Smartphones are a superb way of staying connected to the internet when travelling in Australia.
Mobile devices provide navigation and a platform to share your experiences, but it is important to know how to avoid exorbitant charges and ensure your connectivity is secure.
Read on as we look at everything you need to know about using your smartphones safely and effectively while travelling in Australia.
Avoid High Roaming Charges
If you are travelling to Australia from another country, one of the first things to do is to check with your mobile provider about their roaming charges.
Roaming allows you to use your phone outside the country, but it can get expensive if you’re not careful.
When you arrive in Australia and your phone connects to a local network, you will likely incur roaming fees for calls, texts and data usage.
Before travelling, check with your mobile provider about roaming charges. Most of them allow you to use your phone overseas, but the rates for calls, texts and data may be different.
For example, Telstra charge around $10 AUD per day, granting you the green light to use your existing data, calls and text inclusions as if you never left home.
Vodafone and Optus are slightly cheaper alternatives to Telstra. Both subscription rates cost $5 AUD per day, but the latter also comes with 5GB of data plus unlimited calls and texts in certain countries.
Rent a Local Mobile Smartphones
You can avoid roaming charges altogether if you rent a local phone wherever you travel.
It is more prudent to make arrangements for one before embarking on your journey, but you can also rent local mobile phones from various companies at major Australian airports.
Rented phones come with local numbers, making it easier for people in Australia to reach you. You will also be charged local rates for calls and data.
It is important to note that Australia uses Type I power plugs, so make sure to bring an adapter to keep your mobile devices powered up throughout the trip.
Accessing Gambling Sites While Travelling
Online gambling is heavily regulated in Australia, so it is imperative to know how to access these platforms safely while travelling in the country.
You must familiarise yourself with the laws of the land before attempting to wager on major events staged annually in Australia.
For instance, horse racing enthusiasts often engage in Melbourne Cup betting to improve their experience at the iconic Flemington Racecourse.
However, you must make sure you avoid using restricted websites and use platforms licensed and regulated by the Australian government.
Using an Australian SIM will grant you access to those betting sites, and if you are concerned about privacy, you can use Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to protect your personal data.
Get a Sim Card or an eSIM – Smartphones
If you are uncomfortable renting a mobile device, a local SIM card could be a cost-effective solution. You can choose between Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
These network providers offer SIM cards and prepaid plans that can be purchased at airports, convenience stores or directly from the store of the providers.
Getting a local SIM card comes with bills for calls, texts and data, although you will be charged at local rates, and you can top up your credit at your discretion. It is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to stay connected to the internet without worrying about roaming charges.
You can also get an eSIM, which allows you to tap into a mobile plan without using a physical SIM.
This could also be an excellent option for travellers who use phones that support eSIMs. It works on newer models of iPhones and Androids and makes switching between plans much easier.
Wi-Fi Availability & Portable Wi-Fi Devices
Australia has good Wi-Fi coverage in major cities and popular tourist areas, so if you don’t have sufficient mobile data on your phone, you can tap into a public profile to stay connected to the internet.
Many hotels, cafes and public spaces in Australia have free Wi-Fi, so take advantage whenever possible.
If you are heading towards more remote parts of the country, you should consider renting a portable Wi-Fi device, which provides you with internet access on the go.
You can connect multiple mobile devices, including phones, tablets and laptops, allowing you to remain connected to the internet without using a mobile data plan.
Several mobile providers in Australia offer portable Wi-Fi devices, but make sure to check data charges and rental fees to avoid overspending.