A guide on how to use your mobile phone overseas.
Do's for using your mobile phone overseas.
1. Check with your carrier.
Before your trip, contact your mobile carrier to understand their international roaming plans and options. They can guide you on the best plan for your needs, which might include data, texting, and calling packages.
Receive free international SMS with Everyday Mobile plans. Stay connected with your banking or verification even when you're on holidays. If you need to send a SMS, use data or voice calls overseas a number of International Add-ons are available to purchase. Visit our International Roaming page for more information or chat with Mandy (our virtual assistant) or one of our friendly team for help via our Contact Us page.
2. Enable Wi-Fi calling.
Whenever possible, connect to Wi-Fi networks to make calls and send messages. This helps you avoid international roaming charges and ensures a more stable connection. You can also make free international calls on apps like Whatsapp and Facebook when connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Purchase a local travel SIM card.
If you're staying in a foreign country for an extended period, consider buying a local SIM card. This can offer better rates for local calls, texts, and data.
4. Download offline maps.
Use apps like Google Maps to download maps for offline use. This way, you can navigate even without an active data connection.
5. Use messaging apps.
Utilise messaging apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Signal to stay in touch with family and friends. These apps use data or Wi-Fi instead of traditional SMS.
Dont’s when using your mobile phone overseas.
1. Avoid roaming data.
Roaming data can lead to hefty charges. Disable data roaming on your phone to prevent automatic updates and background data usage.
2. Don't ignore plane mode.
When not using your phone, switch to plane mode. This turns off all wireless connections and saves battery life.
3. Don't skip international plans.
Ignoring your carrier's international plans can result in excessive charges. Purchase a suitable plan or package to avoid unexpected fees.
See what international packs are available through Everyday Mobile from Woolworths at International Roaming.
4. Refrain from overusing streaming and social media.
Streaming videos and music consume a lot of data. Try to limit your streaming or use Wi-Fi for such activities. And remember, social media apps like Youtube, TikTok, and Instagram use the most data due to the high volume of video content; the drain on data isn’t just applicable to movies and tv shows!
5. Don't forget about time zones.
Make sure your phone's time zone is correctly set to your current location. This avoids confusion when coordinating with people back home.
Bonus tips for using your mobile overseas.
1. Backup your data.
Backup your phone's data before leaving. In case your device is lost or stolen, you'll still have access to your important information.
2. Protect your phone.
Invest in a good quality travel case to keep your phone safe from accidental damage while exploring new places.
3. Use Power Banks
Keep a power bank handy to recharge your phone on the go, especially during long days of sightseeing. You can purchase a power bank from most department stores and major electrical retailers like Big W.
4. Know emergency numbers
Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and services in the country you're visiting and store these numbers in your phone.
By following these do's and don'ts, you can make the most of your mobile phone while travelling abroad without encountering unexpected charges or technical issues each and everyday. Stay connected and informed while enjoying your international adventures!
FAQs about travelling and using a phone overseas.
How do I use my phone overseas?
When using your phone overseas, you have a couple of options. You can either:
1. Buy a local travel SIM card at your destination, which often offers cost-effective local rates, or
2. Purchase International Roaming packs with your home provider for temporary connectivity while overseas. For more information about Everyday Mobile from Woolworths packs visit our International Roaming page.
3. Rely on WiFi connection to make free international calls and texts where possible.
Do I get charged roaming when using Wi-Fi overseas?
No, using Wi-Fi overseas typically does not incur roaming charges from your mobile carrier. Wi-Fi connections operate independently of cellular networks, allowing you to access the internet without using mobile data.
Can I use my phone overseas without roaming?
Yes, you can use your phone overseas without roaming by relying on Wi-Fi networks. Connect to available Wi-Fi hotspots for internet access, use messaging apps, make Wi-Fi calls and utilise other internet-based services.
Should I have my data roaming turned on or off when travelling abroad?
When you’re not using your phone to make important calls or texts, you should turn international roaming off to save being charged extra on your standard phone plan. A good habit to have is to turn your phone onto Airplane mode when you’re not using it as that automatically turns off international roaming also. Just be mindful that you’ll need to turn your Wi-Fi on whilst on Airplane mode if you wish to stay connected there.
Where can I buy a travel sim?
Physical travel sims and travel eSims can be purchased either online or at your local Australia Post or Travelex centre. Or, if you decide to buy your sim once you’ve arrived at your destination, airports and convenience stores sell sims connected to the local network.
What apps use the most data when travelling?
The apps infamous for eating up the most amount of data are those that require video or audio streaming, or, use real-time navigation. When travelling overseas, you’ll want to try and be connected to a WiFi network when using the following:- Video streaming apps like Youtube, Netflix, Stan, or Amazon Prime Video.
- Navigational apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze.
- Social media apps that feature a high volume of video content like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
- Social media apps that use real-time navigation like SnapChat and Life360.
- Audio streaming apps like Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal.
Can you Facetime internationally with WiFi?
If you’re looking to video call loved ones back home, Apple’s in-built video call feature ‘Facetime’ is free to use when connected to a WiFi network. Just be mindful that the WiFi connection will need to be strong to have good video calling quality.
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Here's our pitch for you to switch to an
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We use the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network.†
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10% off an in-store shop on selected mobile plans.1
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> 6 month bonus data offer applies to new customers who activate a $40, $50, or $60 Everyday Mobile from Woolworths SIM Only Plan and existing Everyday Mobile from Woolworths customers who upgrade from an existing SIM Only Plan to a higher value $40, $50, or $60 SIM Only Plan between 00:01 AM AEST on 17 June 2026 and 23:59 PM AEST on 11 August 2026 (Offer Period). Customers who move from a Prepaid Plan to a SIM Only Plan or who move from a SIM Only Plan to a Prepaid Plan during the Offer Period are excluded from this Offer. Bonus data will be applied within 48 hours of activation for new customers and on the next bill cycle date for upgrading customers. Bonus data will cease if a customer downgrades to a lower value SIM Only Plan or moves to an ineligible plan during the Offer Period. Any unused data at the end of the billing month will rollover in the customer’s Data Bank. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to withdraw or amend this Offer at any time.
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General & Other.
1 Visit mobile.everyday.com.au/offers/10-off-your-shop for applicable terms and conditions, including eligibility criteria.
3 Purchase limits on International Roaming Add-ons: To ensure fair use of our services and to help prevent misuse and fraud, we may limit your ability to purchase International Roaming Add-ons. The specific limits may be adjusted as we identify new threats and trends. If you need to purchase multiple International Roaming Add-ons in your Everyday Mobile account, please contact us before your trip, and our team will be happy to assist you or suggest alternative options you can consider. Coverage: Quality and availability of international roaming services are subject to the local mobile network in the country you are visiting. This means that coverage may be limited or unavailable in certain areas, particularly in remote or regional locations.
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