"Snapper" <snapper1@y7mail.com> wrote in message
news:026b2673$1$26911$c3e8da3@news.astraweb.com...
<snip>
| Telstra said that International Roaming was the cheapest way and most
| efficient way to do this. However, that "advice" was incorrect. It
| would've been far cheaper to buy a pre-paid SIM or get a cheap throwaway
| phone over there on a pre-paid plan.

Depends what each individual intends to use the phone for.
Mobile roaming is cheaper if only used between a couple for keeping in
touch, if separated.
Pre paid sim and throw away phones for two people start at $250 (eg
Singapore)
(And new phone numbers etc)
a phone card for any calls back to Aus. and leave the mobiles at home
works well.