Damon Mcknight
If you're moving overseas, you might want to keep your Australian phone number. This could be for two-factor authentication or simply to use when you return. There are a few ways to do this, including switching to a 365-day prepaid plan, porting your number to a cheap long-expiry plan, or suspending your current plan. You could also consider getting an international eSIM or travel SIM, or picking up a local SIM when you arrive at your destination. It's important to be mindful of additional charges for phone use out of your network and to research your options before you leave.
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What You'll Learn
Opt for a 365-day prepaid plan
If you're planning to live overseas temporarily and want to retain your Australian phone number, one option is to switch to a 365-day prepaid plan. This is a cost-effective solution that will keep your number active for a full year.
There are several providers in Australia that offer these long-expiry prepaid plans, including Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, Officeworks, and 7-Eleven. By purchasing a prepaid SIM card from one of these retailers, you can port your existing phone number to the new SIM and maintain its activity for 365 days. This option is ideal if you want to keep your number for two-factor authentication or for when you return to Australia.
The cost of these plans varies, with some as low as $5-10 for the entire year. However, it's important to note that these cheaper plans may not include international roaming, so you may not be able to use your Australian number for calls or texts while overseas. If you require international roaming, you may need to consider a more expensive plan.
Another benefit of 365-day prepaid plans is that they often include data rollover. This means that any unused data from the previous period will be carried over to the next period, allowing you to make the most of your prepaid credit.
Remember to recharge your plan before the 365 days are up to avoid losing your number. With this option, you can keep your Australian phone number active while living overseas without incurring high costs.
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Get a travel SIM or eSIM
If you want to keep your Australian number while travelling overseas, one option is to get a travel SIM or eSIM. This allows you to use a local SIM card at your destination to avoid roaming charges while keeping your Australian number active.
There are several providers that offer travel eSIM plans, such as Amaysim, Airalo, and Jetpac. Amaysim offers the option to purchase an eSIM instead of a physical SIM, allowing you to keep your Australian number active while using a local number during your trip. Airalo is a global online store for eSIM phone plans, where you can search for your destination and choose a data allowance. Jetpac is another travel eSIM provider that offers data-only plans, and they also provide free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.
To install an Amaysim eSIM, you will need to be connected to the internet and not be on a call when downloading the eSIM. You can either scan the QR code provided after purchasing the eSIM or open the Amaysim app and follow the instructions to replace your physical SIM with an eSIM.
It is important to check your device's compatibility before purchasing an eSIM, as not all phones support eSIM technology. Most newer models do, but it is always good to double-check.
Additionally, consider the length of your trip when choosing a plan. The longest expiry period for prepaid plans in Australia is 365 days, so if you plan on keeping your number for longer than a year, you may need to recharge while still overseas.
By utilising a travel eSIM, you can conveniently retain your Australian number and stay connected during your travels.
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Pick a local SIM at your destination
Picking a local SIM at your destination is a popular method for getting cell service abroad. You can buy a local SIM card at your destination country's airport or in town. However, airport SIM cards are often more expensive and geared towards tourists. If you're staying longer than a week or two, you may want to venture into town to find a better deal.
You can buy a local SIM card from a mobile phone shop or the department store electronics counter of your chosen local cellular carrier. You will also need to buy a local cellular plan to go with your SIM card. There are three sizes of SIM cards: standard, micro, and nano. The nano SIM (the smallest) has been the most popular choice in recent years.
You can also buy a local eSIM, which is a digital SIM that simplifies staying connected while travelling abroad and eliminates the need to swap physical SIM cards. eSIMs are available in over 150 countries and allow you to connect to a mobile network by downloading and installing a prepaid data plan. You can purchase an eSIM plan online and follow the guided instructions in the app or email. You can store multiple eSIMs on your device and switch between them as you travel.
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Keep your Australian SIM as a backup
Keeping your Australian SIM as a backup is a good idea when travelling overseas. This is especially useful if you have had your mobile number for a long time and want to keep it without paying a lot of money. This option is also beneficial if you still need access to your Australian number for two-factor authentication or other important communications.
To keep your Australian SIM as a backup, consider switching to a 365-day prepaid plan. Many providers, including Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Vodafone, offer these long-expiry plans at various price points. By injecting a minimal amount of money into the plan, you can keep your number active for a full year. Remember to recharge it before the expiry date to avoid losing your number.
If you plan on using your phone while abroad, you can look into dual SIM or eSIM capabilities. This way, you can use both your Australian and local numbers in the same phone without physically switching SIM cards. Additionally, ensure your phone is compatible with overseas networks and is not locked to an Australian network.
It is also recommended to research international roaming options with your Australian provider to avoid unexpected charges. Roaming agreements allow you to use your phone overseas for calls, texts, and data, but the charges for this can vary significantly. You may need to enable international roaming and turn off data roaming to minimise costs.
By following these steps, you can effectively keep your Australian SIM as a backup when travelling overseas, ensuring continued access to your Australian phone number.
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Use a dual SIM or eSIM-compatible phone
If you want to keep using your Australian phone number while overseas, one option is to use a dual SIM or eSIM-compatible phone. This allows you to have two active phone numbers from different carriers on the same device. That way, you can keep your Australian number and also have a local number for the country you're travelling to, without having to worry about carrying two separate phones or switching SIM cards.
Dual SIM phones allow you to have two physical SIM cards in the same phone, while eSIM technology enables you to have a digital SIM in addition to or instead of a physical SIM, depending on your phone model. Many modern smartphones, including iPhone models from the iPhone 13 onwards and certain Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, support dual SIM and eSIM capabilities. Check your phone manufacturer's website to confirm if your specific model is compatible.
To set up a dual SIM or eSIM-compatible phone for overseas travel, you can follow these general steps:
- Confirm that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local networks at your destination.
- Purchase a local prepaid SIM card at your destination or before you leave. These are often available from retailers such as supermarkets, electronics stores, or mobile network providers.
- Set up your new local SIM card as one of the active SIMs on your phone, following the instructions provided by your phone manufacturer.
- Ensure that your Australian SIM card remains active by maintaining some credit on the plan or opting for a long-expiry plan (up to 365 days).
- Label your SIMs or set a default number for specific contacts or functions, such as making calls or using cellular data.
Using a dual SIM or eSIM-compatible phone provides flexibility and convenience when travelling overseas. You can easily switch between your Australian and local numbers, make and receive calls or messages from either number, and manage your plans according to your needs. Remember to check with your carrier for any additional fees, roaming charges, or plan limitations that may apply.
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Frequently asked questions
You can keep your Australian phone number by switching to a 365-day prepaid plan. Providers such as Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, Officeworks, and 7-Eleven offer these plans. Alternatively, you can contact your current provider to see if they can put your plan on hold for a small monthly fee.
International roaming charges can be costly, so it's important to be mindful of your usage. You can enable international roaming before you leave and turn off data roaming in your phone settings to avoid unexpected charges. Additionally, consider using apps such as WhatsApp, Yolla, or Viber to make calls and send messages over WiFi.
You can look into getting a travel SIM or eSIM, such as Airalo, which offers plans for multiple countries. Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM when you arrive at your destination. If you want to use your Australian SIM, consider switching to a cheaper plan to avoid paying high monthly fees while you're away.
