Vacation in Greece Concludes with Dreadful Mobile Phone Bill - Costly Error Prompts Tourist's Expense

Vacation in Greece Concludes with Dreadful Mobile Phone Bill - Costly Error Prompts Tourist's Expense

Headline: Beware of High Roaming Charges in Greece: A Guide for Tourists

Traveling to the picturesque Greek island of Corfu can be an unforgettable experience, but it's essential to be mindful of potential hidden costs, particularly when it comes to mobile phone usage.

Recent incidents have highlighted the danger of high roaming charges for vacationers in Greece, with some travelers incurring bills of up to 150 euros due to their phones automatically connecting to the Albanian mobile network [1]. In some extreme cases, a tourist had to pay over 300 euros due to her phone switching networks while traveling in Greece [2].

The proximity of Corfu to the Albanian coast is the root cause of these potential high mobile phone bills. Mobile network providers charge significantly higher non-EU rates in Albania, which is not an EU member state, and as a result, EU roaming benefits do not apply [3].

To avoid these unexpected costs, experts recommend taking a few simple precautions.

1. Disable automatic network selection

Manually set your phone to use only Greek mobile networks to prevent it from latching onto Albanian masts. This can help you avoid bills that could reach as high as £300 [1].

2. Use a local SIM card or an international eSIM

Buying a Greek SIM card or an unlimited-data international eSIM before or upon arrival can help you avoid roaming charges entirely. International eSIMs like Holafly offer easy activation by scanning a QR code and provide unlimited 3G/4G data with stable coverage in urban areas of Greece [3][5].

3. Turn off data roaming when not needed

Keeping data roaming off until you explicitly need mobile data ensures your phone does not use roaming unintentionally, especially important for multi-destination trips with eSIMs [3].

4. Check your mobile contract’s EU roaming policy

Some mobile providers limit or charge for EU data usage. Confirm your plan’s coverage and costs beforehand to avoid unexpected charges [2][5].

By following these steps, you can stay connected in Corfu without incurring expensive roaming bills on your return.

The Foreign Office has also issued a warning about the danger to tourists in Greece, urging vacationers to be aware of potential high mobile phone bills due to automatic connection to the Albanian mobile network [4]. For more information about the danger to tourists in Greece, visit this link: https://www.outdooractive.com/en/news/travel/holidays-in-greece-danger-for-tourists-even-the-foreign-office-is-speaking/

In conclusion, while Corfu offers a wealth of experiences, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with mobile phone usage. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure a hassle-free and memorable holiday in Greece.

[1] The Telegraph, "Greece holiday warning: Expensive roaming charges could catch out UK tourists," 2021, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/articles/greece-holiday-warning-expensive-roaming-charges-could-catch-out-uk-tourists/

[2] The Independent, "Greece holiday warning: Tourists could face huge mobile phone bills," 2021, https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/greece-holiday-warning-mobile-phone-bills-b1863477.html

[3] Holafly, "Greece eSIM: Unlimited 4G Data for Traveling in Greece," 2021, https://www.holafly.com/en/europe/greece-esim/

[4] The Foreign Office, "Travel Advice: Greece," 2021, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece

[5] The Guardian, "Greece holiday warning: How to avoid huge mobile phone bills," 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/jul/22/greece-holiday-warning-how-to-avoid-huge-mobile-phone-bills

• While exploring the beautiful island of Corfu, consider managing your lifestyle and finance by taking precautions against high roaming charges.
• To maintain a memorable travel experience in Greece without incurring excessive roaming costs, follow the steps provided, including disabling automatic network selection, using a local SIM card or international eSIM, turning off data roaming when not needed, and checking your mobile contract's EU roaming policy.

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