Telstra international roaming: what it costs
Prices checked 14 Nov 2026 by Steve
How much does Telstra roaming cost?
Telstra's cheapest roaming add-on we found is International Day Pass - Zone 1 at A$5.00 a day (2 GB/day), checked 14 Nov 2026. For 14 days in Europe at medium use (1 GB a day) that's about A$140.00. The cheapest travel eSIM for the same trip is ≈ A$41.25.
Telstra roaming offers
| Offer | Price | Data | Validity | Destinations covered | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Day Pass - Zone 2 | A$10.00 | 2 GB/day | Per day | Japan, Europe, Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Singapore, Philippines, South Korea | 14 Nov 2026 · source |
| International Day Pass - Zone 1 | A$5.00 | 2 GB/day | Per day | New Zealand, Fiji | 14 Nov 2026 · source |
Telstra roaming cost by destination
Medium use (1 GB a day). The eSIM column is the cheapest plan, or pair of plans, covering the same days and data.
| Destination | Telstra 7 days | Telstra 14 days | Cheapest eSIM, 14 days | Difference, 14 days | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | A$33.47 | eSIM saves A$106.53 | Calculator |
| Bali | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | ≈ A$41.25 | eSIM saves ≈ A$98.75 | Calculator |
| Europe | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | ≈ A$41.25 | eSIM saves ≈ A$98.75 | Calculator |
| China | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | A$32.01 | eSIM saves A$107.99 | Calculator |
| Fiji | A$35.00 | A$70.00 | ≈ A$41.25 | eSIM saves ≈ A$28.75 | Calculator |
| New Zealand | A$35.00 | A$70.00 | A$40.74 | eSIM saves A$29.26 | Calculator |
| Philippines | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | A$39.28 | eSIM saves A$100.72 | Calculator |
| Singapore | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | A$30.55 | eSIM saves A$109.45 | Calculator |
| South Korea | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | A$35.55 | eSIM saves A$104.45 | Calculator |
| Thailand | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | A$25.05 | eSIM saves A$114.95 | Calculator |
| Vietnam | A$70.00 | A$140.00 | A$31.55 | eSIM saves A$108.45 | Calculator |
Keep your Telstra number and use an eSIM for data
- Check your phone supports eSIM and dual SIM (most recent iPhones and Android phones do).
- Install the travel eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you fly.
- Keep your Australian SIM switched on for calls and SMS codes, such as bank and login codes.
- In your phone's mobile settings, set the eSIM as the data line.
- Turn data roaming off on your Telstra line, and on for the eSIM when you land.
How to avoid bill shock
- Turn off data roaming on your Australian line before you board.
- Check your usage in your phone's settings, or in your telco's app, during the trip.
- Use Wi-Fi calling where your plan supports it.
- Only add a roaming pass if you mean to use it.
Check Telstra's current terms before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Telstra roaming worth it?
For a 14-day trip at medium use, a travel eSIM cost less than Telstra roaming in 11 of the 11 destinations we compared. Roaming is simpler, as it needs no setup, so it can be worth it on short trips. The table above shows each destination.
How much is Telstra roaming per day?
The cheapest Telstra add-on we found is International Day Pass - Zone 1 at A$5.00 a day (2 GB/day), checked 14 Nov 2026. Prices can differ by destination, so check the offers table above.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my Telstra number?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Keep your Telstra SIM on for calls and SMS, set the travel eSIM as your data line, and turn data roaming off on the Telstra line. Check whether Telstra charges for calls and texts you receive overseas.
Does Telstra roaming work in Europe?
Yes. Telstra's International Day Pass - Zone 2 covers Europe. For 14 days at medium use it comes to about A$140.00, checked 14 Nov 2026. The cheapest eSIM for the same trip is ≈ A$41.25.
Will I still get texts and bank codes overseas?
Usually, yes. If you keep your Telstra SIM switched on, SMS codes from your bank can still reach you, even with its data roaming turned off. Check Telstra's terms for any charges on texts received overseas.
How do I stop roaming charges?
Turn off data roaming for your Telstra line in your phone's settings before you land, use Wi-Fi or a travel eSIM for data, and check your usage in the Telstra app. Only add a roaming pass if you mean to use it.
Bars Abroad is independent and not affiliated with Telstra. Prices from Telstra's public site, checked 14 Nov 2026.