melbourne travel sim card

Buying a Sim Card at Melbourne Airport in 2024

Traveling to Melbourne and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Melbourne International Airport on arrival? This is a complete guide for finding the best way to stay connected on your trip to Melbourne and finding the perfect Australia sim card for you.

Find out where to buy a sim card at Melbourne Airport, up to date prices as per January 2024, my recommendation, the best e-sim cards for Australia, a vlog about my arrival, more info about international sim cards and everything else you need to know.

Making sure I stay connected is one of my main priorities when planning a trip. Mostly these days I order an e-sim card online. If not, a local prepaid sim card is a great substitute and depending how much Gigabyte you need, prepaid sim cards are even cheaper. 

Forget about high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming plans. Find your prepaid or e-sim card with big data bundles and the best 4G/5G network connection.

Traveltomtom would like to visit every country in the world  and everywhere I go I document what is the best way to stay connected. That is how on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Sydney , Brisbane , Auckland ,  Hong Kong , Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur, Thailand , Bangkok ,  Indonesia , Bali ,  USA , New York , Turkey , Qatar , Dubai , London , Europe , Asia , Singapore , Hong Kong , Vietnam  and many more.

I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Australia in 2024 with a comparison of all the mobile internet providers and their 4G/5G coverage maps. Thos who are explicitly looking for e-sims check out my guide for the best e-sim cards for traveling to Australia in 2024 .

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me!

My recommendation

The best prepaid sim card deal for tourists at Melbourne Airport is an Optus sim card. Compared to Telstra and Vodafone they prepaid sim card deals they offer the best value.

For a trip to Melbourne that is totally fine. However, if you are going to travel around Australia Traveltomtom recommends a Telstra prepaid sim card. You can also buy a Telstra prepaid sim card at Melbourne Airport, though slightly more expensive.

Why is Telstra the best prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024 ? Check out my complete guide and explanation in the link.

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Traveltomtom definitely recommends using e-sim cards when traveling to Australia. E-sim cards are so easy and convenient and with an installed e-sim card for Australia on your phone you are online as soon as the plane lands. More info below.

Recommended e-sim providers for Australia are:  SimOptions , Airalo and  Nomad .

If you travel to multiple countries on your trip to the Pacific then it is worth looking into an international travel sim card. Check out my article about the best world sim cards with data in 2024  and find the one that covers the countries of your trip to for example Australia and New Zealand.

Best e-sim cards for Australia

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Australia in 2024. But keep in mind they only work in e-sim compatible phones.

If your phone is e-sim compatible then you simply order an e-sim card for Australia on the internet, process the payment, receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and you are connected in just a couple clicks.

If this raises a lot of questions then check out my complete guide with everything you need to know about using e-sim cards when traveling to Australia in 2024 , including a comparison of the best available tourist e-sim cards.

There are many e-sim providers on the internet, below you can find my recommendations. All trusted, tested and reviewed by Traveltomtom personally. 

Airalo is a trusted e-sim card provider and they have the following Australia e-sim card plans. Here are the Airalo data-only e-sim card plans for Australia for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Australia from Airalo .

The Airalo e-sim cards for Australia are from Yes! Go! and they operate on the Optus 4G/LTE network.

SimOptions is another trusted e-sim card provider. They sell international e-sim cards that are valid in up to 130 countries around the world.

Here are the international e-sim card plans from SimOptions for 2024: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $9.90 USD
• 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD

SimOptions also sells the e-sim cards from Three HK that are valid in Australia as well.

• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Click here to order an international e-sim card for Australia via SimOptions .

A third trusted e-sim card provider is Nomad and they offer also e-sim card plans for Australia. Here are the Nomad 4G/LTE e-sim card plans for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD

Nomad also offers 5G ready e-sim cards for Australia.

• 30 GB data for 30 days = $80 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $110 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $125 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Australia from Nomad .

Before ordering an e-sim card make sure your phone is unlocked and e-sim compatible otherwise an e-sim card won’t work on your phone.

For a more detailed comparison of the best e-sim cards for Australia in 2024  click on the link for my guide, including all FAQ’s about e-sim cards.

Melbourne Airport

A very modern and easy to navigate airport. International flights all arrival in Terminal 2 and when walking out you are greeted by huge letters saying MELBOURNE. There is only one exit into a spacious arrival hall. Melbourne Airport is not as busy as most airports in Asia, Europe and the USA.

Where to buy a sim card at Melbourne Airport

Buying a prepaid sim card for Australia on arrival at Melbourne Airport is very easy. There are 3 different stores and you can not miss them.

On your left hand side when walking into the arrival hall you will see Welcome Center. This store sells prepaid sim cards from Telstra and Boost. If you are Chinese or Vietnamese speaking this is your place to buy a sim card as they also offer services in these languages. The Welcome Center is NOT an official Telstra retail store, just a reseller.

The Welcome Center store is open from 06.00 am till 02.00 pm and from 5.30 pm till midnight.

On your right hand side you will find the official retail stores of Vodafone and Optus. These stores are both open from 6.30 am till 23.30 pm. All sim card shops at Melbourne Airport accept international credit cards payments.

If you arrive outside the opening hours there is also a vending machine for sim cards behind the Optus shop.

Prices Australia sim cards at Melbourne Airport

Mind you that prices and packages change constantly. Traveltomtom tries to keep this article as up to date as possible. New input in the comments below is always appreciated. Prices below are in Australian Dollar and per January 2024: $1 AUD = 0.68 USD and $1 USD is $1.48 AUD.

Buying a Boost sim card is only recommended when staying in Melbourne city. Their network is very limited outside the city and therefore not recommended for traveling in Australia.

• 40 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $30 AUD - $20 USD
• 55 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $40 AUD
• 140 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $200 AUD - $137 USD
• 260 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $300 AUD

A prepaid Telstra sim card is free when buying one of the below data packages:

• 30 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $30 AUD - $20 USD
• 40 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $40 AUD
• 200 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $300 AUD - $200 USD

Telstra has the best 4G/5G network coverage in Australia, see my guide for the best prepaid sim card in Australia in 2024 .

At the Vodafone store they offer a wide range of prepaid sim cards for Australia:

• 4 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 7 days = $10 AUD - $7 USD
• 8 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $20 AUD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $25 AUD - $17 USD
• 150 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $150 AUD

Vodafone is the most flexible when it comes to picking the right data package for your trip to Australia. Some have international minutes included as well, see the photo above for more info.

At Optus they only offer 2 prepaid sim cards for tourists at Melbourne Airport. They offer a 4G and a 5G sim card deal:

• 60 GB data (4G/LTE) + unlimited calls/text for 30 days = $25 AUD - $17 USD
• 60 GB data (5G ready) + unlimited calls/text for 30 days = $60 AUD

International minutes are also included to 35 different countries and unlimited international minutes to another 15 countries, see the photo above.

