International roaming: Best plans for Australians travelling overseas

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 11 August 2026

Contents

In this international roaming guide:

How does international roaming work?
International roaming from Vodafone, Optus and Telstra
Other international roaming plans
Choosing an international roaming plan
Alternatives to international roaming
Key considerations when using international roaming

International roaming charges are one of the worst things about taking your phone overseas; if you want to keep using your Australian number, it's going to cost extra. We've put a list together of some global roaming options that will be the best for your wallet.

Before we start, here are the cheapest international roaming-compatible plans with at least 20GB of data from each telco featured in this guide:

Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Saver 5G SIM Plan 20GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $30.00/mth Min. cost $30 Link not supplied	$30.00/mth Min. cost $30	Link not supplied
More	More 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $33.00/mth Min. cost $33 Link not supplied	$33.00/mth Min. cost $33	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 42GB Plan 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $23 for first renewal & includes 33GB bonus data for first 3 renewals when you sign up by 15.11.26. Online only. T&Cs apply $35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $40 Prepaid Plus Recharge 90GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $44 Pre-Paid Mobile 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

How does international roaming work?

International roaming refers to using your SIM card and phone service when out of your network's area of service. For Australians, this is whenever we travel overseas. Service providers in Australia have arrangements with those in other countries to allow mobile users to continue to use their phones for calls, texts and data. These roaming agreements mean that using your phone overseas can be set up in seconds.

The biggest thing to be wary of in these situations is the additional charges for phone use out of network. Each provider charges differently for this, as seen above, and not every country in the world is covered by every provider. If these international roaming plans aren't added automatically and you forget to notify your provider you may need to brace for an uncomfortably large bill once you get home from your trip.

What is data roaming?

Data roaming simply refers to using data when out of your network's service area. As unlimited talk and text have gradually become standard across most plans, data roaming is now used synonymously with international or global roaming.

The cost of using data when in another country is now the main, if not the only, type of phone usage that could start increasing your phone bill dramatically. This is also why turning on roaming in your phone settings is referred to as data roaming rather than international or global roaming.

International roaming from Vodafone, Optus and Telstra

Optus international roaming plans

Optus customers on Choice Plus plans can roam overseas for $5 per day using an Optus International Roaming add-on, activated via the My Optus app.

Your $5 will get you 5GB of data with unlimited talk and text for a 24-hour expiry period.

These Optus postpaid plans are all compatible with International Roaming Add-ons:

Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $90.00/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90.00/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site

Optus' roaming add-on and pass only work in "Zone 1" countries. This includes but is not limited to:

USA
Singapore
New Zealand
France
China

Hong Kong
Poland
Sweden
Norway
United Kingdom

You'll need to find a different solution for staying connected in "Zone 2" countries. Zone 2 is predominantly made up of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America.

Aeromobile is also included as a Zone 1 destination, this allows you to access in-flight roaming with Aeromobile's partner airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

See a complete list of Zone 1 and 2 countries.

Vodafone international roaming plans

While global roaming isn't exactly cheap, Vodafone postpaid plans have one of the very best offers on the market - $5 roaming with all postpaid plans. For $5 per day, you're able to use your local inclusions overseas in over 100 countries. This means you don't have to worry about a separate overseas data allowance - your usage will come from your phone's standard cap.

You're only charged $5 on days where you make a call, send a text, or use data overseas and you can use $5 roaming for up to 90 days of the calendar year.

Note: If you go over your primary data allowance while overseas, a further charge of $5 per gigabyte will apply.

These Vodafone postpaid plans all include $5 roaming:

Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium SIM Only Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large SIM Only Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $55.00/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55.00/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site

Make sure the $5 roaming covers the countries you're visiting before you leave, otherwise, you'll be stung by hefty pay-as-you-go rates.

Vodafone also offers Aeromobile as a destination.

Telstra international roaming plans

If you're looking to roam on an Upfront Telstra plan, you'll need to purchase an International Day Pass. Under the International Day Pass system, you'll pay $10 per day while overseas for a daily 2GB international data allowance, unless in you're in a Zone 1 country like New Zealand in which case it drops to $5. Other Zone 1 countries include Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

Here is Telstra's range of Upfront plans:

$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

$84.00/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

If you're on a Telstra Upfront plan and you travel outside of an eligible destination, you simply won't be able to use your service. Telstra won't bill you pay-as-you-go rates.

If you have an International Day Pass active, note that your inclusions expire at midnight Australia time (AEST) rather than based on your destination's time zone.

