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Telstra roaming China: Coverage, plans, and rates explained
Learn about Telstra roaming in China, including its international daily pass and packages. Compare it with more affordable options like travel eSIM.
Holafly China eSIM
If you’re a Telstra customer heading to China, you can still use your phone at the destination. This guide explains all you need to know about Telstra roaming in China, including its prepaid and postpaid standard rates and activation steps.
In the end, we will introduce Holafly eSIM as an alternative to Telstra, offering unlimited data and coverage in over 200 destinations, with more affordable rates.
A safe way to stay connected
Holafly's eSIM for China includes a VPN, ensuring maximum protection for your connection.
Can you use Telstra roaming in China?
Yes, Telstra international roaming works in China for eligible postpaid and prepaid customers, as this country is included in Telstra’s Zone 2 international roaming countries. So, when you’re in China, your phone will connect to partner mobile networks, including China Mobile or China Unicorn.
Therefore, when you disable airplane mode upon arrival in China, your phone will automatically connect to one of the local providers, allowing you to use your Australian number in China. No need for swapping to a China SIM Card.
Telstra postpaid International Roaming Day Pass for China
Telstra offers two daily roaming packages for postpaid customers, called the International Roaming Day Pass. But travellers to China can only use its daily $10 plan, which includes unlimited talk and SMS, and 2 GB data per day. This plan is only available to standard numbers. So, premium or special numbers may incur extra charges.
- Eligibility: Telstra postpaid mobile customers (consumers or small businesses)
- Cost: $10 AUD per day
- Includes: Unlimited standard calls, unlimited SMS, 2 GB data per day in China
If you exceed data usage on this plan, you can buy another 2 GB for $10. Additionally, unused data will expire at the end of each day. You can use our data usage calculator to estimate your daily usage and avoid exceeding your data plan limits.
If you don’t use roaming or keep it turned off for the day, you won’t be charged. However, the moment you activate roaming, a $10 daily charge applies, regardless of whether you make a single call or send just one message.
Telstra prepaid international roaming packs for China
Unlike postpaid customers who should pay for Telstra roaming in China on their bill, prepaid customers must purchase a roaming pack before travelling.
The following three travel packs are available for Telstra prepaid customers:
| Pack Type | Price | Included Data | Standard Talk | Standard SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-day travel pack | $10 | 400 MB | 15 minutes | 15 SMS/ MMS |
| 7-day travel pack | $15 | 2 GB | 25 minutes | 25 SMS/ MMS |
| 14-day travel pack | $25 | 4 GB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS/ MMS |
Telstra typically sends usage alerts when you reach 50%, 85%, and 100% of your data. So, you can purchase another pack before running out of data.
Telstra pay-as-you-go rates for postpaid users
Customers on higher-tier plans, including select $129+ plans, leased, BYO, Premium, or Business Premium plans, are not eligible for the Telstra International Day Pass. For these services, roaming is charged at standard pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates, which are significantly higher than daily packs.
If you intend to use your Australian service in China on one of these plans, you should be aware that PAYG rates will apply automatically.
How it works:
- Data rate: $3 per MB.
- SMS: $0.75 per message.
- Voice rates: $3.50 per minute.
- Warning: High per-MB charges can accumulate quickly if data-heavy apps are used, as downloading one high-quality photo (~5MB) can cost up to $15.00.
How to activate Telstra roaming for China
It’s always recommended to check if Telstra roaming in China is activated before leaving Australia to avoid extra roaming charges.
Postpaid customers
If you don’t activate your International Roaming Day Pass, your usage in China will be charged at pay-as-you-go rates, which can become expensive with frequent daily use. So, make sure to activate the plan before you travel:
- Sign in to the My Telstra app using your Telstra ID.
- Activate your day pass. Some plans may auto-activate, but make sure to check your eligibility before you fly, as the activation may take up to 2 hours.
Prepaid customers
If you don’t have an active roaming pack, your service won’t work overseas. So, make sure to purchase a travel pack before your trip.
- Go to the Telstra App and select your Prepaid service.
- Tap Extras > International Roaming Packs.
- Pick your pack and follow the prompts.
If you don’t have the app:
- Call +61 439 125 109 (this is a free call from your Telstra service).
- You will need a recharge voucher to pay this way, as they don’t take cards over the phone.
Pro-Tip: If you run out of data or minutes before the pack expires, you can simply purchase another one immediately through the app to “top up” your allowance.
Final steps for all customers
Here is a quick breakdown to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Telstra app on your phone, as you won’t be able to download it while you’re abroad.
- Track your data usage in the app to avoid exceeding your limit.
- Ensure roaming is enabled before departure.
Stay connected in China with Holafly
If you prefer to avoid daily data limits and are looking for a more flexible alternative to Telstra roaming in China, consider a Holafly eSIM. It offers unlimited data, reliable coverage, and flexible plan durations to suit your trip.
With Holafly China eSIM, you can access unlimited data for only AU$ 5.90 per day. If you choose to purchase a 90-day plan, this price will be reduced to $2.43 per day. So, whether you are on a short or long trip to China, Holafly eSIM will be the most budget-friendly and flexible option.
For digital nomads or remote workers who are usually on long trips, Holafly Plans offer a monthly eSIM subscription with 24/7 customer support and reliable coverage in 170+ destinations. So, if you are going to another country from China, you can still stay connected without having to purchase a local SIM Card.
Avoid hidden data costs
Get the full price upfront with a Holafly eSIM for China. Enjoy unlimited data at no extra cost.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of March 10, 2026, and is subject to change.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
