Stay connected abroad with your Australian mobile phone. Learn about managing data roaming charges and communication alternatives.
In an increasingly globalised world, staying connected while travelling abroad is crucial. Your Australian mobile phone number holds familiarity and convenience, allowing you to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues without hassle. However, using it abroad involves considerations such as data roaming charges and cybersecurity.
This article provides insights into the importance of keeping your Australian mobile phone number while travelling, strategies to manage data roaming charges, and alternatives to data roaming to ensure a seamless communication experience.
The Importance of Taking Your Australian Mobile Phone Abroad
Some people may think bringing your Australian mobile number overseas is too much of a hassle, but here are a few points to their importance:
Familiarity and Accessibility
Your Australian mobile phone number is the primary point of contact for your network, friends, family, and business associates. By retaining your local number, you maintain a sense of familiarity and accessibility, making it easier for people to reach you (although some may say, a suitable option will be to contact your accommodation provider and ask for your suite).
Business Continuity
If you’re travelling for business, having your Australian number can be essential for maintaining communication with clients, partners, and colleagues. This ensures business continuity and prevents any disruptions in professional relationships.
Avoiding Confusion
Using a local number abroad might lead to confusion for your contacts. They might not recognise the foreign number, leading to missed calls or messages. Having your Australian number may prevent such misunderstandings.
Planning for Roaming Charges
Some mobile carriers claim that using data roaming while abroad is effective if you do not want to use the local mobile line, but you have to ponder on these steps before pulling the trigger:
Check with Your Telco
Before embarking on your journey, get in touch with your telecom vendor here in Australia to understand their international roaming plans. Some telcos offer specific international roaming packages that provide reduced rates for calls, texts, and data usage abroad, like this list compiled by our friends at WhistleOut.
Enable Data Roaming Only When Needed
Data roaming charges can be particularly steep. To manage costs, disable data roaming when you’re not actively using the internet. Enable it only when necessary, such as when you need to check emails, use maps, or access important information online.
Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
Make use of Wi-Fi hotspots available at hotels, cafes, airports, and other public places. Connect to Wi-Fi networks to avoid using cellular data and incurring roaming charges.
Monitor Data Usage
Keep track of your data usage through your phone’s settings or by using your telco’s mobile app. This allows you to stay within your allocated data limit and avoid unexpected charges.
Alternatives to Data Roaming
If data roaming overseas is not cost-effective for you, here are possible workarounds.
Local SIM Cards
A SIM card from a telco in your host country provides you with a local number and access to local data plans, which are often more affordable than international roaming rates. Learn which telco stores in your destination sell SIM cards and buy one as soon as you arrive; they may contain a set amount of credits with options to buy prepaid cards.
It pays as well if you have a phone that offers dual-SIM capability, allowing you to switch active numbers as needed.
Travel SIM Cards
Some companies offer travel-specific SIM cards that provide discounted rates for international calling, texting, and data usage. These cards are designed to help travellers save on communication expenses.
Pocket Wi-Fi
If you are booking through a travel agency, inquire about any partnerships with local mobile Wi-Fi providers and their rental rates and return policies for the devices. Some vendors may have options to arrange for pickup while you’re still in Australia prior to takeoff or upon arrival at your destination.
Enhancing Cybersecurity While Abroad
Given the international nature of cybercrime, it is vital to protect your digital assets when you go overseas.
Use Secure Networks
Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Use virtual private networks (VPNs) to encrypt your internet connection, enhancing your cybersecurity and protecting your sensitive data from potential hackers on unsecured networks. If you already have a VPN service active on your devices you can simply switch servers in the VPN list. Be aware, though, if your destination country has a tight policy on VPN usage; NordVPN, in particular, notes that VPNs are banned or heavily restricted in China, Russia, Türkiye, and the UAE, among others.
Update Software
Ensure your phone’s operating system and security software are up to date before travelling. They will contain new patches to secure the system against the latest vulnerabilities and may even introduce new safeguards such as Stolen Device Protection included with Apple’s iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3.
Avoid Unsecured Links
Be wary of clicking on links in emails or messages from unknown sources, as these could lead to phishing attempts or malware installation. Only access websites and links from trusted sources.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA for your accounts whenever possible. They will usually issue an extra verification channel that must be tapped by notifications on text or email.
Stay Connected
Bringing your Australian mobile phone number abroad offers familiarity, accessibility, and continuity, but it’s important to manage potential data roaming charges and a premium effort on cybersecurity. By planning ahead, understanding your telco’s international roaming options, and exploring alternatives to data roaming, you can ensure a seamless communication experience while keeping costs under control. Additionally, practising cybersecurity measures such as using secure networks, updating software, and being cautious of online links will help protect your sensitive information while enjoying your travels.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. 2 Ezi has no relationships with any company or individual mentioned in the article and does not offer deals on any tech product discussed.
