You've planned your itinerary, packed your bags and you’re almost ready for your adventure. But wait! Don’t forget one crucial step: ensuring you stay connected no matter where you are. Whether you're sharing sunset views from the French Riviera or posting snaps from Bali’s rice terraces, make sure you have International Roaming set up when you’re overseas.
In this article, you'll learn:
What International Roaming is
How International Roaming works
What the eligible destinations are
How to get started with International Roaming.
International Roaming is a service that allows you to use your mobile phone while traveling abroad, without the need to swap SIM cards. With international roaming, you can continue using your Australian mobile number to make calls, send texts and use data in eligible destinations.
Our International Roaming services are available, directly through the My Telstra App and are designed to keep you connected while you travel. We offer three great options:
The International Roaming Day Pass stands out as an excellent choice for most travellers and is available in over 80 destinations. It allows you to use your mobile service abroad just as you would in Australia.
Unless already switched off, International Roaming and Day Pass will be automatically enabled on all mobile plans. You can check your International Roaming and Day Pass status on the My Telstra App.
Once it's enabled on your mobile service, International Roaming Day Pass automatically activates as soon as you use your phone in an eligible destination outside Australia.
Expiration of your Day Pass depends on your plan type:
You can check if you are on an Upfront Plan by following the following steps:
Each country is allocated one of three zones and usage is charge-based. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
Data Top-Ups can be purchased for Zones 1 & 2 only, these will be used when you have exhausted the included Day Pass data allowance.
Data top-up: $10 per 2GB (valid for 31 days from purchase).
And the best part about the Day Pass? You're only charged on days when you use the service overseas, ensuring you only pay for what you use. And if you’re just receiving texts? No worries, that won’t trigger the Day Pass, so you won’t be charged.
Once you return to Australia, you can leave the International Roaming Day Pass enabled without incurring any charges until you head off overseas again.
Explore International Roaming options
If you’re planning a trip abroad, Telstra’s Pre-Paid International Roaming Pack is another great option, especially for longer trips. These packs provide data, calls and texts across 38 eligible countries, ensuring you stay connected, whenever, wherever.
Here’s a breakdown of the available packs:
Our packs are both flexible and great value, making them ideal for you to choose a pack with the data and expiry time to suit your itinerary.
We recommend purchasing your Pre-Paid International Roaming pack once you’re overseas, as it activates immediately upon purchase and the expiry date is set from the purchase date. This means you get the very best out of your pack while you're travelling.
Learn more about our Pre-Paid Roaming Packs
If you're on a Non-Upfront Plans, our PAYG International Roaming allows you to stay connected in over 200 destinations worldwide without the need to swap SIM cards.
When you arrive at your destination, we'll will send you an SMS detailing the rates you’ll pay, but it's our responsibility to let you know that PAYG roaming can get expensive quickly, with data costing $3 per MB.
To put it in real terms: just one minute of social media browsing could cost you around $4.50. If you’re considering using PAYG, it’s essential to monitor your usage closely to avoid unexpected charges.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to explore our Day Pass or Prepaid Packs instead.
PAYG is not available to customers on Upfront Mobile Plans.
Our International Roaming Day Pass is available in over 80 destinations worldwide, ensuring you’re connected wherever you go. Whether you’re exploring Europe, Asia, or the Pacific, you can easily stay in touch with friends and family back home.
International Roaming is available on all Telstra phone plans, making it easier than ever to stay connected while you travel. No matter what plan you're on, you can enjoy the convenience of using your Australian mobile number abroad.
Check all Telstra’s phone plans
Activate your International Roaming Day Pass in the My Telstra App by following these simple steps:
Your Day Pass takes between 15 minutes and 2 hours to activate and you'll receive a text once it's active.
Day Pass charges apply when your service is used in eligible destinations to make or receive calls, send SMS, or for data use, including data such as downloading emails or updating your socials.
Not on the My Telstra App yet? Sign up
Our International Roaming service is just the ticket for staying touch with family and friends when you're overseas. Now the big question: which International Roaming option best suits your travel needs?
Explore International Roaming options
