Best options for making cheap calls/text when overseas?

[encryptededdy]

apparently using a secondary e/SIM for Wi-Fi calling with your primary is only possible if the secondary is not roaming, so likely local to its location - how are you going with it?

Using a Mobile phone Overseas – eSIM, Travel SIM, International Roaming - OzBargain Wiki

www.ozbargain.com.au

One of the reasons I use the Ubigi eSIM is that it doesn't show as roaming, unlike some of the other cheaper eSIM options.

 

[serfty]

Have two weeks coming up in Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand and this looks like it'll do. AUD10 for 14 days of 3G Malaysia/Thailand/Australia(!?), 100GB in Singapore.

Also has 30 minutes of IDD.

[Singapore SIM card] Best 5G/4G (Physical or eSIM) | Optional EZlink transport card (2-in-1) – Pick up at Airport / City in Singapore | Pelago

Stay connected during your Singapore visit with high-speed internet by using the Singtel hi!Tourist Prepaid SIM card. Browse essential information, contact

www.pelago.com

Flexiroam has an Asian product for USD11.

 

[SYD]

Have two weeks coming up in Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand and this looks like it'll do. AUD10 for 14 days of 3G Malaysia/Thailand/Australia(!?), 100GB in Singapore.

Also has 30 minutes of IDD.

[Singapore SIM card] Best 5G/4G (Physical or eSIM) | Optional EZlink transport card (2-in-1) – Pick up at Airport / City in Singapore | Pelago

Stay connected during your Singapore visit with high-speed internet by using the Singtel hi!Tourist Prepaid SIM card. Browse essential information, contact

www.pelago.com

Flexiroam has an Asian product for USD11.

Yes, the Singtel Tourists SIMs are really good value. Especially the regional roaming. They even roam back in Oz if you haven’t used up the allowance! Just need to be in SIN first to setup.

I posted up thread (or maybe in the eSIM thread) that they now have an eSIM version. Which presumably doesn’t come with built in MRT card that the physical SIM has but with contactless payment now, that’s probably less useful?

 

[serfty]

I posted up thread (or maybe in the eSIM thread) that they now have an eSIM version. Which presumably doesn’t come with built in MRT card that the physical SIM has but with contactless payment now, that’s probably less useful?

The one with a MRT card is plated at SGD15 but is likely cheaper through Pelago.

They have an eSIM version - maybe the same price but I didn't delve.

 

[qaz]

dual SIM phone

Nokia 215 4G Dual Sim Peach (Black Sold Out) $20 Delivered @ Gravitech via Catch

Deal: Nokia 215 4G Dual Sim Peach (Black Sold Out) $20 Delivered @ Gravitech via Catch, Store: Technotel, Code: SAVE50, Category: Mobile

www.ozbargain.com.au

 

[SYD]

For those using amaysim, SYD+1 just renewed the $20 / 12mths roaming txt/mins bundle and unused mins/txt rolled over (as published) but the 12mth expiry resets to 12mths from payment (not entirely unexpected) but just note you’re not renewing a “subscription” with an anniversary date.

Also, there were no emails nor alerts that the roaming bundle was coming to an end, so make a diary note to renew!

Mine comes up next month and will renew as a matter of course. It’s very good value.

 

[MARTINE]

For those using amaysim, SYD+1 just renewed the $20 / 12mths roaming txt/mins bundle and unused mins/txt rolled over (as published) but the 12mth expiry resets to 12mths for payment (not entirely unexpected) but just note you’re not renewing a “subscription” with an anniversary date.

Also, there were no emails nor alerts that the roaming bundle was coming to an end, so make a diary note to renew!

Mine comes up next month and will renew as a matter of course. It’s very good value.

Agreed
I used it constantly for a fortnight in Europe/great connections and less than 1GB data used.

 

[SYD]

Agreed
I used it constantly for a fortnight in Europe/great connections and less than 1GB data used.

I didn’t bother with the bundle that includes data. It’s not the best value compared to a seperate eSIM (or two). But knowing you can send txt, make / receive calls on your regular number for not much $ is the key for me.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

For those using amaysim, SYD+1 just renewed the $20 / 12mths roaming txt/mins bundle and unused mins/txt rolled over (as published) but the 12mth expiry resets to 12mths for payment (not entirely unexpected) but just note you’re not renewing a “subscription” with an anniversary date.

Also, there were no emails nor alerts that the roaming bundle was coming to an end, so make a diary note to renew!

