Australia Post Travel Sim: How Does It Work?

Australia Post's travel SIM card has been discontinued as of 2021, with the company's international roaming plan also no longer available as of July 1, 2024. The Australia Post Travel SIM card was designed for use by travellers in multiple countries, with a 24/7 contact centre and an Australian phone number. However, reviews of the product are mixed, with some users reporting issues with connectivity, customer service, and unexpected costs.

Australia Post Travel SIM discontinued

Australia Post has discontinued its popular travel SIM card, which was available as a prepaid 30-day or 365-day plan. The company still offers a range of travel products, such as insurance and money cards, but no longer provides mobile services.

The Australia Post Travel SIM card offered international roaming services with free incoming calls and SMS in over 180 countries. It also allowed users to keep their Australian number while travelling and provided free SMS between Travel SIM numbers.

With the discontinuation of the Australia Post Travel SIM, customers will need to explore alternative options for staying connected while travelling. Some alternatives include purchasing a local prepaid SIM card at the destination country or opting for international roaming plans offered by major telco companies such as Vodafone, Optus, and Telstra.

It is important to research and compare the different options available to find the best solution for your specific needs. Each provider has its own rates, coverage, and features, so it is essential to review the plans carefully before making a decision.

Additionally, it is worth noting that as of July 1, 2024, Australia Post's international roaming plan is no longer available. This means that Australia Post no longer offers any mobile services for international travellers.

International roaming plan alternatives

Australia Post discontinued its travel SIM in 2021, but there are alternative international roaming plans available from other providers. Here are some options to consider:

Telstra

Telstra offers an International Day Pass that gives you 200MB of data, unlimited standard talk, and text for $10 per day on top of your regular phone plan cost. This pass can be activated automatically when you travel and is valid in over 70 destinations.

Optus

Optus offers an International Roaming add-on for its Choice Plus plans, which provides 5GB of data, unlimited talk, and text for $5 per day. This add-on is valid in "Zone 1" countries, including New Zealand, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

Vodafone

Vodafone's $5 roaming feature allows you to use your local inclusions in over 100 countries for just $5 per day. This includes data, calls, and texts, and you will only be charged on days you use your phone overseas. However, this option is only available for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan offers international benefits such as unlimited data and texting in over 215 countries. For calls, you will be charged the local rate depending on your destination. This plan also includes benefits like in-flight Wi-Fi and texting on select flights.

Verizon

Verizon offers the TravelPass for $10 per day, which includes unlimited calls, texts, and data. This pass is valid in Mexico and Canada, and for other countries like China, France, and Germany, the cost is $10 per device per day. There is also a monthly option for $100/month, which includes 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts, and 20GB of high-speed data.

Google Fi

Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan offers international coverage in over 200 countries, including unlimited data, texting, and voice calls for a flat rate of $20 per month. Voice calls cost 20 cents, but calls placed over Wi-Fi are free. This plan does not offer travel passes for extended trips.

Customer reviews

Australia Post TravelSIM has received mixed reviews from customers. While some have praised the convenience of having one SIM card for multiple destinations and the straightforward pricing structure, others have complained about poor customer service, unexpected charges, and difficulties activating the SIM card.

Some customers have reported that the Australia Post TravelSIM did not work at all, with some experiencing issues sending text messages or making calls. Others have found the service to be unreliable, with frequent disconnections or an inability to use the SIM card in certain countries, despite being advertised as supported.

One common complaint is the unexpected charges and billing issues associated with the Australia Post TravelSIM. Customers have reported being charged for services they did not use or being unable to track their usage accurately. In some cases, customers have been unable to resolve these issues with Australia Post's customer support, resulting in frustration and financial loss.

On the other hand, positive reviews highlight the convenience of having one SIM card that works in multiple countries. For example, one customer who has been travelling the world by motorcycle for ten years appreciates having one number that works almost everywhere. Another customer praised the ease of using the roaming SIM cards and the convenience of staying connected while overseas.

Overall, the Australia Post TravelSIM has received mixed reviews, with some customers finding it a useful and convenient option for international travel, while others have experienced issues with activation, reliability, and unexpected charges. As of 2021, Australia Post discontinued its popular travel SIM, but it still offers a range of travel products such as insurance and money cards.

Customer complaints

Australia Post's TravelSIM has received mixed reviews, with some customers reporting positive experiences while travelling in Europe, the USA, and Canada. However, there have also been numerous complaints from customers who experienced issues with the product.

One common issue reported by customers is the SIM card not working as expected, with some reporting a complete lack of functionality and others experiencing problems with specific features such as texting or data usage. This has left customers stranded without a means of communication, requiring them to purchase local SIM cards.

There have also been complaints about the reliability of the service, with some customers reporting that the SIM card worked initially but then stopped working in subsequent countries, despite having added more payments. This has caused confusion and frustration, especially for those who relied solely on the TravelSIM for communication during their travels.

Additionally, there have been issues with credit and refunds. Some customers have reported unexpected charges and negative balances, which is unusual for a prepaid product. Others have complained about losing credit due to sudden service discontinuation or difficulty contacting the company to process refunds, especially after Australia Post discontinued its TravelSIM services in 2021.

Customers have also expressed dissatisfaction with Australia Post's customer support, reporting long wait times, unhelpful responses, and a lack of knowledge from support staff. This has further exacerbated the issues and left customers feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Overall, while some customers have had positive experiences with the Australia Post TravelSIM, there have been numerous complaints highlighting issues with functionality, reliability, credit management, and customer support. These complaints suggest that customers should exercise caution when considering this product and may be better off exploring alternative options for international travel.

International roaming service closure

Australia Post's International Roaming plan will no longer be available in-store or online from 1 July 2024. The company has advised customers to transfer their service to an alternative provider before their service terminates to ensure continued service.

The Australia Post Mobile service closure includes all remaining 365-day plans, which will be disconnected by 30 September 2024. All 30-day and monthly services expired on 30 July 2024.

The Australia Post International Roaming plan offers a basic package for international roaming, providing 100 minutes of standard talk time and 100MB of data for AUD$15 per 30 days of roaming access. This plan can be used in over 90 countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, the United Arab Emirates, and Vatican City.

To activate the Australia Post International Roaming plan, customers need a pre-purchased SIM card, a valid form of photo ID, and their chosen mobile device. The SIM card can be purchased at any Australia Post outlet or via their website.

While the Australia Post International Roaming plan offers a cost-effective solution for those who need an Australian mobile number, make and receive phone calls, and send text messages while overseas, it has limited data allowance. Customers are advised to turn off internet data and get a second travel SIM for internet usage.

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