Telstra international roaming vs eSIM — which is cheaper?

23 June 2026·Proost eSIM

Telstra charges $15 a day to use your phone overseas. There's a better way.

Telstra's International Day Pass costs $15 per day to use your existing data allowance overseas. Optus and Vodafone have similar offerings at $10–$15 per day.

For a two-week holiday, that's $140–$210 just to use your phone. And that's only if you remember to activate the day pass — forget, and you'll be hit with per-MB charges that can run into hundreds of dollars.

There's a better option: an eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. You purchase a local data plan online, receive a QR code by email, scan it, and your phone connects to a local network in your destination country — at local prices, not Australian roaming rates.

The numbers — Telstra vs Proost eSIM

For a 7-day trip to Japan:

Telstra International Day Pass: $15 × 7 = $105

Proost Japan eSIM 5GB 30-day plan: a fraction of that cost

For a 14-day trip to Europe:

Telstra International Day Pass: $15 × 14 = $210

Proost Europe eSIM 10GB 30-day plan: significantly cheaper

The savings are substantial — especially on longer trips or if you're visiting multiple countries.

What do you give up with an eSIM?

An eSIM is data-only — you keep your Australian number for calls and SMS, but you'll need to use WhatsApp, FaceTime or another app for voice calls over data. For most travellers, this isn't an issue.

You also need a phone that supports eSIM — most iPhones from XS onwards and most modern Android phones do.

What are the advantages of an eSIM over roaming?

Much cheaper — especially for trips longer than 3–4 days

You know exactly what you're spending upfront

No surprise bills when you get home

Full local network speeds — not throttled roaming data

Works instantly — no waiting for the day pass to activate

Covered by Australian Consumer Law when you buy from Proost

Is it complicated to set up?

No. It takes about two minutes. You scan a QR code, confirm a couple of settings, and your phone is ready. Full instructions are included with every Proost eSIM.

The verdict

For any trip longer than 3–4 days, an eSIM is almost always cheaper than carrier roaming. For frequent travellers, the savings add up quickly.

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Instant QR code delivery · 4G and 5G speeds · No throttling

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