Post Office: Overseas card and phone charges top grumble for British tourists

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Post Office: Overseas card and phone charges top grumble for British tourists

Fri 8th Aug 2008

Hidden charges for using mobile phones or credit and debit cards abroad are the top complaint for Britons on holiday, the Post Office has found.

Its research found that six out of ten holiday irritations are to do with perceived rip-offs such as the cost of exchanging currency abroad and the belief that tourists are charged more.

According to the Post Office research, meals for a family of four in Greece could cost £551 - nearly £90 more than a year ago for the same purchases.

Similar increases were found in Spain, France and Croatia, with the lowest European increase seen in Turkey, at £44.15.

Helen Warburton, head of travel at the Post Office, said phones should be kept for emergencies and have the answer phone turned off to avoid expensive incoming calls.

Buying currency in advance can avoid high ATM charges, she said.

Meanwhile, Cater Allen private bank found that 62 per cent of Britons use their savings to pay for their holidays, while 17 per cent said they "lived" for their break.

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