Discover the best ways to use your mobile if you travel for business. Explore options including international roaming, local SIMs, and Wi-Fi.
There’s a lot to think about when you travel overseas for business. You need to sort transport, accommodation and maybe even visas.
Staying connected is up there too. Business doesn’t pause when you travel. Whether you're checking in with your team, responding to clients, or managing operations remotely, staying connected while you travel for business is essential. But with multiple options available, choosing the right connectivity solution can make a big difference in security, reliability, and convenience.
Here we explain the most common ways to stay connected overseas.
For many business travellers, using a mobile phone overseas is their main way of staying in touch.
A reliable mobile connection can help you:
Whether you’re on a short trip or an extended business stay, staying connected means staying productive.
Business travellers have several ways to stay connected. They each have their pros and cons. Understanding the best way to use your phone overseas helps ensure you pick the option that works best for you.
International roaming allows you to use your Australian mobile number abroad. It’s a popular choice for business travellers because it’s quick and easy.
With international roaming, there’s no need to swap SIM cards or manage multiple phone numbers. You keep using your Australian mobile number overseas. You can receive calls and use mobile data, just like you would at home.
Simply enable roaming before you travel, and your service is ready to go. Your phone will detect you are in a new country. It will then search for your domestic service provider’s partner network. It will connect and you will be able to use your phone as normal.
Roaming charges can add up if not managed properly. Checking your plan details and your carrier’s roaming policies beforehand is vital.
Purchasing a local SIM card in your destination country is another option. This can enable you to use your mobile without having international roaming enabled and give you access to data via local network provider plans.
However, this option comes with some potential drawbacks to consider.
A new SIM means a different phone number. This may complicate communication with colleagues and clients.
Some business applications may not work without your Australian number. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) may also be affected. If your MFA uses text messages to confirm your identity, these may not get through if you aren’t using your Australian number.
If you have dual SIM capability, ensure the local SIM is set as the primary service. Otherwise, your device might still use your Australian number for some applications. This could lead to unexpected international charges.
Learn how eSIM can simplify connectivity overseas.
Some phones may be locked to specific carriers, preventing the use of international SIM cards.
Replacing your primary SIM can be inconvenient, especially if you need dual connectivity.
Some travellers may opt to use Wi-Fi hotspots to stay connected. Public Wi-Fi is widely available in airports, hotels, and cafés.
The advantages of only using Wi-Fi are:
However, relying solely on Wi-Fi has risks and limitations you should consider. These include:
You won’t be able to make or receive calls using your usual business mobile number without access to international roaming.
Public networks may be vulnerable to cyber threats, risking data exposure.
Wi-Fi quality can vary a lot. You may have to put up with slow or unreliable connections. This can disrupt your productivity or communication with clients and team members.
If no Wi-Fi is available, you’ll be disconnected until you find a hotspot.
Telstra’s International Roaming Day Pass provides business travellers with an easy way to use your mobile phone overseas. It’s designed for more security, reliability, and convenience.
Access premium networks worldwide without switching SIMs. Telstra partners with world-class network providers in over 80 destinations to help give you great service.
With a Day Pass, you'll keep using your Australian number. This makes it easy for family and friends to stay in touch. You'll also be able to keep receiving texts with one-time passcodes to log in to accounts with 2-step verification.
Telstra’s dedicated support team is available if you need assistance. You can chat with us in the My Telstra App from 6am to 11pm AEST, seven days a week. Or you can call us on +61 439 125 109, free from your service, between 8am and 7pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
Use the My Telstra App to check how much data you have left on your Day Pass or Data Top-Up. You can monitor what you'll be paying on your next bill to avoid bill shock.
Here are some tips for the best way to use your phone while travelling
The best option depends on your priorities.
Before your next business trip, explore Telstra’s International Roaming options to find the best solution for your needs. Stay connected, stay productive, and travel with confidence.
Add a phone to a business plan and experience great coverage while knowing that our Security Operations Centres are helping to detect cyber threats each day.
Get mobiles that support your business in more places. Our experts can help you find devices and data plans best fit for your needs.