Best prepaid sim card Melbourne Airport

Traveltomtom always recommends buying a prepaid sim card from an official retail store and therefore the Welcome Center is not my first recommendation. However, for Chinese and Vietnamese speaking travelers this store is great as they have everything in Vietnamese and Chinese as well.

Although Telstra has the strongest 4G/5G coverage in Australia the prices for Telstra prepaid sim cards are also slightly more expensive or at least you get less data for the same money.

If you really want 5G then Vodafone claims to offer 5G on all their data packages and Optus only gives you 5G when you pay double the price. Mind you that the 5G network in Australia is still pretty limited to the cities.

Vodafone has the widest range of prepaid sim cards and the cheapest prepaid sim card deals for tourists. That said Vodafone has the weakest 4G/5G mobile data network in Australia.

For more info on the best 4G/5G network and a comparison of the best prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024 check my article in the link.

My conclusion for the best prepaid sim card for Australia at Melbourne Airport is an Optus prepaid sim card. They offer 60 GB data for $25 AUD which is about $17 USD only. The Optus 4G/LTE network coverage is stronger than the Vodafone network.

However, if you are going to travel around Australia then you simply want a Telstra sim card, trust me.

When comparing e-sim cards for Australia with local prepaid sim cards Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that local prepaid sim cards offer more value for money. Meaning if you need a lot of Gigabytes then the prepaid sim card you buy in Australia are cheaper.

That said, if you just need a little bit of data then e-sim cards are the best way to stay connected when traveling to Melbourne. You arrange everything online and as soon as the plane lands you are already online and no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival.

E-sim cards from Australia already start from just $4.5 USD and for $12 USD you already get 5 GB data. Traveltomtom recommends  SimOptions , Airalo and  Nomad  for ordering an Australia e-sim card.

Check out my comparison of the best e-sim cards for Australia in 2024 for more detailed info.

If you are wondering what it looks like arriving at Melbourne Airport and buying a prepaid sim card for Australia on arrival then watch my vlog above.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Australia online

If your phone is not e-sim compatible then you can still order an international prepaid sim card for traveling in Australia on the internet. These sim cards are valid in multiple countries around the world. After you ordered online, a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Australia.

On arrival it is plug and play.

SimOptions offers the following physical prepaid sim card for Australia:

1. Three Data Pack - $24.90 USD

• 10 GB data-only
• Valid 30 days
• Valid in 56 countries
• Incoming/outgoing calls not supported

2. Orange Holiday World - $49.90 USD

• Valid 14 days
• Valid in124 countries
• Data allowance varies per country

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Australia directly online via SimOptions .

Also a last reminder that if your phone is e-sim compatible you can arrange everything online by simply ordering an e-sim card for Australia on the internet. Recommended e-sim providers for Australia are:  SimOptions , Airalo and  Nomad .

I hope all the above tips for buying a sim card for Australia were helpful for your upcoming trip to Melbourne. If you have any more questions then don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below and I will try to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Melbourne!

Some links in this article about the best sim cards for traveling to Melbourne are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you.

Where to find a SIM card at Melbourne airport, and which one to get

This guide is to help travellers arriving in Melbourne find where to buy a SIM card. I travel to Melbourne airport frequently for work and visit. One of the first things I do when getting out of the airport is to pick up a SIM card for my phone.

There are two shops that sell SIM cards at Melbourne Airport:

I’ve found the shops occasionally sell out of the cheaper SIM cards, or the staff were pushing me to the more expensive ones.

At Terminal 2, International Arrivals , there are 2 SIM card shops:

• Optus, which sells SIM cards for the phone carrier Optus,
• Welcome to Melbourne , which sells SIM cards for various phone providers and tickets for the bus to the city

At the Domestic Terminals (1, 3, and 4) , I’ve never been able to find a SIM card shop. Typically travellers without SIM cards arriving on domestic flights have been in transit from Sydney. If you’ve arrived with Qantas or Virgin, it’s not far to walk to the international arrivals area to buy a SIM card. Otherwise, wait until the city to buy one.

Overall, I find Optus (starting at $10) 1 to be the best option for SIM cards at Melbourne Airport . Optus typically offers coverage everywhere I travel, which usually places them above Vodafone on my list of preferences. If I know I’m going to travel extensively in rural Australia, I like to find a Telstra SIM card instead.

Alternatively, a SIM card can be bought while transiting in Sydney Airport. I’ve included how to do this in my guide to Sydney airport here: Where to find a SIM card at Sydney airport

Which SIM cards are available at Melbourne Airport?

Of the SIM cards available at Melbourne Airport, I consider which one to get based on:

• Making phone calls

Great for coverage: Telstra and Optus, each from $10 AUD

Out of the options at Melbourne Airport, the best SIM card I’ve found for coverage is the Telstra Pre-Paid max 2 , starting at $10 AUD for 7 days.

Coverage is important in Australia if you plan on travelling outside the major cities and towns. If you’re trip is limited to Melbourne, any of the major mobile phone networks (provided by Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone) will work. For other common visitor destinations:

• Great Ocean Road , in my experience Telstra and Optus work well here, while Vodafone coverage can be spotty.
• Phillip Island , all major carriers should work here.
• Grampians , all major carriers should work in the towns, but Telstra offers the best coverage on the mountains themselves.

I like to use either Telstra or Optus if I’m travelling significantly outside the larger cities and towns:

• Telstra provides the most coverage in the countryside: it covers highways, smaller towns, and many remote areas.
• Optus is the covers most highways and some of the smaller towns. Optus is typically cheaper than Telstra.

Smaller SIM card brands will use the bigger networks to offer coverage. I’ve found the better deals on these smaller SIM card brands are only available once you leave the airport.

Great for data: Optus, from $30 AUD

For visitors staying up to 90 days in Australia, I’ve found Optus to offer the best deal on data. The $30 (AUD) Optus Prepaid Epic Data SIM card includes up to 35GB of data for each 28 day period as a bonus for the first three 28-day periods - so roughly 3 months. After that it drops down to 10GB/28-days, though this isn’t a concern for most short term travellers.

Great for calls: Vodafone, $20 or $40 depending on current deals

For calls back home, Vodafone includes generous minutes with its prepaid SIM card to dozens of countries . The price for this SIM card seems to be inconsistent, either it’s $20 or $40 AUD 3 . I feel it’s a good deal at either price point if you are interested in making phone calls back home.

The Vodafone prepaid SIM includes:

• 500 minutes of calls to Singapore, Malaysia, China and territories, Japan South Korea, UK, US and territories, and many more
• 100 minutes of calls to Most of South America, Most of Europe, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and also many more

For local calls in Australia , both Telstra and Vodafone offer unlimited local calls to standard Australian phone numbers. Optus offers 100 minutes of local calls, which is enough for most people.

Is it better to buy a SIM card in Melbourne city or at the airport?

