Having travelled to many places I have tried and tested many things from purchasing local sim cards to using sim cards purchased locally in Australia.  We understand everyone has different requirements and budgets.  These are two that work particulary well for me when I travel.  I like to keep the same phone number and Vodaphone has a fantastic network especially in Europe. To date I have used Vodaphone in New Zealand, China, UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Romania, Iceland, Chile, USA and Canada. $5 roaming was not available in Peru so I used pay as you go roaming and it was expensive where it may have been cheaper to buy a local sim card for this country. I also love the fact I have data with Vodaphone and when I hire a car I use my google maps as a GPS or when I get lost just walking around.  WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are both great for sending quick messages when you are connected to Wifi.

WhatsApp Messenger
This is a free app that lets you send text messages with photos and videos from your smartphone, bypassing your wireless carrier’s SMS and MMS charges. Note: Recipients of your messages need to use the app as well. 

It is similar to Facebook messenger but more preferred for those not connected to Facebook.

You can easily send free messages to any part of the world without any charges. This service is completely free.

WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection (4G/3G/2G/EDGE or Wi-Fi, as available) to send and receive messages to your friends and family. … As long as you haven’t exceeded your data limit or you’re connected to a free Wi-Fi network, your carrier shouldn’t charge you extra for messaging over WhatsApp.

Vodaphone
Taking your Smart Phone Overseas can end up being an expensive affair. While travel SIMs or a local SIM can help mitigate the damage to your wallet, Vodafone’s $5 Roaming is one of the simpler options for your international data needs.

The Vodaphone $5 roaming is exactly what it sounds like. For an extra $5 per day you can use your Australian plan inclusions in selected countries overseas. This means you can make calls, send texts, and use data like you would when you’re in Australia. It also means you can keep your phone number when you travel – handy if you don’t want to miss out on any calls or text messages.

The $5 fee is only charged for days on which you use your inclusions: if you’re keeping your phone on flight mode and mooching off public Wi-Fi, you won’t pay a thing. However, you should be aware that any network use (calls, texts or data) will trigger the $5 charge, so if you’ve set your phone to automatically check for new emails or updates on Facebook, this will activate roaming for the day. So will receiving a call. But receiving text messages is free.

Once roaming is activated, it lasts for 24 hours. That means if you use your inclusions at 3 pm on Monday, you’ve now got roaming until 3 pm on Tuesday. So you may as well use it. Vodafone allows roaming for up to 90 days in any given calendar year. After you’ve used your 90 days, you’ll be billed at pay as you go rates. Visit a Vodaphone store or online for more information. https://www.vodafone.com.au/plans/international-roaming