Telstra Roaming vs Simify: What’s the Better Choice?
Table of Contents
- Understanding Telstra Roaming
- What Simify Offers
- Telstra vs Simify: Roaming Comparison
- Why Travellers Choose Simify
- Use Cases: Who Benefits Most from Simify?
- Common Scenarios Where Telstra Can Disappoint
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Understanding Telstra Roaming
How Telstra Roaming Works
Telstra allows postpaid and prepaid users to activate international roaming on their current SIM. Once abroad, your device connects to local partner networks through roaming agreements. Depending on your destination, Telstra may charge per day or per megabyte used, and offer roaming packs that include limited data and minutes.
Where Telstra Falls Short
While convenient on paper, Telstra’s roaming can quickly become frustrating. Many users experience:
- Complex setup steps before departure
- Roaming that doesn’t activate properly in certain countries
- Limited data caps that don’t reflect real usage patterns
- Poor transparency about what’s included or what happens when you go over
- “Bill shock” on return — a common issue when apps run in the background or users exceed their roaming cap
These issues often lead to unexpected expenses and leave travellers scrambling to disable roaming or search for public Wi-Fi.
What Simify Offers
A Modern SIM for Modern Travellers
Simify specialises in travel SIM cards and eSIMs designed specifically for international trips. Whether you're going to the US, Japan, Thailand, or multiple countries across Europe, you can choose a SIM tailored to your destination. The process is refreshingly simple: - Choose your destination or region - Order your SIM or receive your eSIM via email - Insert or activate it upon arrival — and you're connected
Built-In Benefits
Simify stands out for features that directly answer real-world travel needs:
- Preloaded data with no risk of overuse
- Clear usage periods (e.g., 15 or 30 days)
- Instant activation in most cases
- Zero hidden fees or background charges
- 24/7 email support in case of setup issues
For travellers tired of navigating carrier portals and fine print, Simify is refreshingly clear and intuitive.
Telstra vs Simify: Roaming Comparison
Ease of Activation
Telstra requires users to manually activate roaming before travel and may require interaction with the My Telstra app or even customer service. This process can confuse less tech-savvy users. Simify offers plug-and-play SIM cards and easy QR-based eSIM activation — no need to tinker with settings or apps.
Transparency and Cost Predictability
With Telstra, roaming charges can vary by country and are often calculated based on usage. It’s difficult to predict final costs without carefully monitoring usage. Simify’s prepaid model removes this stress. You know exactly how much data you have, when it expires, and what you paid upfront.
Data Control and Usage
Simify SIMs help users "stay in control of their data", while Telstra’s roaming settings may allow background apps to silently drain data. Simify’s set limits ensure you never unknowingly go over.
Coverage and Versatility
Telstra’s roaming covers many destinations, but the rates and conditions vary. In contrast, Simify offers purpose-built SIMs for specific countries, regions, or global travel. That makes it ideal for backpackers or those on round-the-world itineraries.
Thanks for visiting our blog, are you planing to travel to Europe? Check out our eSIM Europe.
Why Travellers Choose Simify
Peace of Mind Over Price Tags
Travel can already feel overwhelming. Simify removes one major worry — mobile data. Instead of stressing about turning off roaming or finding free Wi-Fi, you get preloaded data you control.
Designed for International Use
Telstra roaming was built for occasional overseas use, not long-term travel. Simify’s entire model is "optimised for international connectivity", making it feel smoother, faster, and more user-centric.
No Contracts or Surprises
There are no commitments with Simify. You can use one SIM for your next trip and forget about it afterward — or keep coming back with region-specific options.
Use Cases: Who Benefits Most from Simify?
Solo Travellers
Backpackers and solo travellers want reliable maps, translations, and social media access on the go. Simify keeps you online from the moment you land.
Families on Holiday
Parents travelling with children need internet access for entertainment, booking confirmations, and safety. Simify gives them data without the stress of per-use billing.
Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
Staying productive abroad requires stable internet. Simify’s global and regional options are ideal for freelancers and professionals who can't afford downtime.
Travel Content Creators
Influencers, vloggers, and travel bloggers need to post in real time. With Simify, uploading stories or videos doesn’t mean returning to a massive roaming bill.
Common Scenarios Where Telstra Can Disappoint
Transit Through Multiple Countries
Telstra’s roaming packs may not cover every country equally. If you're passing through multiple regions (e.g., Europe to Asia), you might face inconsistent charges or even zero coverage. Simify, with its "multi-country SIMs", avoids this pitfall.
Forget to Turn Off Roaming
Even when you're not actively using your phone, background apps (like email or WhatsApp) can consume data. Many travellers come home to roaming fees because they didn’t disable roaming properly. Simify’s prepaid structure "prevents this entirely".
Needing a Local Number Abroad
In some cases (e.g., booking local taxis or registering with apps), you may need a number from the region you’re in. Simify often includes a temporary local number or provides solutions like data-only SIMs that integrate with WhatsApp, which Telstra can’t easily accommodate.
Final Thoughts
Telstra is a trusted name in Australian telecommunications, but when it comes to international roaming, it simply wasn’t built with today’s traveller in mind. Complex activation, unpredictable costs, and limited user control make it a risky choice. Simify offers a more transparent, traveller-centric alternative. With easy setup, clear data limits, and SIMs designed for every kind of journey, it’s no surprise that more Australians are choosing Simify over traditional roaming. Whether you're travelling for work or play, Simify helps you stay connected without the stress — and that’s worth more than a cheap roaming pack.
Before you take off make sure to check with local government of the travel status.
FAQ
Is Simify more reliable than Telstra for travel?
For international travel, yes. Simify is designed specifically for overseas use, offering better transparency, ease of use, and travel-specific plans compared to Telstra’s general-purpose roaming.
Do I need to cancel or change my Telstra plan to use Simify?
No. You can keep your Telstra plan and simply switch to a Simify SIM or eSIM while travelling. Your main number can remain active for calls or messages if your device supports dual SIM.
What if I lose or damage my Simify SIM abroad?
Simify offers email support and can often issue a replacement or help with a digital eSIM if your phone supports it. It’s always good to travel with a backup if you’re relying on data for navigation and bookings.
Does Simify offer support while I’m travelling?
Yes, Simify has 24/7 email support to help you with any activation or connection issues during your trip.