If I can afford 15 minutes in queue, I like to buy the SIM card at the airport , and I usually buy the Optus option. If I’m in a rush, I’ll buy a SIM card in the city at a convenience store.

There is often a long queue at my preferred shop, Optus, however with coffee in hand from the nearby cafe, I tend to tough it out for the 10-15 minutes it takes.

The previously mentioned Welcome to Melbourne shop has less of a queue, but I feel the staff are less helpful in terms of setting up and activating the new SIM card.

Which SIM cards are better value if bought in the city?

For better value data: coles mobile for $20 aud.

Coles, a large supermarket chain in Australia, offers a $20 AUD plan that includes 28GB of data 4 . It is valid for 35 days. Coles has a large number of shops that you can buy this SIM card from. Network coverage is the same as Optus. Unlimited local calls are available though the rates aren’t as good as Vodafone.

For calls: Stick with Vodafone

For international calls , it’s hard to beat the Vodafone prepaid deal with 500 minutes to most of the world’s population.

For local calls , Coles has a 10 day $10 AUD SIM card that includes unlimited local calls.

For longer expiry: Any

All of the SIM cards mentioned here, available in Melbourne, and Australia in general, can be topped up and have their validity extended.

Do I need ID to buy a SIM card at Melbourne Airport?

Yes, identification is required to buy a SIM card at Melbourne Airport and anywhere else in Australia. A passport is sufficient, and the address you’re staying at will also need to be supplied. An activation process may be required for the SIM. The shop that sells the SIM card can do it, or you can do it on your phone once the SIM is inserted - different SIM cards support different activation methods, it’s easy but if you’re not sure ask when buying.

Recording identification is done either when you buy the SIM card, or when you activate. If you’re not sure about the process, buy from a shop where they can help you activate the SIM card.

Is Wi-Fi available at Melbourne Airport?

Yes, Wi-FI is available at Melbourne Airport. I usually connect to it while I’m waiting for my bag or while I’m waiting in line for the customs check. The Wi-Fi can be a little slow, I’ve found it only useful for updating messages and emails; it often struggles to load news articles.

The Wi-Fi at the airport helps me update on missed news while I’m waiting for bag collection and customs. I feel these embody the Australian spirit and can be a bit slower that what I’m used to in the likes of Singapore or Hong Kong.

How to get from the airport to the city, while connected

Catching the skybus.

SkyBus is the mass-transit option for transporting people from the airport to the city. Melbourne airport does not have a train connection. Taxi and services such as Uber are available. I prefer taxi (company money) or Uber (my money), even though they don’t provide Wi-Fi. The journey takes 30-60 mins depending on where you are going in Melbourne city.

Each SkyBus has Wi-Fi on board . People tell me the service isn’t good on the bus. I usually buy a SIM card before leaving the airport, or accept that I won’t be connected. If you’re next destination is the city - the train station Southern Cross or any hotel/AirBnB in the central area - I’ve found I don’t need a map to locate a convenience store that sells SIM cards.

Uber, using the airport Wi-Fi to book

It may be possible to book an Uber using the free Wi-Fi at Melbourne Airport. I don’t like this option because:

• Wi-Fi coverage isn’t great once you leave the terminal building - Uber pickup is a short walk outside the terminal building
• Wi-Fi speed, even when connected with full signal, is unreliable and may disrupt the Uber booking process.

I haven’t tried the other ride-share options available in Melbourne. Ride share in Melbourne includes:

• DiDi, pickup at airport follows the process on their website
• Ola, also have a process on their website for airport pick up
• Taxify, not available at Melbourne Airport.

Taxis in Melbourne do not have free Wi-Fi. The convenience of going straight to my destination means that I often prefer to jump straight in a taxi rather than line up for a SIM card at the airport - especially if work is paying for the taxi ride.

Can I roam with my Australian SIM card to another country

New zealand.

Optus offers 5 days of 10GB data roaming with its prepaid sim cards for an extra $20. This is only worth it for trips to New Zealand of 5 days or less. For trips longer than 5 days, local SIM cards can be bought at most airports that have flights from Australia and further abroad.

This Optus prepaid data roaming also works in Hong Kong, Singapore, USA and UK.

Prepaid roaming credit can be added on the Optus recharge website or in an Optus shop.

Most New Zealand destinations are available by direct flight from Melbourne. Direct flights take around 3.5 hours and are available to: Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

Despite being neighbours, roaming a prepaid Australian SIM card into Indonesia is expensive.

Telstra offers a very expensive $29 AUD for 100MB of data.

Vodafone is slightly cheaper at $25 AUD for a mix of data or calls (up to 200MB data), but it only lasts 3 days. A 7 day option is available for $35 AUD.

I don’t like the idea of taking an Australian SIM card to Indonesia, especially when there are so many local options available.

From Melbourne, Indonesia is accessible directly via Bali and Jakarta.

For short trips of up to 5 days, the Optus prepaid 10GB data roaming plan is $20.

References:

Optus prepaid plans

Telstra prepaid plans

Vodafone prepaid plans

Coles mobile plans

Tags: sim-card melbourne australia

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Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.

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Best prepaid SIM card for tourists (April 2024)

These are the best prepaid SIM cards for tourists on the eve of their next Aussie sojourn.

Best SIM card in Australia for tourists overall

• Best cheap SIM card in Australia for travellers
• Best big data prepaid SIM for travellers
• Best prepaid SIM for regional coverage
• Best prepaid SIM for short stays

If you're travelling down under for a holiday, work trip or family visit, you'll want to know which is the best prepaid SIM card in Australia for your needs based on your budget, phone usage habits, coverage requirements and data needs.

Take a tip from a veteran jet-setter: though the romanticised version of a holiday abroad is one of severing all connection to the boring every day, you're still going to need at least one effective line of communication intact. There is no escape from reality. Not truly.

Whatever the case, you're going to need a good SIM plan to accompany you on your travels. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or travelling out to regional and remote areas, we've laid out options for folks with a range of needs.

We'll dive into the best best sim cards for tourists for each category in a sec, but for a quick overview of popular SIM plans that tend to suit most travellers, look at our most popular prepaid SIM plans below. 

How to buy a SIM card in Australia

What documents do tourists need to buy a sim card in australia.

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• An Australian address (or the address of the hotel you are staying at)

How good is mobile coverage in Australia?

