Most phones with eSIM can use two lines at once. That lets your travel eSIM handle data while your Australian number still receives texts, such as the one-time codes banks send. The catch is that your Australian line can still start roaming charges.
What can start a roaming charge
Australian carriers' roaming passes are usually charged per day, and the day starts when your Australian line is used abroad. Depending on your carrier and plan, that can include using mobile data, making a call, answering a call or sending a text. Receiving texts is usually free, but check your plan.
Before you go, check your carrier's roaming page or app for exactly what starts a charge on your plan. Our roaming calculator shows what a day pass would cost for your trip.
The usual setup: data on the eSIM, texts on your number
- Travel eSIM: on, set as the mobile data line, data roaming on.
- Australian line: on, so texts still arrive, but with data roaming off.
- iPhone: turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching, so data never falls back to the Australian line.
- Don't make or answer calls, or send texts, on your Australian number unless you are happy to pay for a day pass. Let calls go to voicemail, and use a messaging or calling app over the eSIM's data instead.
Other options
- Wi-Fi Calling. Some Australian carriers let Wi-Fi Calling work overseas, and calls and texts over Wi-Fi may then be charged as if you were in Australia. Check whether your carrier and phone support it abroad before you rely on it.
- Turn the Australian line off. The safest way to avoid charges, but you won't receive texts until you turn it back on.
- Change your bank's verification method. Some banks can send codes to an app instead of by text, which removes the need to keep your Australian line on at all.
- Voicemail. Ask your carrier whether checking voicemail from overseas is charged; on some plans it is.
A quick checklist before you fly
- Check what starts a roaming charge on your Australian plan.
- Install the travel eSIM at home and set it up.
- Turn off data roaming on your Australian line, and data switching on iPhone.
- Tell people to message you on an app rather than by text or call.
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