Use your mobile overseas

You can use your mobile, tablet or any other device if your telco has an agreement with an overseas network. This is ‘international roaming’.

The cost of using international roaming for voice calls, texts or data can be very high, resulting in bill shock.

Telcos have to help you check and manage the mobile phone data you use overseas. The rules are in the Telecommunications Service Provider (International Mobile Roaming) Determination, which says that telcos must:

• send notifications about international mobile roaming costs to any device capable of accessing international roaming upon arrival at overseas destinations
• send usage notification alerts to 50%, 85% and 100% of the included value of an international mobile roaming value pack
• provide price information upon activating access to international mobile roaming services
• provide usage updates to assist consumers track their spending on international mobile roaming services
• making spend management tools available to consumers
• allow you to decline roaming services, at any time and from anywhere at no or low cost.

Your telco may let you choose not to receive messages about your roaming use. They must not force you to opt out as a condition of the contract or travel pack.

Telcos can charge for data, calls and SMS. Rates may change depending on the destination country/zone. Your telco may also charge you if:

• you switch on your device overseas
• apps on your device are set to update automatically
• you receive or access a voicemail message

International roaming costs are in your plan's Critical Information Summary. If you’re still not sure, contact your telco to ask:

• whether your monthly plan includes international roaming and if so, where to (your plan may let you roam in some countries but not others)
• how much they charge for international roaming services. Check the rates for calls, data, message services, texts and any other services you want to use overseas
• how to turn off international roaming or turn off data while you are overseas
• how to check your usage while you are overseas to avoid going over a limit

• Avoid pay-as-you-go roaming. Some telcos sell pre-paid international roaming packs, specific international roaming plans or day passes.
• Turn off the auto-update settings for apps on your smart device.
• Where it is available and appropriate, use free wi-fi in shops, hotels or public places so you don’t have to rely on roaming services.
• If you can change the SIM card in your phone, buy a local (your destination) prepaid SIM for overseas travellers. This will have a data limit and its own phone number.
• Remember, text messages are usually cheaper than phone calls or data.

If you receive a large bill that you cannot pay, ask your telco about help with financial hardship. If you think there has been a mistake with your bill, you can complain to your telco.