Overseas travel is a great way to see the world, experience different cultures, and partake in some amazing food, but one way to ruin the fun would be a big unexpected roaming charge at the end of your trip.
If you set up your phone correctly, it’s easy to avoid charges that would otherwise add to the expense of your trip.
I’ve gathered information from the major Australian telcos to find out what exactly incurs a charge and to find out a few workarounds to help you avoid any unexpected fees.
What incurs a charge?
Generally, Aussie telecom companies will charge you for making or receiving a call, sending a text message, or using any mobile data while overseas. Some even charge you just for being connected to a tower overseas.
Phones sometimes use small amounts of data in the background, like notifying of an email or delivering a news alert, so it’s pretty easy to accidentally get charged.
To avoid this, switch off mobile data in your phone’s settings for that SIM card, or keep the phone in flight mode until you reach wifi coverage.
How to set up your phone
If your trip will last more than a few days, it’s often much more cost-efficient to get set up on local prepaid or a travel SIM – and with eSIM options available, it’s easier than ever.
Some destinations even have telco stores in the airport to streamline getting set up with a local network. This is great if you need additional help to activate the SIM or eSIM.
You’ll also want to set up unconditional call diversion to voicemail – this means your Australian carrier gets the call and redirects it to Australian voicemail before it ever travels internationally, avoiding call charges.
Remember to keep your phone set to Flight Mode during the flight, and remember to switch off mobile data for your Australian SIM to avoid getting an automatic charge when you land.
International eSIM options
Before leaving, you should check what options are available at your destination to get a local prepaid data or phone plan and compare it against your expected roaming costs from your Aussie telco. In most cases you’ll be able to get more data for less cost on a local option.
The most affordable options tend to be data-only – these are widely available and less expensive than plans that include a phone number. They’re a great option if you mainly rely on apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, or others for communication.
Plans vary by country, but most popular destinations are well served.
Canada is a bit restrictive, requiring a Canadian address or an IMEI number before provisioning so a travel eSIM is a better option. Airalo or Jetpac are good options.
Japan is one of the easiest countries to get an eSIM, with a multitude of eSIM options available from MVNOs like Sakura Mobile or travel options.
Europe is well covered with plans from travel-focused vendors like Airalo serving over 30 countries on a single plan – great if you’re travelling through multiple countries.
China is a notable exception and fairly complicated – most international eSIMs don’t work reliably due to the Great Firewall and it might be tricky to access your typical websites and services. Holafly is one of the most popular options for China.
How to set up eSIM
eSIM is a really flexible option for international travel. It lets you get connected on a local phone plan without needing to find a physical store from which to get a SIM card – instead you just activate it on the phone.
Most countries and most modern phones support the technology, but there are a few caveats and exceptions – so make sure to check beforehand to avoid being caught out.
Depending on the carrier, you could receive an internet link, a QR code, or even manual information and instructions. Many carriers also support app activation, which is by far the smoothest option – just install the app, buy the eSIM, and follow the instructions to activate right away.
One of the most common activation methods is QR code – the carrier will email or display a QR code after you purchase the plan, and you scan it on your phone to activate the eSIM. Most phones can scan this into the eSIM settings from a screenshot, so you don’t need a second device to activate.
You can also use manual entry, typing in a long address plus an activation code – this is commonly provided as a fallback option for the QR code.
The key thing to remember is that travel eSIMs will only work on unlocked devices. Devices purchased directly from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone are sometimes locked to the carrier – so remember to get your phone unlocked before departure.
Australian carriers are required by law to unlock devices bought on a plan for free – but it can take a bit of time, so don’t get caught out. Prepaid handsets often incur a fee if you haven’t had the device for long.
iPhone
Head into your Settings app, go to Mobile, then find the Add eSIM option. From here, you can use a QR code, or enter details manually.
Alternatively, you can take a screenshot of the QR code provided, then long-press on it in the Photos app to scan it and activate the eSIM.
Android
This varies by manufacturer, but generally you’ll just be able to search Add eSIM in your settings app to find the option. Typically, Samsung, Google Pixel, and other high-end Android devices support eSIM.
Many devices are also able to scan QR codes from the photos app, so it’s best to give that a go before you go to the trouble of manually entering details.
Both
By far the easiest method to activate is if you’re using a travel-specific eSIM like Airalo – just install the app on your platform, follow the instructions and activation happens seamlessly.
Once you’ve got your SIM card active at your travel destination, you’re ready to go – use its data for communication, navigation, and other needs while keeping your Aussie SIM’s data and roaming disabled to avoid fees.
Optus Roaming
Optus is a tricky telco to work around for roaming, and they gave me some conflicting information. A spokesperson told me that the moment your phone pings an international tower, you’ll be charged for roaming – but it’s unclear whether this is the case with mobile data switched off.
