How to Avoid Roaming Charges When Travelling from Australia (2026)
Every year, Australians waste millions on international roaming charges they didn't need to pay. Telstra charges $10 to $20 per day. Optus charges $10 per day. Vodafone charges $5 to $10 per day. These charges activate automatically the moment your phone connects to a foreign network.
A 2 week holiday can add $140 to $280 to your phone bill per person without you doing anything. Here's how to avoid it.
Step 1: Turn off data roaming before you fly
This is the single most important step. Do it at the airport before you board.
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming > Off
Android (Samsung): Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > Off
Android (Pixel): Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [your SIM] > Roaming > Off
With data roaming off, your carrier cannot charge you for data overseas. Your phone simply won't connect to foreign data networks using your Australian SIM. You can still receive calls and SMS (though incoming calls overseas may have a small charge depending on your plan).
Telstra's Day Pass activates automatically when your phone uses data overseas. You don't have to opt in. If you land in Bali with data roaming on, your phone connects to an Indonesian network, and Telstra charges you $20 for that day. Every day. For your whole trip. The only way to prevent this: turn off data roaming before you leave Australia.
Step 2: Get a travel eSIM (recommended)
A travel eSIM is the most convenient replacement for carrier roaming. You buy it before your trip, install it in 2 minutes, and it gives you mobile data at your destination for a fraction of the roaming cost.
How it works with roaming off:
- Your Australian SIM has data roaming turned off. Your carrier can't charge you.
- Your travel eSIM provides all your data. Browsing, maps, messaging, social media.
- Your Australian SIM stays active for calls and SMS. Bank codes, WhatsApp verification, incoming calls from home. All work.
Cost comparison for a 2 week trip:
| Destination | Telstra roaming | Travel eSIM | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | $140 | $15.50 | $124.50 |
| Bali | $280 | $15.50 | $264.50 |
| Europe | $140 | $18.00 | $122.00 |
| USA | $140 | $19.00 | $121.00 |
| Thailand | $140 | $12.00 | $128.00 |
| New Zealand | $140 | $12.00 | $128.00 |
eSIM prices are approximate 10 GB plans. Check the exact price for your destination on our site.
For a step by step setup guide, see How to set up an eSIM before you fly.
Step 3: Enable Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling lets you make and receive phone calls over Wi-Fi instead of the cellular network. Calls made over Wi-Fi while overseas are treated as domestic calls and don't incur roaming charges.
iPhone: Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling > Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone > On
Android: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling > On
This works on hotel Wi-Fi, cafe Wi-Fi, or through your eSIM's data connection (since your phone can make Wi-Fi calls over any internet connection, not just actual Wi-Fi). Some carriers require you to enable this feature before you travel. Check with Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone.
Step 4: Download offline content before you leave
The less data you need overseas, the less you spend. Download everything you can on your home Wi-Fi before departure:
Google Maps: Open Google Maps > tap your profile > Offline Maps > Select Your Own Map. Download maps for every city and region you're visiting. Offline maps still provide turn by turn navigation.
Google Translate: Open Google Translate > tap the language > Download. Get language packs for every country you're visiting.
Spotify: Download your playlists and podcasts for flights and long drives.
Netflix: Download shows and movies for the plane. Long haul flights with poor Wi-Fi are prime Netflix time.
Boarding passes and hotel confirmations: Screenshot or download everything. Don't rely on loading them at the airport.
Step 5: Verify when you land
After your plane lands, before you turn off airplane mode:
- Open Settings and confirm data roaming is off for your Australian SIM
- If you have a travel eSIM, enable its data connection
- Turn off airplane mode
- Open a browser and confirm your eSIM data works
This 30 second check prevents accidental roaming charges.
Other options (if eSIM doesn't work for you)
Local physical SIM card
Buy a SIM at the airport when you arrive. Cheap per gigabyte but requires queuing, passport registration, and swapping your Australian SIM out. You lose access to SMS on your Australian number while the foreign SIM is in. Works for phones that don't support eSIM.
Wi-Fi only
Technically free. Connect at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The downside: no navigation while walking or driving, no connectivity between hotspots, no ride hailing, no real time translation. Fine for staying in one place. Impractical for actually exploring.
Carrier roaming add on
If you want to keep things simple and cost isn't a concern, activate your carrier's roaming pack. At least you'll have a predictable daily rate instead of shock per use charges. But you're paying 5 to 15 times more than an eSIM for the same data.
What charges you might still get
Even with data roaming off, a few things can still cost money:
Incoming calls. Receiving a phone call while overseas can incur a small charge on some plans, even without data roaming. Check your carrier's terms. To avoid this entirely, set your phone to airplane mode and use Wi-Fi calling or messaging apps instead.
Sending SMS. If you send a traditional text message (not iMessage or WhatsApp) while overseas, your carrier charges for it. Use messaging apps over Wi-Fi or eSIM data instead.
Voicemail. If someone leaves a voicemail while you're overseas, retrieving it can incur roaming charges on some plans. Divert calls to voicemail before you leave and check them via your carrier's app on Wi-Fi.
The 2 minute pre flight checklist
Do this at the airport gate:
- Data roaming off on Australian SIM
- Travel eSIM installed (if using one)
- Wi-Fi calling enabled
- Offline maps downloaded for destination
- Boarding pass saved offline
That's it. Five things. Takes 2 minutes. Saves $100+ per trip.
Get a travel eSIM from $4 AUD
200+ countries. Instant delivery. No roaming bills. Install before you fly.
View plans by destinationFrequently asked questions
What happens if I forget to turn off roaming?
Your carrier starts charging automatically. Telstra's Day Pass triggers at $10 or $20/day depending on the country. You're charged for every day your phone connects to a foreign network.
Will I still receive calls with roaming off?
Turning off data roaming only stops data charges. You can still receive calls and SMS. Incoming calls overseas may have a small charge. Use Wi-Fi calling to avoid this.
Can I use Wi-Fi calling overseas?
Yes. Calls over Wi-Fi are treated as domestic calls. No roaming charges. Enable it in phone settings before you travel.
Do text messages cost money when roaming?
Receiving SMS is usually free. Sending SMS costs extra unless you have a roaming add on. Use WhatsApp or iMessage over Wi-Fi or eSIM data instead.
How do I check if my carrier is charging me?
Check your carrier's app. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone show roaming charges within 24 hours. Call your carrier before travel to confirm your roaming status.