Best Roaming Plans NZ

What is roaming?

Roaming (commonly referred to as global roaming, international roaming or data roaming) is when your phone uses another provider’s network to use functions such as calling, SMS, and mobile broadband (data) when your own network is unavailable. This is typically done when travelling overseas.

For example, if you’re on holiday in America, your NZ Mobile plan won’t be of much use. However, with roaming, you can use an overseas carrier’s network to continue surfing the web, and texting/calling to your heart’s content, all from your own device, number and SIM.

The overseas carrier won’t charge you to use its network. Rather it will charge your local carrier, that will then charge you, in the form of casual rates or as part of your prepaid plan.

But be warned, roaming rates are not as kind as regular domestic charges.

→Related article: Best Endless Data Mobile Monthly Plans

How much does roaming cost?

It’s important to note that unless you select a specific roaming plan, you’ll be charged casual rates while roaming. And those rates can be very high.

For example, in certain locations, Spark charges $9.20 per megabyte (yes that MB, not GB) of data used and $5.16 per minute of calling! When you factor in that just 15 minutes of social media browsing can use around 5MB of data (while video calling, streaming, and even using Google Maps can use much more) that’s could get very expensive very fast. And if you’re a prepay customer, those rates can be even higher!

So unless you’re happy to burn through cash, it pays to consider your options. One of those options is to organise a designated roaming phone plan. For, as you’ll see below, that can make things considerably cheaper.

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Roaming phone plans

Below is a brief overview of roaming options from all the major telcos in New Zealand. For further details, be sure to visit individual retailer websites.

Importantly, when purchasing one of the below roaming packs, most retailers state that the plan starts from the moment it’s purchased. So if the plan is only valid for seven days, for example, make sure you don’t purchase it in advance.

Spark

For those not keen to pay Spark’s casual roaming rates, you can add one of the two below plans to your prepay or Pay Monthly plan. Note that the packs below are add-ons, meaning you will need to have a valid Pay Monthly or Prepay plan.

Furthermore, the below plans are only available in select countries. Excluded destinations will be subject to casual roaming rates.

One

For One customers on a pay monthly plan, you can continue to use your pay monthly plan for an additional $8/day (in select locations). For prepay customers, you can purchase an add-on, in addition to your plan.

2degrees

As with One, 2degrees customers can continue using their NZ plan for just $8/day in over 100 destinations worldwide. For countries not included, the below rates* apply:

• $3.45 per minute to call anywhere in the world
• $1.15 per minute to receive any call
• $0.91 a text sent to anywhere in the world
• $57 for a 500MB data pack

Note that certain destinations may be excluded from roaming altogether.

Skinny

Skinny has a range of roaming add-ons for you to choose from. For countries not covered casual rates apply. These rates vary depending on location.

Do I have any alternatives?

Even with a roaming plan, costs can still add up. After all, many of the above plans aren’t exactly great value compared to what you’re used to here in New Zealand. Although they’re certainly better than sticking with the casual roaming rates!

If you’re looking to avoid data roaming altogether, but want to continue chatting away while abroad, some options may be to:

Get a local SIM

Instead of paying 2degrees to let you use AT&T’s network on your next trip to New York, you could always just go straight to the source. Most telcos offer travel SIM cards pre-loaded with a boatload of data, specifically designed for tourists, and these often provide better value than what your roaming plan will.

If you do get a local SIM, you’ll likely have to go through the hassle of stopping into a store and getting it set up. You’ll also have to get a new number. But if you’re willing to stomach the minor inconvenience, good deals are there to be had. Especially if you’re visiting countries where your hard-earned NZD goes a long way.

Stick to wi-fi

How keen you are to do this might depend on where you’re going and how you’re travelling. For example, if you’re going backpacking through a remote country, having data on hand could be hugely important.

But if you’re taking a quick trip to a major metropolis, awash with free wi-fi from Starbucks and Mcdonald’s, you might find you don’t really need data at all. You just might have to wait until you’re back at the hotel before posting your photo dump to Instagram.

Stick to receiving calls

It pays to double-check your carrier’s rates, as sometimes receiving calls can still incur charges, but it could be worth organising it so your mum calls you, instead of you calling her. Especially if she has a phone plan with plenty of international minutes.

For example, all prepay plans from Warehouse Mobile provide 200 minutes of calling to mobile numbers in NZ, OZ, the UK, the US and Canada, Germany, India, China, South Korea and more!

Make sure you check your settings!

Importantly, when travelling overseas, make sure you’ve had a look at your phone’s roaming settings. Dive into them and turn them off if possible. Otherwise, your phone may automatically connect to a network and start running up charges unbeknownst to you.

Throwing your phone into airplane mode should also do the trick.

Should I use roaming when overseas?

While roaming the streets of a new city is always filled with excitement, your phone’s data shouldn’t necessarily come with you. Casual roaming rates can be exorbitant and should almost definitely be avoided at all costs. But even a roaming pack can be tough to stomach. After all, you’d never usually pay $57 for just 500MB of data, or even $23 for a plan that lasts just 7 days!

But, then again, depending on the type of travel you’re doing you might find it’s worth it for you. For example, if you’re spending thousands of dollars on a week-long trip to the US, another $23 to keep your data on for the week isn’t so bad. Plus, it saves the hassle of dealing with a telco stall at the airport.

On the other hand, if you’re off for a month or more, you might want to consider a local SIM. Especially as plenty of destinations offer boatloads of data at cheap prices we’re not used to here in NZ.

Or, you could always forego roaming packs and local SIMs, put your phone down for a bit, and enjoy your surroundings. Not everything in life has to be posted online!

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*Prices accurate at time of writing (October 2023). Further information on pricing can be found at individual retailer websites. This should be used as a starter guide and not considered an actual quote.

About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.