TPG Mobile Voice International Roaming Feature
International Roaming is the ability to make and receive mobile phone calls from an Australian mobile service whilst overseas by utilising other mobile networks.
Important facts about International Roaming
- Using your mobile phone overseas is expensive. In addition to higher call, SMS/MMS and data rates, you're also charged for receiving calls and MMS (picture) messages. Data, call and SMS/MMS rates vary depending on your location Check specific roaming rates.
- All call, SMS/MMS and data charges (including social media use) while roaming are not included in your monthly call/SMS/MMS/data allowances and they’ll be charged in addition to your monthly plan fee.
- While roaming, your mobile usage details may take days or weeks to reach TPG, meaning you won’t receive timely usage warnings or see up-to-date usage information in My Account.
- You are responsible for all charges accrued by use of your service while overseas, just like you are when you’re in Australia.
- Some mobile handsets may use frequencies that are not compatible with certain overseas networks.
- Network quality, coverage and capability can vary greatly from country to country. Some overseas networks don't have SMS functionality.
- For these reasons, we don’t recommend that you use international roaming where there are alternatives.
Alternatives to International Roaming
- International Call/Phone cards
Most airports and convenience stores sell prepaid phone cards that allow a fixed line phone, pay phone, or even a mobile phone (if the SIM card is local) to make international calls at more affordable rates than those charged for an international roaming service.
- Travel SIM Cards
Available for sale from other mobile providers in Australia, Travel SIM cards allow you to use your own mobile handset while roaming, provided it’s not locked to a specific provider. They work in 140 different countries and you won’t get charged for incoming calls.
- WiFi
If you connect to a local WiFi network, you can access the internet without using your mobile data. To prevent mobile data use, you should disable 3G/4G mobile data reception in your mobile handset settings, so the internet can only be access while connected to a WiFi network. If you have a smartphone, applications such as Skype and WhatsApp, that can be used to make calls and send messages using the WiFi network.
How to turn on International Roaming
- Before you consider turning on International Roaming, make sure that you read and understand the charges and rates applicable in your destination country.
- Log in to My Account and select your Mobile service.
Select Settings, then set the International Roaming ON/OFF switch to ON.
- Select Enable International Roaming.
- Once enabled, you can turn the switch OFF to disable the feature at any time.
Using your mobile service while roaming
Making international calls (including to Australia) while roaming
When dialling, use the international access prefix (+), followed by the country code and then the number you’d like to call. The county code for Australia is +61, which would replace the “0” in a call made within Australia.
For example, “08 1234 5678” would need to be dialled as “+618 1234 5678”.
Making local calls while roaming
Dial the number as it is found locally, including any local area codes.
Calling an International Roaming customer from within Australia
If you are in Australia and you’re calling a mobile phone number that is roaming overseas, there is no need to change the way you would dial their number. You will be charged standard mobile phone call rates.
Calling an Australian International Roaming customer while outside of Australia
When dialling, replace the first “0” with the Australian international access code +61. For example, “04 1234 5678” would need to be dialled as “+614 1234 5678”.
Call rate increments while roaming
While roaming, the following call types are all charged in 60 second increments, with a minimum charge of 60 seconds:
- Calling Australia from overseas, including another Australian mobile phone number that is also roaming.
- Making a local call.
- Making an international call whilst overseas.
- Receiving a call (this covers the cost of re-routing of the call from Australia to the country you are currently in).
Sending and receiving SMS while roaming
- SMS sent to Australian mobile numbers (regardless of location) are charged at your plan’s national SMS rate (GST taxable) plus the “SMS International carrier charge” (non GST taxable) for the carrier you are roaming with.
- SMS sent to non-Australian mobile numbers are charged at the standard international SMS rate (GST taxable) plus “SMS International carrier charge” (non GST taxable) for the carrier you are roaming with.
Accessing voice mail while roaming
- To access voice mail from an overseas landline, dial +61 414 121 121 and follow the prompts to enter your full mobile number and voice mail PIN.
- Alternatively, simply dial 121 from your handset.
Viewing International Roaming charges on your invoice
It may take up to 3 months for international roaming calls, SMS/MMS and data usage to be invoiced. You may experience similar delays when viewing itemised roaming calls in the Call Tracker for your mobile service in My Account.
Exchange rates
All charges are subject to currency fluctuations. All call costs are converted at the current exchange rate at the time of invoicing by the network.
All call rates supplied in advance are subject to change without notice and are intended as a guide only.