Apr 12, 2019, 8:18 pm
Last edit by: Mwenenzi
Summary
https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/Australia
Reasonable summary of Au phones, but a changing market.
Networks 3G 4G
There are 3 main mobile phone networks in Australia
TPG was building a 4th network. Link--> https://www.canstarblue.com.au/phone/tpg-phone-network/ But the Australian Government banned Huawei equipment due to security concerns. And TPG & Vodafone may merge. Link
All other mobile phone plan retailers are resellers. Many resellers use the Optus network.
Phone & Data Plans
There are many phone-SIM-data plans available from bricks & mortar shops:- phone shops, supermarkets, post offices, newsagents, gas/petrol stations or on line. It can be confusing comparing the features & costs. Cost per month is reducing and data per month is increasing. The plans are aimed at Australia residents, so may not be that suitable for visitors to Australia. Some plans are 6/12 month locked-in contracts. Some plans include data roll over/bank and others do not. Some plans now have a 1 off bonus data at sign up. So check carefully.
A visitor to Australia should be able to get a 28/30 day plan for about $30 with unlimited local calls and local texts and with some data. Less than 30 days, if available, not a lot different. Check the conditions & fine print. To activate an Australian phone-SIM card an identity check is needed. Please refer below.
Most (all?) of the Australian international airports will have booths or shops selling SIM cards & phone-data plans.
Check if your unlocked phone works on the Australian networks:- http://willmyphonework.net
The supermarket chains offer some reasonable deals, with no locked-in contract.
Pick up a SIM card in the supermarket or have it delivered by mail
Other resellers (alphabetical order - not a recommendation)
There are comparison web sites aimed at Australia residents. These may not be that suitable for visitors to Australia. They may not be 100% independent or show all options.
Identify Check
To activate an Australian phone-SIM card a 100 point identity check is needed. It is not always asked for. There is a post where a FT’er had trouble doing this. Link---> Post 111
The airport booth guys or a phone shop will be able to activate a SIM card. Ask before you buy.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (Au gov) link---> https://www.acma.gov.au/acmas-rules-id-checks-prepaid-mobiles
Australian Government legislation link (very legalistic)--> https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00399
Aldi pdf for information (typical?) https://www.aldimobile.com.au/m3/docs/identity_verification_policy.pdf
Coverage
The 2 main carriers claim high 90's% coverage of the Australian population centres. Note this is not the same as geographic coverage (land area). Any of the 2 (or 3) mains carriers will have coverage of the main areas where most people will visit. Telstra has the reputation for the largest geographic coverage. (Optus may not agree). If you are 100 miles out the back of Bourke or in remote Western Australia or on the Nullarbor or wherever there may be no coverage. Areas with no coverage exist all over the country. But it is not a problem for most visitor’s to Australia.
Telstra coverage map--------> https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage
Telstra block spot program ----> https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/mobile-black-spot-program
Disclaimer
The above is a very general guide only. It may not be 100% accurate
Mobile phone plans are for ever changing.
Any additions or corrections are welcome
https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/Australia
Reasonable summary of Au phones, but a changing market.
Networks 3G 4G
There are 3 main mobile phone networks in Australia
- Telstra
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones - Optus
https://www.optus.com.au/shop/mobile/phone-plans - Vodafone
https://www.vodafone.com.au/plans
TPG was building a 4th network. Link--> https://www.canstarblue.com.au/phone/tpg-phone-network/ But the Australian Government banned Huawei equipment due to security concerns. And TPG & Vodafone may merge. Link
All other mobile phone plan retailers are resellers. Many resellers use the Optus network.
Phone & Data Plans
There are many phone-SIM-data plans available from bricks & mortar shops:- phone shops, supermarkets, post offices, newsagents, gas/petrol stations or on line. It can be confusing comparing the features & costs. Cost per month is reducing and data per month is increasing. The plans are aimed at Australia residents, so may not be that suitable for visitors to Australia. Some plans are 6/12 month locked-in contracts. Some plans include data roll over/bank and others do not. Some plans now have a 1 off bonus data at sign up. So check carefully.
A visitor to Australia should be able to get a 28/30 day plan for about $30 with unlimited local calls and local texts and with some data. Less than 30 days, if available, not a lot different. Check the conditions & fine print. To activate an Australian phone-SIM card an identity check is needed. Please refer below.
Most (all?) of the Australian international airports will have booths or shops selling SIM cards & phone-data plans.
Check if your unlocked phone works on the Australian networks:- http://willmyphonework.net
The supermarket chains offer some reasonable deals, with no locked-in contract.
