Tourists on island holidays complain about roaming fees: "Astonishing overpricing!"
In the popular Facebook group "We Love Sidari," Steve Moore, a vacationer from Chesterfield, England, shared his negative experiences with his mobile provider. His post, titled "Warning! Please be careful with your mobile," emphasises the potential costs of not being mindful about mobile usage on Corfu.
Moore's frustration is evident in his warning post, as he found himself facing unexpected roaming charges. His phone switched to another network unnoticed, leading to charges that were similar to those in the UK but actually incurred on Corfu due to his smartphone connecting to an Albanian network.
The proximity of Corfu to the Albanian coastal town of Ksamil is a factor in this issue. Although Corfu is part of Greece, its geographical location means that phones can unintentionally connect to Albanian networks with expensive roaming tariffs. This is because Albania is outside the EU roaming agreements.
To avoid such unexpected charges, Moore advises other travelers to watch their phones carefully. Vacationers on Corfu are advised to check their mobile roaming settings before arriving on the island. By disabling automatic network selection and manually selecting a Greek network, you can prevent your phone from latching onto Albanian towers.
Additionally, consider using Wi-Fi for calls and data where possible or purchasing a local Greek SIM card for better control over charges. A road trip through the Balkans, including Albania, is a popular option for adventurers, but be sure to manage your mobile usage carefully to avoid any unwanted expenses.
The British daily newspaper Daily Mail has reported on this issue of unexpected roaming charges on Corfu. Moore's post in the "We Love Sidari" group highlights the issue and serves as a warning to other vacationers.
[1] Daily Mail article on unexpected roaming charges on Corfu [2] Travel advice on mobile roaming in Greece [3] European Commission report on roaming charges
- "To prevent steep roaming charges, it's wise to manage your mobile usage carefully on Corfu, especially given its proximity to Albania, which is outside the EU roaming agreements."
- "Adjusting mobile roaming settings, such as disabling automatic network selection and manually selecting a Greek network, can help avoid unintentional connections to expensive Albanian networks while on vacation in Corfu."