In Australia, there are three major networks. In order of size, these are as follows:

• Telstra - 99.8%
• Optus - 98.5%
• Vodafone - 96%

There are also several dozen mobile virtual network operators ( MVNOs ), which operate on top of those three major networks. This includes providers like Boost Mobile, Belong , Amaysim, Kogan , Lebara, Mate and Felix . The full list of Australian MVNOs is as follows:

• Amaysim (acquired by Optus)
• Aussie Broadband
• Boost Mobile
• CMobile Blue
• CMobile Red
• Catch Connect
• Coles Mobile
• Dodo (owned by Vocus Group)
• Felix Mobile (TPG Telecom sub-brand)
• Gomo (Optus sub-brand)
• iiNet (acquired by TPG Telecom)
• Internode (acquired by TPG Telecom)
• Lebara Mobile (acquired by Vodafone/TPG Telecom)
• Moose Mobile

ALDI Mobile

• Belong (Telstra sub-brand)
• Tangerine Telecom
• Think Mobile
• Southern Phone
• Vaya (acquired by Amaysim/Optus)
• TPG (merged with Vodafone)

To check coverage in the area you'll be visiting in Australia, try our interactive map below.

Where to buy a SIM card in Australia?

If you're looking to buy a SIM card in Australia, you likely won't have to search far.

The airport is the first place that travellers to Australia are likely to have the chance to buy a SIM in Australia, though it isn't the only option. These Australian airports will sell you a SIM the moment you touch down:

• Adelaide Airport (ADL)
• Brisbane Airport (BNE)
• Cairns Airport (CNS)
• Canberra Airport (CBR)
• Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
• Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
• Perth Airport (PER) 
• Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) 

Of course, it's not uncommon for airport retail outlets to charge a premium for convenience. If you want a SIM card as soon as possible, you might end up paying a little bit more for it.

Fortunately, you should be able to find a prepaid SIM in many other Australian retailers, including supermarkets, newsagents, post offices and service stations. Here is a list of major retailers that sell SIM cards in Australia.

• IGA Supermarkets
• Harvey-Norman
• Officeworks
• The Good Guys
• Australia Post

Are all phones working in Australia

If your smartphone is made by a mainstream brand like Apple or Samsung, chances are it will probably work just fine in Australia. However, if you're using something a little more niche then it might be worth digging into the spec sheet to make sure it'll play nice with Australia's telecommunications infrastructure.

One thing you'll want to look out for here is whether your device is compatible with the GSM standard. Some handsets use a different standard called CDMA. If this is the case, then you might not be able to call or text on an Australian mobile network with that device.

The other big thing you might want to double-check before hopping on a plane is whether your smartphone is able to operate on the frequencies that Australia's mobile networks use.

Australia's 3G networks use the 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100Mhz frequencies.

Australia's 4G networks use the 700Mhz, 850Mhz, 900Mhz, 1800Mhz, 2100Mhz, 2300Mhz and 2600Mhz frequencies.

Australia's 5G networks use the 700Mhz, 850Mhz, 1800Mhz, 2100Mhz, 2300Mhz, 3500Mhz and 26Ghz frequencies.

Things you need to consider when deciding on what sim card to buy

If you're looking to decide on a SIM card to buy in Australia, here is a short list of things you should consider and questions to ask yourself.

• Whether it includes enough data for the duration of your stay?
• Does the network the SIM card is associated with meet your coverage requirements? For instance, if you're looking to visit rural and regional areas then Telstra is the way to go.
• Are the expiry terms appropriate? If you're only visiting for a matter of weeks then a long-expiry plan may not be the right fit.
• Will you need to call home during your stay? Picking a prepaid or postpaid plan with included calls might save you some money.

Lastly, it's worth considering whether the mobile provider associated with the prepaid SIM card can get it to you before you travel. Otherwise, you're going to have to get it delivered to a hotel or friend or go out and get it yourself.

Boost Mobile $35 Prepaid Plan

✓ how we picked the best sim card in australia for tourists: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans under $50 in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

Boost Mobile is closely allied with Australia's biggest network, Telstra. So closely allied, in fact, that they have access to the full Telstra network, which covers 99.5% of the population. Considering every other provider on the Telstra network only gets access to part of it, Boost is your best bet for mobile coverage if you don't like the idea of paying Telstra's premium prices.

 Boost Mobile plans range in size from 3GB and 260GB, with prices ranging from as little as $10 to as much as $300. Safe to say, variety is one of this provider's strengths. Boost Mobile offers a variety of plan expiry terms that go all the way up to 365-day-long expiry plans.

Our pick of the lot for travellers visiting Australia is the Boost Mobile $35 Prepaid plan. This SIM-only plan comes with unlimited calls and texts within Australia, unlimited international calls to 20 countries, and 300 minutes to an additional 30 countries. These plans last for 28 days, but if you're staying longer, whatever data you don't use will roll over to the next month.

How does this prepaid SIM card compare?

To see how that compares to other SIM plans, here are the most popular plans around $30 in Australia right now. However, keep in mind that not all of these providers offer the same coverage or international inclusions as the Boost plan above.

Best prepaid plans

If you're looking for more prepaid phone plans, make sure you check out our comprehensive guide to the best prepaid plans in Australia.

Best cheap SIM card in Australia for travellers

Lebara $19.90 extra small plan, ✓ how we picked the best cheap sim card in australia for tourists: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans under $10 in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

We see where your head is at. You've dropped a considerable chunk of money on getting Down Under and you'd much rather spend your remaining funds on the finer things. For you, we'd recommend Lebara as a budget SIM option. This provider runs on the Vodafone network for coverage.

With their Extra Small Plan, you'll get unlimited talk and text within Australia, 10GB of data, plus 5GB of bonus data for the first 3o days. And with prices starting from $19.90, it's great for the old hip pocket.

There's even better value to be had if you open the playing field up to providers that don't offer international calls, but keep in mind some of these SIM plans might not be easy to find at an airport or convenience store. Here are the most popular no-contract plans under $15 in Australia.

Vodafone $40 prepaid SIM Starter Pack

From $14.99

Belong SIM Starter Pack

From $35.00

Telstra Prepaid SIM Starter $10

*Pricing and deals only accurate as of last page update. 

Best big-data SIM card for travellers in Australia

Amaysim unlimited 120gb plan, ✓ how we picked the best big-data sim card for travellers in australia: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers and at least 120GB We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

 If you're after both data  and  some international calls, amaysim is pretty hard to beat.

You're going to need a lot of data to share all those happy snaps and Instagram stories, and if you're a particularly heavy data user, you'll need a plan that can keep up with your needs. Each of the Amaysim plans in the widget above comes with a healthy dose of data, unlimited talk and text in Oz, and unlimited international calls and texts to 42 countries. It also runs on the Optus network, which is Australia's second-largest.

For real data gluttons, you'll want to go with the Amaysim Unlimited 120GB plan. You'll get a generous 120GB of data to use, but this gets boosted pretty often with frequent bonus data deals. 

If you're happy to go without international calls, there are even better deals to be had for data lovers. Here are the most popular contract-free plans offering at least 75GB of data. There's often special offers on too, meaning you can nab a great deal while you're Down Under.

