Your next trip starts here.
Your cart is empty. Choose a destination to get started.
Browse destinationsIn this guide 9 sections
Complete these checks before departure
Three things must work: the bank must send the code to the correct number, your Australian service must be able to receive SMS in that destination, and the phone must keep that line active. Turning off data roaming on the Australian line helps control data usage, but does not establish SMS eligibility or make calls and voicemail free.
| Check | Where to check it | What you need confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Bank contact number | Bank app or official support | The registered number is current, including the correct country code |
| Authentication options | Bank app or official support | Which actions can use app approval, and which may still require SMS |
| Australian service | Your mobile carrier | The number stays active; SMS roaming is supported on your plan and at your destination |
| Phone | Manufacturer guidance and device settings | Unlocked where required; supports the two lines active together |
| Account access | Bank and carrier apps | You can sign in before travelling and have a recovery route if the phone is unavailable |
Do not leave the first login to your bank or carrier app until you are in an airport abroad. An app login can itself require a code. Update the apps, allow the notifications you need and complete any enrolment while your usual Australian connection is available.
Check your bank’s alternative to SMS
CommBank describes NetCode through SMS or a notification in its app. NAB supports SMS and eligible push notifications, but chooses the delivery method according to the security assessment; you cannot assume you can request the other method for every transaction. ANZ Shield is an authentication option for eligible ANZ Internet Banking use.
These are bank-specific options, not a promise that every payment or account change can be approved without SMS. Before you leave, sign into the bank app and complete its enrolment for NetCode notifications, NAB push notifications or ANZ Shield where your account offers it. Ask: “Can I approve a new payee and an overseas transfer using this option, and what happens if the app or phone is unavailable?” If SMS remains necessary, keep the Australian line available under its carrier’s roaming rules. If neither route can be confirmed, arrange the payment before departure or obtain the bank’s overseas contact and recovery process before relying on access abroad. Use its official app or website to find support, and keep the recovery instructions accessible separately from the phone.
Receiving a code: the carrier rule must match the plan
| Service checked | Published incoming-SMS position | Boundary to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra Day Pass | Receiving an SMS does not trigger Day Pass | This is different from Telstra Pre-Paid |
| Telstra Pre-Paid roaming packs | Current FAQ includes incoming and outgoing SMS in the messaging allowance | Incoming and outgoing SMS count towards the pack allowance; do not apply the monthly Day Pass rule |
| Optus Daily Roaming | Receiving SMS does not trigger its A$5 charge | Other usage and some voicemail diversions can trigger it |
| Vodafone prepaid roaming | Standard incoming SMS is free overseas | Service eligibility and a supported roaming connection still matter |
For another plan or carrier, confirm the equivalent rule before departure. A domestic network relationship does not mean a smaller provider inherits the same roaming terms. Ask a precise question: “Can my current plan receive a bank SMS in this country without buying a roaming pack, and can any voicemail activity still create a charge?”
Give each SIM one clear job
Label the lines “Australian number” and “Travel data”. Keep the Australian line enabled if you need its SMS service. Select the travel eSIM for mobile data, leave Australian-line data roaming off and disable automatic mobile-data switching. Follow the travel eSIM email for its own roaming setting.
On iPhone, look under Settings, then Mobile Service or Mobile Data. On Samsung Galaxy, start with Settings, Connections, SIM manager. On Google Pixel, start with Settings, Network and internet, SIMs. Menu labels vary by model and software, so use the full dual SIM setup guide if the screen differs.
Keeping the Australian line enabled does not mean you should answer ordinary calls or send texts without checking their cost. Do not assume a missed call is harmless either: voicemail diversion and retrieval can have separate roaming consequences. Arrange the carrier’s recommended voicemail settings before flying.
If the code does not arrive, separate the problem
| What you see | Most useful next check | Who can resolve it |
|---|---|---|
| Travel data works, Australian line says No Service | Is the Australian line enabled, eligible to roam and connected to a supported network? | Australian carrier |
| Australian line has service, but no bank code arrives | Registered number, bank delivery status and alternative authentication | Bank, then carrier if the bank confirms sending |
| Code arrives but is rejected | Use the newest code; check expiry and the bank’s instructions | Bank |
| Both lines have no connection | Line selection, destination coverage and the settings in the setup email | Carrier or eSIM support for the affected line |
If the Australian line says No Service, leave working travel data alone and contact the Australian carrier over Wi-Fi or travel data. If ordinary texts arrive but only the bank code is missing, ask the bank to confirm the registered number and whether it sent the latest code. Don’t keep requesting codes in a loop: follow the bank’s resend timer and use only the newest code. Make one change at a time and record what happened. If one service works, preserve it while checking the other. Deleting an installed eSIM, resetting network settings or reinstalling a bank app can remove useful access and is a poor first troubleshooting step without support guidance.
Questions people actually ask
Does keeping my number mean transferring it to the travel eSIM?
No. Keep your Australian service active with its provider. The travel eSIM supplies a separate data connection; it does not take ownership of your Australian number.
Will aeroplane mode let bank texts arrive?
Aeroplane mode normally disables mobile connections. Turning Wi-Fi back on gives internet access, but does not guarantee ordinary SMS delivery. Any Wi-Fi calling or SMS support must be confirmed with your carrier and device.
Can The SIM Shop fix a missing bank code?
We can help with the travel data connection and identifying the selected data line. Your Australian carrier controls its roaming service, and your bank controls code generation and account access. Never send us a bank code, password or PIN.
What should I send when asking for help?
Send the phone model, destination, affected service and exact error text. A screenshot of SIM labels and data selection can help if you hide phone numbers and personal details. Do not include authentication codes, passwords or your private eSIM QR code in a public message.
Arrange travel data separately
Once the number and bank checks are settled, choose a plan for the mobile data you need. For example, our Japan 10GB / 30-day data eSIM is A$19.95. It covers data within its allowance and validity, while bank SMS still depends on the Australian line.
Buy before flying and save the email. Install after landing on working airport Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi or another steady trusted connection. Test a small webpage using travel data, then check the Australian line separately before you need an urgent bank transaction.
Preparing for China
Use the China phone-preparation guide to connect the login-code decision with payments, saved addresses and the selected plan’s app-access evidence.
Sources
Prices, plan terms and product options checked on 30 October 2026. All prices in this guide are Australian dollars. Check the provider’s current offer and your account before buying.
- CommBank: internet banking while overseas
- NAB: SMS security
- ANZ: ANZ Shield
- Telstra: International Roaming Day Pass
- Telstra: Pre-Paid international roaming
- Optus: Daily Roaming explained
- Vodafone help: prepaid roaming add-ons
- Apple: using Dual SIM with an eSIM
- Google: use two SIMs on your Pixel phone
- Samsung Australia: install a SIM card and eSIM
- Telstra: reducing mobile costs overseas
- The SIM Shop: Japan eSIM
