Hi Guys!
I'm travelling to the US and Canada in about 6-7 days. I wanted to know whether I could get any data plans instead of paying $5 daily for vodafone roaming charges.
What is the best way to handle the roaming?
Is there a way for me to keep my number, but also have a sim card which can allow me to make calls?
Thank you for the advice (and the best deals!)
for canada i used yesim with a sign up deal and usa got free trial with googlefi
Airalo
Agree - Worked perfectly for me on a recent trip. IIRC was about $25 for 14 days/5Gb data.
Good on you for asking the question. I've met so many Aussie travellers that seemed thrilled to be paying $5/day when they could get a SIM or eSim.
If the free suggestions in the comments dont pan out, search TravelKon and SimsDirect here on Ozbargain. A lot of people will recommend the app Airalo, but I think they have worse value for money compared to the other two providers.
If your phone is eSim compatible you should be able to dual sim. For example keep your Aussie phone number on a physical SIM card while getting an American eSim. Otherwise they can both be eSims, you just have to switch between them when needed. This way you can receive Aussie SMSes for free, and possibly do free wifi calling to Australia if your provider allows it.
Don't answer calls on your Aussie number though. I think that will trigger your $5 a day charge.
We have family in the US and travel there quite a bit. Usually we use Tello for eSims. The rates are quite reasonable.
I’m in the US now and using a Jetpac data e-sim. Works great and found the price was good. Cheaper than paying $5 a day. I kept my number as primary for any texts but most people WhatsApp to message or call me. Was handy I could still iMessage too.
you may be able to get a free Verizon data esim
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/770079?page=1#comment
A few confirmations in the comments and one says that it may work in Canada and Mexico
I went to Seattle earlier in the year and went with a T-Mobile eSIM bought from TravelKon, from this deal here ($46.90 AUD).. There are T-Mobile SIMs that you can buy that work in both USA, Canada and Mexico.
You obviously cannot keep an Aussie number by porting it to a travel esim, so if you want to receive phone calls to your Oz number you have no choice but to purchase a roaming addon. I would personally just set up a voice mailbox and record a message to say that you are overseas and people should instead contact you on Whatsapp or Wechat and that you can't take calls on the Aussie number.