What is data roaming?
Data roaming is what your smartphone plan does when it cannot connect to your default mobile phone network. If there is another network available, it will connect to that instead. In short, this means you’ll be able to use your smartphone for calls, texts and internet usage on the go, no matter where in the world you are.
You’ll still be billed by your standard mobile provider (if international roaming is available from your carrier), although roaming on other networks can lead to some hefty costs.
Typically this happens when you travel overseas (known as ‘global’ or ‘international’ roaming) although it’s possible to use data roaming in Australia.
Usually, the roaming network provider you connect to will have some kind of commercial agreement with your default provider. Your provider will front the charges from the overseas provers and then forward you the bill.
How much does data roaming cost?
It is important to understand how your network provider will charge you for your usage.
In most situations, you’ll be allowed to use your existing phone and mobile number to make and receive calls, voicemails and texts. However you’ll likely be charged much higher than the standard rate and is usually charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Data roaming rates depend on your provider as well as the country you’re visiting. However, you can expect phone calls to cost over $2 a minute, a simple text to cost anywhere around $1, and data to cost up to and over $1 per megabyte (MB).
Again, the price you pay depends on a few factors, though travellers will usually find their provider charges between $2 – $3 per MB – that could cost you up to $40 to watch a five minute YouTube video!
Unless you can talk fast, sending an SMS or MMS will be the cheapest option as they are free to receive and comparatively affordable to send.
Global roaming fees and plans
There are plenty of providers offering special roaming deals, however, if you don’t have time to organise a travel SIM, then take additional precautions to avoid coming home to a staggering bill.
Before using your device, it’s important to be wary of the rates you’ll be paying – watching videos and making lots of calls could see your bill skyrocket.
Below are some of the biggest mobile providers in Australia, and their global roaming plans and rates. If you’re savvy and organise a global roaming plan before you travel, you may be less susceptible to bill shock.
Optus Roaming
Optus international roaming is available on both prepaid and postpaid plan types, however your options depend on which plan you have.
Eligible postpaid customers have access to Optus’ Daily Roaming for $5 per day. The $5 option gives you 5GB of data per day, along with unlimited standard calls and SMS while in Zone 1 countries (over 150 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand). Daily Roaming is auto-activated when you land in an eligible country and have roaming enabled on your device, and can be managed through the Optus app.
Customers on other postpaid or prepaid plans may have to purchase an Optus Roaming Pass for $10 per day in Zone 1 countries.
The $10 pack gives you access to unlimited talk and SMS, plus 1GB of data per 24 hours to use in Zone 1 destinations.
If you’re unable to add a roaming pass or pack to your plan, you can opt for pay-as-you-go roaming or roaming packs if you have a prepaid plan. Rates will vary depending on which ‘zone’ you’re travelling in, but Zone 1 countries incur charges of $1.50 per minute for calls, 50c per SMS sent, and $1 per megabyte of data (billed in 10kB increments).
Telstra Roaming
If you’re on a Telstra postpaid mobile plan, you can activate an International Day Pass before you head overseas. This costs $5 a day if you’re heading to one of seven specified destinations in Oceania, and $10 daily in over 80 other countries, including popular destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, France and Germany.
Activating this feature means you’ll enjoy unlimited talk and text — plus 2GB of daily data use — for $5 or $10 each day. Telstra’s International Day Pass is only charged on days you use your phone, so you aren’t subject to an ongoing rate.
Prepaid Telstra customers have the choice of three prepaid international roaming packs all of which can be used in 38 eligible destinations.
- 3-day travel pack: This pack includes 400MB of data, 15 SMS/MMS and 15 minutes of calls.
- 7-day travel pack: This pack includes 2GB of data, 25 SMS/MMS and 25 minutes of calls.
- 14-day travel pack: This pack includes 4GB of data, 50 SMS/MMS and 50 minutes of calls.
Otherwise, rates are ‘pay as you go’ with varying rates for different countries.
Vodafone Roaming
Vodafone’s $5 Roaming feature is a pioneer of more affordable international roaming. For $5 per day on top of your regular plan fees, you can use all the inclusions on your postpaid phone plan (including data) exactly as if you were still in Australia, at Australian rates.
This applies to a massive 100 destinations, mostly across Europe, North America and Asia. As with other travel packs, $5 Roaming will only be charged on days you actually use your device. Keep in mind that you can only use your standard data inclusions, and any unlimited speed-capped data can’t be used while roaming.
Note that many African and Central and South American nations feature ‘pay as you go’ rates, which are standard across all countries. If you use PAYG roaming, you’ll pay $1 per minute to make and receive calls, 75c per text sent, and $1 for each megabyte of data.