That means that, officially, the safest way to avoid being slugged with a roaming fee is to simply not use your Optus SIM at all.
However, Optus says it doesn’t inherently charge for receiving SMS. In a practical sense you’ll need to connect to a tower to receive it – so there’s no realistic way to receive 2FA codes or bank messages without being charged.
To work around this, try to set up your accounts on an authenticator app instead.
When Optus charges you for roaming, it’s typically $5 to $10 per day for most countries and on most plans. Prepaid plans start at $5 per day as well. Both options have very limited data access.
Unfortunately, Optus disables wifi calling while roaming overseas, so you cannot avoid charges this way.
Vodafone Roaming
Vodafone was able to confirm that its plans incur roaming charges only when mobile roaming is used – that is, making or receiving a call, sending an SMS, or using mobile data. If you switch off mobile data in your SIM settings you shouldn’t be charged for roaming.
Receiving an SMS does not inherently incur a charge, so you can keep your phone active but switch off mobile data and use unconditional voicemail diversion to avoid being charged.
This way you can still receive 2FA and bank text messages without incurring the roaming rate.
Vodafone’s roaming rate is simple – $5 per day in addition to your plan fees on the days you roam allows you to use your plan inclusions overseas – that means you can use the full extent of your plan data.
Unfortunately, Vodafone explicitly disables wifi calling while overseas, so you cannot use it to dial back to Australia or to check your voicemail.
Telstra Roaming
Telstra is flexible but has some sneaky charges that you’ll need to know about.
Charges for an active roaming “Day Pass” can reach as high as $10 per day for just 2GB of data and unlimited calls and texts – an amount that’s easily surpassed by the majority of local prepaid eSIMs at travel destinations.
It’s worth noting that even receiving a voicemail to your MessageBank can incur a charge while you’re roaming – so you’ll definitely want to set up unconditional call forwarding before you leave.
A Telstra spokesperson confirmed that having your phone switched on doesn’t inherently incur a roaming charge – it’s only when you use data or services when you’re charged a roaming fee. Email services, cloud backups, and location services are all ways your phone could consume data automatically.
Luckily, receiving an SMS does not trigger your Day Pass – that means you can leave data switched off and divert all calls to another number – otherwise you risk getting charged.
Interestingly, Telstra doesn’t geo-block wifi calling, so you could still dial into Telstra voicemail or to an Australian number over wifi without incurring an international roaming charge. To ensure you’re not charged, try keeping your phone in Flight Mode with wifi active while making the call – most modern phones let you do this.
33 comments
Karl
Hi, I am planning to travel to Europe for 10 weeks (all of May and June) – booked flights with Etihad but the current Middle East situation may change or defer our travel plans.
I am with Telstra mobile and if possible, I want to receive business calls and have internet. I have an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
I would pay$5/day roaming but Telstra charges $10/day which would cost me $700 for the trip, so an eSiM is my best option.
I understand that I can receive and make calls via WhatsApp using the eSIM data.
1) Can I receive and/or make calls to my Australian mobile number if I only use the eSIM and switch off my mobile data?
2) Is the process to forward my calls to the eSIM number or is eSIM only data?
3) Is the only way around this to enable unconditional call forwarding for my Australian number?
4) How would I call back if I only have the eSIM data enabled and the Telstra mobile service turned off?
Scott Hunt
Hey Karl,
Sounds like a great trip!
1) Receiving and making calls over a cell tower whilst overseas would trigger the roaming charge, this is why you should disable the Telstra SIM.
2) Most travel eSIMs are data only.
3) Unconditional call forwarding to your voicemail is the best way to not get charged, as the call never leaves Australia in that case.
4) You can use Flight Mode with WiFi enabled and still make a call with a Telstra service. Calls back to Aussie numbers on WiFi calling are free.
Hope this helps.
Sue O'K
Hi Scott
I researched esims for 4 of us who were travelling to Europe for 3 months recently. I initially purchased 4Jetpac Europe 1 month esims and received great bulk discounts. Each month I just purchased 4 new packs (again discounted) which via an email link and the Jetpac app easily connected to our existing esims. They worked well in Italy, Malta, France and the UK (many other countries are also included). The best part (and not often mentioned), was that use of Google Maps and WhatsApp did not count towards our data allowance. As we were travelling independently the inclusion of Google maps was especially invaluable as we used it all the time while we were out and about and we could also easily phone each other via WhatsApp for which we had been advised to keep our Australian numbers-this worked very well. Finally and slightly divergently we found NORDVPN (unlike Express VPN and some others) to work very well for accessing Australian live TV, streaming and Netflix etc.
