Brits reveal costliest issues they’ve purchased on vacation accidentally
A survey of 2,000 holidaymakers has found the most expensive things people have bought by accident while abroad and it turns out a lot of us are guilty of doing something similar
Holidaymakers have revealed some of the most expensive things they have bought whilst on holiday abroad. A poll of 2,000 travellers found three in 10 felt they have often paid more for something on holiday because they were a tourist.
One holidaymaker unwittingly shelled out £30 for a single glass of Coca-Cola in Rome, whilst another was stung with an £80 bill for a T-shirt they believed was priced at £10.
Other eye-watering expenses reported by respondents included a solitary shot of whiskey costing a staggering £48. Another traveller parted with £25 for a taxi journey in Amsterdam, only to find themselves at their destination less than a mile later.
The research, carried out by the Post Office, showed travellers often suffer with ‘currency confusion’ – getting confused about how much money is worth ‘in pounds’ when they go away. This has resulted in a quarter of Brits paying more than they anticipated for goods or services.
The most common currency conversion for Brits, from pounds to euros, also proved baffling for some as nearly a third were unsure how much £5 would equate to in euros. Furthermore, 40% of Brits were also in the dark about the conversion rate for US dollars.
When they are abroad, four in ten Brits try to calculate local currency rates mentally, while a brave 6% simply ask a passer by and then take their word for it.
Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office, commented: “Our research reveals many travellers overestimate their ability to mentally convert currencies on the go, and that can lead to overspending.
“We wanted to highlight how easily confusion around exchange rates can impact holiday budgets – no one wants to waste time abroad worrying about money.”
The study was conducted to promote the Post Office’s Travel Money Card, as well as their Travel App which enables holidaymakers to check exchange rates and track spending in real time.
Currently 17% of travellers depend on conversion apps to figure out their expenditure. “It’s surprising that only 19% of travellers use a prepaid travel card for their spending abroad when it can allow travellers to lock in a good rate before travelling,” added Laura.
Meanwhile, 49% utilise a distinct card not connected to their primary bank account for overseas expenditure – safeguarding their ‘main funds’ from potential fraudsters or thieves.
Laura further commented: “Nothing disrupts a holiday like a financial mishap. Keeping your travel money separate from your main account is a smart move to give you greater control, clearer visibility of what you’re spending.”
Whether you’re budgeting carefully or just want to avoid mixing travel purchases with everyday costs, this small step can make a big difference to your trip.”
