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."
この記事は Money Magazine Australia の July 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Money Magazine Australia の July 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
An outrageous, beautiful monopoly
Telstra's mobile business is a cash machine with few competitors, giving it the highest returns in the world.
Drop the anchor to judge value
Buying and selling decisions should be based on where a stock price is going, not where it has been.
Powering the AI boom
Beyond the software and chipmakers, where will the energy come from?
Get into life
Tucked inside super are products that can protect you from life's inevitable uncertainties.
Paths to home ownership
Taking the road less travelled can sometimes deliver unexpected benefits.
Sold! Quick ways to add value
Small, strategic changes can have a big impact on the look and feel of your home. And get you a better price on auction day.
Money lessons the kids need to know
Your children can learn a lot from your past money mishaps. Here are eight financial conversations I have had with mine.
Property-investing rules: are they likely to change?
The pressure for the government to curb the tax benefits of tax concessions, such as negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, is unrelenting. Most recently, independent senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie proposed five options for paring back investment property tax concessions, with savings to the Federal budget of up to $60 billion over the next decade.
What's love got to do with it?
A rollercoaster of emotions could be driving poor crypto behaviour.
Are we ready to be cash-free?
Saying goodbye to our piggy banks too soon could leave small businesses in the dark when problems arise.