International roaming plans from other providers

felix international roaming plans

felix mobile is one of the few smaller providers with a genuinely decent and surprisingly cheap roaming offer. While most MVNOs charge pay-as-you-go rates or don't offer roaming at all, felix mobile has a roaming pack that will set you back just $20. This gets you 4GB of international data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes of talk with a one-year expiry. If you take advantage of public WiFi as much as you can while travelling, 4GB could even last your entire trip!

Here are felix's mobile plans:

felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
felix mobile	felix mobile felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $17.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $35/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$35.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 40Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $20/mth for first 3 mths, then $40/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $40.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited+ Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 80Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network $50.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$50.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

felix offers three plans including one with unlimited data that is capped to speeds of 20Mbps (both locally and abroad) but that's still fast enough for most basic online activities.

Network	Destinations
Vodafone	Around 40 destinations

amaysim international roaming plans

amaysim is one of the latest smaller telcos to make the switch from pay-as-you-go roaming to roaming add-on packs. When you add a roaming pack via the app it's available for a full 365 days; the packs can even be stacked together.

amaysim offers four packs ranging from $20 - $70 with varying inclusions. Some plans have a little bit of everything or there are options for just data or calls and texts. You can see the breakdown of inclusions below.

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Small Talk	$20	100 mins, 100 texts, no data
The Works	$25	50 mins, 30 texts, 2GB
Just Gigs	$50	No mins, no texts, 6GB
The Epic	$70	100 mins, 60 texts, 9GB

Here are amaysim's 28-day expiry plans:

amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 15GB Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $30.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$30.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 42GB Plan 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $23 for first renewal & includes 33GB bonus data for first 3 renewals when you sign up by 15.11.26. Online only. T&Cs apply $35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 80GB Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $27 for first renewal when you sign up by 11.10.26. New services only. T&Cs apply $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 95GB Plan 95GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $45.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$45.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 120GB Plan 120GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $32 for first renewal when you sign up by 19.10.26. New online services only. T&Cs apply $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

You can also add an international roaming pack to a seven-day expiry plan or long-expiry plan. One thing to keep in mind is that your roaming pack can only be used while you've got an active recharge.

Network	Destinations
Optus	Over 90 destinations

Belong international roaming plans

Telstra's budget brand Belong has a simple approach to international roaming plans.

Belong has a single roaming add-on. It will cost you $30, which gets you 3GB of data, unlimited standard SMS, and 150 minutes of calls. It has a 15-day expiry, but you can always buy a second add-on if you run out of your data early.

On top of the travel pack, all Belong customers get free access to a basic roaming service. This allows you to receive SMS while still overseas (for verification codes, for example), and use WiFi calling when on a suitable network.

These are Belong's mobile plans you can roam with:

Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong 40GB Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Link not supplied	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $49.00/mth Min. cost $49 Link not supplied	$49.00/mth Min. cost $49	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong 160GB Mobile Plan 220GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $59.00/mth Min. cost $59 Link not supplied	$59.00/mth Min. cost $59	Link not supplied

Network	Destinations
Telstra Wholesale	Over 45 destinations

How to avoid extra international roaming charges when using your phone overseas

Need more ways to avoid getting a giant bill at the end of an international trip? See our guide to beating phone bill shock on your next holiday.

woman in hammock on her phone at the beach

Tangerine international roaming plans

Telstra MVNO Tangerine is another small provider that has now good value international roaming options. Customers can pick between a seven-day roaming pack with 5GB of data for $35, or a 14-day pack with 10GB for $55. International roaming packs work up until 11.59pm (AEST) on your last included day.

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Seven-day expiry	$35	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$55	60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB

These are Tangerine's plans you can roam with:

Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $18/mth for 4 months then $36/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $36.00/mth Min. cost $18 Go to Site	$36.00/mth Min. cost $18	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $21/mth for 4 months then $42/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $42.00/mth Min. cost $21 Go to Site	$42.00/mth Min. cost $21	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 100GB 5G Mobile SIM 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $24/mth for 4 months then $48/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $48.00/mth Min. cost $24 Go to Site	$48.00/mth Min. cost $24	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 160GB 5G Mobile SIM 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $30/mth for 4 months then $60/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $60.00/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$60.00/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site

Network	Destinations
Telstra Wholesale	Over 60 destinations

More international roaming plans

Tangerine's sister telco More also operates on the Telstra network and similarly has a few good options for international roaming. More customers can pick between a seven-day roaming pack with 5GB of data for $35, or a 14-day pack with 10GB for $55. Like Tangerine, these roaming packs work up until 11.59pm (AEST) on your last included day.

