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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.

Top pick: Under $30
TPG logo
Finder Award
25GB
$12.50
per month
$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $25/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Top pick: Under $40
ALDImobile logo
50GB
$29
per 30 days expiry
50GB/recharge for the first 3 recharges, then 25GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 31.1.25
Top pick: Under $50
iiNet logo
100GB
$22.50
per month
$22.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $45/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Top pick: 365-day
Boost Mobile logo
265GB
$255
per 12 months
265GB for $255 for the first recharge, then 240GB for $300/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.12.24

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.

Why you can trust our research

179 mobile plans with international inclusions analysed

180+ hours of research

Mariam Gabaji
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
TPG Small logo

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

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
ALDI $29 5G Plan logo

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

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
iiNet Large Plan logo

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

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
Boost $300 SIM logo

265GB for $255 for the first recharge, then 240GB for $300/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.12.24

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
ALDI $29 5G Plan logo

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

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.


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:

Countries icon

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.

phone call icon

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.

call rate icon

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.

landline icon

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.

Michelle Kwong's headshot

"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."

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.

ProviderInternational call inclusions
AGL$50 international call credit to selected countries.
ALDImobileUnlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected countries + up to 600 international minutes and 300 texts to another 30 selected countries.
AlphacallUnlimited international calls and texts to 10 selected countries.
amaysimUnlimited international calls and texts to 28 or 42 selected countries.
Aussie BroadbandInternational call credit ranges from $50 to $500.
BelongUnlimited 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 MobileUnlimited international calls to 20 selected destinations + 3600 minutes and as many texts to any country.
CMobile BlueUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries on some plans.
Coles MobileUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 or 22 selected destinations.
DodoInternational call credit ranges from $100 to $400.
E.TelInternational call minutes range from 100 to 250 minutes to 75 selected destinations.
EscapeNet120 international minutes to 42 selected countries on most plans.
Everyday Mobile (Woolworths)Unlimited international calls and texts to 28 or 42 selected destinations.
ExetelUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
GoodtelUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
iiNet100 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.
iPrimusInternational call credit ranges from $300 to $1,000.
JB Hi-Fi300 international minutes to selected Zone 1 destinations + 100 international texts to any country.
KonecUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected destinations.
LebaraUnlimited international calls to 26, 35, 50 or 60 selected countries depending on the plan. Includes $3 to $10 international call credit as well.
LycamobileUnlimited international calls to 14, 35, 39 or 60 selected countries (plan-dependent), plus bonus minutes to additional destinations.
MATEUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Moose Mobile$400 international call credit, available only on its highest data plan.
More TelecomUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
numobileUnlimited 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.

PennytelUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Southern Phone$50 international call credit.
SwoopInternational call credit ranges from $50 to $500.
TangerineUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
TeleChoiceUnlimited international calls to 20 selected countries and between 60 to 240 minutes to 20 additional countries depending on the plan.
TelsimUnlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
Telstra30 international minutes and unlimited international texts.
TPG100 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.

ZenSim250 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.

Vodafone international calls

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

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

Mariam Gabaji's headshot
Written by

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 303 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Energy
  • Mobile
  • Broadband
  • Consumer tech

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8 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    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?

      AvatarFinder
      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.

    Default Gravatar
    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?

    Default Gravatar
    HalynaSeptember 28, 2018

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

      Default Gravatar
      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

    Default Gravatar
    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

      Default Gravatar
      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

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