A US traveler received a bill of approximately $10,000 (€9,300) for using just 4.25GB of mobile data during a trip to Europe in 2025. The incident, widely reported in early 2026, involved a customer of a major US carrier who used Google Maps, checked emails, and posted photos while abroad.
The high charges stemmed from international roaming rates, which can be exorbitant without a suitable plan. According to consumer advocacy groups, many travelers are unaware that standard US mobile plans often charge per megabyte overseas, leading to bills that can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars.
In this case, the customer reportedly contacted the carrier after receiving the bill, and the company later reduced the charges after media attention. However, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of checking roaming policies before traveling.
Experts recommend travelers purchase local SIM cards, use eSIMs, or activate international data packages to avoid such surprises. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also issued guidelines for consumers to understand roaming fees.
