eSIM vs international roaming vs a local SIM: which suits Aussie travellers?

Every overseas trip raises the same question: how will I get online when I land? Australian travellers have three main options: switch on your carrier's international roaming, buy a local SIM at your destination, or use a travel eSIM. Each has a place. Here's how they compare, without the sales pitch.

Option 1: International roaming with your Australian carrier

The major Australian carriers sell international roaming add-ons, often charged per day, that let you use your plan overseas. You turn roaming on, and your phone works much as it does at home.

Pros

• Zero set-up. Nothing to buy or install.
• Your number works normally for calls and texts, which matters for bank and two-factor SMS codes.
• One bill, from a company you already deal with.

Cons

• Daily charges add up on longer trips, even on days you barely use your phone.
• Data allowances on roaming packs can be modest, and some slow you down after a limit.
• Without a pack, casual roaming rates can be very expensive. It's easy to come home to a bill shock if roaming was on by accident.

Option 2: A local SIM at your destination

Buying a SIM from a local carrier when you arrive, at the airport or a phone shop, is the traditional budget option.

Pros

• Local rates can be very good value, especially for long stays in one country.
• You get a local phone number, handy for booking restaurants or tours.

Cons

• You have to find a shop, often after a long flight, and airport kiosks usually charge more than shops in town.
• Many countries require you to register the SIM with your passport.
• You remove your Australian SIM (unless your phone has a spare slot or eSIM), so you miss calls and SMS codes to your normal number.
• A new SIM for every country on a multi-country trip.
• Instructions and top-ups may not be in English.

Option 3: A travel eSIM

A travel eSIM is a prepaid data plan you buy online and install before you leave. It runs alongside your Australian SIM. (New to eSIMs? Start with What is an eSIM?)

Pros

• Online the moment you land, with no queue and no shop to find.
• Keep your Australian number active for calls and SMS while the eSIM handles data.
• Prepaid, so the cost is known up front. No roaming bill surprises.
• Regional plans cover several countries on one eSIM.
• Top up online if you run low.

Cons

• Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Check yours here.
• Most travel eSIMs are data-only, with no local number. Calls go through apps or your Australian number.
• You need a few minutes before the trip to install it.

Which should you choose?

• Short trip, light use, and calls matter most: your carrier's roaming pack can be fine for a few days. Compare its daily cost with an eSIM for the same trip.
• One to four weeks, mainly data (maps, messaging, social, ride-share): a travel eSIM is usually the simplest and best value, and you keep your number.
• Multi-country trip, like Europe or South-East Asia: a regional eSIM saves buying a SIM at each border.
• Months in one country: a local SIM may be cheapest, though a No Expiry eSIM can suit people who come and go.
• You need a real number abroad: a local SIM or one of our Voice & Data eSIMs.

A tip whichever you pick

If you use an eSIM or local SIM for data, turn off data roaming on your Australian SIM before you land. Your number still receives calls and texts (your carrier may charge for those while roaming, so check), but your phone won't quietly use expensive roaming data in the background.