When travelling abroad, one should always be mindful of the local currency, transportation options like taxis, and most importantly, data usage. While it may appear trivial, controlling internet expenses is vital since they can skyrocket—sometimes amounting to half a month’s salary or even more. This is especially relevant in places such as the Caribbean or other regions where your mobile carrier may not offer local data coverage, compelling you to rely on expensive roaming services or Wi-Fi availability.
New travellers should familiarise themselves with the rules to avoid unnecessary expenses or complications. For instance, one guideline is to refrain from wearing military or camouflage clothing, as this is prohibited on certain Caribbean islands. Overlooking such rules can result in significant trouble or, in some cases, an expensive price tag.
Recently, a traveller faced a hefty financial penalty of $1,300 due to a lapse in these precautions. The passenger, who was on a Royal Caribbean cruise, mistakenly believed he had purchased a Wi-Fi package covering all mobile services. They thought this purchase would include their mobile service, as stated by Jayson Judson on YouTube. However, this was not the case. Royal Caribbean offers two ways to connect to the internet – VOOM Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) and wired (iCafes) internet stations. Although the traveller had no issues accessing Wi-Fi on board, a critical oversight led to unexpected consequences.
The issue arose because “airplane mode” was not activated during the Royal Caribbean cruise. As a result, the phone continued downloading updates and running background applications while at sea, resulting in unexpected charges. Moreover, additional charges were incurred when the passenger’s child unknowingly used the device to stream videos during the journey.
Despite the passenger’s frustration, Royal Caribbean declined to cover the additional expenses. When the individual contacted the cruise line to file a complaint, they were informed that the responsibility lay with them for not switching their phone to “airplane mode”.
The web has encountered various reactions regarding the $1,300 mobile phone bill case. Users commented that the “gentleman just got a big lesson” or that “some people can’t take responsibility for their own mistakes.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when managing technology during international travel. Being aware of what to expect and what to do before embarking on a trip can enable travellers to focus on enjoying the journey without unnecessary stress.
