 EU countries with some networks bringing back the added roaming costs.
Because of this, some Brits have been caught out with surprise data roaming bills which could add hundreds to holidays, with the average roaming cost sitting at an eye-watering £262, reports North Wales Online.
It comes amid an already surging cost of living, but for many, holidaying without using a phone just isn't a manageable option.
New research by iD Mobile, the mobile virtual network operator from Currys, found that the of the 60% of Brits going abroad this year, 90% of them will be packing their mobile phone.
However, despite the necessity of having their mobile phone, only half of Brits (49%) are prepared for using their phone abroad freely.
With the likes of Three, Vodafone, EE and Sky now charging for roaming, it is no surprise holidaymakers are being caught out.
Many will use their phones to take photos and videos, contacting people at home, researching nearby activities and attractions, using maps and navigation and finding good restaurants or bars.
iD Mobile has inclusive roaming in 50 destinations worldwide coming on a standard phone and SIM only plan. That means customers can use their inclusive data, minutes, and texts abroad in these 50 destinations, just like they do when they’re in the UK.
Lyca Mobile offer SIM-only plans and phone plans, as well as data bolt-ons. Their SIM-only mobile plans include:
- National Plus - for new SIM customers, £10 for 30 days. Includes 15GB of data, unlimited UK minutes and texts, 100 international minutes and EU roaming.
- UK Plan Super Extra - for new SIM customers, £15 for 30 days. Includes 30GB of data, unlimited UK minutes and texts, 100 international minutes and EU roaming.
- UK Plan Mega Plus - for new SIM customers, £20 for 30 days. Includes 100GB data, unlimited UK minutes and texts, 100 international minutes and EU roaming.
New Lyca Mobile customers can also get a 50% discount on these plans for the first three months.
O2 offer SIM-only deals as well as handset plans. Here are some of their best offers currently:
- Plus Plan - gives customers 30GB data on a SIM-only plan which is for 24 months at £15 a month, includes unlimited minutes and texts, free data roaming (including USA), six months free Apple Music and six months of Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video.
- Pay as you go - the cheapest pay as you go SIM deal we have seen costs £10 credit and gives O2 customers 7GB of data, unlimited minutes and texts, free data roaming and the ability to claim £10 free credit back, only online.
- Nothing Phone 1 - they currently have the brand new Nothing Phone 1 handset on a 36 month device plan for just £10 upfront and then £24.20 a month. This includes 256GB of memory, 3GB data, unlimited minutes and texts, free data roaming and more.
Find out more about O2's EU roaming here.
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