Following yesterday’s EU roaming cap verdict, those planning to travel abroad this summer should beware that roaming charges will continue to vary widely by country. Business and leisure travellers – especially those travelling outside of the EU – must be sure to check their existing tariff before travelling. Better value options are sure to exist.
International mobile operator AwayPhone has today updated its monthly comparison index, designed to help business and leisure travellers work out the best service to use when abroad.
“Yesterday’s confirmation that European Union roaming costs will come down is great news for business and leisure travellers,” said Sherry Madera, CEO of AwayPhone. “But even the new rates are higher than they should be, and customers travelling outside of the EU now need to be extra vigilant about global roaming stings.”
Here is AwayPhone’s list of top travel rip off destinations:
Turkey
It might be right next to the EU but Turkey has fierce roaming rates. A 10 minute call home or to a local landline from your mobile phone – seeking directions to your local hotel, say – will cost on average more than £14.
AwayPhone cuts that to £2.65. Receiving a 10 minute incoming call will cost on average £8.50. AwayPhone cuts that to £2.53 (saving over 80%).
Russia
Don’t roam in Russia unless you like splashing the cash. A 10 minute call home or to a local landline will cost on average more than £17. AwayPhone can cut that to around £5 (saving over 70%).
Morocco
You might be able to see Spain across the straits of Gibraltar but don’t think you get the same prices in Morocco. A 10 minute call home or to a local number will cost on average £16, or the price of a great dinner.
AwayPhone can cut that to about £4 (saving over 70% – enough for tomorrow night’s dinner).
China
Mobiles are everywhere in Asia, but the cost of roaming is very high. If you roam in China, a 10 minute call locally will cost about £17. AwayPhone cuts that by between 60% – 70%.
Hong Kong
Many expect it will be cheaper than the rest of China, but it’s not. A 10-minute call in this hectic city will set you back between £13 and £18. AwayPhone slashes these costs by around 70%.
Thailand
While you sit munching 30 pence Bangkok street-food, think carefully before making that call home. It’s likely to cost you £17 for 10 minutes of chat.
Kaynak : 