Using your Australian SIM card to make calls, texts or access data while overseas has traditionally been very expensive. But ever since Vodafone launched its global roaming add-on for $5 per day in 2013, international roaming has become a lot easier.
Since then, Telstra, Optus and other Australian telcos have also evolved their products to provide more affordable and flexible international roaming options. These companies have introduced various global roaming plans and packages that cater to different needs, offering better value. Some smaller companies also offer competitive roaming options.
Purchasing a local SIM card at your destination is often the cheapest way to access calls, texts and internet data when travelling overseas. But by activating international roaming on your Australian SIM card, you can keep using your own phone number. In addition to the convenience, this means you’ll still be able to receive calls and text messages on your Australian number.
Without a special add-on, accessing data overseas often costs as much as $1 per 1MB. But with the roaming packages offered by Vodafone, Telstra and Optus, you can use your phone overseas – just as you would in Australia – for as little as $5 per day.
When using these add-ons, just be sure to check the list of eligible countries. If you use your phone that isn’t covered by your roaming add-on, you could be up for the usual exorbitant global roaming charges!
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Vodafone’s international roaming options
Vodafone’s $5/day “roam like home” add-on disrupted the market – in a very good way – when it launched a decade ago.
To this day, Vodafone still offers $5 international roaming, where you gain access to your Australian plan’s limits while overseas. This means you won’t be wasting any of your existing plan’s data while traveling! Although this package was originally only available in a handful of destinations, you can now access this in over 100 countries.
Beware that if you go over your data limit, you’ll have to pay an extra $5 per 1GB. Also, you can only use Vodafone’s roaming for up to 90 days per year.
This will probably not suit regular overseas travellers, as the cap on usage per year is quite restrictive. However, this could be great for occasional traveler, simply using up data that you’ve already paid for.
Telstra’s international roaming options
Telstra offers its International Day Pass, whereby you’ll pay $10 per day while overseas (except in New Zealand, which is $5/day). This gets you 1GB of data per day and unlimited calls and texts in the 75 countries in Zones 1 and 2. There are also seven “Zone 3” countries which only give you access to unlimited calls and texts, but no data.
If you run out of data, you can top up 1GB for $10. However, if you travel outside an eligible destination, you simply won’t have access to any international roaming services.
It’s worth noting that the rollover time is midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). This is not tailored to whichever time zone you may currently be in.
Telstra’s offering is arguably the weakest of the three large Australian telecommunication (telco) companies, as it is quite expensive and includes the lowest number of countries.
Optus’ international roaming options
Optus offers two different international roaming options, depending on your plan.
If you are on an Optus Choice Plus, Optus Plus Family or Optus Plus Promo plan (which includes the Qantas plans offered by Optus), you can access Optus Daily Roaming.
With Optus Daily Roaming, you get 5GB and unlimited calls and texts in over 100 countries for $5 a day. If you breach the data limit, you’ll have to pay $5 for another 5GB.
If you’re not on one of the above listed plans, you will have access to Optus’ $10 Roaming pass. This costs $10 per day, and offers 1GB and unlimited calls and texts. If you need to top up, its $10 for an extra 1GB.
If you are not in an eligible country, standard international roaming rates apply. These rates can be astronomically high, with calls costing around $1.50 per minute. You can see the costs for a specific country on Optus’ website.
The Daily Roaming offering is very solid, especially for travelers who need the extra data. However, the $10 roaming option is poor, with the only difference to Telstra’s being the number of countries available.
Other telcos’ international roaming options
Not a Vodafone, Telstra or Optus customer? Below is a non-exhaustive list of the international roaming offers of other Australian telcos:
| Company | Cost | Data | Calls + Texts | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felix | $20 | 4GB | 100 min of calls + 100 standard texts | 365 days | Is an add-on to an existing plan. Only available in 40 countries. |
| Amaysim | $20 – $70 | 0GB – 5GB | Up to 100 min of calls + 100 standard texts | 365 days | Four different plans, with different inclusions. Is an add-on to an existing plan. Available in over 90 countries. |
| Belong | $30 | 3GB | 150 min of calls + unlimited standard texts | 15 days | Is an add-on to an existing plan. Only available in 40 countries. |
| Tangerine | $35 – $55 | 5GB – 10GB | Up to 60 min of calls + up to 60 standard texts | 7-14 days | Two different plans. Is an add-on to an existing plan. Available in 68 countries. |
| Boost | $20 – $40 | 1GB – 5GB | Up to 60 min of calls + up to 60 standard texts | 3 – 14 days | Three different plans. Is an add-on to an existing plan. Only available in 40 countries. |
Of the options listed above, the Felix and Amaysim options are the most cost-effective if you are travelling for a long time, and don’t require much data. Every offer above prices favourably to the major telcos, although they may come with less inlcusions.
International roaming vs eSIMs
International roaming packages are a very convenient solution for connectivity while overseas. However, how do they stack up against eSIMs, given how great they are for travel?
International roaming via your local mobile plan is simply more expensive than a comparable eSIM, if the only thing you’re looking for is data. However, eSIMs don’t generally provide any allowances for calls or texts.
If you know you’ll need to make calls to home using your mobile phone, and you don’t use apps that allow messages and voice calls over data such as WhatsApp or Skype, an international roaming add-on may suit you better. Furthermore, your device may not be eSIM-compatible, removing that option entirely.
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