Scott Hunt
Thanks for the report Sue!
Gerry
I have a Samsung S22+ that does NOT have eSIM capabilities. I have a dual SIM, but still completely remove my Aussie SIM (Aldimobile) when I go overseas to make sure there are no unexpected charges. Typically I buy a 30-day SIM with 5GB data from Amazon before I leave (for USA for instance), otherwise I buy a tourist SIM when I land in the country.
Wendy Whelan
I am a frequent user of Nomad eSims and have pretty much always had success until our most recent trip to South East Asia when it did not work at all!!! It was incredibly frustrating. We had to purchase another eSim for the first country (Taipei) we were visiting and thought I would keep trying at each different port to no avail. Really just a heads up for others who may be travelling in South East Asia. I am yet to send Nomad a message as to the disappointment.
Scott Hunt
Good looking out Wendy – it’s important to check what countries your SIM is supported in. Thanks for the heads up!
Bob Gregorovich
I frequently travel to the USA, and I have found the best option for me has been an eSIM from Mint Mobile.
Key item has always been unlimited data that Mint can provide at a good rate.
Scott Hunt
Great tip thank you Bob!
GREG CAMPBELL
We have IPhones and use Telstra prepaid for 12 months. We are travelling to China and have been told that we will need the ability to use our phones everyday. We could buy International Roaming packages ($25 for 14 days) however this is only 4gb of data which we have been told will not be enough. Our phones have Nord VPN installed. We are considering buying esims and would appreciate advice on our best options (we will be there was 3 weeks). I assume we don’t need to turn off international roaming if we have not bought the international roaming package.
Scott Hunt
Hey Greg, one of the most recommended options for China was Holafly that offers unlimited data at a competitive per-day rate.
You’ll need to switch off international roaming for your Aussie SIM to avoid being automatically charged by your Aussie telco.
John Pohlman
Thanks for the article Scott. I am about to embark on my first esim experience when we go to Europe in April. I have already downloaded the Airalo app in readiness. I have a couple of queries and btw I use the Aldi Mobile network here and to the best of my knowledge they do not offer any overseas roaming plans.
Q1. Some banks and businesses require 2 factor identification which often involves a code being sent to my mobile so I am wondering how to get around this if I am only using a data only esim plan.
Q2. If I set my phone to Wifi calling will I still be able to make (or receive) calls back to Australia on a data only esim plan?
Finally an observation: late last year we were in Vanuatu on holiday. I had switched off mobile data so was surprised when I received a call from a friend in Australia. I answered and the connection was fine. I followed it by sending the caller a MMS and it went through OK. I never received a bill for this so I presumed it was all done using the hotel wifi. Would that be correct?
Cheers
John
Scott Hunt
Hi John, this is exactly the sort of situation we were trying to address with the article.
ALDI Mobile does indeed offer roaming at rates on par with the rest of the market.
Q1: Per ALDI Mobile’s terms, they do not charge for receiving a text overseas. That means that if you have data switched off in your phone’s settings you shouldn’t be charged for receiving a text message like a 2FA code. Bear in mind that if you make or receive a call or download any data, you’ll be charged an extra fee.
Q2: Telstra has the free Wifi calling option – other telcos outright disable this feature. You’ll need your Aussie SIM still in your phone to be able to make a call from it.
Switching off mobile data doesn’t switch off your mobile network – only internet downloads. That’s why you could still receive a call and send an MMS. Your bill would likely include a small fee for receiving the call and sending the message.
Thanks for your comment!
John Pohlman
Hi Scott, I am going to Bali tomorrow for 10 days so I decided to do an Esim trial ahead of our Europe trip later in the year. I have loaded a Airalo 7 day plan and we’ll give it a go. My Samsung A55 phone has a Sim Manager function so I can very easily select which sim to activate for data or phone. So far so good, I just need to kick it into gear when we get to Bali. I’ll report back with the result.
Cheers
John
Scott Hunt
Thanks mate, enjoy the trip!
John Pohlman
Hi Scott, I’m back from Bali and can let you know how the Airalo eSim performed. I was there for 10 days and the closest eSim was 7 days/5gb which I purchased for $A19. I installed it a few days before we left and the installation was quick and easy. My Samsung A55 recognised the esim and I could see it on my home screen. I decided not to activate in Indonesia for the first 3 days – my first mistake. When I went to activate it on the third day, the Airalo app showed I had only 4 days left, not 7 so that was a bit of an eye opener. Hooking up to the nominated network required entering a code called the APN which is found on the My Sim part of the app, they have a copy and paste function so that made it pretty easy. The network to connect to is selected by the sim, in my case it was a 3 network called 3SinyalKuatHemat. It was easy enough to connect to that network but the problem was it didn’t provide me any internet. I tried rebooting my phone, turning Flight Mode off and on a few times but still no internet. Eventually I used the Select Network Manually option and chose a network simply called 3 and bingo! I had internet. No idea why the pre-set network didn’t work but I was finally away so I didn’t really care and the whole procedure taught me a few lessons. As my time allowance was running out I decided to top up with a 3 day/1 gig for $A7. At that stage I also had 4 gig left on the original esim, so I expected that would turn into around 5 gig when the top-up kicked in. Wrong! When the top-up kicked in I lost all the data that remained on the original sim. A bit sneaky I reckon. So in the end a mixed opinion of Airalo but a few lessons learnt.
