Using an iPhone during a three-day visit to France cost an Airdrie, Alta., man $7,763 in roaming fees. (Associated Press)

An Alberta man's trip to see World War II sites in Normandy, France, has landed him in a battle of his own — against a cellphone provider that's billing him almost $8,000 in roaming fees.

When Jason Boutang returned from Europe, his tab from Virgin Mobile for three days' use of his iPhone was $7,763.70.

"I couldn't believe what I saw in my eyes. I got three other people to verify that I'm not seeing things wrong," the Airdrie man said.

Boutang said his usage was fairly modest: an English translation application, some texts and calls, and streaming a Calgary radio station.

Virgin Mobile told CBC News it is reviewing Boutang's bill and hopes to offer him a revised total. But a spokesman said the company's roaming service comes with a warning that the fees can be very high.

When he called Virgin prior to his trip to ask about using his iPhone in Europe, Boutang said he wasn't told the bill could be so high.

Virgin should waive the fees, he said.

"Cellphone companies. Like, they brag up these iPhones, how it's good all over the world," said Boutang. "It should be like a drug commercial, when they tell you how good the drug is but then they tell you a thousand side-effects after that."

"Well, this is a side-effect. You don't use the iPhone out in Europe, period."