Airalo Sets a ‘Tourist Trap’ to Help Holidaymakers Avoid Holiday Rip-Offs

Installation featuring a giant croissant created by DUDE London aims to warn tourists against scams and offers affordable travel data by eSIM company Airalo

More than a fifth of holidaymakers have fallen into tourist traps while holidaying abroad, with victims losing an average of £200. In the height of holiday season, the results of a survey commissioned by eSIM platform Airalo has been released. The survey of 2,000 adults found a further 27 percent have knowingly been ripped off or overcharged while on holiday. The most common rip-offs reported include overpriced taxi rides, hidden fees when using card machines and being charged more than locals would.

As a result, 49 per cent are now more cautious when spending money or booking activities abroad compared to five years ago. The study also found having reliable internet access makes 69 per cent feel safer when travelling abroad. And 21 per cent said they are typically ‘always’ connected to the internet or mobile data when on holiday. Almost half (46 per cent) said without internet access they wouldn’t be able to contact friends or family, while 40 per cent would be unable to navigate unfamiliar areas or access tickets and bookings (29 per cent).

In a new campaign created by independent creative agency DUDE London, Airalo have launched ‘Tourist Trap’, a large-scale installation in busy tourist spot, Potter’s Field in London, featuring an oversized and overpriced croissant measuring warning sightseers of the tourist traps they can easily fall into while on holiday.

The 4 metre x 4 metre installation features a wooden box representing the tourist trap, poised to snap shut over an oversized golden croissant – an instantly recognisable symbol of overpriced tourist hotspots. A handwritten price tag reads “€15”, highlighting the inflated prices travellers often encounter in popular tourist destinations. Across the roof of the trap, bold orange typography reads: “Avoid tourist traps with unlimited data abroad,” alongside Airalo branding and the line “Download your Airalo eSIM before you travel.”

To help holidaymakers dodge additional costs this summer, the brand is offering new users 20% off sitewide data plans with code ‘CROISSANT’ ensuring travellers stay connected and protected.

Matteo Papa, growth director (Europe & CIS), Airalo, said: “Falling victim to a tourist trap can put a dampener on, and in some cases a financial strain on, a dream holiday. While some traps can seem harmless at first, the costs can quickly add up and leave travellers feeling frustrated or out of pocket. Doing a little research before you travel, checking reviews, and staying connected while you’re on the go can help holidaymakers make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Being aware of the most common rip-offs tactics in your destination can go a long way towards helping you enjoy a smoother, more stress-free trip.”

Alex Prew, creative at DUDE London added: “Every traveller has a story about falling into a tourist trap that could’ve been avoided if they had internet. I was personally promised the ‘world’s most authentic paella’, only to be served a microwaved meal still frozen in the middle. We hope our giant trap means no tourist ever has to suffer the plight of an overpriced croissant again.”

Airalo, which offers mobile data coverage in over 200 locations around the world, commissioned the research by OnePoll.com When it came to the top things holidaymakers worry about when going abroad, having a medical emergency or accident ranked highest. However, missing flights (47 per cent), losing luggage (45 per cent), and food poisoning (38 per cent) also ranked highly. It was found 52 per cent believe rip-offs in popular overseas holiday destinations are getting worse each year. To avoid being ripped off while on holiday, 50 per cent have avoided carrying large amounts of cash, while 37 per cent have only used licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Source: DUDE London

  Advertising, Airalo, Campaign, DUDE, eSIM, Travel advice