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Most travellers know the basics of avoiding roaming fees: switching to a local SIM card, relying on Wi-Fi or using an international roaming plan. But what if you don’t want the hassle of swapping SIMs, dealing with eSIM activation or constantly hunting for Wi-Fi?
There’s a lesser-known approach that lets you keep your home SIM active without racking up outrageous fees.
Instead of trying to eliminate roaming charges completely, consider how to minimise them strategically. This means keeping your primary SIM card in your phone but controlling when and how it connects to networks.
Here’s how you can stay reachable on your regular number while also avoiding bill shock.
Use dual SIM or eSIM for smarter connectivity
Many modern smartphones support dual SIM or eSIM technology, allowing you to use two different numbers at the same time. Instead of replacing your main SIM with a local one, you can keep your home SIM in your phone but disable its mobile data. Then, you can install an eSIM or insert a secondary SIM for data usage.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts but set it to “No Data” in your phone’s settings. This way, you won’t get hit with automatic roaming charges from background data usage.
- Use an eSIM or secondary SIM for data, which you can get from a local carrier or an international provider like Airalo or Holafly. This lets you browse, stream, and use maps without paying premium rates.
This method is particularly good for business travelers or anyone who needs to receive important calls on their primary number without paying for unnecessary roaming data.
BYO phone with a SIM only plan
Bringing your own phone with a SIM Only data plan gives you the flexibility to manage roaming costs while keeping your existing number and handset.
SIM Only plans often come with better value data and international roaming add-ons than prepaid options.
This setup lets you maintain full control. Switch off roaming, add an international data pack when needed, or insert a travel SIM without being locked into a device contract.
It’s smart, budget-friendly way to travel connected.
Use messaging apps for voice calls
You probably already use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage for texting, but these apps can also replace traditional calls. If you make sure your friends and family use the same app, you can call each other on that platform as much as you like .
Use Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling, also called VoWiFi, refers to mobile voice calls that are made over IP networks using Wi-Fi, instead of the cell towers. As long as you’re connected to a compatible WiFi network overseas, you will be able to make and receive voice calls at your standard rate; as if you were still in Australia.
Be careful, though. If you lose connection to the WiFi network while on a call your handset may automatically connect to the local mobile network and you will begin being charged at standard international roaming rates.
Buy an international roaming add-on as a back up
Most carriers offer international roaming packages, on a per day or per week basis. Look for a SIM only plan that gives you this option, so you can use it only where necessary.
Being selective with roaming add-ons lets you avoid paying for unnecessary data while still having the option when needed. Consider it an emergency back up.
Hot tip: wait until you land to activate a roaming add-on. Some carriers charge for the day as soon as you turn your phone on in another country, even if you don’t use data.
Turn off background data
One of the easiest ways to keep your data charges to a minimum is by letting your phone connect to the internet in the background. Even if you’re not using your phone, apps like email, social media and cloud storage can sync automatically and use data.
To prevent this:
- Disable background data in your phone’s settings.
- Turn off automatic updates in the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Use “low data mode” if your phone has the option.
This ensures that when you do connect, you’re using data intentionally rather than wasting it on updates and background processes.
Avoiding expensive roaming charges doesn’t mean you have to ditch your primary SIM or go completely offline. By using dual SIMs, redirecting calls, disabling unnecessary data usage, and leveraging Wi-Fi smartly, you can stay connected without an overwhelming bill.
Instead of relying on just one method, consider combining multiple strategies based on your needs. That way, you can keep your number, use data affordably, and avoid the common pitfalls of international roaming.