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
Dec 26, 2019, 7:36 pm
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,022
Does not seem much at ADL. Try the news agent (NewsLink)
https://www.adelaideairport.com.au/e...njoy/shopping/
https://www.optus.com.au/shop/stores Type in Adelaide Airport:--. nothing shows
But if you are just transiting ADL will be easy to buy at MEL. At MEL the telco shops are the T2 international arrivals (ground level)
MEL has a 1 minute pick up zone for cars in front of T3-T2
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/...p-dropping-off
Click "Pick-up (1 & 10 minutes) "
https://www.adelaideairport.com.au/e...njoy/shopping/
https://www.optus.com.au/shop/stores Type in Adelaide Airport:--. nothing shows
But if you are just transiting ADL will be easy to buy at MEL. At MEL the telco shops are the T2 international arrivals (ground level)
MEL has a 1 minute pick up zone for cars in front of T3-T2
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/...p-dropping-off
Click "Pick-up (1 & 10 minutes) "
Dec 26, 2019, 7:43 pm
#152
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
The main carriers usually have promotions or sales in summer.
But not sure if the shops at the airports would carry those.
MVNOs at a given time may also have better deals.
I just got back from NZ where Skinny, an MVNO of Spark, the biggest carrier, was offering double the data for top ups in December so I got 24 GB instead of 12 GB for 46 NZD.
And I used almost all that data in 2 weeks. Some motels really had poor wifi.
What I did last time was to check the websites of Woolworth and other chain supermarkets to look at their weekly ads, where they often show prepaid data deals for a given week. Also check the sites of the carriers.
But not sure if the shops at the airports would carry those.
MVNOs at a given time may also have better deals.
I just got back from NZ where Skinny, an MVNO of Spark, the biggest carrier, was offering double the data for top ups in December so I got 24 GB instead of 12 GB for 46 NZD.
And I used almost all that data in 2 weeks. Some motels really had poor wifi.
What I did last time was to check the websites of Woolworth and other chain supermarkets to look at their weekly ads, where they often show prepaid data deals for a given week. Also check the sites of the carriers.
Dec 26, 2019, 9:23 pm
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,022
In my opinion the airport telco booths do not have all deals.
The 2 main supermarkets Coles & Woolworths have a stand with SIM cards and various plans. The main players and their own MVNO offering. But need to go to a supermarket and then sign up on line to activate. An 100 point ID check is required by the Au government before a SIM is activated. A poster in this forum had issues with that. The guys in the airport booth just make it happen
If aztimm still the SIM / phone number from last year it may be able to be re-activated on line. That would be the easiest and may get a better deal than at the airport.
The 2 main supermarkets Coles & Woolworths have a stand with SIM cards and various plans. The main players and their own MVNO offering. But need to go to a supermarket and then sign up on line to activate. An 100 point ID check is required by the Au government before a SIM is activated. A poster in this forum had issues with that. The guys in the airport booth just make it happen
If aztimm still the SIM / phone number from last year it may be able to be re-activated on line. That would be the easiest and may get a better deal than at the airport.
Dec 27, 2019, 3:41 am
#154
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
Note that you seem to be exempt from many of the I'd requirements if you buy by credit card:
https://www.acma.gov.au/id-checks-prepaid-mobiles
https://www.acma.gov.au/id-checks-prepaid-mobiles
Jan 23, 2020, 9:07 am
#155
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
I had to do the registration myself (I just used the WiFi in the Qantas lounge), and it did ask for my passport info. Initially I hadn't put my middle name and got an error, when I put it in I was successful. So evidently the data is shared.
Initially I was assigned a phone number for Sydney, but then it switched to an Australian mobile number. I had texted some friends, and they were confused as the number switched. But it settled after that. In looking online, others had posted that this also happened to them with Optus SIM cards.
Jan 23, 2020, 1:21 pm
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,022
General on line offers--> https://www.optus.com.au/shop/mobile/prepaid/plans
May have been like this (ends 02/02/2020) [but not exactly the same as aztimm purchased: that was a good deal]
https://www.optus.com.au/prepaid/tra...p;gclsrc=aw.ds
60GB on your first recharge.
