Best mobile plans for international calls: 5 top picks

Finding the best mobile plans for international calls

Our team of mobile plan experts have compared over 179 mobile plans from 38 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 5 top picks based on price and expert analysis. Not all plans will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.

Best mobile plans for international calls
- Best mobile plan under $30 for international calls: TPG Small
- Best mobile plan under $40 for international calls: ALDI $29 5G Plan
- Best mobile plan under $50 for international calls: iiNet Large Plan
- Best 365-day mobile plan for international calls: Boost $300 SIM
- Best mobile plan on the Telstra network for international calls: ALDI $29 5G Plan

Why you can trust our research

179 mobile plans with international inclusions analysed

180+ hours of research

Expert picks reviewed by Mariam Gabaji – Utilities editor at Finder

Best mobile plan under $30 for international calls

TPG Small

Unlimited
Calls & Text

25GB
data

$12.50
per month

$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $25/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.

Go to site

Pros & cons:

You’ll get unlimited calls and texts to 31 selected countries including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Singapore, the UK, USA, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico and Germany.
Save $75 over 6 months with TPG’s current offer.

You’ll have to pay a $11 port-out fee when you switch to another provider.

Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $225.0

Why we chose it

We looked at mobile plans on Finder that cost under $30 per month with unlimited international calls to a select number of destinations. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.

Best mobile plan under $40 for international calls

ALDI $29 5G Plan

Unlimited
Calls & Text

50GB
data

$29
per 30 days

50GB/recharge for the first 3 recharges, then 25GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.25

Go to site

Pros & cons:

Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected countries including India, Indonesia, Thailand, USA, Brazil, Canada and China.
Bonus data on the first 3 recharges. You’ll get 50GB instead of the usual 25GB data allowance.
The unlimited data rollover feature lets you bank unused data for future needs.
Handy mobile app that lets you check your balance, set up auto recharge, add data and more.

5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps though this should still be good enough for most online activities.

Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $348

Why we chose it

We assessed mobile plans on Finder that cost under $40 per month with unlimited international calls to a select number of destinations. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.

Best mobile plan under $50 for international calls

iiNet Large Plan

Unlimited
Calls & Text

100GB
data

$22.50
per month

$22.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $45/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.

Go to site

Pros & cons:

Unlimited international calls and texts to 31 selected countries including Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Ireland and New Zealand.
50% discount for the first 6 months. Pay $22.50 for 100GB of data a month for the first half of the year.
After the initial 6 months, you can get a $ 5 per month discount if you have an iiNet internet plan.

The ongoing price after 6 months (without the internet bundling discount) will be $45 a month.

Mobile network: Vodafone 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $405.0

Why we chose it

We assessed mobile plans on Finder that cost under $50 per month with unlimited international calls to a select number of destinations. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.

Best 365-day mobile plan with international calls

Boost $300 SIM

Unlimited
Calls & Text

265GB
data

$255
per 12 months

265GB for $255 on activation, then 240GB for $300/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 16.12.24

Go to site

Pros & cons:

Unlimited international calls to 20 selected countries. 1200 minutes to 30 selected countries plus 1200 texts to any country.
You’re essentially paying $25 a month for 22GB of data which is pretty good value for money as you also get access to the full Telstra network.
You can easily sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible phone. This way you won’t have to wait for a physical SIM card to arrive.

Data will revert to 240GB on the next recharge.

Mobile network: Telstra 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $255

Why we chose it

We looked at mobile plans on Finder that cost under $300 with unlimited international calls to a select number of destinations. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.

Best mobile plan on the Telstra network for international calls

ALDI $29 5G Plan

Unlimited
Calls & Text

50GB
data

$29
per 30 days

50GB/recharge for the first 3 recharges, then 25GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.25

Go to site

Pros & cons:

Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected countries including India, Indonesia, Thailand, USA, Brazil, Canada and China.
The unlimited data rollover feature lets you bank unused data for future needs.
Handy mobile app that lets you check your balance, set up auto recharge, add data and more.

5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps though this should still be good enough for most online activities.

Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network

Total cost over first 12 months: $348

Why we chose it

We looked at mobile plans on Finder that run on the Telstra network, cost $40 or less per month and feature international calls. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.

Each month, we look at SIM-only plans in our database that come with international call inclusions and attach a value score to each plan.

We also consider factors such as price, daily cost per gigabyte, network coverage and any applicable download speed caps, with the provider having the highest score coming out as the winner.

