5 Common Mistakes Australians Make When Travelling Abroad (And How to Avoid Them)

After helping over 50,000 Australian travellers stay connected abroad, we've seen patterns emerge. Here are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Relying on Carrier Roaming

We get it—Telstra's roaming seems convenient. Just turn on your phone and go, right? But at $10/day (and more for some carriers), a two-week trip can easily cost you $140+ just for data.

The fix: Get an eSIM before you fly. You'll save 60-80% compared to carrier roaming.

2. Waiting Until You Land to Sort Connectivity

Airport SIM card vendors know you're desperate. Prices are often inflated, queues are long, and you're jet-lagged. Not ideal.

The fix: Set up your eSIM at home, before you even pack your bags. You'll be online the moment you land.

3. Underestimating Data Usage

Google Maps, Instagram stories, video calls with family—data adds up fast when you're abroad. Many travellers buy small data packages and burn through them in days.

The fix: Choose an unlimited data plan. The peace of mind is worth it.

4. Not Having Offline Backups

Even with great connectivity, it's smart to have offline maps and important documents downloaded. You never know when you'll be in a subway tunnel or remote temple.

The fix: Download Google Maps offline areas and save key documents to your phone before departure.

5. Ignoring WhatsApp Support

Many eSIM providers offer WhatsApp support, but travellers often don't save the number or forget it exists. When something goes wrong at 2am in Tokyo, email won't cut it.

The fix: Save your provider's WhatsApp number before you travel. Trvel's team typically responds within 3 minutes, even at odd hours.

Travel Smarter

Avoiding these mistakes will save you money, stress, and precious holiday time. The key theme? Prepare before you go.