Does 2Degrees have any AU roaming options that aren't $8/day?

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Does 2Degrees have any AU roaming options that aren't $8/day?

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#302711 13-Dec-2022 20:49

It seems roaming charges have increased with 2Degrees, unless I am missing something?

It looks like my only option for roaming is $8/day, regardless of usage....upto the max of 1gb of data. Previously pre-paid data packs were available which, from memory, were considerably better value.

If the above is true, does anybody know any preferred AU eSIM providers that can easily provide economical data for an iPhone?

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#3009656 13-Dec-2022 21:33

WiFi calling

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3009658 13-Dec-2022 21:37

Thanks but I'm not really interested in wifi calling. I want data access when mobile, for messages, maps, emails and any calling I need to do (FaceTime or Whatsapp).

MrGadget

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#3009663 13-Dec-2022 21:53

Can I ask what doesn't work on the $8 plan? Keep in mind that generally data roaming, calling etc is generally pretty expensive - checking your email once in some places / on some roaming can easily cost you $8 (or much more).

If your connection is on a business plan, it's $0 per day by the way.

The per day rate only applies on days where there is usage to trigger the use/charge, so on days with your phone on airplane mode, no charge

Neil

KiwiSurfer

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#3009672 13-Dec-2022 22:49

2degrees is basically offering prices in line with other operators, especially Vodafone who offers the same deal more or less. The old days had certain countries with cheaper prices and others that were more expensive. However these days VF/2D offers the same daily roaming price to many countries. It seems they just average the cost out to $8 a day in all countries even if one country might cost them a lot less than another country. This cross subsidy is either a blessing or a curse depending on where you're going.

The only benefit to 2degrees roaming (compared to a local SIM) is that they have 4G roaming on all three operators in Australia. Vodafone roams only on Vodafone at least for Prepaid customers. I am not quite sure whether Vodafone's on account customers can still roam on non-Vodafone networks. Spark only roams on Telstra/Optus and even then Prepaid customers can only access 3G roaming.

I was impressed enough with 2degrees having 4G roaming on all 3 networks I probably would stick with daily roaming for short vists e.g. weekends.

But for longer visits getting a SIM specifically for use in Australia is better cost wise. I used a Telstra SIM last time and that worked OK apart from a really complicated registration process.

I haven't used an eSIM yet as I couldn't find one with reasonable prices compared to local SIMs.

DeroyBoy

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#3009673 13-Dec-2022 23:18

Optus or Amaysim are two pretty cheap local esim options

Optus Flex prepaid is 7 days for $7, includes 7GB plus unlimited AU calls/sms

Amaysim short term prepaid is 7days for $10, includes 10GB plus unlimited calls/sms to 42 countries including NZ.

cokemaster

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#3009674 13-Dec-2022 23:22

I believe Voda NZ does roam onto other AU operators but they'll steer you towards Voda AU aggressively.

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phrozenpenguin

840 posts

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#3009690 14-Dec-2022 00:34

Thanks all.

Looks like amaysim will be the one, assuming their shopping cart works (currently down).

The 2degrees option works but is expensive. For a 25 day trip 2degreees costs $200, with amaysim it’s $15 for 7gb or $40 for 50gb.

Useful to know 2degrees roams on all 3, so can use that as a backup.

This device isn’t on a business plan but will consider for next time.

I’ve used the eSim option in Europe and it worked well, and the provider I used had an easy signup.

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andyb

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Spark NZ

#3009716 14-Dec-2022 08:10

KiwiSurfer:

Spark only roams on Telstra/Optus and even then Prepaid customers can only access 3G roaming.

Spark prepaid roamers can use 4G when roaming and have been able to for quite some time.

andyb

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3010564 15-Dec-2022 23:36

For bonus points does anybody know any esim providers for AU that are simple to signup and use? So far getting kiwi passport rejected from the automated systems.

Linux

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#3010565 15-Dec-2022 23:39

Have you looked at amaysim?

phrozenpenguin

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#3010566 15-Dec-2022 23:49

Linux: Have you looked at amaysim?

Yes, we have bought a plan and tried to jump through the hoops, both on mobile and computer. Fails at passport verification. Same story on supermarket one.

https://www.truphone.com/consumer/esim-for-smartphone/ looks to be a winner, have got esim setup but can't check till I travel!

Xeon

302 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3010617 16-Dec-2022 09:33

phrozenpenguin:
Linux: Have you looked at amaysim?

Yes, we have bought a plan and tried to jump through the hoops, both on mobile and computer. Fails at passport verification. Same story on supermarket one.

https://www.truphone.com/consumer/esim-for-smartphone/ looks to be a winner, have got esim setup but can't check till I travel!

Had the same problem with passport verification because it checks if you have a current Australian visa.

After we arrived in Australia, activated our Kogan esim in the airport without issues.

Scotdownunder

217 posts

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#3010662 16-Dec-2022 11:05

Your alternative is to convert you phone to eSIM in NZ and put a regular sim in the phone while in Australia. This sim can be purchased in advance or when you get to Aussie. We have done the former for 2 iphone Xrs. Note eSim’s are not always available in 2 Degrees stores and it can take up to 20 mins but you will get there eventually.

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3016418 3-Jan-2023 12:28

Thanks @Xeon for the tip re being in country/having visa.That was the info required, so thanks.

In terms of an update, the Amaysim esim option worked well, once we managed to activate accounts which can only be done with a current AU visa (which is all in the background for NZ passport holders, so wasn't clear). They have a decent range of plans to chose from (data only or including minutes, from 7 days up to 12 months). Signal was fine, uses the Optus network. iOS app was handy to check usage. Will keep our Amaysim for future AU travels.

Truphone we never got to work, their support never replied, but they did refund us promptly!

Also of note is that 2Degrees still has an issue with charging incorrectly, as detailed in more info in this thread: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=81&topicid=295456

johna8

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#3022691 17-Jan-2023 12:31

Recently used a Kogan eSIM - pretty much $0 for the first month - but you need to go through the sign up/activation process.

Buy Kogan Mobile Monthly Plan Voucher Code: MEDIUM ( Monthly | 40GB Per Month) - eSIM INCLUDED Online | Kogan.com. .

The eSIM will only activate once you are in the country anyways.

Worked well - on the day of flying out called up to cancel the $0 plan for the first month (to ensure it autos auto renew into the next month) - have to call as well, can't cancel/close via their website.

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