Best options for making cheap calls/text when overseas?

[SYD]

So what are peeps doing these days for cheap calls/text back to Oz, or local/international calls/text while you’re travelling OS?

Background. Since 2019 I’ve had the Optus $50 plan that included roaming data, unlimited calls & text when OS (to/from select countries) and calls/text from Oz to OS (35 countries). Alas, that plan has been phased out and apart from calls/text from Oz to OS - moving forward any calls/text (and data) are an additional fee for service (see #1 below). My current intention is to use the eSIM in my phone for roaming data and the Optus SIM will roam and receive txts for free but I don’t want to be activating the daily roaming fee too often if I can avoid it.

These days, I don’t make many calls back to Oz but there are times when you need to and/or call something local during your travels eg booking a restaurant. FaceTime, WhatsApp and chat apps etc are fine for calling friends and family over wifi but generally require all parties to have the same app and/or generally don’t let you call landlines/mobile numbers (some exceptions below).

Here’s my thoughts - any others?

1. Daily roaming for a fee (Optus $5 per day)
The easy option is just trigger the daily charge as required but not the cheapest if you just want to make one local call. I guess if I had a few calls to make it could be worthwhile.

Telstra ($10) and Vodafone ($5) have similar features.

2. Skype and similar apps.
Does anyone still use Skype? It used to be my go to app - just load up some credit and call any number. I haven’t really used it in anger since it was rolled into the MS stable. Apparently you get some free minutes included with a MS360 subscription.

There’s some alternatives mentioned here that look interesting.

The 8 Best Free Calling Apps (Unlimited Calls With Wi-Fi)

Need to make cheap calls while on Wi-Fi? Check out these iPhone and Android apps that offer free calling and texting.

www.makeuseof.com

Anyone tried these? Some come with a phone phone number and some sound particularly useful in the US:
Text Now
Text Free
Dingtone or
Talkatine

3. Local SIM
The old default option. Pick up a local SIM, get a local number with included calls, text and data. I’d budget about A$30 per month for these (but cheaper and more expensive options depending on where you are).

I may well get a USA or Canadian sim in a few weeks when I’m there. Preferably one that can be reused. I have an existing UK GiffGaff sim (that also roams in Europe gratis).

4. Telstra prepaid with roaming pack
Mentioned in the eSIM thread, the Telstra prepaid plans actually have cheapish roaming package that are better value than $10 per day!

I assume a “Casual” 6 mth prepaid plan ($35 but promo available for $17)

Prepaid Plans and Prepaid SIM Cards from Telstra

Explore Telstra's range of prepaid plans and prepaid SIM cards with varying data, call and text allowances, and expiry periods to suit your needs. Buy now.

www.telstra.com.au

coupled with an appropriate roaming pack would work well?

International roaming on Telstra Prepaid Plans

Learn about Telstra's prepaid plans with international call minutes and texts from Australia to 88 destinations. Choose a prepaid SIM and active your plan.

www.telstra.com.au

Any other local Oz plans that provide good value calls/text?

5. Wifi calling/SMS
Anyone with a Telstra plan and compatible phone can make/receive calls and SMS for free over wifi. Unfortunately Optus doesn’t support Wifi calling overseas… Maybe another reason to get one of those Telstra casual prepaid plans - even without the roaming pack?

If this feature was more widely available, it would probably be the best solution most of the time?

 

[Austman]

If this feature was more widely available, it would probably be the best solution most of the time?

It can be, but there are times when you have no WiFi.

For those times, a Telstra prepaid international roaming pack is not bad!

For the countries that it works in, that is. It's for sure not everywhere!

4GB and 2 weeks of calls and texts for $25.

On my last trip, of about 2 weeks, I didn't come close to using the 4GB if I used WiFi when I could. (and with a couple of iPhone settings to limit mobile data usage)

 

[SYD]

It can be, but there are times when you have no WiFi.

It came in handy for an AFF’r who got to NLK not realising that none of our phone plans roam there at all!

For those times, a Telstra prepaid international roaming pack is not bad!

For the countries that it works in, that is. It's for sure not everywhere!

4GB and 2 weeks of calls and texts for $25.

Yes, I was surprised when I looked it up following a comment in the other thread.

It could be handy to have loaded as an eSIM, but I need to research further how easy it is to load/offload Telstra as an eSIM in case you want to use better value eSIM for data from time to time (or just have that 2nd phone handy).

 

[VPS]

I used Skype when I was in the UK. I think you get 60 minutes a month with your office 365.

WhatsApp calling was good too

 

[SYD]

I used Skype when I was in the UK. I think you get 60 minutes a month with your office 365.

Yes, the linked article mentions that. I haven’t had a chance to check what the current going rate is otherwise.

WhatsApp calling was good too

But can you call a landline or mobile?

WhatsApp, FaceTime and bunch of app to app IP calling/messaging are great between friends and family but most don’t let you call a regular number. Skype (with some credit) and some of the new ones mentioned earlier do.

 

[VPS]

Yes, the linked article mentions that. I haven’t had a chance to check what the current going rate is otherwise.

But can you call a landline or mobile?