Keep in mind, we only look at Finder partners but they are still chosen for our best guide keeping a rigid methodology in mind.

Here’s a rundown of exactly how our value-scoring system works in general:

Cost per gigabyte. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 12 months divided by the amount of data (GB). The price includes any promotional offers.

Network coverage. We award scores depending on how wide the network coverage is across Australia.

Data rollover. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature.

International calls.. We look at providers that offer unlimited calls or credit/minutes for international calling.

Wi-Fi calling. We give weights to providers that offer Wi-Fi calling higher than those that don't have this feature.

We then assign a weight to each of the factors in order to calculate a value score. Price and data are given the highest weighting. Sometimes we exclude a feature depending on the guide. On this page, the only network we were considering is Optus so we ignored the weighting for network coverage.

How to find the best mobile plan for international calls

Finding the best mobile plan for international calls depends on your budget, the countries you call, and how often you call them - there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right plan:

Make sure the countries you want to call are covered

Check if your provider covers the countries you need to call to avoid extra charges. Popular destinations like China, India, New Zealand, the USA, and the UK are often included, but for places like Pakistan, the UAE, or South Africa, double-check the details.

Are calls unlimited or restricted to minutes?

Providers offer international calls in different ways. Some give unlimited calls to certain countries, while others offer a set credit or minutes. If you don't call often, credit or minutes might work, but if you call more frequently, unlimited calls could be better.

Check the call rates

If your plan includes unlimited international calls, this isn't a concern. But with a call credit limit, you'll need to check the rates for the country you're calling to see how far your credit will go.

Do you need to call a landline or mobile number?

If you're using call credits, be mindful of whether you're calling a landline or mobile, as providers often have different rates for each, even within the same country. Calling a mobile overseas can quickly deplete your credits.

"While most of us use apps like WhatsApp to call friends and family abroad, I knew I needed to sign up to a plan that offered international calls to landlines so I could keep in touch with my grandma overseas who actually doesn't own a mobile phone. I opted for a Boost Mobile plan as it offered unlimited calls to the country I needed for no additional cost to the plan."

Michelle Kwong

Publisher

Which mobile providers offer international calls?

Many providers in our database include international call options in their plans, offering credit, minutes, or unlimited calls to selected destinations (standard numbers only).

However, these inclusions can vary depending on the plan, so be sure to review the details carefully before signing up.

Provider	International call inclusions
AGL	$50 international call credit to selected countries.
ALDImobile	Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected countries + up to 600 international minutes and 300 texts to another 30 selected countries.
Alphacall	Unlimited international calls and texts to 10 selected countries.
amaysim	Unlimited international calls and texts to 28 or 42 selected countries.
Aussie Broadband	International call credit ranges from $50 to $500.
Belong	Unlimited international calls and texts to 30 selected destinations are included with the 160GB SIM-only plan. For other plans, you can add the same inclusions for an extra $5 per month.
Bendigo Telco	$500 international call credit on its large plan only.
Boost Mobile	Unlimited international calls to 20 selected destinations + 3600 minutes and as many texts to any country.
CMobile Blue	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries on some plans.
Coles Mobile	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 or 22 selected destinations.
Dodo	International call credit ranges from $100 to $400.
E.Tel	International call minutes range from 100 to 250 minutes to 75 selected destinations.
EscapeNet	120 international minutes to 42 selected countries on most plans.
Everyday Mobile (Woolworths)	Unlimited international calls and texts to 28 or 42 selected destinations.
Exetel	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Goodtel	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
iiNet	100 international minutes to 31 selected countries on the entry-level plan, or unlimited international calls and texts to 31 selected countries on all other plans.
iPrimus	International call credit ranges from $300 to $1,000.
JB Hi-Fi	300 international minutes to selected Zone 1 destinations + 100 international texts to any country.
Konec	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected destinations.
Lebara	Unlimited international calls to 26, 35, 50 or 60 selected countries depending on the plan. Includes $3 to $10 international call credit as well.
Lycamobile	Unlimited international calls to 14, 35, 39 or 60 selected countries (plan-dependent), plus bonus minutes to additional destinations.
MATE	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Moose Mobile	$400 international call credit, available only on its highest data plan.
More Telecom	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
numobile	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Optus	Postpaid plans: Unlimited international calls and texts to 35 selected countries on its postpaid plans. Prepaid plans: International call minutes range from 400 to 6000 to Zone 1 destinations and 100 to 800 minutes to Zone 2.
Pennytel	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Southern Phone	$50 international call credit.
Swoop	International call credit ranges from $50 to $500.
Tangerine	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
TeleChoice	Unlimited international calls to 20 selected countries and between 60 to 240 minutes to 20 additional countries depending on the plan.
Telsim	Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Telstra	30 international minutes and unlimited international texts.
TPG	100 international minutes to 31 selected countries on the entry-level plan, or unlimited international calls and texts to 31 selected countries on all other plans.
Vodafone	Postpaid plans: Unlimited international calls to Zone 1 destinations and 300 minutes to Zone 2. Prepaid plans: 500 international minutes to Zone 1 destinations or unlimited international calls to Zone 1 + 100 minutes to Zone 2.
ZenSim	250 or 500 minutes of international calls to 25 selected countries.