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Seven-day expiry	$35	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$55	60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB

Here are More's plans you can roam with:

More	More 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $33.00/mth Min. cost $33 Link not supplied	$33.00/mth Min. cost $33	Link not supplied
More	More 50GB 5G Mobile SIM 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
More	More 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $46.00/mth Min. cost $46 Link not supplied	$46.00/mth Min. cost $46	Link not supplied
More	More 100GB 5G Mobile SIM 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $52.00/mth Min. cost $52 Link not supplied	$52.00/mth Min. cost $52	Link not supplied
More	More 160GB 5G Mobile SIM 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $65.00/mth Min. cost $65 Link not supplied	$65.00/mth Min. cost $65	Link not supplied

Network	Destinations
Telstra Wholesale	Over 60 destinations

Boost international roaming plans

Boost Mobile has three roaming packs that you can activate through the My Boost Mobile app when you arrive at your holiday destination.

You can have multiple recharges at the same time and can mix and match to cover your entire trip. The pack that has the soonest expiry will be used first.

See a breakdown of Boost's international roaming packs here:

Pack	Price	Inclusions
Three-day expiry	$20	15 mins, 15 texts, 2GB
Seven-day expiry	$30	30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB
14-day expiry	$40	60 mins, 60 texts, 7GB

These are Boost's compatible mobile plans:

Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $14 Prepaid 6GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $28 Prepaid 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 75GB data on first 6 recharges, then 45GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 105GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 105GB data on first 6 recharges, then 55GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $59.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid 150GB Uncapped download speed Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 150GB data on first 6 recharges, then 100GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Boost also offers 12-month-long expiry plans if you're looking for a more set-and-forget option.

Network	Destinations
Telstra	Around 42 destinations

Aussie Broadband international roaming plans

Like a few of the major telcos, Aussie Broadband also offers a $5 per day international roaming option. With Aussie you'll get 5GB of data per day and unlimited talk and text in Zone 1 destinations.

In Zone 2 and Zone 3 destinations however, you'll need be charged PAYG rates which are extremely expensive. For example in Zone 2 you'll pay 1MB per $1. 1GB of data in a Zone 2 destination will set you back a whopping $1,000.

Here are Aussie Broadband's SIM-only mobile plans:

Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Saver 5G SIM Plan 20GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $30.00/mth Min. cost $30 Link not supplied	$30.00/mth Min. cost $30	Link not supplied
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Value 5G SIM Plan 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Essential 5G SIM Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Premium 5G SIM Plan 180GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $60.00/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60.00/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied

Network	Destinations
Optus	Over~150 destinations

Choosing an international roaming plan

When picking a phone plan with international roaming, the most important thing is to ensure it will work in your destination. While most telcos tend to support popular destinations, it's always worth double-checking if the country you're travelling to is included in your plan before you go.

It's also worth weighing up different pricing considerations. If you're spending more than a week overseas, even $5 per day roaming starts to get expensive. At that point, you may want to think about getting a local SIM at your destination, a travel SIM, a prepaid SIM card or even a travel eSIM. Most local and travel SIMs last for around a month, so they tend to be the better option for lengthier international jaunts.

Naturally, you should also consider whether the plan is right for you, day-to-day. Unless you're spending a significant amount of time overseas, your plan's local inclusions are going to be more important than its international inclusions. There's no point getting a plan that doesn't match your needs in Australia just to try and save a few dollars when travelling.

Alternatives to international roaming

As we've already hinted at there are at least two alternatives to roaming with your Australian telco when you head overseas.

The first is getting a travel SIM or eSIM. Airalo for example has a wide variety of options from three-day up to 30-day expiry in several countries. It even has continental style SIMs for when you're travelling in more than one country.

The second option is picking up a local SIM when you arrive at your destination. If you're going to do this we recommend researching options before you leave. Take your Australian SIM with you as a backup option, just remember to keep in a safe place. Don't forget to take a SIM ejector tool with you if you're using a physical SIM.

Our travel guides

If you're headed to a particular country, we've got a whole host of travel guides that cover specific destinations. In them, we look at the best Australian SIMs for when you're overseas, as well as other options for the country in question.

Key considerations when using international roaming

There are two main boxes you need to tick if you're planning on taking your Australian phone overseas. While most phones should work, you need to ensure it will (a) work on the networks at your destination, and if you're planning on using a local SIM, (b) your phone needs to be unlocked.

For the most part, your phone should work on most networks worldwide, but overseas network frequencies can sometimes differ a little. US 5G bands are different to Australian 5G bands, for example, so even with a US SIM, you may not be able to get 5G connectivity. (You will also want to avoid Verizon when picking a mobile plan while travelling in America.)

If you bought your phone outright or on a postpaid plan in recent years, it will be unlocked. The only phones that are sold locked these days are prepaid devices.

You can get more information on these international network frequencies and unlocking your phone in our guide to taking your phone overseas.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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