WhatsApp, FaceTime and bunch of app to app IP calling/messaging are great between friends and family but most don’t let you call a regular number. Skype (with some credit) and some of the new ones mentioned earlier do.

I don’t think you can use WhatsApp unless they are contacts but Skype worked ok. I think I rang my insurance company and they rang me back so didn’t use too many minutes

 

[SYD]

I don’t think you can use WhatsApp unless they are contacts but Skype worked ok. I think I rang my insurance company and they rang me back so didn’t use too many minutes

I looked at it last night. Without MS360, you can still load credit eg US$10. There’s published rates to landlines and mobiles (by Country).

Skype also gives you the option to create a Skype number to receive calls - which has obvious advantages.

 

[SYD]

So, would you believe it. Our first trip OS since Optus dropped our included roaming calls/txt/data just a couple of weeks ago and then first time tapping 28° MC in Canada and SYD+1 gets gets an SMS from Latitude wanting confirmation the transaction was legit (respond “Y/N”)! Previously, no problem but now that would trigger $5 daily roaming charge. Similarly, trying to call them would do the same. Fortunately, we eventually got through via an online chat function to sort it but that was painful.

For the remainder of this trip (mainly USA), I think I’ll bite the bullet and try and get a local SIM for a spare phone I have with me.

Also goes to show the importance of keeping your main phone on and accessible when OS!

 

[RB]

So, would you believe it. Our first trip OS since Optus dropped our included roaming calls/txt/data just a couple of weeks ago and then first time tapping 28° MC in Canada and SYD+1 gets gets an SMS from Latitude wanting confirmation the transaction was legit (respond “Y/N”)! Previously, no problem but now that would trigger $5 daily roaming charge. Similarly, trying to call them would do the same. Fortunately, we eventually got through via an online chat function to sort it but that was painful.

For the remainder of this trip (mainly USA), I think I’ll bite the bullet and try and get a local SIM for a spare phone I have with me.

Also goes to show the importance of keeping your main phone on and accessible when OS!

Did you advise Latitude you were going overseas? Haven't had SMS from them but we do advise them before we go

 

[SYD]

Did you advise Latitude you were going overseas? Haven't had SMS from them but we do advise them before we go

No, never have in the past. Been using 28° for years. I did see on their “Help” that they suggest advising them but don’t provide an automated way of doing it…

 

[There'sOnlyOneJimmy]

So, would you believe it. Our first trip OS since Optus dropped our included roaming calls/txt/data just a couple of weeks ago and then first time tapping 28° MC in Canada and SYD+1 gets gets an SMS from Latitude wanting confirmation the transaction was legit (respond “Y/N”)! Previously, no problem but now that would trigger $5 daily roaming charge. Similarly, trying to call them would do the same. Fortunately, we eventually got through via an online chat function to sort it but that was painful.

For the remainder of this trip (mainly USA), I think I’ll bite the bullet and try and get a local SIM for a spare phone I have with me.

Also goes to show the importance of keeping your main phone on and accessible when OS!

If you have the 28* card, then you’re eligible for the free 15 day, 3 gB FlexiRoam package.

 

[SYD]

If you have the 28* card, then you’re eligible for the free 15 day, 3 gB FlexiRoam package.

Yes, we are using that on this trip *and* activated this morning! So using Optus $5 on top would have been a pain….

 

[mrsterryn]

Have to say that is why I used to buy phones that could take two physical sims
Now I have that has one physical sim and able to take esims
Now to learn all about e sims before holidays

 

[SYD]

Have to say that is why I used to buy phones that could take two physical sims
Now I have that has one physical sim and able to take esims
Now to learn all about e sims before holidays

For accessing data OS, they’re a must have and once you’ve used one once they’re pretty straight forward. I’ve been taking SYD+1 through the steps to install, activate, turn lines on/off, setting lines for default data etc.

If you know someone who already uses an eSIM, get them to show you. Or there’s probably a YouTube video or 3 on “How To”.

Even buying a 1 or 2 day eSIM for use in Oz to practice with is not a bad idea.

But they’re still mainly data only and don’t solve the problem of texting or calling a landline or mobile if you must. Hence why I started this thread and I still can’t believe we’ve hit this problem first trip post Optus enhancement. Those old plans were soooo good….

Edit: as an aside, there’s also free fast wifi everywhere so far in Vancouver….

 

[jastel]

Doing a US/Canada trip soon myself and have been researching this...

It seems most Flexiroam type Data sims/esims only use at most 4G and some even 3G.
Another problem is if you get a US one, it says works in Canada/Mexico but in the fine print turns out you only get 1Gb or something out 10Gb to use across the border. Or its at turtle speed rather than 4G.

Best coverage I think is to get an AT&T for USA and Rogers for Canada...not best $$$ but.

Can you just wander into Rogers or AT&T and buy a plan? I have done it at AT&T before covid.
I've spent 3 hours today trying to get an appointment at Telstra to buy a new esim phone...hope its not like that over there.

 

[SYD]

Doing a US/Canada trip soon myself and have been researching this...