We’ve broken down the list of countries you can call for some popular providers including Optus, Vodafone, amaysim, ALDImobile and Boost Mobile.

Optus international calls

As mentioned, Optus offers unlimited standard international calls and texts to 35 selected destinations on its postpaid plans.

Its prepaid plans include international minutes to Zone 1 and Zone 2 destinations.

Postpaid: Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam.
Prepaid Zone 1: Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, mainland China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA and Vietnam.
Prepaid Zone 2: Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bermuda, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Dominican Rep., Egypt, Faroe Is., Gibraltar, Guam, Guatemala, Iceland, Iran, Kenya, Kuwait, Macau, Malta, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, N. Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Rep., South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, UAE, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Vodafone international calls

Vodafone splits its international inclusions across Zone 1 and Zone 2 destinations.

Zone 1: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, USA and the Vatican (Holy See).
Zone 2: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Faroe Islands, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam.

Telstra international calls

Telstra’s international call inclusions aren’t what they used to be.

You get 30 minutes to any country on its postpaid plans, but that’s about it. For anything more, you’ll need to add on an international calling pack.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, they’re completely free! You won’t be charged for using WhatsApp, whether you’re connected to Wi-Fi or using your mobile data.
However, keep in mind that if you’re relying on mobile data, it will count towards your data allowance.
So as long as you have enough data or are on Wi-Fi, you can enjoy WhatsApp calls and messages at no extra cost.

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Editor I Tech and utilities expert

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 302 Finder guides across topics including:

Energy
Mobile
Broadband
Consumer tech

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8 Responses

CliveNovember 3, 2023

I am looking for a prepaid plan that will enable me to phone Papua New Guinea from Australia. Many providers have lists of countries, but so far I have not found one that includes PNG. Can you help please?

Finder

MariamNovember 6, 2023Finder

Hi Clive, in this instance you might need to consider calling card or look for a provider that offers cheap international call rates. Hope this helps.

MarkSeptember 12, 2023

I.m looking for a good plan for calling back to Australia when I,m on holidays in Thailand , as I,ll basically it.ll be a working holiday.who has the best rates?

Finder

MarkSeptember 29, 2023Finder

Hi Mark,
You can read more about international roaming and providers that offer prepaid roaming in our guides to see what might suit your needs best:
https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/global-roaming
https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/global-roaming/roaming-prepaid
Hope this helps

HalynaSeptember 28, 2018

I am looking for sim card or prepaid plan only offering international calls to Ukraine.

NikkiSeptember 28, 2018

Hi Halyna,

Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.

The information above shows the list of providers who will allow you to make international calls to Ukraine.

To check their prepaid plans, simply click the MORE INFO on the right side of their page or you can also visit their respective websites.
Be sure to choose the prepaid plan that fits your needs and budget.

Hope this helps! Feel free to message us should you have further questions.

Cheers!

Nikki

RonilSeptember 19, 2017

I am looking for a prepaid plan or sim only plan with sufficient data (average 4GB) and free calls within Australia on any network and any number plus calls to Fiji

DanielleSeptember 19, 2017

Hi Ronil,

Thank you for contacting Finder.

You may compare your options from our list of prepaid mobile plans and SIM only plans in Australia. On the page, is a comparison table you can use to find the right plan. You can compare different brands based on features, data, and price. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website to proceed with your purchase.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Danielle

Best mobile plans for international calls from Australia

We pored over 170 mobile plans featuring international calls to find you our top picks for this month.

Finding the best mobile plans for international calls

Best mobile plans for international calls