British football fans face roaming charge own goal as US named costliest for data draining
More than half of Brits fear racking up huge mobile phone bills due to data usage, with the problem particularly acute for those travelling to this year's World Cup.
That's because the US has been named the most expensive place to use roaming data in a comprehensive survey of our data usage habits while abroad.
From background data syncs to navigating unfamiliar streets, Sky Mobile's Data Roaming Index, which comes as they expand their roaming offer from 55 to 120 destinations, has lifted the lid on the behaviour that's draining our devices and the countries where it really will cost you a packet.
Its research shows that shows that forgetting to turn off app notifications can land travellers with up to a £20 bill, while streaming just one film trailer can leave Brits up to £120 out of pocket.
Sky Mobile's index shows that online messaging and accidentally downloading WhatsApps (56 per cent) are the 'data drainers' most Brits fall foul of abroad, while using maps and navigation tools (52 per cent) and search engines (48 per cent) also rank highly.
Booking restaurants, tours and day trips (31 per cent) are also big reasons for Brits to turning on their data regardless of the cost.
Meanwhile a third of people admit they prioritise posting on social media enough to turn on data to do it, even though it's likely to land them with significant charges.
The research also revealed that two-thirds (67 per cent) of travellers aren't aware of data saving hacks.
To help Brits abroad, Sky Mobile has created a practical guide packed with 'roaming hacks' to help people cut data usage while out of the country.
Key tips include downloading maps, playlists and shows before travelling, switching on low data mode, and turning off automatic cloud syncing.
Those who don't follow these risk the biggest bills in the US, meaning an unwanted surprise could be waiting for many England and Scotland fans following their team to glory this summer.
After the States, Thailand is worst for roaming charges, with the paradise Caribbean island of Barbados coming in third.
The new consumer research highlights a clear awareness gap among Brits when it comes to roaming. The average 25-34-year-old is nearly twice as likely (48%) as 55-64-year-olds (26%) to have been stung by unexpected costly roaming charges.Whilst Northern Ireland shows the lowest roaming awareness with over half (51%) never or rarely checking charges, almost double the UK average (28%).
With even minor phone use abroad potentially triggering hundreds of pounds in charges, simple tasks quickly become 'data-drainers' without the right plan, which can save you hundreds of pounds.
The index has been released as Sky Mobile expands its Roaming Passport Plus destinations from 55 to 120 across EU/EEA, the USA, Australia and more.
Customers can use their UK data, calls and text allowances as if they were still in the UK while in one of the destinations for just £2 a day, no set-up required and no surprise bill shock.
Ben Case, Managing Director of Connectivity at Sky, said: "According to our research, over half of Brits are afraid to turn on roaming abroad due to potential charges - so Sky Mobile is making it simple. For just £2 a day, our customers can now use their existing data allowance in 120 destinations without any set-up, or surprise bill shock."
With roaming in 120 destinations, including the top 10 costliest countries, for just £2 a day, Sky says it is simplifying staying connected wherever you travel. Roaming Passport Plus activates automatically so you can access your UK data, calls, and text allowances without any hassle.
To view Sky Mobile's Holiday Hack List visithere
The Top 10 Costliest Countries to Data Roam:
Rank Country
1. USA
2. Thailand
3. Barbados
4. Turkey
5. Egypt
6. Indonesia
7. Australia
8. Mexico
9. South Africa
10. Morocco
UK's Top 10 Hidden Data Drainers Index
Typical Data Use: 8-12 MB/min
Realistic Duration: 5 mins
Potential Cost Without a Roaming Plan or Pass (£): £80 - £150
Typical Data Use: 15-20 MB/min
Potential Cost Without a Roaming Plan or Pass (£): £60 - £120
Typical Data Use: 5-7 MB/min
Realistic Duration: 3 mins
Potential Cost Without a Roaming Plan or Pass (£): £30 - £60
Typical Data Use: 2-5 MB/min
Realistic Duration: 5 mins
Potential Cost Without a Roaming Plan or Pass (£): £20 - £50