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
Jan 15, 2018, 8:54 pm
#91
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
That sounds great but online is tricky. I ordered a SIM online for Telstra a year ago to deliver to the Sydney hotel but they wanted a signature for a 10 AUD SIM. Real PITA.
The other day I was trying to register for an Opal account but they will only let you register if you have an Australian mobile number.
So Australian companies seem to have little interest in accommodating foreign tourists.
The other day I was trying to register for an Opal account but they will only let you register if you have an Australian mobile number.
So Australian companies seem to have little interest in accommodating foreign tourists.
Jan 15, 2018, 9:36 pm
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,012
That sounds great but online is tricky. I ordered a SIM online for Telstra a year ago to deliver to the Sydney hotel but they wanted a signature for a 10 AUD SIM. Real PITA.
The other day I was trying to register for an Opal account but they will only let you register if you have an Australian mobile number.
So Australian companies seem to have little interest in accommodating foreign tourists.
The other day I was trying to register for an Opal account but they will only let you register if you have an Australian mobile number.
So Australian companies seem to have little interest in accommodating foreign tourists.
AUD$10 is too much for a local SIM card. Are $2 in any Aussie supermarket, including Telstra
Jan 15, 2018, 9:56 pm
#93
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
How about if you want a lot of data and want the best connection possible?
I visited in November 2016 and Telstra had a real good deal going on.
I'm going back in a little over a week. Telstra has this offer but it's confusing how the bonus data works, whether you just get it outright or you have to top up at least once to get it:
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-ph...im-starter-kit
I visited in November 2016 and Telstra had a real good deal going on.
I'm going back in a little over a week. Telstra has this offer but it's confusing how the bonus data works, whether you just get it outright or you have to top up at least once to get it:
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-ph...im-starter-kit
Jan 15, 2018, 10:42 pm
#94
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,012
How about if you want a lot of data and want the best connection possible?
I visited in November 2016 and Telstra had a real good deal going on.
I'm going back in a little over a week. Telstra has this offer but it's confusing how the bonus data works, whether you just get it outright or you have to top up at least once to get it:
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-ph...im-starter-kit
I visited in November 2016 and Telstra had a real good deal going on.
I'm going back in a little over a week. Telstra has this offer but it's confusing how the bonus data works, whether you just get it outright or you have to top up at least once to get it:
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-ph...im-starter-kit
It is hard to get a true comparison. https://www.whistleout.com.au/
Coverage 4G/3G in built up - populated - metropolitan areas all 3 providers (Telstra, Optus & Vodaphone) is OK.
All others are just resellers. Some IT phone companies have several/many brands
If out in the bush / remote areas Telstra have the best coverage. But not 100% of the land area. But high 90's of where people are (~small towns).
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jan 15, 2018 at 11:11 pm
Jan 15, 2018, 11:30 pm
#95
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
Well I'm going to be spending time in Torquay, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Halls Gap and Ballarat.
I figure Halls Gap and some of the lookouts further away from HG would have marginal or maybe even no coverage.
Not sure about the coastal areas, but they draw huge crowds right, especially Port Campbell and most of the GOR? So one would hope there's good coverage there.
I figure Halls Gap and some of the lookouts further away from HG would have marginal or maybe even no coverage.
Not sure about the coastal areas, but they draw huge crowds right, especially Port Campbell and most of the GOR? So one would hope there's good coverage there.
Jan 15, 2018, 11:39 pm
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,012
Well I'm going to be spending time in Torquay, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Halls Gap and Ballarat.
I figure Halls Gap and some of the lookouts further away from HG would have marginal or maybe even no coverage.
Not sure about the coastal areas, but they draw huge crowds right, especially Port Campbell and most of the GOR? So one would hope there's good coverage there.
I figure Halls Gap and some of the lookouts further away from HG would have marginal or maybe even no coverage.
Not sure about the coastal areas, but they draw huge crowds right, especially Port Campbell and most of the GOR? So one would hope there's good coverage there.
Have not been to Halls Gap for years, but would expect to have to coverage in the valley where where the buildings are. Up in the hills/walks my be scratchy coverage in places.
https://www.whistleout.com.au/Mobile...overage-in-vic
Coverage: Vodaphone is poor at Halls Gap VIC 3381 (no surprise)
https://www.whistleout.com.au/Mobile...1&tab=postpaid
Telstra Enter "Halls Gap 3381" https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-...s/our-coverage
Halls Gap is a nice area
Halls Gap, Destinations, Grampians, Victoria, Australia
https://visithallsgap.com.au/
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jan 15, 2018 at 11:54 pm
Feb 4, 2018, 12:43 am
#97
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 6
I'd recommend Telstra, it's a little pricey but for short trips the coverage, reliability and performance really pay off. You can grab them at Woolworths or Coles supermarkets. One gotcha is that Australia requires identification by passport when signing up online, so budget some time.
Feb 4, 2018, 3:40 am
#98
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,156
I would suggest checking out something like the forums on Whirlpool - you'll get a lot more information on questions like this there, especially for questions that aren't really travel related.
Feb 5, 2018, 1:42 pm
#99
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: most of them
Posts: 3,283
I often refer to the Prepaid SIM wiki for answers to questions like this. It seems like Australia has a lot of convoluted plans though.
Feb 5, 2018, 2:38 pm
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,012
I often refer to the Prepaid SIM wiki for answers to questions like this. It seems like Australia has a lot of convoluted plans though.
There are comparison web sites, including, but not limited to
https://www.whistleout.com.au/
http://youcompare.com.au
http://whatphone.com.au
And yes, AU phone/data/internet plans are convoluted & confusing
Edit
Master thread--->Prepaid SIM (Data or Voice) - Australia
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Mar 26, 2019 at 2:50 am
Apr 30, 2018, 1:46 pm
#101
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: most of them
Posts: 3,283
anyone ever use the Telstra wifi network? I see one of the included benefits to their SIM cards is use of their wifi hot spots. For a city like Melbourne it looks like their hotspots cover all of downtown. How seamless is it? Do I have to log in to a new hot spot every time I move or does the app automatically connect me to the best hotspot option as I go?
May 18, 2018, 8:46 pm
#102
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Any ongoing specials in MEL? Will be heading there next week.
Tempted to just pick up a mifi so I could share it with a few devices, but those don't look so cheap.
Think its best to buy in the airport or downtown/docklands? Looking for a couple gigs for a week.
Tempted to just pick up a mifi so I could share it with a few devices, but those don't look so cheap.
Think its best to buy in the airport or downtown/docklands? Looking for a couple gigs for a week.
May 18, 2018, 9:21 pm
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,012
Look at the links info in above posts
May 24, 2018, 12:45 am
#104
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Got what seemed like a good deal at the Woolworths $10 for 10 gb of data and 10 days of service.
Went to activate online. Twice. Failed to validate.
Just tried the online chat for a half hour.
Khushbu: You cannot activate it in your name, due to international passport as it is rejecting ID check.
Just want to be able to navigate tomorrow.
Jun 21, 2018, 12:37 pm
#105
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: BA, Virgin, Lufthansa
Posts: 183
Data SIM for Australia
Any recommendations for a data only SIM provider for Australia?
Going to be spending most of August there - my current carrier (Three) allows me to use my data allowance for free but it's going to be slow as all the traffic will be routed via the UK.
So I'm looking for a local SIM that I can put in my MiFi
Thanks
Going to be spending most of August there - my current carrier (Three) allows me to use my data allowance for free but it's going to be slow as all the traffic will be routed via the UK.
So I'm looking for a local SIM that I can put in my MiFi
Thanks