Optus roaming vs eSIM — which is actually cheaper overseas?

Optus roaming — what it actually costs

Optus's Travel Pass charges a daily rate to use your existing plan's data, calls and texts while overseas, typically in the range of $5-10 AUD per day depending on the destination zone. For a two-week trip that adds up to $70-140 before you've spent a cent on anything else.

The real cost over a typical trip

And that's before considering Optus doesn't sell Travel Pass for every destination — some countries fall outside their supported zones entirely.

What a travel eSIM costs instead

A Proost eSIM for most popular destinations costs a fraction of the equivalent Travel Pass cost, and you pay once for a fixed amount of data rather than a recurring daily charge regardless of how much you actually use.

Key differences

Travel Pass uses your existing Optus data allowance and charges per day, active or not, once triggered. A travel eSIM is separate data you buy once — no daily charges stacking up, and no risk of accidentally triggering Travel Pass and being charged for a day you barely used your phone.

When Optus roaming might make sense

When a travel eSIM wins

The bottom line

For most holidays longer than a few days, a Proost eSIM will save you real money over Optus Travel Pass, with the added benefit of knowing exactly what you're paying before you leave home.