Best SIM card for regional coverage in Australia

✓ how we picked the best sim card for regional coverage in australia: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans under $30 in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

You'll not have too big a head-scratching decision with this one. Telstra and Boost Mobile plans are the only two providers available that offer access to the full Telstra network, and you'll need that if you're going to go bush. With that in mind, there are plenty of different plans to choose from, depending on your budget and data needs. Both providers' plans offer some international calls, but only Boost offers unlimited international calls - Telstra only comes with 30 international minutes.

Our pick of the lot for travellers visiting Australia is the Boost Mobile $35 prepaid mobile plan. This SIM-only plan comes with unlimited calls and texts within Australia, unlimited international calls to 20 countries, and 300 minutes to an additional 30 countries.

With that in mind, here are all of Telstra and Boost Mobile's Upfront and prepaid plans, sorted by popularity. Just be aware that Telstra Upfront plans auto-renew at the start of each month, so you'll need to cancel it before you leave. 

Best SIM card for short stays in Australia

Amaysim $10 7-day unlimited plan, ✓ how we picked the best sim card for short stays in australia: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans with 7-day expiry in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

If you're only in Oz for a short stay, you'll be happy to hear you don't have to settle with a more expensive 28 or 30-day plan like those listed above. Both Optus and amaysim (which both run on the Optus network) offer shorter-term prepaid plans.

Our top pick is Amaysim's $10 7-day UNLIMITED Plan, which comes with 10GB of data, unlimited talk and text in Australia and even unlimited international calls to 42 countries.

If you'd rather go day-to-day, Optus's Flex plans include a $1 per day subscription plan or $7 per 7 days, each offering 1GB data per day and unlimited Australian talk in text. On the downside, there are no international call inclusions.

How we choose the best prepaid SIM cards for tourists and travellers visiting Australia

Every tourist's needs are going to be different, however, here's a quick rundown of what we consider the most important plan features.

Our picks are centred on prepaid or no-contract SIMs only with a maximum expiry of 30 days. This is where you can get the most value for money while avoiding any fine print cancellation fees or surcharges for going over your allotted amount of call time or data usage. Trust us ⁠— there's nothing worse than coming back home to find your bank account has taken a hit from holiday expenses and some fees you were up until now blissfully unaware of.

We also focused on options that have wide availability at Australian international airports and major convenience stores, as well as international call inclusions and foreign-language customer support.

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists FAQs

Does australia have prepaid sim cards.

Mobile providers in Australia will provide you with a prepaid SIM card when you sign up for a plan. Some providers also offer eSIM.

Can the best sim cards for tourists be used worldwide?

If you want to use your phone overseas, your best bet is to ensure you have affordable global roaming.

Otherwise, consider purchasing a SIM at your overseas destination.

Which is the best network in Australia?

Australia has three major phone networks: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Telstra is our oldest telecom and covers 99.5% of the Australian population. Optus isn't far behind with 98.5% coverage, and Vodafone is in third with about 96%.

If getting good reception during your holiday is important to you, Telstra (or a provider that uses the Telstra network, like Boost Mobile and Aldi Mobile) is your best bet. However, if you're on a budget or are sticking to mainly metropolitan areas and large regional centres, Optus, Vodafone, and other providers that run on their respective networks (like Amaysim and Lebara) are generally much cheaper. There's no clear-cut "best" network in Australia - it's more a matter of what's most important to you: Coverage or cost.

Can an unlocked phone use a prepaid SIM card in Australia?

If you're a tourist and you're having issues with a prepaid SIM card in Australia, there's a chance that your mobile might be locked to a specific network. Fortunately, most Australian mobile providers (with Telstra being the big exception) are able to unlock your device for free if you ask nicely.

Can I switch to a different prepaid SIM card or mobile plan in Australia

Yep. Swapping between prepaid and SIM-only plans in Australia is as simple as signing up for a new plan and trading out the physical SIM card inside your device.

Tourists can also change prepaid plans via eSIM, depending on the provider.

What documents do you need to buy a prepaid SIM card in Australia?

Unless you're buying it online, you won't need any special documents to buy a prepaid SIM card in Australia. however, you may need additional documentation when it comes to activating your tourist SIM such as your full name, passport number and the Australian address where you'll be staying.

Where to get eSIM in Australia

There are a number of mobile providers in Australia that offer eSIM. If you're visiting Australia, chances are you'd prefer to go prepaid. The list of providers that offer eSIM include felix, Lebara and amaysim.

How long does an Australian SIM card last?

An Australian SIM card should last as long as the terms of your plan dictate. For instance, those on a mobile plan with 30 day expiry will have that long to use the inclusions involved.

What happens if I don't recharge my prepaid SIM?

If your Australian SIM card has no data, talk or text on it, it's likely only a matter of time until your mobile provider will disconnect that number. The length of this can vary between providers. For example, Telstra will give tourists on an expired prepaid plan six months grace to recharge before they kick you off the network.

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Complete Guide to Australian Tourist Sim Card & Data Plans 2024

Choosing an Australian Tourist sim card can be confusing, to say the least. We have decided it was time to answer the questions we regularly get in our Facebook group. If you have any more questions, pop over to the group and let us know.

You want to stay in contact with the people you love when you’re travelling to Australia, and that usually means working out the best options for buying a sim card in Australia and discovering which data plan will suit you best. If you’re trying to decide between different travel sims in Australia, then here’s how to make the best choice for your trip.

Is your phone compatible with the Aussie network?

Buying a sim card in australia, mobile virtual network operators, essential card features, tips for phone use in regional areas of australia, pocket wi-fi australia.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy is here .

Using your phone in Australia

Before you choose a prepaid sim card in Australia, you need to know if your phone is compatible with Australia’s network.

Australian networks use the GSM standard, which is common in other countries as well. However, if you’re from Japan or the US, your phone may use the CDMA. If your phone is CDMA only, you won’t be able to talk or text on your phone; however, you may be able to use the 4G network to access data.

Australia has three mobile networks:

All other providers use these networks.

Before you leave home, make sure your phone is not locked to your provider. 

Your phone will also need to operate on the right frequencies to use Australia’s network. You will need to look at your phone’s specifications and match them to Australia’s frequencies to work this out.

Australia uses 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100Mhz for 3G networks and B1, B3, B5, B7, B7, and B28 for 4G bands. Different areas tend to use different frequencies too, especially rural areas. This is an important consideration if you want to travel outside of the major cities while you’re in Australia.

Before you choose your travel sims in Australia, make sure that your phone is compatible with all these requirements.

Once you’ve worked out if your phone is compatible, buying travel sims in Australia is easy. You can buy a sim card overseas before you leave and have it shipped to you , or buy one at the airport or at the provider’s stores. If you’re going to buy at the airport, spend some time looking at the options and chosen your sim card before you arrive to make the transaction quick and easy. You will need to pay for and register your sim card, but once that’s done, it should be activated in 10 minutes.

To activate your card, you’ll need:

• Passport number
• Australian address (you can use your hotel or hostel address)

For a long time, buying travel sims in Australia was very expensive. Fortunately, the growth of low-cost carriers has recently made it a lot cheaper.

