Looking for a Specific Roaming Solution - Has Anyone Tried TravelSIM?

LOneTonneRodeo on 28/12/2019 - 16:29
Last edited 28/12/2019 - 16:48

Afternoon all,

I'll be away for an extended time overseas and moving across various countries. For work purposes, I'd like to keep or buy an Australian number to receive occasional calls and/or texts. I have no desire to use data, and little inclination to make calls or send texts. I already have a VOIP solution (landline), and this will be the first thing I give out, but has previously been inconsistent for me (and isn't fit for texting). I will also pick up the odd local sim card here and there. Nonetheless, I'd still like a back-up Aus number to cover off on both Aus-based texts and calls.

I have read that TravelSIM provides an Australian number that can receive calls overseas in most territories (for free) and also receive texts (for free). However, despite a high overall rating, recent reviews on their product seem to be shocking, albeit most problems relate to data/credit issues whereas I have no desire to use data. Does anyone have first hand experience here using this service abroad specifically for receiving calls/texts?

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Comments

  • bobbieb on 28/12/2019 - 18:33
    +1

    From personal experience, it's always just been easier to sign up for a local, disposable SIM in each country and use Skype or similar for a local number.

    Most countries a reasonably well set up for tourist SIMs, failing that I fall back to my carrier's roaming if I really have to.

    • OneTonneRodeo on 28/12/2019 - 19:04

      Thanks for the reply. Yeah, while I plan to get a couple local sims (and have done so previously) along the way in places I'll stay longest, since it'll be a 'round-the-world' trip, it might end up more convenient to have one single travel sim. But even then, the issue I have is that some Australian clients I deal with aren't all that receptive/fond of dialing/texting an international number, including prospective clients I tender to while abroad (granted, the odd one here and there is ok with skype)

  • AdosHouse on 29/12/2019 - 00:48

    The easiest way that I know of, is to get a Vodafone month-to-month sim, and do the $5 a day roaming. Not the cheapest, but it just works.

    • SydneySwan on 29/12/2019 - 07:39

      I believe that you have to be on a plan to use $5 per day roaming. It is not available on prepaid sims.

    • OneTonneRodeo on 29/12/2019 - 17:21

      Thanks for the suggestion. Good to know there is a fail-safe option. I'll keep this one in mind. At least I'd have a pretty sizeable tax deduction ($1500 over 10 months) from it, haha.

  • Geillis on 29/12/2019 - 17:06
    +2

    I have had a TravelSim for about 10 years for calls and texts, I've never used data and had no problems in Vietnam, Bali, Europe and the U.K.most recently in July this year. Outgoing is very cheap and incoming is indeed free.
    However, you do not get an Australian phone number,
    'TravelSim SIM cards come with a European number, starting with +372' all calls are routed through Estonia I think. so your callers must dial +372 then your 8 digit number,that's it there's no other international digits required

    • OneTonneRodeo on 29/12/2019 - 17:19

      Really appreciate the first hand feedback mate.

      That's actually quite intriguing (and definitely helpful!) to know, since their website states otherwise in the FAQ section under the heading "How do people call or text my TravelSIM number?". I'm assuming we're talking about the same company here. It says:

      "We provide you with a new Australian mobile number which means your friends and family can call or text you anywhere in the world for the cost of making a local mobile call or text. For example, even when you are overseas they would dial like you are in Australia: 0485 850 123"

      EDIT - I've just seen the one you're talking about. Turns out it's a different one but with the same name. One is travelsim.com, the other is travelsim.net.au. Mmmmh. Confusing.

      • Geillis on 29/12/2019 - 17:36

        Hi, I didn't realise there was another one either. Mine is Travelsim.com bought it across the counter in the Post Office. I looked some reviews just now and people complaining their credit ran out. This one doesn't, they send an email if it hasn't been used for 6 months and I make a call to keep it ticking over-doesn't have to be answered.

        • OneTonneRodeo on 29/12/2019 - 17:42

          All good :) Post Office as in local Aus Post I assume? I know it was a while ago, but guessing it wasn't this one?
          https://auspost.com.au/shop/product/australia-post-travelsim…

          Because even that one mentions an Aussie number (and I suspect the same as that other third-party .net website)…however, maybe that's a newer (and from the reviews, some might say poorer!) product.

          Thanks for explaining how it works, appreciate the help!

          • Geillis on 29/12/2019 - 18:12
            +1

            @OneTonneRodeo: Yes Aus Post but still this one https://travelsim.com/

            Things change don't they? and not always for the better..
            I would mostly use VOIP, but it's handy to have a phone at times.
            When you need it for work, you have to make the right decision. Good luck

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