Looking to avoid confusion and exorbitant fees as you stay connected abroad?

International travel SIM cards offer an efficient solution as a prepaid alternative to costly roaming charges, so you can continue sharing your trip with your friends and family back home.

Installing an eSIM is simple. Choosing the right provider is where we come in to help. We’re here to explain how eSIMs work, compare them to roaming plans, and highlight the best providers available today.

What Is an International SIM Card and How Does It Work?

An international SIM card is a pre-paid SIM physical or embedded (eSIM) that connects you to local networks when you’re overseas. It typically includes calls, SMS, and data bundles, valid in multiple countries.

Once activated, you pay local or regional rates, avoiding costly roaming fees from your Australian provider. And they conveniently work across borders without the need to swap cards.

Travel SIM Card vs Roaming Plans With Your Provider

Feature	Travel SIM / eSIM	Roaming Plan (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone)
Cost	Usually cheaper. Locked prepaid plan fees and data only	Often expensive per MB, per minute, or per SMS
SIM/Plan Setup	Buy online, activate via app or insert physical SIM	Add-on domestic plan before travel or auto roaming
Phone Number	Different (country-specific or global number)	Retain your Aussie number
Usage in Multiple Countries	Works seamlessly across supported destinations	Roaming costs vary by region
Device Compatibility	Requires unlocked, GSM‑compatible phone or eSIM support	Works on compatible mobile plans

Give more to your budget and treat your device like a local, at a fraction of roaming costs. Travel SIM cards are used by many for their affordability and flexibility.

Do You Need a Different SIM Card for Travelling Abroad?

Using a SIM card from your home region provider won’t stop you from travelling abroad. The catch is the expensive roaming costs that blow holes into your budget.

Here are some common reasons why travellers consider using an International SIM card as they explore the globe.

Your phone plan might not include roaming, or roaming costs are too high.
A travel SIM ensures predictable, local rates in your destination, especially when data-only plans suit your navigation and messaging needs.
Physical SIMs require postage or pickup; eSIMs let you download instantly, avoiding airport hassles.

Benefits of Using Dedicated Travel SIM Cards

Travel smarter with a dedicated Travel SIM. They’re quick to set up and safe to handle as you stay connected on the go.

Cost-effective connectivity. The use of prepaid data and local rates offers more control over what you spend as you travel.
Fast setup. eSIMs are often available the moment you land and can be set up before you finish a coffee.
Supports multiple currencies and countries. Essential for multi-stop trips.
Safer handling. No swapping cards in public, and your main SIM stays safe at home.
Easy to top up or switch. Often via an app for your convenience.
Flexibility. Pair with other devices or keep your Aussie number active on a dual-SIM phone.

Top International SIM Card Providers in Australia

The following providers are widely trusted by travellers. You can explore more options, but at least one of these providers should have what you need.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM platforms in the world, offering affordable global and regional data packages for over 190 countries. Its Discover Global eSIM lets you install a digital SIM instantly from your phone, making it ideal for last-minute travellers or those hopping between countries without the hassle of physical SIM swaps.

Coverage: Unlimited access in 190+ countries with local and global plans.
Plans: Data-only packages (e.g., 1GB/7 days from USD $3.50), regional bundles, or global plans.
Highlights: Instant digital activation, app-based management, dual‑SIM compatibility (eSIM + physical SIM).
Limitations: Most plans lack voice/text support; customer service and connectivity issues are reported by some users.

Keepgo Lifetime World SIM

Keepgo offers both physical SIMs and eSIMs with the unique benefit of lifetime validity, your data never expires as long as you top up annually. It’s a great option for frequent or long-term travellers who want reliable global coverage, with flexible data bundles and strong partnerships with major mobile carriers.

Coverage: Works in 150+ countries, with a single global SIM (physical) and eSIM option.
Data: Data doesn’t expire as long as you top up at least once per year perfect for occasional travellers.
Highlights: Reliable global coverage via major carriers; tethering allowed; recharge starts at USD $3.

Australia Post International SIM

Sold through local post offices, this prepaid SIM is an accessible and affordable option for Australians travelling to over 90 countries. It’s perfect for short-term trips thanks to generous data allowances and bundled talk/text features, although it’s not reloadable, meaning you’ll need a new SIM for your next journey.

Type: Physical prepaid SIM usable in over 90 countries.
Cost: Just AUD $5 plus GST; includes talk, text, and 30GB of data with 30‑day validity.
Limitations: Non-rechargeable—once expired, you need a new SIM. Offers a French number. Best suited for short Europe/Asia trips.

Other reputable providers include OneSimCard, GigSky, Holafly, and Nomad, each catering to specific travel needs.

International Travel SIM Card FAQs

Can You Buy a Travel SIM Card in Australia?
Yes! Providers like Airalo allow instant eSIM delivery via app, while Australia Post sells physical travel SIMs in post offices.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Use Your Phone Overseas?
Travel SIMs or eSIM plans generally cost significantly less than roaming, or mobile data roaming add‑ons. Make sure to compare pricing and expiry before choosing.
Is There a SIM Card That Works in All Countries?
Some global SIMs and eSIMs—like Airalo templates and Keepgo SIM cards—offer connectivity across many regions, but no card covers every country. Always check supported destinations first.
What Happens When You Put an International SIM Card in Your Phone?
For physical SIMs, simply insert it after arriving. For eSIMs, download the profile via app or QR code before travel, then activate via your phone’s network settings.
Can You Text With an International SIM Card?
It depends—many plans are data-only and don’t include calls or SMS, but newer packages (e.g. Airalo Discover+) offer call/text support in addition to data (at a premium).

Stay Connected and Spend Smart While Abroad

Travel SIM cards and eSIMs offer practical, cost-effective solutions for staying online overseas. Choose based on:

Your destinations and duration
How much data, talk or text you’ll need
Whether you want physical or eSIM delivery
Your phone’s compatibility and lock status

For lightweight travellers, Airalo Discover Global eSIM is fast and affordable. For repeat or digital-nomad travellers, Keepgo shines with lifetime validity. For simple, single-country roaming with voice support, Australia Post SIM delivers.