Phone Networks in Australia

The three major networks in Australia are:

This company has the widest coverage and is probably the best choice if you’re planning to visit the outback and want to make sure that you have a signal. There are Telstra shops all over, including in most international airports.

The Optus network isn’t as large as Telstra, but if you’re staying near the cities or towns, it shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll find Optus stores in shopping centres and airports.

Vodafone is the smallest of the three major carriers and has a smaller network as well.

There are also lots of smaller sim providers known as Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNOs). These all use one of the three major networks but can provide cheaper sim plans with fewer extras.

Some of the most popular are:

• Coles / Woolworths / Aldi (Supermarkets)
• Boost mobile

How to choose travel sims – Australia

There are several things you should consider before buying your sim card, including:

• How much money you’re willing to spend?
• Where you want to travel in Australia, if you’re spending a lot of time in rural areas, you will need a sim card that operates on a network with comprehensive coverage (Telstra). 
• How long you will be in Australia, most plans are for 30 days.
• How you use your phone, which means assessing whether you intend to make phone calls back home, watch Netflix on long bus rides, or just use it for emergencies.

There are three essential features to look at when you’re comparing travel sims in Australia. These are:

• The network coverage, because this will help you stay in touch throughout your trip.  
• Data limits, because this will determine how you can use your phone.
• International calling options, just in case you get homesick and want to call home.

The offerings from each company are different. You can find data-only cards, which won’t allow you to make calls or texts but give you access to the internet to make bookings or look at maps. But if you want to make calls, you will need to get a prepaid sim card in Australia that offers a combination of features.  

Don’t always expect to connect to a network in the outback, as many isolated areas in Australia can be unpredictable for network coverage. Telstra has the biggest network, so if you’re planning on visiting rural areas, this is your best overall choice when buying travel sims in Australia.

If you spend time in really remote areas, you may not be able to get coverage no matter what network you go with. Australia is just too large and most of it is too isolated for complete coverage.

If you have long days or weeks in the outback, consider getting a sim only for your city days. You probably won’t be able to use it in the outback anyway, and most phones will allow you to call emergency numbers without being on a network. If you need emergency help at any time, just dial 000 or 112.

Free Wi-Fi can be hard to find in Australia, some travellers like the assurance provided by pocket Wi-Fi devices. The pros of using these devices are:

• Always having coverage in your pocket.
• Simple to use.
• You can connect it to any device or multiple devices.
• A range of plans and devices are available.

And the cons are:

• They can be pricey if you go over your data limits.
• The battery life doesn’t last long, so you can lose power quickly and suddenly.
• Pocket devices only provide data, so you can’t make calls or send messages.
• It means you need to carry around and care for another device.

This is a personal choice that can be a good option if you travel a lot and need to stay connected. It’s also an affordable choice for families which up to 4 devices being able to be used on some pocket wi-fi.

The Takeaway

Choosing the right Australian Tourist sim card is up to you. It depends on how you intend to use your phone, your budget, and how long your trip is. So, before you head to Australia, make sure you do your research and choose the option that works best for you. Then, you can have an amazing holiday!

Ready to plan your holiday, look at our 14-day itinerary for Australia

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.

Leave a comment

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Best SIM cards for travellers and tourists in Australia

If you're planning to visit australia for work or play, you'll likely need a sim card to get you through the length of your trip. we’ve narrowed down prepaid sims suited to both short and longer trips starting at just $1.25 a day..

In this guide

Looking for a versatile travel SIM card?

Best sim for short trips, best sim for longer visits, best sim card for coverage, how do i find the best sim card for travelling in australia, which australian network should i get a sim on, how much data do i need on my sim, do you need international call inclusions, how do i choose the right plan length for my trip, compare mobile plans.

Read our reviews of other brands

If you're looking for a convenient travel SIM to use in Australia, as well as other countries as part of your holiday, consider getting a travel eSIM before you arrive.

eSIMs allow for almost instant activation and you can find good value data packs that can be used in hundreds of countries and regions worldwide.

Just keep in mind that not all travel packs come with international calls included, if that's something you're after.

Airalo Travel eSIM

• Available to use in over 200 countries, including Australia
• Instantly activate your eSIM after purchase
• Prices start from US $4.50
• 24/7 customer support

Best prepaid SIM cards for travellers in Australia

• Best SIM for short trips : Lyca Small
• Best SIM for longer visits : amaysim 32GB Plan
• Best SIM card for coverage : Boost $35 SIM
• Good to know: Before we dive into the best SIMs for you to consider, keep in mind that there are 3 mobile networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Smaller mobile providers operate on any 1 of the 3 networks and tend to offer cheaper plans that could be better suited to your budget as long as you're getting what you need in return.

Why we like Lycamobile:

• Runs on the wholesale Telstra 3G/4G network which covers 98.8% of the Australian population.
• Comes with unlimited calls and texts in Australia, as well as unlimited minutes to 29 selected destinations .

If you're coming to Australia for a short visit, Lycamobile's Small plan lasts for a week and is great value at just $1 per 1GB.

It also has the added advantage of running on the Telstra network, just keep in mind it's not the full network access (which covers 99.5% of Aussies) but is still pretty good.

Can I get a Lycamobile SIM card at the airport?

Lycamobile is available to purchase in some Australian airports, but can also easily be picked up at many convenience store chains such as EzyMart.

amaysim 32GB Plan

Why we like amaysim:

• Operates on the Optus 4G network so you get the same coverage as you would on a plan from Optus.
• Unlimited international calls to 28 countries .
• Unlimited data banking to save up unused data for your next month.
• eSIM available for those with eSIM compatible phones so you can sign up to an amaysim plan before you even land in the country!

amaysim is Australia's fourth-biggest mobile provider and operates on the Optus 4G network. It gets access to the full network so you'll get the same coverage as if you're with Optus itself.

amaysim usually throws in extra data deals and price cuts on its plans, which bumps up what you're getting.

You'll also get international call inclusions with amaysim, which can make reaching home a lot easier.

• Keep in mind that amaysim's plans last for 28 days. You'll need to recharge before the end of the month if you want to continue using the plan for the next 28 days.

Can I get an amaysim SIM card at the airport?

amaysim doesn't offer a standalone store, but you can pick it up from various stores and post offices. Check Australia Post, the airport supermarket or a general store at the international arrivals area to see if they have an amaysim plan for you to buy.

Boost $35 SIM

Why we like Boost:

• Offers full Telstra 4G network coverage that reaches 99.5% of the Aussie population (without the premium Telstra price tag).
• Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 countries .
• Data rollover to use in your next recharge.

Telstra offers the widest network coverage in Australia but its own prices are set at a premium. If you're looking for excellent coverage but don't want to spend a lot of money, then Boost Mobile can sort you out.

