HOT OFFER! Save $180 on selected internet plans + get beIN SPORTS CONNECT included!...Use promo code BEIN30 at checkout! Hurry, limited time only!
Thanks to today’s technological strides, travelling abroad no longer means disconnecting from the world. Gone are the days of waiting for postcards to arrive or racking up costly hotel phone bills to stay in touch with loved ones. With the advent of international roaming, staying connected has become easier than ever. But if you don’t know how to turn on international roaming, you can’t reap all of the benefits. In this guide, we’ll break down how international roaming works, how to activate it, how much it costs, and how to save on data while travelling.
What is international roaming?
International roaming is a service that allows you to use your mobile phone while travelling abroad, connecting to local mobile networks in the country you’re visiting. This service enables you to make phone calls, send SMS, and access mobile data without the need for a separate international SIM card or a local mobile plan. When you’re on an international trip, your mobile provider will partner with local mobile networks, allowing you to stay connected seamlessly.
COMING SOON: MATE customers will soon have access to international roaming on our 4G & 5G mobile plans! Stay tuned for updates.
Travel SIM vs. international roaming: What’s better?
Both options have their perks depending on your travel needs. A Travel SIM gives you control over costs, while international roaming offers convenience by keeping your existing number active. Check out the table below to compare which option suits you best.
| Feature | Travel SIM | Mobile plan with international roaming |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Number | New number | Keep your existing number |
| Network Coverage | Works in multiple countries | Uses your provider’s partner networks |
| Cost | Pay upfront for limited usage | Daily fee or pay-as-you-go rates |
| Convenience | Requires a SIM swap | No setup needed – just activate roaming |
Best for:
- Travel SIMs work best for budget-conscious travellers who want full control over their costs.
- International roaming is ideal for business travellers or those who need their usual number while overseas.
With MATE, international global roaming will soon be available on all 4G and 5G SIM plans, adding a new level of convenience and benefit for MATE customers.
What does international roaming include?
International roaming services usually include:
- Calls: Make and receive phone calls to and from the country you’re visiting, as well as back home.
- Data: Access mobile data to browse the internet, use apps, and send emails.
- SMS: Send and receive text messages.
How to turn on international roaming – for iPhone & Android
Learning how to disable international roaming and activate this feature on your mobile device is easy. Here’s how to do it on both iPhone and Android devices:
iPhone
- Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options.
- Turn on “Data Roaming” to enable international roaming.
Android
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks.
- Turn on “Data Roaming” to enable international roaming.
Turning it off? Follow the same steps and switch it off when not in use to avoid unnecessary charges.
Remember to check with MATE or your mobile provider to ensure that international roaming is activated on your account before leaving for your trip. If not, you can speak to your provider about available inclusions for international roaming plans.
How much does international roaming cost?
International roaming charges vary depending on your mobile provider and the country you’re visiting. Some providers offer unlimited talk, text, and data for a daily fee, while others may have pay-as-you-go or roaming add-on packs available, such as pre-paid international roaming plans. It’s essential to check with your mobile provider for the specific costs associated with international roaming. MATE customers will be able to find information on roaming charges and eligible countries on the MATE website once international roaming becomes available.
How to save data when using international roaming
To avoid excessive data usage and roaming fees, follow these tips:
- Set a data limit: Most smartphones allow you to set a data limit, which will notify you when you’re approaching your set limit.
- Disable background app refresh: Apps like social media and cloud backups use data in the background.
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Hotels, cafes, and airports often have free Wi-Fi.
- Download content in advance – Save music, maps, and videos before you leave.
What apps/services use the most data when roaming?
If you’re roaming, be mindful of these data-hungry apps:
- Video streaming services (e.g., Netflix, YouTube — up to 3GB/hr for HD!)
- Social media apps (e.g., Facebook, Instagram — auto-playing videos can eat data fast)
- Video calling apps (e.g., FaceTime, Skype — use Wi-Fi when possible)
- Maps and navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps, Waze — download offline maps before your trip)
- Music streaming services (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music)
Pro Tip: Change video settings to low quality and disable auto-play in social media apps to save data.
List of countries you can roam in
The list of countries you can roam in depends on your mobile provider’s agreements with local mobile networks. As part of MATE’s upcoming international roaming packs on our mobile plans, we plan to offer global data roaming in numerous countries around the world.
As a reseller and user of parts of Telstra’s wholesale mobile network, MATE customers will soon have comparable access to an extensive list of countries supported by Telstra’s roaming service.
Some of the countries where Telstra provides international roaming, and which MATE customers can expect access to, may include:
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, China, Japan, Singapore, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates
A full country list will be available soon! Stay tuned for updates.
Benefits of international roaming
International roaming offers several advantages, including:
- Stay connected hassle-free: No need to purchase a separate travel SIM or local mobile plan.
- Use your own number: Keep your existing phone number and mobile plan while travelling.
- Reliable coverage: Access to mobile data, calls, and SMS, allowing you to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues back home.
How to track your data usage while roaming
Tracking your data usage while using international roaming can help you avoid unexpected charges. Here’s how to monitor data usage on iPhone and Android devices:
iPhone
- Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data.
- Reset the “Current Period” statistics at the beginning of your trip to track your data usage abroad.
Android
- Go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage.
- Set the data usage cycle to align with your trip dates and monitor your data consumption.
Stay connected while travelling abroad with MATE — International roaming coming soon!
By choosing a mobile plan with international roaming, like those soon to be offered by MATE, you’ll enjoy the convenience of using your existing mobile plan and phone number while avoiding the hassle of purchasing a separate travel SIM or local mobile plan.
Get yourself prepared for your next international adventure with MATE.
4.4 from 1495
reviews
