Buying a Mobile Sim Card in Australia

Like any other country sim cards in Australia can be either prepaid of post paid. There are numerous service providers in this space with the big ones being Vodafone, Optus and Telstra. A lot of other service providers like Lebara and Amayasim are usually re-sellers of one of the bigger services, however at times provide simpler and cost effective plans.

Australia uses the 900MHz and 1800MHz GSM bands for mobile phones. Before you arrive in Australia check that your phone will work on these bands.

Data-Only SIM Cards: If you’re only interested in using mobile data, many providers offer data-only plans, ideal for tablets, hotspots, or mobile data needs.

Where to Buy

1. Airports: You can purchase SIM cards at major airports like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. However, prices may be higher, and options might be limited.
2. Mobile Provider Stores: Visit stores of major providers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone for a wide range of plans and better deals.
3. Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: Many convenience stores and supermarkets sell prepaid SIM cards.
4. Online: Order a SIM card online from providers’ websites or platforms like Sim Options and have it delivered to your address.

International travellers can activate sim cards purchased in Australia using their name, passport number and an Australian address (hotel or hostel address is acceptable)

Major Providers

Australia has several SIM card providers offering a range of plans to suit different needs. Here are some of the major providers:

1. Telstra: Known for extensive coverage, especially in rural areas. Offers various prepaid and postpaid plans.
2. Optus: Provides good coverage and competitive pricing. Offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans.
3. Vodafone: Known for affordable plans and good coverage in urban areas. Offers both prepaid and postpaid options.
4. Amaysim: Offers flexible prepaid plans with no lock-in contracts, using the Optus network.
5. Boost Mobile: Uses the Telstra network and offers a range of prepaid plans with generous data allowances.
6. Lebara: Known for affordable international call rates, using the Vodafone network.
7. Lycamobile: Offers competitive rates for international calls, using the Telstra network.

Call Rates

Call rates are not standardised in Australia and every service provider/plan may have a different call rate. In general most call rates will charge an initial flagfall for connecting the call and then charge for every minute.

Here are some general insights:

1. Local Calls: Many providers offer plans with unlimited local calls. If not, they may charge a connection fee (flagfall) plus a cost per minute.
2. International Calls: Rates for international calls vary by country and provider. Some plans include international call allowances, while others charge a connection fee and a per-minute rate.
3. Special Numbers:
   • Calls to ’13’ and ‘1300’ numbers may be included in some plans or charged at a fixed rate.
   • Calls to ’18’ or ‘1800’ numbers are generally free, but some providers may charge for these calls.
   • Mobile premium services (using ’19’ numbers) cost more than standard calls and texts.

A prepaid sim with unlimited national calls and SMS with 2 GB of 3G monthly data could start from around $25 per month. These can be purchased almost at any convenience stores for as low as $2. After purchasing a prepaid sim card, it has to be activated online through a simple process that may ask for one identification document.