rci-ventures
  • News
    • News
    • Tourism
    • Technology
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Resorts & Development
  • Magazine
    • Magazine
    • Issues
    • Latest Stories
  • About
  • Europe

  • Change Your Edition
    • GLOBAL global
    • AFRICA, INDIA, & MIDDLE EAST africa-india-middle-east
    • ASIA PACIFIC us-canada
    • EUROPE europe
    • LATIN AMERICA us-canada
    • US & CANADA us-canada
Tourism

Holidaymakers unaware of roaming charge changes

More than one in 10 British holidaymakers are unaware of changes to EU data roaming charges that came into effect in June 2017 and still expect to be charged for any use.

A survey of 1,000 British holidaymakers found that 16% of travellers are unaware of the changes whilst more than a quarter (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, the research conducted by the online travel agent found that less than half of those surveyed are aware of these changes and fully understand the new rules.

The survey also revealed that despite this new legislation which sees the end of sky high roaming charges, 6% of British holidaymakers will not use their phone abroad at all, so concerned are they about the potential costs.

Since the new EU rules came into effect, less than half (43%) said they use more data when they’re on foreign shores whilst almost one in 10 (9%) said they use it less, despite the fact they will no longer be hit with further costs.

 

Phone habits

According to the results, many people’s usage will not change at all, with 42% saying they will use the same amount of data as they did before these changes were introduced.

The survey also revealed the mobile habits of Brits abroad with the majority (46%) saying they use apps such as WhatsApp to keep in touch with friends and family at home whilst almost a third (32%) said they post content and updates on social media sites such as Facebook.

One in five use data to source local bars, restaurants and attractions while in resort with 7% admitting to checking the weather back home.

The survey, which was conducted by beach holiday specialist On the Beach, also revealed that the majority of Brits are able to completely switch off from work during their holiday, with just 4% admitting to checking work emails.

Alan Harding, On the Beach’s marketing director:, 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.”


Also posted in:

TechnologyTourism

WRITTEN BY

Steve Adams


April 10, 2018


Share this Article

Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles


Rio de Janeiro and Pao de Acucar
tourism

From E-Visa to No Visa

June 4, 2019

Beginning in June, U.S., Canadian, Australian, and Japanese tr...

Giza Pyramids And Sphinx in Cairo, Egypt
tourism

Rebirth on the Nile

May 29, 2019

As years of uncertainty give way to greater stability, Egypt�...

technology

Found in Translation

May 15, 2019

Google tests out simultaneous interpretation at the front desk...

About RCI

Today, RCI remains the leader in vacation exchange, offering the world’s largest vacation exchange network and providing unrivaled products and services to enhance the vacation ownership experience. It’s one of the many reasons why more resorts trust RCI to deliver vacation exchange services to its subscribing members than any other company across the globe.
Learn More
CONNECT WITH US

About RCI Ventures® Magazine

In print and online, RCI Ventures® magazine keeps readers updated on the news, trends, success stories, and best practices within the timeshare industry. Across the globe, versions of RCI Ventures magazine are published in Europe, North America, and Latin America, providing resort developer companies, resort management companies, and resort homeowners associations with the information they need to know.
Learn More
rci-ventures
  • RCIAffiliates.com
  • RCI.com
Contact Us

CONNECT WITH US

© RCI, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Notice