Roman Kemp shares top tips on avoiding data roaming charges this summer

Radio presenter Roman Kemp has shared some top tips for holidaymakers this summer – to ensure they don't get hit with data roaming charges while travelling.

A survey of 2,000 Brits, who have travelled abroad, found that almost a third (31%) have been caught out by data roaming costs in the past.

And 32% of these have found out the hard way, after forgetting to switch off data roaming while overseas.

But almost half (46%) of those polled, by Virgin Media O2, claim they “need” data roaming while abroad – to keep in touch with loved ones, or to use maps or navigational apps on their phone (both 39%).

However, 53% of mobile phone users are unsure if their network provider would charge them such fees for using their phone while travelling this summer.

To clear things up, Virgin Media O2, which offers inclusive EU roaming to customers, has teamed up with Roman Kemp, to create an informational video to help Brits prepare for their holidays.

Roman Kemp takes on the role of an airline captain in the fun video, and says over an intercom: “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.”

The research also revealed other ways Brits have been caught out by unexpected costs while overseas – as one in three admit to having been stung by such fees, being left £200 out of pocket on average, to date.

The top unplanned charges include currency conversion fees (35%), data roaming charges (31%), and city taxes (27%).

And a disdain for pre-holiday admin might be partly to blame – with 27% admitting they avoid tasks like shopping around for good exchange rates, and arranging adequate insurance cover.

It also emerged that over half (55%) of those hit with these costs in the past had less enjoyable getaways as a result, as 22% were left with no choice but to cut back on spending for the remainder of their trip – while 18% were forced to use savings to cover the unplanned outgoings.

Other ways travellers have been caught out include ATM withdrawal fees, unexpected baggage costs, and overpaying for tours or excursions which were available cheaper elsewhere.

But 61% also said they were “disappointed” to see the return of roaming charges in European countries last year.

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:

1. Charges to convert your cash
2. Paying a fortune on data roaming charges on your phone
3. Having a taxi bill much higher than expected
4. Getting unexpectedly charged to use a cash machine
5. Overpaying for tours/excursions
6. Unexpected city taxes
7. Last-minute excursion costs
8. Unexpected baggage costs
9. Unexpected accommodation fees
10. Attempting to haggle, but still getting fleeced on a product
11. A flight delay meaning you have to stay another night at a hotel
12. Taking something out of the minibar without realising the price
13. Additional airline costs
14. Not realising how much the airport transfer was going to cost
15. Unexpected VISA costs
16. Travel insurance not covering something you thought it would
17. Being tricked by a scammer
18. Losing your passport and needing to sort out a new one
19. Having your bank card skimmed after using a shady ATM or contactless machine
20. Picking the wrong insurance policy

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