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Business travelers fearful of excessive overseas roaming charges
Fears about the ‘bill shock’ of travelers racking up huge data roaming charges could be impacting the productivity of business travelers while on the road, a report suggests.
A study by Serious Insights and Telestial Inc says six out of ten travelers do not always respond immediately to important work or personal emails or use GPS for directions if they believe it will significantly increase cellphone data charges.
"Much of the change in behavior stems from fear of facing big cell phone bill charges upon returning home," the ‘American Travelers: Not Masters of International Data’ report said.
The report said 82% are fearful about the cost of using data while overseas but only 43% have bought a local SIM card as a cheaper alternative during an international trip.
"Americans just don’t get international data. Addicted to connectivity at home, they needlessly cut themselves off while abroad," said Dan Rasmus, founder and principal analyst at Serious Insights.
"Global travelers from other countries are much more familiar and comfortable with options like country-specific SIM cards, data bundles or different devices for controlling overseas data costs. American travelers lag way behind."
While many American travelers rely on the use of public Wi-Fi for communication, 64% said Wi-Fi networks are either inadequate or do not meet all their needs.
It said 78% of American travelers said better access would have resulted in less time and money spent during a business trip.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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