This guide explains how Australians living or traveling overseas can keep their mobile number active without relying on costly roaming or physical SIM cards. It compares five methods – including virtual numbers, eSIMs, SIM parking, roaming plans, and family proxy with Virtual Number Apps like CallCooee emerging as the safest, most reliable, and most convenient solution for receiving banking OTPs, government SMS, and essential services from anywhere in the world.
Introduction: Avoiding the Australian Service Lock out when heading overseas.
Heading overseas is exciting, but for the modern Australian expat, digital nomad, or traveller, one tiny thing becomes a huge stress: losing access to a valid Australian Mobile Number.
You might be wondering, “Do I really need to keep my Aussie number?” The answer, in almost all cases, is yes. Letting your number lapse means losing access to all the SMS services you took for granted
- Banking & Finance: Most Australian banks use your Australian Mobile Number to send essential Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
- Government Services: Dealing with the ATO, Medicare, and other portals requires an Australian Mobile Number for verification and official updates.
- Any kind of website access where you’ve pre-registered with a Phone Number for OTP Messages
The Dilemma: You need an active number, but getting and holding onto a physical Australian SIM from thousands of miles away is complicated and expensive.
We’ve researched different options on how to get an Australian number from Overseas ranging from the expensive and short-term to the modern Virtual Number approach that lets you set up an Australian Mobile Number instantly.
The 5 easy (and not so ways) to Get and Keep an Australian Number Overseas
1. The Virtual Number App Method (The SIM-LESS Solution)
This is the ultimate 21st-century solution for the globetrotting Australian. It completely bypasses the need for a physical Australian SIM card.
- What it is: A Virtual Australia Number is a phone number hosted in a secure cloud, that replaces the need for any type of SIM card. You manage everything through a simple to use mobile app or web dashboard which gives you maximum control and convenience.
- Why it’s the Expat’s Choice:
- Maximum Flexibility: Works seamlessly anywhere in the world, on any smart device.
- Can Be Set Up From Overseas: Unlike physical SIMs, you don’t need to be in Australia to activate the service and get your Australian Mobile Number.
- Low Cost: Replaces crippling roaming fees with a single, low monthly subscription. Yes that’s right, you can dial Australia from anywhere at local rates!
- 2FA Reliability: Virtual Australia Number services are specifically designed to reliably receive those critical SMS and OTPs from Australian banks and government agencies.
- Virtual Number Apps don’t use up a valuable SIM card spot on your phone.
Read More: Get a Local Australian Virtual Phone Number From Anywhere
Top Pick: Callcooee Virtual Numbers
CallCooee offers real Australian Mobile Numbers (+61 4XX XXX XXX) that are fully compliant and ready to use immediately. You can sign up from overseas and get your Australian Mobile Number activated within 5 Minutes. This is the safest, most flexible, and most affordable way to guarantee you never lose access to your financial life back home.
2. The Modern eSIM Method (A Digital Alternative to the Australian SIM)
While the Virtual Number App Method is a software solution, this method is still tied to a traditional mobile network, but the physical plastic is removed.
- What it is: An eSIM is a digital chip inside modern smartphones that allows you to download a mobile network profile directly to your phone. It’s a digital replacement for the physical Australian SIM.
- How it Works: You subscribe to an Australian carrier (major or MVNO) that supports international eSIM activation.
- Pros: Guaranteed network reliability for sensitive 2FA/SMS, and it frees up your physical SIM slot.
- Cons: Obtaining the eSIM activation code can be tricky if you’re already overseas, and it does not solve the roaming cost issue—you are still paying the carrier’s international rates when you use the number for calls or data.
- Not all Phones Support E-SIMs these days. So if you live in China forget about this option.
3. The Low-Cost “Parking” Method (Physical Australian SIM Retention)
This method is for those who are focused purely on number retention at the bare minimum annual cost, even if it means managing a physical card.
- How it Works: Before you leave the country port your existing number to an Australian Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that offers a long-expiry prepaid plan.
- Pros: Very low annual cost for number retention.
- Cons: You must keep the physical Australian SIM card stored safely. Using the number for anything other than receiving SMS can incur very high roaming charges.
https://livinghigh.com.au/cheap-sim-cards-australia/
If you left Australia already this becomes very tricky with most Australian Telco’s reluctant to register SIM cards for people no longer in the country. Refer to Method 1 if this is you.
4. Post-Paid Plan with International Roaming
This is the path of least resistance for short-term travellers but is completely unsustainable for long-term expats who need an Australian Mobile Number.
- How it Works: You maintain a full-price, month-to-month plan with a major Australian carrier (Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone) and rely on their international roaming packs.
- Pros: Seamless—everything works automatically the moment you land.
- Cons: Extremely expensive. Only viable for trips lasting a few weeks.
5. The “Family Proxy” Method
This is a workaround that relies on trust and convenience, but carries significant risk.
- How it Works: You leave your active, physical Australian SIM card with a trusted family member or friend in Australia. When you need a critical 2FA code, you call/message them, and they read the SMS message to you.
- Pros: Costs only the price of an internal call/text to your friend.
- Cons: Major Security Risk. Highly discouraged for anything other than absolute emergencies.
Final Comparison: Which Method is Right for You?
| Method | Best For | Cost (Approx.) | 2FA/SMS Reliability | Convenience |
| 1. The Virtual Number App Method | Long-term expats/nomads who need reliable 2FA & banking access. | Low (e.g., US$10/month) | Highest (App-managed) | Highest (SIM-less) |
| 2. The Modern eSIM Method | Those who prefer a traditional network number without a physical SIM. | Medium-High (Still pays network roaming rates for usage) | High | Medium (Frees up physical SIM slot) |
| 3. Low-Cost “Parking” Method | Number retention only; minimal annual cost. | Very Low (e.g., $50/year) | Medium (Requires physical SIM management) | Low (Risky if SIM is lost overseas) |
| 4. Post-Paid Roaming | Short-term travel (under 4 weeks). | Very High (e.g., $5–10/day) | High | High (Fully automated) |
| 5. Family Proxy | NOT RECOMMENDED (Security Risk) | Variable | Low (Relies on a 3rd party’s availability) | Lowest (Unreliable and insecure) |
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Australian Mobile Number
You don’t have to choose between crippling roaming bills, unreliable forwarding, or losing access to your money. The future of maintaining your Australian Mobile Number while overseas is digital, secure, and affordable.
The Virtual Number App Method allows you to get an Australian Mobile Number that gives you all the essential services—banking, government access, and keeping in touch—all managed effortlessly from your phone, wherever you land. Stop searching for a complicated Australian SIM solution and embrace the ease of a Virtual Australia Number.
