How to avoid mobile roaming charges overseas
Talk to your provider
- International roaming costs will generally be outside any call, data or SMS allowances included in your current phone plan.
- You may be charged for calls you receive.
- It will be more expensive to make calls and send SMS/MMS.
- Data in Australia can cost 10c/MB, whereas roaming costs could exceed $15/MB.
Use a prepaid SIM
- Buy an international SIM card (make sure it’s the right type of SIM for your phone!)
- Use SMS instead of phone calls to contact people. You’ll be able to make local calls, send texts, and access data at the prices the locals pay, which is often a fraction of the roaming charges.
Wait for WiFi and turn off your data roaming
- If you’re staying in relatively populated areas, you should be able to easily find free Wi-Fi hotspots in local hotels, cafes and restaurants. They’ll give you more than enough access for the odd email and status update.
- Stick to free Wi-Fi and you’ll be able to turn off data roaming for the duration of your trip, eliminating any risk of bill shock.
Save your data
- Turn off any voicemail or diversion services you have.
- Download an app which allows you to track your data usage.
- Be aware of apps that use data such as maps, emails and background internet services.
- Turn off push notifications and automatic software updates.
- Change the settings so that your applications only access data and update when you ask them to.
Download in advance
- Apps such as translators and maps can be a lifesaver when you’re stuck in a tight spot overseas. Check the app store and download a few options before you leave home.
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Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
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RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.