Vodafone customers with a prepaid plan have other roaming add ons at differing price points and with different inclusions, with a choice between a one-day, three-day or seven-day add-on.
Roaming with other providers
As for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), it’s best to check with your provider directly about what’s on offer in regards to international roaming. Here are three of the more popular providers’ roaming options:
- Amaysim: International roaming with Amaysim is much easier thanks to its selection of international roaming packs for your prepaid plan. These packs vary in price and inclusions, but are all available over a 365-day expiry period.
- Boost Mobile: Another prepaid provider offering roaming packs, Boost Mobile’s international roaming comes in the form of add-on packs. Roaming packs vary in price and expiry.
- Belong: Postpaid provider Belong offers a simple roaming add-on which is available to use in over 45 destinations.
Apps to use for messaging and calling overseas
If you’re looking for services that allow you to make contact back home, then you might want to consider some of the following apps:
- Facebook Messenger: Messenger is a free-to-download extension of Facebook that allows those with a Facebook account to chat with friends both on mobile and on the main website. While the main purpose of messenger is messaging, as the name suggests, it has a video calling feature that allows for free calls regardless of location, so long as you have an internet connection.
- WhatsApp: WhatsApp is the world’s most popular communication app. It’s an instant-messaging client for smartphones that uses the internet to allow users to make calls, send texts and videos in the app. Messaging internationally using WhatsApp is free if you're connected to a WiFi network, otherwise you’ll need to use mobile data via a mobile network.
- WeChat: WeChat is available on Android, iPhone, Blackberry and Windows phones. WeChat allows $0.99 worth of free calling credit, which can allow up to 100 minutes of international calls. Users can check the region calling costs within the app.
- Rebtel: Unlike the other entries on this list, Rebtel doesn’t require an internet connection to make international calls, making it a much more convenient choice. Instead of using WiFi, Rebtel connects both users to your standard carrier’s network. Rebtel offers unlimited minutes to 50 select countries for a $17 per month subscription fee.
While there are other social media apps with call and message features, some of these may use more data than if you use a specific communications app for calls and messages.
Tips for saving money on data roaming
Despite the ease with which global roaming can be obtained and set up, data roaming can still be very costly. So if you need help saving money on your communication and data needs, try the following tips.
Disable data roaming
Disabling data roaming should be the first step that you take when travelling overseas, and you should only turn it on if necessary. By turning off data roaming, your phone won’t be able to access any networks on its own. Turning it off may force you to consider the next option.
Hunt for free WiFi
Depending on where you’re travelling, WiFi can be quite prevalent and often free – every email you send over free WiFi is one less you send over roaming data. You can often find free WiFi at popular restaurants and fast food chains, as well as public libraries and hotels.
It is important to ensure you are being safe when using public WiFi networks. Try not to use free WiFi for important tasks like online banking, to avoid potential hackers stealing your data. If you are concerned about this, it may be worth looking into a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep your data safe.
Buy a prepaid SIM for the country you’re travelling to
This can be a very cost-effective option, and the amount you spend is capped, so you can’t be charged excess fees. However, be careful if you’re travelling to multiple countries, as a SIM you buy in one might not work in another, even if they’re neighbours.
Compare the best travel SIM cards here.
Challenge your bill
Don’t be afraid to challenge any large bills you get, as it’s always possible that they have made a mistake. There are multiple cases of phone companies trying to unfairly penalise customers who have travelled overseas. You’re unlikely to avoid paying the whole bill, but might be able to get a reduction. Ask for specific details on the charges you’ve incurred – if your telco can’t back them up then why should you pay them?
Arrange to receive calls and texts while travelling
This one can be quite tricky to organise, and may not even be necessary if you follow the previous steps, but could potentially save you money.
However, it’s important to understand exactly how your provider will charge for roaming. Some providers charge for both sending and receiving calls. Receiving a text also costs nothing so if you’re waiting on an important message from back home, don’t be afraid to open that text – just try not to reply back!
Should I use data roaming while travelling?
Mobile phone data roaming is handy, but you tend to pay the price for convenience. When even a quick phone call or a few texts can cost over $5, you have to consider whether having this service is worth it.
Often you can mitigate costs by turning off roaming on your mobile phone and instead seeking out free WiFi networks to send, search or scroll. Some providers even recommend purchasing an overseas prepaid plan, instead of using global roaming features.
While there are packs you can buy to somewhat offset the cost of global roaming, they may still be expensive compared to what you are normally used to back home. Global roaming is a very convenient option when heading overseas, but be prepared to pay for access.