Mine comes up next month and will renew as a matter of course. It’s very good value.

Its a good system you can keep the same phone number.
I am with 2deg NZ and its good onnthat side I can keep same number as well, so far, 18 months or so.

 

[vetrade]

Hopefully the wiser / more tech savvy members can offer me some advice, or perhaps just reassurance that I'm not overlooking something..........

We currently have our mobile plans with Internode which doesn't allow international roaming, On OS trips we have previously foregone calls & texts and just used hotel WiFi or Flexiroam / Knowroaming for data.

Lack of calls and text proved problematic trying to sort out CC issues on our last trip, and with more and more sites, like bank and airline logins, now requiring 2FV via an SMS code, I need to make changes to ensure we can use our Aussie mobile numbers while away.

We will be OS for 2 months and travelling to Europe, Morocco, Brazil and Sri Lanka/Maldives so global roaming would be preferable to using local SIMS. We both have dual SIM iPhones.

With the help of info gleaned from this thread, I'm thinking of changing our mobile numbers to iiNet's "Small Plan" which is $12.50/m for the first 6months and then $25/m (with unlimited national calls/texts and 25GB data). My plan is to then couple this with the $25 Amaysim 365 day eSim International Roaming Pack which has 50 min calls / 30 SMS and 2GB data.

My queries are:
Does this plan have flaws?
Would any issues arise due to iiNet using the Vodafone network and Amaysim using Optus?
Would 2GB data likely be enough for 2 months, given that we will routinely be using free WiFi at hotels / airport lounges etc?

 

[SYD]

Hopefully the wiser / more tech savvy members can offer me some advice, or perhaps just reassurance that I'm not overlooking something..........

We currently have our mobile plans with Internode which doesn't allow international roaming, On OS trips we have previously foregone calls & texts and just used hotel WiFi or Flexiroam / Knowroaming for data.

Lack of calls and text proved problematic trying to sort out CC issues on our last trip, and with more and more sites, like bank and airline logins, now requiring 2FV via an SMS code, I need to make changes to ensure we can use our Aussie mobile numbers while away.

We will be OS for 2 months and travelling to Europe, Morocco, Brazil and Sri Lanka/Maldives so global roaming would be preferable to using local SIMS. We both have dual SIM iPhones.

With the help of info gleaned from this thread, I'm thinking of changing our mobile numbers to iiNet's "Small Plan" which is $12.50/m for the first 6months and then $25/m (with unlimited national calls/texts and 25GB data). My plan is to then couple this with the $25 Amaysim 365 day eSim International Roaming Pack which has 50 min calls / 30 SMS and 2GB data.

My queries are:
Does this plan have flaws?
Would any issues arise due to iiNet using the Vodafone network and Amaysim using Optus?
Would 2GB data likely be enough for 2 months, given that we will routinely be using free WiFi at hotels / airport lounges etc?

To get the amaysim roaming packs, you need to have an amaysim phone plan (pre-paid or monthly). Can’t be bought standalone.

Perhaps consider switching your phone number over to amaysim (there’s usually a sign up promo active most of the time). But the roaming plan just prior to heading OS.

Personally, I don’t think the amaysim roaming plans that include data are the best value. BUT, they do make it simple if you just want one line running.

I’d probably still look at a long duration or 2x 30 day eSIM data plans. 2GB is not a lot for 2 mths (let alone 12 mths). Eskimo has reasonably priced 2 year data plans.

Note also, with amaysim you don’t actually need a roaming pack to receive text messages OS.

 

[vetrade]

Thanks for the tips SYD.
Have just signed us up with Amaysim's 200GB / 365day plan and will add an Int. Roaming Pack to that before we head OS, so I think I've got it sorted.

 

[VPS]

Thanks for the tips SYD.
Have just signed us up with Amaysim's 200GB / 365day plan and will add an Int. Roaming Pack to that before we head OS, so I think I've got it sorted.

I would like to have at least 5 GB a month when I’m travelling but can offer use more if you get stuck somewhere and need to google lots of stuff

 

[MARTINE]

Thanks for the tips SYD.
Have just signed us up with Amaysim's 200GB / 365day plan and will add an Int. Roaming Pack to that before we head OS, so I think I've got it sorted.

I have exactly this and it was excellent to use.
Bonus every birthday get 25G as a top up as a present. And when I renew annually got an extra 50G as well