Teen’s 2-hour Turkey layover leads to $9,000 bill
A teenager’s brief two-hour layover in Istanbul, Turkey, resulted in an eye-watering $9,000 bill due to exorbitant roaming charges. The teen, whose phone is connected to a Singapore-based telco, M1, had mistakenly activated data roaming before boarding his flight to Hungary. Mobile phone charges
As a result, his phone automatically connected to a Turkish telco network during his layover, racking up charges for data usage even though he wasn’t actively using the internet. When the teen’s mother received the bill, she was understandably shocked and contacted M1 for assistance.
The detailed breakdown of the bill included:
- S$8,944.80 in roaming charges
- A monthly fee of S$84.12
- An additional S$0.80 for SMS roaming
The charges totalled S$9,029.72.
After reviewing the case, M1 agreed to waive the majority of the charges, settling the bill at a more reasonable S$500 (approximately $360).
M1 recommends customers to purchase roaming packages
In response to Shin Min Daily News’ queries, an M1 spokesperson urged travellers to purchase their roaming packages to avoid such incidents from occurring.
These packages include Roaming Passports, which give customers the freedom to use local data services overseas.
According to the data passport FAQs on M1’s website, users can track their data usage using the My M1+ app when they purchase the packages.
Here are some tips to help you avoid similar surprises: Mobile phone charges
This incident highlights the importance of being mindful of data roaming charges when traveling overseas. It’s crucial to check with your telco about their roaming packages and ensure data roaming is disabled unless you specifically need to use it.
-
Disable data roaming by default: Before leaving your home country, make sure data roaming is disabled on your phone. This will prevent your phone from automatically connecting to foreign networks and incurring charges.
-
Check with your telco about roaming packages: Roaming packages can provide a more cost-effective way to use your phone while abroad. Many telcos offer various roaming packages that cater to different needs, such as unlimited data for a set period or a daily data allowance.
-
Consider using an international SIM card: Purchasing an international SIM card from a local operator in your destination country can be a more affordable option than relying on your home carrier’s roaming charges.
-
Utilize Wi-Fi hotspots: Whenever possible, connect to Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, cafes, airports, and other public spaces to avoid using your cellular data.
-
Enable data saver mode: Activate data saver mode on your phone to restrict background data usage and minimize roaming charges.
-
Turn off auto-updates: Disable automatic app updates and software updates to prevent unnecessary data consumption.
-
Avoid streaming and file downloads: Refrain from streaming videos or downloading large files while abroad, as these activities can quickly rack up data charges.
-
Be mindful of background apps: Check your phone’s settings to ensure that background apps are not consuming data in the background.
-
Consider an eSIM solution: eSIMs, embedded SIM cards, allow you to activate a local SIM card without having to physically replace your SIM card. This can be a convenient option for travelers who frequently visit different countries.
-
Stay informed about roaming charges: Familiarize yourself with your telco’s roaming policies and pricing plans to avoid unexpected charges.
By following these tips, you can stay connected while traveling without breaking the bank.
Here are some indicative prepaid eSIM card prices for Europe from a few of the best eSIM companies:
