Nearly one in three Australian travellers say they would feel unsafe overseas without access to mobile data, highlighting how connectivity has become part of the way we navigate unfamiliar destinations.
Research commissioned by travel eSIM provider Saily found 32% of Australians who had travelled internationally during the previous two years would feel somewhat or very unsafe without mobile data. Another 45% said they would feel safe, while 23% were neutral.
Australia recorded the third highest level of concern among the eight countries surveyed, behind Italy at 46% and Spain at 41%. Across all markets, 29% of international travellers said being without mobile data would make them feel unsafe.
Vykintas Maknickas, Saily CEO, said travellers increasingly rely on connectivity for practical tasks beyond social media.
“Today, it is how they navigate unfamiliar places, access reservations and boarding passes, translate conversations, contact family, or call a ride,” Mr Maknickas said.
The survey also found younger travellers were more likely to feel vulnerable without connectivity, while those aged 45 to 54 reported greater confidence travelling offline.
Women were more likely than men to say they would feel unsafe without internet access, while respondents on lower incomes also reported greater concern than higher income travellers.
Saily recommends travellers prepare for periods without connectivity by downloading offline maps, saving accommodation and emergency details locally, taking screenshots of essential bookings and carrying a charged power bank.
The research was conducted across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and United States.
The findings on mobile data and safety were based on 4,732 people who had travelled internationally during the previous two years, including 592 Australians.
