Most people know they can use their phone and data anywhere in the EU – but holidaymakers should be aware of potential hidden costs.  

That’s according to Newstalk Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly, who said it’s not as easy as “roam like you’re at home” when on holidays in the EU.  

“On some bill plans, there's a little bit of fine print that I guarantee nobody ever reads until they get a massive phone bill three weeks after they come back from their holidays,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. 

Jess said people need to find out what their “fair usage policy” is, particularly when it comes to data use. 

“You may think, you’ve got unlimited data here at home. The kids can watch unlimited Peppa Pig when we're abroad on data the entire time,” she said.  

“[But] you need to check the fine print to see if it is capped at 60 gigs of data.” 

People taking a selfie while hiking. Image via Unsplash.

Long-term travel

Parents should also watch out for their bill plans when their teenage children are going interrailing over the summer. 

“You want to make sure that the fair usage policy of their mobile phone provider will allow them to [use data abroad],” Jess explained.  

“If you're out of your home country for more than four months, or if you're abroad more than you are at home over a four-month period, that is a breach of the policy.” 

Outside the EU

Outside the EU, Jess said it’s essential to be careful with your data usage.  

“If you're going for a short period, so two- or three-week holiday, you should be absolutely fine,” she warned. “But if you're going if you're doing the J1 or longer-term travel, it might be worth looking at a local SIM card.” 

Jess recommended GoMoWorld, a travel SIM from Eir that allows people outside the EU to access data.  

For €20 per month, the SIM allows someone to use 20 gigabytes of data in Australia or the US.

Boats 

Jess strongly warned people travelling by ferry to be extremely careful with their phone usage.  

“I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer to baby Jesus that you put your phone in flight mode when you go on the boat,” she said.  

Ferry travelling on the sea. Image via Unsplash.

“You're not using the traditional mobile networks on ferries. You're using satellite networks, which are enormously expensive.” 

Jess said one man told her he received an €80 bill for a 90-minute ferry journey as he was using data to watch videos on his phone during the trip. 

“You can go on the Wifi, but the Wifi isn’t great, or just try and do without your phone for the period that you're on the boat.”