28 days expiry.
New tourist customers only.
$25 SIM discount offer ends 2/2/20.
35GB on 2nd and 3rd recharges.
Where can I buy the Traveller SIM?
The Traveller SIM is exclusive to travellers only and is available for purchase in selected stores only. List of available Optus stores below.
Yes Optus Brisbane International Airport
Yes Optus Gold Coast Airport
Yes Optus Melbourne Airport
Yes Optus Perth Airport
Yes Optus Sydney International Airport Kiosk
Yes Optus Sydney International Airport
Also available in selected airport stores such as WH Smith, awpl and NewsLink.
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jan 23, 2020 at 2:53 pm Reason: Yesterdays software downgrade making links and formatting more difficult.
Jan 23, 2020, 6:23 pm
#158
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
The shop was on the same side of the terminal as the Qantas lounge, just a little before (as you are coming from security).
Coverage was fine. I didn't go way out to the bush or anything... Mostly in/around Melbourne (also out to Portsea and Coldstream/Healsville area), Brisbane, and Adelaide/the area near Star of Greece. We used Optus on our last trip too, and coverage was good except when we went way out of Cairns (it worked out on the reef, mostly).
Jan 23, 2020, 9:52 pm
#159
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,022
Guessing it was the NewsLink shop
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewsLink
Owned by https://www.lagardere-traspac.com/en/locations-0
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewsLink
Owned by https://www.lagardere-traspac.com/en/locations-0
Jan 28, 2020, 7:57 am
#160
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,969
Well, as Mwenenzi said, there are quite a few vendors at SYD after existing customs. I ended up not buying one with any of them (even though one of the vendors gave me a $2 starter SIM for both Vodafone and Optus). Ended up going to the Aldi store and bought the $5 SIM (with $5 credit + 0.02 credit card surcharge).
The sign up process was a little painful as the site did not support non-AU address or phone and made it sound like it would take a while. I gave the hotel's address and phone. Then I got an e-mail within 2 minutes saying it was ready. The phone shows Telstra. iMessage did not kick in right away and it took maybe another 30 minutes.
The T&C says 365 days after each reload. Since I am a "walk around the city aimlessly and take pictures" kind of traveller and not big with social media, I used less than $0.50 of data
Now I have to go back before it expires (or add more money in about a year)
The sign up process was a little painful as the site did not support non-AU address or phone and made it sound like it would take a while. I gave the hotel's address and phone. Then I got an e-mail within 2 minutes saying it was ready. The phone shows Telstra. iMessage did not kick in right away and it took maybe another 30 minutes.
The T&C says 365 days after each reload. Since I am a "walk around the city aimlessly and take pictures" kind of traveller and not big with social media, I used less than $0.50 of data
Now I have to go back before it expires (or add more money in about a year)
May 5, 2020, 2:24 am
#161
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 8
You could also get a freemobile from France to have 25 GB of data for just 19.99
You can select it
for 1 month and throw the sim after it away.
Look at the free machines in magpresse shops or freeshops. All you need is a credit card and email address. In 5 minutes you will have it.
Free is a travelsim you can also travel with it to Algeria Canada Mexiko America and so on...
https://mobile.free.fr/couverture/borne_interactive.html
Here is a YouTubevideo whare a Russian guy is buying it in France you can also roam in Russia with it as well. It is the best Globalsim I've seen
https://youtu.be/J9icjEvSB1c
Here you can see the supported country's
https://mobile.free.fr/assistance/freeroaming.html
You can select it
for 1 month and throw the sim after it away.
Look at the free machines in magpresse shops or freeshops. All you need is a credit card and email address. In 5 minutes you will have it.
Free is a travelsim you can also travel with it to Algeria Canada Mexiko America and so on...
https://mobile.free.fr/couverture/borne_interactive.html
Here is a YouTubevideo whare a Russian guy is buying it in France you can also roam in Russia with it as well. It is the best Globalsim I've seen
https://youtu.be/J9icjEvSB1c
Here you can see the supported country's
https://mobile.free.fr/assistance/freeroaming.html