It seems most Flexiroam type Data sims/esims only use at most 4G and some even 3G.
Another problem is if you get a US one, it says works in Canada/Mexico but in the fine print turns out you only get 1Gb or something out 10Gb to use across the border. Or it’s at turtle speed rather than 4G.

Maybe ask here for recent experiences with data eSims?

eSims, what is your experience.

Nothing about the Galaxy S23 series being supported - anyone tried it with this model? I don't have one, but have you tried installing the Eskimo app? It'll soon tell you if it's supported or not.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

At the moment, the Flexiroam Global is providing LTE in Vancouver. I’m planning to get into a rolling purchase of Flexiroam 6mth/5GB Global plans - purchase during one of the monthly Sales (usually 70% to 80% off).

Best coverage I think is to get an AT&T for USA and Rogers for Canada...not best $$$ but.

AT&T used have best coverage, but I‘ve seen more and faster T-Mobile coverage over the last few years.

Can you just wander into Rogers or AT&T and buy a plan? I have done it at AT&T before covid.

I haven’t check AR&T but you can buy T-Mobile eSIM online.

I've spent 3 hours today trying to get an appointment at Telstra to buy a new esim phone...hope it’s not like that over there.

Why not just order online, or go into Apple or JB Hi-Fi? You’ll probably need an unlocked phone anyway.

 

[jastel]

Did go to JB, they dont have same deal as Telstra.
Dont want Apple
My phones are always unlocked...but USA has some different bands for Android...Apple it seems is the same phone worldwide. I do have an el cheapo USA 4G phone as a backup for calls ...but its painfully slow as a smartphone.
Cant order esim online and keep same number Telstra says, gotta go to store, but then no appointments, other store has appointments but no esims.

You can get ATT or T Mobile Sims online but they are pricey and you need one for US and one for Canada...but there doesnt seem to be a travel sim that works good in both countries...that is what I am looking for.

 

[SYD]

At the moment, the Flexiroam Global is providing LTE in Vancouver. I’m planning to get into a rolling purchase of Flexiroam 6mth/5GB Global plans - purchase during one of the monthly Sales (usually 70% to 80% off).

Interestingly, SYD+1’s new iPhone 14 with Flexiroam eSIM is connecting on 5G here in Vancouver. My iPhone 12 is only see LTE.

Meanwhile, @Zinger posted on the Optus thread some positive experience with Amaysim and roaming packs. Could be a alternative to the Telstra prepaid?

Month-to-Month Phone Plans (No Lock-In Contracts)

Get incredible value at amaysim with award-winning 28 day SIM only mobile phone plans. For a limited time only get 40GB for $12 first renewal.

www.amaysim.com.au

Includes calls/txt (as well as data).

International Roaming

Ditch daily roaming charges. Add roaming in 90+ selected destinations to your plan from just $20, with 365 days to use.

www.amaysim.com.au

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

For Mrsterryn, esim buy before departing Aust is easy with some providers.
But you need to pick one that allows set up prior to leaving Aust, but says, it will activate on arrival.
Some say to set up and activate on arrival, but for this, you need data, ie, you would use airport data, to open that email from the esim provider, on laptop, then to go smartphone set up, pick mobile networks, and then look for esim setup.
Simscorner, I had used that before I went to NZ, I was a bit scaptical, but in the end, it all worked out well.
Buy esim from any provider, that says, buy and set up before you leave, and activate on arrival.
Simsdirect will have a local phone number in the QR code, and you can see the number too, so you can give people the phone number of the destination country.
I dont work for them, but the signal was good and started data asap on arrival in NZ after turning off flightmode.
===
Open your email on laptop, you will need to have the QR code of the Aust or overseas seller QR code email, and have the smartphone ready too.
===
Pick settings.
Some smartphones might be a bit different, am using Samsung here.
Pick connections.
Pick sim manager.
Pick sim cards.
Add esim.
===
Have camera on smartphone open, take photo of QR code, the name of the overseas provider linked to the esim seller, will show up, as data on QR code, with phone number.
With Simsdirect, that was it, leave phone alone, and turn on on arrival, turn off flight mode, and thats it.
I was able to add some credit to the 2deg NZ phone number, am back in Aust now, but going back to NZ in Dec.
Data was supposed to last a month, but I was able to keep phone number alive, with NZd$10'
Sorry for the weaffly.
Optus and Telstra prepaid, both won't show up, all no signal, even though I had added money to the roaming pack, and had turned flight mode off, and data on.
Took 3 mobile phones to NZ with me.

 

[SYD]

Doing a US/Canada trip soon myself and have been researching this...

It seems most Flexiroam type Data sims/esims only use at most 4G and some even 3G.
Another problem is if you get a US one, it says works in Canada/Mexico but in the fine print turns out you only get 1Gb or something out 10Gb to use across the border. Or its at turtle speed rather than 4G.

Best coverage I think is to get an AT&T for USA and Rogers for Canada...not best $$$ but.

Can you just wander into Rogers or AT&T and buy a plan? I have done it at AT&T before covid.
I've spent 3 hours today trying to get an appointment at Telstra to buy a new esim phone...hope its not like that over there.

OT, but a further update. We’re both seeing 5G using Flexiroam in Canada and USA.