Scott Hunt
Thanks for the report John, it’s this type of commentary we can only get from someone experiencing it.
John Pohlman
Thanks for the response Scott. I doubled checked with Aldi and although it was quite difficult to find, I did locate their International Roaming rates and charges. For the odd times I will need to use SMS or a phone call to/from Australia (as distinct from Messenger or WhatsApp), I think I can live with the costs they charge.
KERRIE GORE
THANK YOU CHARLIE BROWN & TEAM FOR THIS INFO.
Kerrie
Tony Bevan
Thanks for your article on the eSIM.
Travelling later in the year through Europe so this will come in handy. I’m with Optus and get charged the $5pd Roaming Fees with previous os travels.
I’ve always had an issue to use a QR code that comes to my phone. How do you use the QR code if the code is on your screen when you need to use your camera to access the code? I’ve always had to email to laptop/pc and then use the mobile camera to access the code.
Cheers
Scott Hunt
Hey Tony, lots of phones these days let you scan a QR code from a screenshot – try taking a screenshot of the QR code then long-pressing on it in your Photos app.
Tony
Thank you for your reply Scott.
The long press worked from a photo of a QR code I took as a photo this morning.
All good now that I know that step. Handy to know.
Scott Hunt
Good to hear!
Nat
great article! We are family of 4 (with two older teens) goin gto Japan for 18 days. It’s a lot more expensive to get a calls and text as well as Data package.
Would all 4 of us be ok with just data only eSim (except my husband whose phone is older)?
We are going to places like Disneyland or shopping in big city where we will split up and need to contact each other.
am I correct that we all turn our phones to flight mode and enable wifi and just use wifi to call and text each other through Whats up app or messenger?
Or perhaps our teens don’t need a data eSim at all – but that would mean using public wifi only?
Scott Hunt
Hi Nat, thank you for the comment. Don’t forget with data-only SIMs you can still use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, even without a regular cellular plan.
You’ll want to ensure your Aussie SIM has data and roaming turned off in your phone settings, then while using the travel eSIM you can switch out of flight mode.
Jenny Fletcher
Thanks for your very comprehensive article on staying in touch while overseas. Twelve months ago I was travelling in France and before I departed Australia I installed an Airalo eSim. This included data and calls. I’ve forgotten the exact amount but there was approximately $30 of local calls and $10 of international calls. I only needed this to make a couple of calls within France when WhatsApp wasn’t available.
To my dismay, what I thought were local calls (ie. within France) were actually considered as International calls as the eSim was apparently registered in US. Needless to say my credit was rapidly consumed and I had to continually top it up.
A trap for the unwary.
Scott Hunt
Thank you for the cautionary tale Jenny, it’s certainly important to check the terms of the solution you choose.
Stephanie Vaughan Johnson
Hello
I did not quite understand your artIcle. I am trading to Asia then UK and ?Jotprdon and Butan. I want daily to FB ,make call whilst in UK and use messenger. Previously I have used a second phone and local sim card however this will be not possible this time. I am with Vodafone with telstra as my internet carrier. Any advice please?
Scott Hunt
Hi Stephanie,
In your situation the best option will be a travel SIM or eSIM that works in multiple countries like Airalo. Ensure the SIM supports your chosen travel destinations. Think of it the same way you used to use a second phone with a local SIM – only this one will work in multiple countries.
It’s also worth noting that a data-only option will still let you make a call over an internet service and save you a bunch of money.
HENRY
Thank you so much. You all talk at my “level”, I can actually understand it mostly
Scott Hunt
Thank you for the comment Henry!
David
Make sure to check that your telco has a roaming arrangement with the country you visit if you choose that pathway. I was in the UAE in January and accumulated about $600 AUD in data charges over a one hour period! Vodafone were pretty good about it, but only after I requested to take my business elsewhere (4 x phones and 2 x ISP).
btw I think they now have an arrangement with the UAE. also can’t buy an Airalo e-sim for UAE once in UAE
Scott Hunt
Good advice David, thank you!