Ready to face the world

Dusting off your passport and suitcase is easy, but there's more to think about before your next jaunt overseas

- TOM WATSON

It will feel like forever and a day between flights for many Australians who, because of the pandemic, haven't had the chance to set foot on a plane, let alone in another country, for years.

That's beginning to change, though. There were 1.34 million overseas departures in March, mostly people taking short trips, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. While that figure is not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, it's a huge increase on March 2022, when there were just under 375,000 departures.

With more people returning to international travel, it's worth becoming reacquainted with a few fundamentals, such as using your mobile overseas, managing your money and finding an insurance policy that covers your needs.

Mobile roaming and eSIMs

If you can't bear the thought of not being able to access your messages and calls while travelling, the good news is that the rollout of more competitive roaming options and advances in SIM technology means using your smartphone abroad is easier than ever.

Alex Choros, telco expert and managing editor of comparison website WhistleOut, says there are two main options for travellers wanting to use their smartphones.

The first is picking up a local SIM, which has been made far more convenient by the advent of eSIMS (see breakout).

"The local SIM options have become more viable now, thanks to a lot of phones having eSIM, which can be a really good option for people not wanting to roam.

"Instead of looking around at the airport or trying to find a convenience store that will sell you a travel SIM, there are websites that specialise in travel eSIMs that allow you to download a new eSIM card to your phone before you leave."