Roaming
Using a local provider’s network while you are travelling abroad is called roaming. In the past, international roaming was notorious for high costs, but today most Australian providers offer affordable daily roaming packs, 5G access abroad, or specific travel add-ons. However, rates and conditions vary significantly depending on your destination and your specific mobile plan. On this page, we explain how roaming works for Australians, how to manage the settings on your device, and what you should consider to avoid unexpected charges on your next bill.
How does roaming work with postpaid and prepaid plans?
Most major Australian providers offer roaming features for their customers. The way you are charged typically depends on whether you have a postpaid or prepaid service.
- Postpaid plans: Many providers offer a daily roaming “pack.” For example, some plans include a flat fee (typically between $7 and $12 per day) that allows you to use a set amount of data and unlimited talk and text in selected countries.
- Prepaid plans: For prepaid users, roaming is usually not included by default. You will often need to purchase a specific roaming “bolt-on” or “top-up” before you leave Australia. While roaming is now common across many MVNOs, some smaller budget providers still have limited options or high pay as you go rates. Always check your app before heading to the airport.
Are there free roaming destinations?
While “free” roaming is rare in Australia, New Zealand is frequently included in many premium plans at no extra cost. Some providers may also include other popular destinations like the UK, USA, or Singapore in their roaming-inclusive tiers.
What applies in countries outside standard roaming zones?
When travelling to countries that are not covered by your provider’s standard roaming packs (often referred to as “Zone 2” or “Rest of World” destinations), the costs can increase dramatically. In these regions, you will usually be charged pay as you go rates.
Data in these countries can cost upwards of $1.00 per megabyte, which can quickly lead to a very high bill. If you are visiting a country that is not covered by a daily roaming pack, we strongly recommend using an alternative, such as a local SIM card or a travel eSIM.
What does Fair Use Policy (FUP) mean?
Even if you have a plan that includes “free” roaming (common for trips across the ditch to New Zealand) or a daily roaming pack, you are still subject to a Fair Use Policy (FUP). This is a set of rules designed to prevent “permanent roaming” and to manage the costs providers pay to overseas networks.
The most important thing to realise is that “using your plan like you do at home” usually comes with a catch. While you might have a massive data allowance on your plan in Australia, your provider will almost certainly limit your data usage while roaming.
Common roaming restrictions and limitations
- Daily data limits: Many providers cap “full speed” roaming data at a certain amount per day (often 1 GB or 2 GB). Once you hit this limit, your connection speed will be throttled – frequently down to 1.5 Mbps or 2 Mbps. While this handles basic tasks, it may struggle with high-definition video or large file uploads.
- Time constraints: Roaming is intended for short-term holiday or business travel. If your Australian SIM is used overseas for an extended period (usually more than 60 or 90 days in a rolling 12-month period), your provider may determine you are no longer a resident, resulting in extra charges or a suspension of the service.
- Tethering and hotspotting: Some Fair Use policies prohibit or strictly limit using your phone as a hotspot for other devices while roaming, even if this is included in your standard domestic usage.
What roaming charges might apply overseas?
If you do not have a roaming pack active, or if you exceed your daily allowance, you may be charged for:
- Daily roaming access: A flat fee triggered the moment your phone connects to a foreign network and performs any activity (such as a background app update or receiving a call).
- Data usage: Charged at pay as you go rates per megabyte (MB). This is often the most expensive way to use data abroad.
- Voice calls: You may be charged for both making and receiving calls while you are outside of Australia.
- SMS and MMS: While receiving standard text messages is usually free, sending an SMS or a picture message (MMS) typically incurs a per-message cost.
How to avoid roaming charges
- Check for roaming add-ons: Before you leave, check if your provider offers a travel pack. It is almost always cheaper than paying standard rates.
- Prioritise a travel eSIM: Most flagship phones sold in Australia by 2026 are either eSIM-only or eSIM-priority. A travel eSIM app allows you to install a secondary data plan in seconds, often for a fraction of the cost of a daily roaming pack, without needing to fiddle with physical SIM trays.
- Utilise Wi-Fi calling: Many Australian telcos support Wi-Fi Calling, which allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi connection as if you were still in Australia.
- Check VoLTE roaming: With 3G networks now a thing of the past, ensure your device supports VoLTE roaming. This allows your phone to make voice calls over 4G and 5G networks while abroad. Most modern handsets do this automatically, but it’s worth verifying in your settings
- Download offline content: Use Google Maps or streaming services (Spotify, Netflix) in offline mode to save data.
- Opt for a local SIM: If you are staying in one country for more than a week, buying a local SIM card is often the most cost-effective option.
Should roaming be switched on or off on your mobile?
If you are travelling to a destination where you know you are covered by a daily roaming pack, you can leave roaming on. However, if you are unsure or if you are in a high-cost country, it is safer to turn it off to avoid “bill shock.”
Please note! Be cautious when travelling on cruise ships or planes. These often connect via satellite systems which are not covered by standard roaming packs and are extremely expensive. We recommend keeping your phone in Flight Mode or disabling roaming in these situations.
How to enable and disable roaming
On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Select Mobile.
- Select Mobile Data Options.
- Toggle Data Roaming on or off.
On Android
- Open Settings.
- Select Connections (or Network & Internet).
- Select Mobile Networks.
- Toggle Data Roaming on or off.
Note that the exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and the version of Android you are using.
What about Apple Watch and wearables?
It is important to note that most Australian cellular smartwatches (using One Number or similar sharing services) do not support international roaming. Even if your phone is roaming, your watch will likely only connect via Bluetooth to your phone. Avoid attempting to use your watch’s independent cellular connection abroad as it may result in failed connections or unexpected charges
Satellite SOS: Safety beyond mobile coverage
As of 2026, many newer smartphones offer satellite connectivity for emergency SOS and basic messaging when you are outside of mobile coverage. This is typically independent of your roaming plan and can be a life-saver if you are hiking or travelling in remote areas overseas where no local networks are available. While usually free for emergency use, it is a vital safety feature to verify on your device before you head off the beaten track.
