Guide to using SIM cards overseas 

Stay connected on your next trip 

For most of us, our phones have become the most important item in our luggage. Whether you use yours to navigate unfamiliar cities, book hotels on the fly or stay connected with family, chances are you won’t be able to rely on free WIFI connections throughout your entire trip.

With a range of options for travellers to choose from including international SIMs, local SIMs, eSIMs and travel SIMs, we have put together a guide to help you find the right type for you, so that you can easily use your phone outside of Australia. There are also a few things to consider before purchasing a new SIM, including contacting your current provider to ensure that your phone is ‘unlocked’ to allow another SIM to work in your phone.

 

What is data roaming? 

Data roaming is when your existing Australian SIM card connects to a new carrier when you land overseas, without you needing to visit a phone store to buy a different SIM. For example, if you arrive in the United Kingdom with data roaming enabled on your phone, your SIM card from Australia may automatically connect to a local UK carrier’s network (for example, EE).

It might sound convenient not having to worry about visiting a local phone store to organise a new SIM card, however, data roaming fees are notoriously high and can leave you with the shock of an unexpected bill shock at the end of the month. That’s why, unless you’re travelling for a very short period, local, international, and travel and eSIMs are almost always a cheaper solution than data roaming.

Types of overseas SIM cards 

Local SIM cards 

“Local” SIM cards only work within one geographic area and are purchased when you arrive at your destination. For example, if somebody travelling to Australia wants to use their phone here, they might buy a local prepaid SIM card from a phone store, which will let them use their device only within Australia.

 

Pros

• Usually more affordable than data roaming
• Easily available at phone stores, electronics stores and some supermarkets
• You can tailor data limits and call/text benefits to your needs
• Are often prepaid pay-as-you-go options with no lock-in contracts

Cons

• Require you to visit a store when you arrive at your destination to get connected
• Only work within a single country
• You won’t be able to retain your Australian phone number (more on this later)
• Can be tricky to purchase in some non-English-speaking countries

 

International SIM cards 

Like local SIM cards, “international” SIM cards can also be bought when you arrive at your destination. However, unlike a purely local SIM card, international SIM cards can be used across multiple countries.

For example, if you’re travelling to the USA and then Mexico, you might visit a T-Mobile store when you land and buy a SIM card which will work across both countries.

 

Travel SIM cards 

"Travel” SIM cards are similar to international SIMs but include coverage for a broader range of countries. These prepaid cards can be bought before you leave Australia and will connect to the mobile networks of your chosen countries overseas. Travel SIMs are most often operated by smaller third-party providers instead of directly through a carrier.

 

Pros

• Can be arranged before you leave Australia so you’ll be connected from the time you land at your destination
• You can retain your existing Australian phone number
• You can avoid switching out SIMs every time you enter a new country or region on your trip
• You can tailor data limits and call/text benefits to your needs

Cons

• Often less affordable than buying a local or international SIM when you arrive
• Are often provided by smaller third-party companies instead of the phone carrier
• Their service can be less reliable than local and international SIMs

 

eSIMs 

An eSIM is an electronic SIM that doesn’t need to be physically inserted into a phone. An eSIM allows you to use more than one phone number, and choose which SIM you use across data, texts and calls etc., meaning you can switch between your physical SIM and eSIM. However, not all mobile devices accept eSIMs, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing.

 

Pros

• Easy to switch between mobile plans
• Quick and simple to activate
• Ability to purchase online – no collection of a physical SIM required
• Allows you to use more than one SIM at once

Cons

• Not all mobile phones can accept eSIMs
• Generally more expensive than other options
• Can sometimes glitch or not provide the best coverage
  
   

Best overseas SIM cards 

The cost of data and phone calls and the effectiveness of network coverage can differ widely around the world, which is why it’s a great idea to do your research before leaving Australia.

Here are some of the most popular local and international SIM cards for the UK, USA, Europe and Asia.

UK and Europe SIM card options 

1. EE

EE is the UK’s most popular phone network and has a variety of prepaid SIMs that work throughout the UK and Europe. EE also offers data-only prepaid SIMs if you don’t need to make phone calls or send text messages.

2. Orange Holiday Europe

If you’re travelling through Europe for less than two weeks, the Orange Holiday Europe SIM card plan could be a great option for you. This prepaid international SIM provides either 1, 30 or 50 GB of data, plus talk and text options across 30 European countries, valid for a range of time options. You can also easily top up or extend your coverage over the internet.

USA SIM card options 

1. T-Mobile

T-Mobile has a range of affordable prepaid SIM cards that work across North America, including Canada and Mexico. You can add this international coverage for an additional fee.

2. AT&T Prepaid SIM

The largest carrier in the USA, AT&T also offers prepaid SIM plans that work throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.

Asia SIM card options 

Many phone providers in Asia offer affordable international SIM cards geared towards tourists, but the specific SIM you choose will mainly depend on where you land.

For example, if you’re landing in Bali before continuing on to other countries in Asia, you might purchase an international SIM card from Telkomsel. However, if you’re flying into Thailand first, you might choose an international SIM from the Thai company TrueMove H, which includes cover throughout 20 countries in Asia.

An international SIM is a good choice if your Asian adventure encompasses multiple countries. But if you’re only staying in one country, a local SIM card that works only within that country could be a more affordable option.

eSIM options 

eSIM’s can be purchased online or through apps, before you travel and can cover multiple countries or regions, with just one purchase. The most trusted eSIM apps are Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, and they all offer a range of plans to suit your needs. Remember, your phone will need to be compatible with eSIM functionality, so be sure to check before you make your decision. 

 

Buying a SIM card overseas: tips and tricks 

If you’re leaning towards choosing a local or international SIM card for your next trip, there are a few tips to remember to ensure you can get connected with as little fuss as possible. Remember that if you choose this option, you’ll need to visit a store when you arrive at your destination.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Airport arrivals terminals often have phone stores where you can get set up as soon as you clear customs and immigration. Having an internet connection before even leaving the airport can help you find your way to your accommodation, so research your arrival port to see if there’s a suitable shop you can visit when you land.
• It’s easy to feel a bit vulnerable if you have to start your trip without an internet connection on your phone. If there’s nothing suitable at the airport, take advantage of the free airport WiFI for important housekeeping like communicating with your hotel, booking an Uber or finding a phone shop close by.
• Phone companies often sweeten the deal of their prepaid local and international SIMs by including freebies with the plan, like using certain apps without consuming any data. Look out for these and get more bang for your buck.
• It’s important to keep your existing Australian SIM card safe because you’ll need it when you get home. Store it somewhere you won’t forget, like the inside of your phone case.
• You’ll be given a new phone number if you set up a local or international SIM card when you arrive overseas. However, you can still use your current Australian phone number via online messaging apps like Whatsapp.

 

What should you choose for your trip? 

If you’re only visiting a single country on your trip, buying a prepaid local SIM once you reach your destination is a simple, affordable and reliable option.

If you’re visiting several countries within a geographic region (such as Europe or North America), then buying an international SIM once you reach your destination could save you the hassle of switching out local SIMs every time you cross a country border. But if your trip encompasses several countries across different continents, like Asia, Europe and North America, then buying a specialised travel SIM before you leave Australia could be worthwhile.

eSIMs may be a great option for any type of travel, if the slightly higher cost doesn’t bother you. The convenience of not having to use a physical SIM can remove a lot of the hassle! 

Phone companies and apps around the world have prepaid SIMs geared towards travellers like you, which is why it’s a great idea to research the local carriers within your destination before you leave Australia. With some planning, you’ll be able to navigate new cities, stay connected with family and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

*Information correct as of May 2024