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Travelling with your mobile device
Using your mobile device to make calls or download data while you are overseas can be very expensive. Familiarise yourself with the mobile device options for travelling overseas prior to departure.
Things to do before you travel overseas
- Review your responsibilities to ensure no unnecessary or excessive expenditure is incurred as specified in the Griffith Travel Policy and IT Code of practice.
- Familiarise yourself with your mobile device settings so you can switch off data roaming before you depart Australia.
- Set up Eduroam.
- Turn off all call forwards to your mobile.
- Choose the best mobile coverage option when travelling overseas a per below.
- Print a copy of the read before you travel guide to take with you as a reference.
- Implement practices to avoid excessive charges if using international roaming.
- Bookmark our page to familiarise yourself with our roaming advice when overseas.
Mobile coverage options when travelling overseas
| Option | Pros | Cons | How to Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Local SIM Card/Phone Number Highly recommended when travelling to a single destination | Cost effective as you are charged local rates. Available to be purchased at most airports. | Not viable if travelling to multiple countries. | Simply insert newly purchased SIM. Note. Handsets purchased through Griffith are usually unlocked from the carrier, however some older handsets (iPhone 4s & 5) may need to be unlocked. |
Eduroam Recommended when travelling to an educational institution | Ability to access a wireless network using Griffith credentials. | Only available at participating institutions. | Configure your device to the Eduroam wireless network prior to departure. |
FREE WiFi Hotspots Recommended wherever available | Free and available at various locations (hotels, McDonalds, Starbucks, cafes, airports). | Less secure, only available in hotspot locations | Configure your device to the free WiFi network under your device settings. |
International Roaming | Can set up roaming on existing Griffith mobile service and can be used in multiple countries. | Extremely expensive and costs are not included in your standard Griffith mobile call and data plan. | Complete the online form to request roaming on your Griffith device. Use the Optus roaming tool to find out more about roaming costs and availability at your destination. |
International Roaming
International roaming is the ability to activate roaming on your existing Griffith mobile service so it can be used when travelling overseas. International roaming is only available for staff travelling on official University business and all requests must be approved. Roaming call and data charges are not included in your current Griffith mobile plan. It is your responsibility to be aware of roaming costs for the country you are visiting. Read the things to do before you travel advice.
Need help?
Griffith Travel / Qtravel Contact Details
Phone: 1300 115 846 | email: griffith@travelctm.com
For specific enquiries for mobiles and tablets:
Phone: +617 3735 5555 | email: ithelp@griffith.edu.au
Nathan Campus
Room 0.19 N12 Sewell Building Nathan, Griffith University, QLD 4111