It's great for travellers going around regional or rural Australia and want to continue getting strong signals wherever they end up.

• Good to know: Boost is the only provider outside of Telstra itself that shares the same 4G coverage. Other smaller providers that run on the Telstra network only reach 98.8% of Australians, compared to Telstra's full umbrella coverage of 99.5%.

Boost is another provider that likes throwing in price and data promotions, making its value a lot better when you first sign up.

Can I get a Boost SIM card at the airport?

There's no specific Boost kiosk at Australian airports but you might be able to pick up a Boost SIM from the airport supermarket or newsagency. You can also get a Boost SIM from a bunch of locations such as Australia Post, Coles, Woolworths and Caltex.

Choosing the right SIM card for your visit to Australia means ticking off a few boxes other than price. These include:

Where will you be visiting in Australia? Will you be travelling around or sticking to the main cities? Those looking to branch out should consider mobile plans on one of the larger mobile networks such as Telstra or Optus.

Avoid having to recharge your plan before its time by choosing the right amount of data. Will you be streaming Spotify if you plan to take long road trips or stream Netflix on the bus? Or do you just need enough data to use Google Maps, social media and WhatsApp?

International calls

These could be important to you if calling friends and family back home isn't possible via WhatsApp, Zoom or a similar service.

Plan length

Choose a plan that best suits your time in Australia. While most plans last about 28–30 days, you'll find some short-term mobile plans for 1–14 days too.

There are 3 mobile networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Smaller providers, also known as MVNOs , run on 1 of the 3 networks.

Here's an overview of what makes each one different.

Telstra network: The largest in Australia

Telstra offers the most extensive 4G network in Australia, covering 99.5% of the Aussie population. Its reputation for coverage makes it a strong bet if you plan to spend time in rural or regional Australia.

But if you don't want to splash some cash for its premium prices, then it's best to consider smaller providers that run on the Telstra network.

Telstra splits its network access into 2. It offers 99.5% coverage on its own plans and those from Boost Mobile while other smaller providers on its 4G network have 98.8% coverage.

See our top picks for the best mobile plans on the Telstra network

Optus network: The Goldilocks choice

Optus is a close runner-up to Telstra as its 4G network reaches 98.5% of Aussies. Its prices are slightly more favourable too.

You won't notice much difference between Optus and Telstra if you're only visiting large towns and cities, which makes it a solid choice for most travellers.

Optus also opens its full 4G network to the largest number of smaller providers. If price is an issue, you're bound to find a bargain from a smaller provider on the Optus network.

When I arrived in Australia 8 years ago to travel, I signed up for an Optus SIM at the airport. It allowed for unlimited calls and texts to my friends and family overseas as well as plenty of data.

See our top picks for the best mobile plans on the Optus network

Vodafone network: For big-city travellers

Vodafone's network covers 96% of the Australian population and could be a strong option if you're sticking to populated towns and cities.

Vodafone offers the cheapest prices of the lot, so if you're more comfortable signing up directly with a provider, you could do well with it.

• Keep in mind: Those looking to travel to regional destinations should check whether Vodafone offers coverage in these areas. You may be better off with Telstra or Optus instead if you're going outside of major cities.

While having loads of data can be handy, it also usually means spending more on your mobile plan.

Consider whether you're happy to use free Wi-Fi for the time you're in Australia. This is available at most accommodations, some cafes and restaurants and even in shopping centres and outdoors in major cities.

If you're going down the free Wi-Fi route, it means you can save on your mobile plan by picking one with less data.

But if you plan on being on the road often, it's best to opt for a SIM card with plenty of data so you don't rack up any excess usage charges.

It can be easy to contact friends and family if they're used to WhatsApp calls or similar services.

But you might need to consider international call inclusions if your grandma needs to be called directly on her home phone or for instances of emergency. This can include contacting your embassy back home due to a lost passport, or the bank to address any credit card issues.

There are quite a few short-term plans for trips that last anywhere between 1 and 14 days, which can be convenient if you don't want a lot of data.

But if you're visiting Australia for longer and reckon you'll need a hefty amount of data to get by, then you're better off getting a monthly prepaid SIM. These often give you a better bang for your buck.

• Watch out for autopay: We suggest not turning on autopay if you're on a short trip. You could easily forget to switch it off as you're leaving Australia. You may get charged for a plan you're no longer using, even when you're already back home. It can also be a pain to contact Australian providers from overseas to get the issue sorted.

Find more options for your trip down under in our comparison table.

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Frequently asked questions, what is the best sim card to use in australia.

We recommend grabbing a prepaid SIM card for visitors to Australia. These are easy to buy from physical kiosks and stores. Our top picks for the best SIMs in Australia include:

• Best SIM for short trips: Lycamobile Small 10GB $10 7 Days
• Best SIM for longer visits: amaysim 32GB $30 28 Days
• Best SIM card for coverage: Boost Mobile 25GB $35 28 Days

What documents do I need to buy a SIM card?

It's easy to buy a SIM card in Australia as long as you have a valid ID on you. Your passport should suffice.

Do I need to unlock my phone for international travel?

Yes, you do, especially if your phone is currently locked by your carrier (such as Verizon or AT&T if you're from the US) and you plan to use a local SIM overseas.

Make sure you do this before leaving your home country.

Is there free Wi-Fi in Australia?

Travellers coming into Australia will usually get access to free Wi-Fi at airports (at least the major ones), libraries, McDonald's, Starbucks and some hotels.

However, you shouldn't solely rely on Wi-Fi if you need to use your phone frequently when visiting Australia. It's always best to have at least a handful of data if you need Internet access for navigation or a quick Google search.

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Mariam Gabaji

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with over 11+ years of experience in print and digital media. Her main goal is to help households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their household bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine.

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What are the best phone plans for travelling overseas?

Posted by Tara Donnelly 11/03/2020

Australians are a travelling bunch. We love getting out there and exploring the world – probably because we’re so isolated on our very own continent, and we feel like there’s so much beyond our own backyard. Chances are you know someone, whether it’s a friend or family member that has just been overseas or is planning their next big trip.

But no matter your dream destination, you’ll need a good travel SIM card for your mobile phone, without breaking the bank. In this article, Canstar Blue reviews mobile phone plans for travelling from Australia, to help you enjoy your trip without fear of bill shock when you return home.

Compare Mobile Phone Plans

What are the best mobile phone plans for roaming.

All the big carriers offer roaming, and overseas-specific call rates. It’s worth keeping an eye out for Optus, Telstra and Vodafone, but note that Woolworths Mobile also offers travelling plans, as does Australia Post with its travel SIM card.

(Source: Respective company websites)

These rates above are generally ‘pay as you go’, except for Vodafone’s ‘$5 a day’ option, as well as Telstra’s $5 or $10 deals. The USA was also used as a yardstick, commonly found in ‘Zone 1’ countries – which includes countries most likely to be visited by Aussies.