Pick up a SIM card in the supermarket or have it delivered by mail
- https://www.colesmobile.com.au (Optus network)
- https://mobile.woolworths.com.au (Telstra network)
- https://www.aldimobile.com.au/plans/value-packs (Telstra network)
Other resellers (alphabetical order - not a recommendation)
- https://www.amaysim.com.au/mobile-plans/
- https://www.belong.com.au/mobile (owned by Telstra)
- https://boost.com.au/plans/
- https://www.dodo.com.au/
- https://www.lebara.com.au/mobile-plans/30-day-plans
- https://www.tpg.com.au/mobile
- https://www.vaya.net.au
- and others
There are comparison web sites aimed at Australia residents. These may not be that suitable for visitors to Australia. They may not be 100% independent or show all options.
- https://youcompare.com.au/mobilephones/
- https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/
- https://whatphone.com.au
- https://www.canstarblue.com.au/compare/mobile
- and others
Identify Check
To activate an Australian phone-SIM card a 100 point identity check is needed. It is not always asked for. There is a post where a FT’er had trouble doing this. Link---> Post 111
The airport booth guys or a phone shop will be able to activate a SIM card. Ask before you buy.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (Au gov) link---> https://www.acma.gov.au/acmas-rules-id-checks-prepaid-mobiles
Australian Government legislation link (very legalistic)--> https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00399
Aldi pdf for information (typical?) https://www.aldimobile.com.au/m3/docs/identity_verification_policy.pdf
Coverage
The 2 main carriers claim high 90's% coverage of the Australian population centres. Note this is not the same as geographic coverage (land area). Any of the 2 (or 3) mains carriers will have coverage of the main areas where most people will visit. Telstra has the reputation for the largest geographic coverage. (Optus may not agree). If you are 100 miles out the back of Bourke or in remote Western Australia or on the Nullarbor or wherever there may be no coverage. Areas with no coverage exist all over the country. But it is not a problem for most visitor’s to Australia.
Telstra coverage map--------> https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage
Telstra block spot program ----> https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/mobile-black-spot-program
Disclaimer
The above is a very general guide only. It may not be 100% accurate
Mobile phone plans are for ever changing.
Any additions or corrections are welcome
Prepaid SIM (Data or Voice) - Australia
Oct 21, 2016, 5:56 pm
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,018
Do you mean the international to international transfer desk/door?
If arriving into Australia by international you must go through immigration, customs & quarantine with all your baggage. You then must exit to landside. Then to a QF/VA domestic check in desks in the SYD international terminal, over to the SYD domestic terminals or out of the airport into Sydney. There are desks/kiosks selling phones, SIM cards & phone plans just after exiting immigration (landside)
If arriving into Australia by international you must go through immigration, customs & quarantine with all your baggage. You then must exit to landside. Then to a QF/VA domestic check in desks in the SYD international terminal, over to the SYD domestic terminals or out of the airport into Sydney. There are desks/kiosks selling phones, SIM cards & phone plans just after exiting immigration (landside)
Oct 21, 2016, 6:24 pm
#77
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: LAX/FAO
Posts: 355
Do you mean the international to international transfer desk/door?
If arriving into Australia by international you must go through immigration, customs & quarantine with all your baggage. You then must exit to landside. Then to a QF/VA domestic check in desks in the SYD international terminal, over to the SYD domestic terminals or out of the airport into Sydney. There are desks/kiosks selling phones, SIM cards & phone plans just after exiting immigration (landside)
If arriving into Australia by international you must go through immigration, customs & quarantine with all your baggage. You then must exit to landside. Then to a QF/VA domestic check in desks in the SYD international terminal, over to the SYD domestic terminals or out of the airport into Sydney. There are desks/kiosks selling phones, SIM cards & phone plans just after exiting immigration (landside)
Oct 21, 2016, 6:44 pm
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,018
http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/find...610DA97F416%7d telecommunications [link may not stick]
http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/find...8C70DBE52C2%7d Find Facilities & service [link may not stick]
Or wait until you are in a place with more retail outlets with more choice
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Oct 21, 2016 at 9:20 pm Reason: added link
Oct 21, 2016, 7:24 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: LAX/FAO
Posts: 355
Yes https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/find/airport-maps.aspx
Or wait unitil you are in a place with more retail outlets with more choice
Or wait unitil you are in a place with more retail outlets with more choice
Oct 24, 2016, 2:16 pm
#80
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The Wild West
Posts: 1,334
Do you mean the international to international transfer desk/door?
