International travel SIM cards in Australia: What they are and how they work

Are you planning a trip abroad and worried about expensive usage while you’re away? Perhaps you have a business trip coming up and need to stay connected more than usual. Looking into an international travel SIM card is a smart move. These cards can save you from the dreaded "bill shock" and make your trip significantly smoother.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting an international travel SIM card in Australia. We'll cover how they work, how they differ from roaming plans, and compare some of the best options currently on the market. You can also learn more about the Wise card, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies.

What is an international SIM card and how does it work?

International SIM cards are pre-paid travel tools that provide a set amount of data, calls, and texts for use abroad. These cards connect to local networks in your destination country, allowing you to pay local-like rates instead of expensive international roaming fees.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM

You have two main choices:

• Physical SIM: A plastic card you insert into your phone's tray.
• eSIM (Digital SIM): A software-based SIM that you download via a QR code or app. If you’re strictly looking for digital SIM options, check out our guide on the best eSIMs for international travel.

Travel SIM card vs. Roaming plans: What’s the difference?

Do you need a different SIM card for international travel?

You don’t necessarily need a different SIM card for travelling abroad, as most networks have roaming services/packages that you can use when going away.

However, these services are usually charged at a much higher rate than your standard plan or travel SIM cards, which is why many people decide to use a dedicated travel SIM when going abroad.

Benefits of using dedicated travel SIM cards abroad

There are many benefits of using a dedicated travel SIM card when travelling abroad. Here are some key reasons why it’s worth considering:

• You’re charged local rates- Once you’ve reached your destination country, you’ll be charged the local rates when using your phone. These are generally much cheaper than roaming charges from your provider.
• Generally affordable - Travel SIM cards are generally considered to be more affordable than roaming charges or a roaming plan.
• Prepaid- Most travel SIM cards are prepaid, meaning that you may for a set amount per month/time period that you’re abroad in return for a number of texts, minutes, and/or data.
• Compatible with different devices - If you plan on using a tablet or other phone while away, travel SIM cards are usually compatible with a range of devices.
• Incoming calls are generally free - You won’t typically be charged for incoming calls when using a travel SIM card, whereas you may be charged to accept an incoming call with standard roaming rates.

International SIM card providers in Australia

Below we’ve included the main providers of international travel SIM cards in Australia. Each has different features and benefits that will suit different people depending on their travel preferences.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM is an international travel SIM card that provides you with data that can be used in over 130+ countries and networks.¹

With plans ranging from 1GB - 20 GB, there is a range of options to suit your data usage, and validity varies from 7 days - 365 days meaning you can tailor your plan to how long you plan to be away.¹

Plans start from 7.50 GBP for 7 days of usage and increase to 78.50 GBP US for 365 days, including data, calls, and texts. This eSIM can be activated and managed using the Airalo app, and Airalo claim to be trusted by over 1,000,000 people worldwide.¹

Keepgo Lifetime World SIM

The Keepgo Lifetime World SIM is another travel SIM focused on data, with plans ranging from 100MB at $3 USD - 25GB at $345 USD. A key benefit of this travel SIM is that your data won’t expire.² You can connect to local cellular networks in 100+ most traveled countries.

With Keepgo there are no monthly payments, no contracts/extra fees, plus you can use your phone as a hotspot and for tethering purposes.²

SimCorner Global SIM Card

SimCorner offers an international physical SIM is designed to keep you connected across different zones worldwide. The SIM provides up to 20GB of high-speed 5G/4G data, depending on your destination.³

The SIM is valid for 31 days from the moment of activation, at a price of $55 AUD. This is a data-only SIM (no calls or SMS), but it fully supports hotspotting and tethering, allowing you to share your data with tablets or laptops.

Travelling soon? Bring along the Wise card to save on foreign transaction fees

Now that you've figured out how to stay connected, don't forget the best way to spend without paying more than you should overseas. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

FAQs

Can you buy a travel SIM card in Australia?

Yes - you’ll have to double-check that your phone is compatible with a travel SIM card, however, once this has been confirmed you can purchase a travel SIM card before you leave or they can be bought at the airport/at a provider’s stores.

What is the cheapest way to use your phone overseas?

The cheapest way to use your phone overseas is by exclusively using Wi-Fi. However, if you don’t want to be restricted to WiFi networks, a travel SIM card will be the cheapest option for you.

Is there a SIM card that works in all countries?

Yes - most international SIM cards can be used across multiple countries. Always check the features of a travel SIM card before purchasing it to make sure it works in multiple countries if you’re travelling.

What happens when you put an international SIM card in your phone?

When you put an international SIM card into your phone, your phone will be charged at local rates instead of via your network provider’s roaming fees.

Can you text with an international SIM card?

Yes, most international SIM cards include a set amount of prepaid texts that you can use while travelling abroad. Always double-check different travel SIM cards to ensure you purchase the best SIM card for your circumstances.