If arriving into Australia by international you must go through immigration, customs & quarantine with all your baggage. You then must exit to landside. Then to a QF/VA domestic check in desks in the SYD international terminal, over to the SYD domestic terminals or out of the airport into Sydney. There are desks/kiosks selling phones, SIM cards & phone plans just after exiting immigration (landside)
If arriving into Australia by international you must go through immigration, customs & quarantine with all your baggage. You then must exit to landside. Then to a QF/VA domestic check in desks in the SYD international terminal, over to the SYD domestic terminals or out of the airport into Sydney. There are desks/kiosks selling phones, SIM cards & phone plans just after exiting immigration (landside)
Nov 28, 2017, 10:32 pm
#81
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Jose CA
Posts: 1,100
Sydney / Telstra / $15 for 15 GB
After exiting baggage claim at the Sydney international terminal, I noticed that were were around 7-10 shops selling SIM cards in the arrivals hall. This included Vodaphone, Telstra, no-name MVNO kiosks, and SIM booths inside of other shops. At a kiosk next to the sliding glass doors leading outside, I bought a Telstra SIM that's good for a year, includes 15 GB and credit for phone calls that I ignored. The SIM and data cost $20 AUD, roughly $15. The woman at the kiosk activated it, installed it in my phone, and I was up in running in about 10 minutes. So far, I've used half a gig of data and have had zero problems. It's worked in Sydney, Brisbane, and when tethered to my laptop.
15GB for $15 seems so outrageously cheap. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, like "Oh, you wanted to access a social media site? We have and add-on package...." But nothing like that; so far, it's been flawless.
15GB for $15 seems so outrageously cheap. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, like "Oh, you wanted to access a social media site? We have and add-on package...." But nothing like that; so far, it's been flawless.
Last edited by boberonicus; Nov 28, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Dec 11, 2017, 3:01 am
#84
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
Mobile phone SIM card with internet package (Australia)?
Hi Guys,
I am new the Australia and I don't have that much knowledge about the mobile plans here. I used Kogan mobile service for last 2 months and now I am looking for a combo plan of mobile data and talk time, I am very confused which is better. Can anyone help me out with this situation?
I am new the Australia and I don't have that much knowledge about the mobile plans here. I used Kogan mobile service for last 2 months and now I am looking for a combo plan of mobile data and talk time, I am very confused which is better. Can anyone help me out with this situation?
Dec 11, 2017, 10:20 am
#85
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
Welcome to FT.
Could you provide some additional info so that those that know the networks better can advise you.
How much data & talk time do you need?
What part of Australia do you reside in and/or will you travel to?
Contract vs Prepaid monthly?
Have phone? If so, what kind? Want to buy a phone for service?
Do you need roaming options for international travel?
Could you provide some additional info so that those that know the networks better can advise you.
How much data & talk time do you need?
What part of Australia do you reside in and/or will you travel to?
Contract vs Prepaid monthly?
Have phone? If so, what kind? Want to buy a phone for service?
Do you need roaming options for international travel?
Last edited by EmailKid; Dec 11, 2017 at 3:29 pm Reason: moot after move
Dec 23, 2017, 6:50 am
#87
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
One of the better forums on this Australian SIMs is:
Whirlpool Forums
As a visitor to Australia, I often go with Amaysim which uses the Optus network and is fine for my needs.
Jan 15, 2018, 6:04 pm
#89
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tampere
Programs: BA EC Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,237
Lebara
Now sitting at Melbourne airport; leaving Oz in a few hours. I needed a SIM specifically for data, in the iPhone and tethering two laptops. I'm now burning up the last MBs of the great pre-paid Lebara deal I got. Normally $29.95 for 5 GB, there is a special offer of half-price plus 10 GB bonus data. Valid for 30 days. I'd say that 15 GB of data for AUD 15 is pretty hard to beat. Didn't go to any rural areas but the signal was good 4G in Sydney, Darwin and Melbourne.
Jan 15, 2018, 8:33 pm
#90
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 969
Now sitting at Melbourne airport; leaving Oz in a few hours. I needed a SIM specifically for data, in the iPhone and tethering two laptops. I'm now burning up the last MBs of the great pre-paid Lebara deal I got. Normally $29.95 for 5 GB, there is a special offer of half-price plus 10 GB bonus data. Valid for 30 days. I'd say that 15 GB of data for AUD 15 is pretty hard to beat. Didn't go to any rural areas but the signal was good 4G in Sydney, Darwin and Melbourne.