Roaming is generally the most convenient option, as your provider basically does all the legwork and you can keep using your number. There are several ways to go about it. Simply taking your existing phone plan overseas can easily see you rack up big bills if you use your phone in the same way that you would at home – you’ve no doubt heard the horror stories about Aussies returning home to phone bills in the thousands.

Beyond PAYG roaming, there are a few options to consider when taking your mobile phone overseas:

• Roaming packs
• A travel/global SIM card
• A phone plan

Generally, this list can be considered in order from the most convenient to least convenient. Consequently, convenience can also mean extra costs. One thing is for sure – these options all beat using dodgy free Wi-Fi in a cafe that is both slow and a security risk.

Roaming Packs

You can purchase roaming packs from the major providers ahead of time. However, smaller carriers may charge differently, so it pays to check with your own provider first.

Telstra international roaming

To use global roaming with Telstra, you’ll have to activate the roaming feature through the Telstra app, and then purchase a travel pack. Beyond that, Telstra has also introduced the ‘International Day Pass’, which basically lets you access your current plan overseas for either $5 or $10 a day.

• New Zealand can be accessed from $5 a day.
• Other countries are $10 a day, with most popular countries available such as the US, Canada, Brazil, China, much of Europe and Asia.
• Each day pass includes unlimited talk and text, and 500MB of data with a 24-hour expiry.
• If you exceed 500MB in a day, you’ll be automatically charged $10 for an additional 1GB to use over 30 days.

Below is a list of Telstra’s SIM-only mobile plans, meaning that the $10-a-day feature is an additional charge on top of these plans.

For prepaid users it’s a bit of a different story. You’ll need to add an International Roaming Browse Plus Pack, with prices and data inclusions below:

• 100MB data pack: $29 (30 day expiry)
• 300MB data pack: $85 (30 day expiry)
• 600MB data pack: $160 (30 day expiry)

For roaming, Telstra has ramped up value in the postpaid space, but prepaid users may struggle to see value in these high prices.

Optus international roaming

Besides the ‘pay as you go’ (PAYG) rates, you can plan ahead and purchase an Optus Roaming Pass for an extra $10 a day on top of your existing postpaid phone plan.

This pass gets you unlimited talk and text, with 1GB of data in eligible countries, which includes the USA, Canada, New Zealand, along with most of Europe and Asia. These packs can be activated on ‘My Account’ online, or through your Optus app on your mobile phone. You’ll be automatically charged $10 for each day you use your phone, or if you exceed 1GB data use in a 24-hour period.

Below is a list of Optus’ SIM-only postpaid plans. Keep in mind that the $10 per-day Optus Roaming Pass is an additional charge.

The above table covers rates for postpaid users, but if you’re a prepaid user, Optus also has you covered. It’s a bit different however, as you’re basically charged as PAYG rates, which are taken from your balance, with rates available on the Optus website. You can add on Extras Credit which applies to international roaming.

However, if you’re a Prepaid Epic Data or Epic Value customer, you’ll be able to choose the Data Roaming add on for $20 over 14 days. This gives you access to 10GB of roaming data to use in mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the UK and USA.

Regardless of what kind of plan you’re on, you can track your usage during your trip through the Optus app and online, to make sure you’re not coming back to a painful bill.

Vodafone international roaming

Arguably with the most competitive roaming options out of the big three, Vodafone has popularly flaunted its  ‘$5 a day’  roaming charge for a while now. But what do you get for $5 a day?

Quite simply, you get what’s included in your plan – think of the $5 charge like a password to unlock your plan’s usefulness overseas. This applies to 80 countries, which includes the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, much of South America and Asia, plus almost all of Europe.

The $5 roaming should already be activated on existing Vodafone plans, so it should be ready to use when you travel to eligible destinations. It’s also worth noting that if you’re on any of the postpaid plans where you can continue using your data at a capped speed once you go over your top-speed data inclusion, that $5 roaming will only use your Max Speed data. If you go over your data inclusion while roaming, you’ll be charged for extra data.

The below shows all published Vodafone  SIM only plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard cost from lowest to highest. The $5 roaming charge can be added onto these plans through the Vodafone app or website.

Prepaid users also get access to roaming on the Vodafone network, and can simply recharge by texting particular codes to a certain number:

• 3 days, $25: 100MB, 30 minutes of calling, 30 SMS  OR  200MB data only
• 7 days, $35: 250MB, 60 minutes of calling, 60 SMS  OR  500MB data only

Once you’ve exhausted these allowances, you’ll be charged the PAYG rates. However, keep in mind that the countries where you can use prepaid roaming is more limited than the $5 roaming  for postpaid services. Currently roaming is only available in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and a smaller range of Asian and European countries.

Travel and Global SIM Cards

These exist in  prepaid  form, which makes them easy to insert into your unlocked phone and only pay for what you need! There are several private operators that provide travel SIM cards:

Australia Post TravelSim

Arguably the most popular of the travel SIM cards is the ‘TravelSim’ brand operating through  Australia Post.  It costs $25 and includes $5 starter credit and free express shipping or you can select the $50 option which includes two SIM cards with $30 of credit and 1GB of Euro data split between the SIM cards. The rates are relatively low rates from 25c for a megabyte of data, per minute of calling or per text and these rates apply to 200+ countries. The SIM card fits all phones and tablets.

You’ll get 24/7 customer service with a smartphone app to control and monitor your use, recharge and troubleshoot. It also includes offline mapping for handy navigation and free TravelSIM to TravelSIM texts, making it easy to keep in touch with your travelling companions if you go exploring in different places.

If you’re travelling to Europe, this might be one of the easiest roaming SIM cards to set up. There are three European data packs that you can add on with cheaper data rates, which includes 1GB, 3GB or 5GB options — it’s ideal if you’re travelling to more than one of the eligible European destinations.

If this sounds like the right travel SIM to you, it could also be a convenient way of setting up your travel money card , exchange cash and get a travel SIM all in one spot!

Woolworths Mobile Travel SIM

Update: As of 30 September, 2020, Woolworths Mobile is no longer offering the Global Roaming Data SIM to customers. However, Woolworths Mobile subscribers can add a range of roaming add-ons to their existing Woolworths phone plans. 

Woolworths Mobile also has an international roaming add-on for SIM and phone plan customers. These add on packs offer different inclusions over a different length of time. Starting at $7 for 150MB of data to use in one day, expiries also include 5, 10, and 15 days. For $25 for a 5-day add on, you’ll get 1GB of data, 60 minutes of calls and 60 SMS. For $50 you’ll get a 10-day add on with 2GB of data, 150 minutes of calls and 150 SMS, while $75 will get you 4GB of data, 240 minutes of calls and 240 SMS to use over 15 days.

These add-ons are available to use in 63 different countries including Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, The UK and USA.

What about a phone plan from the country I’m visiting?

It’s hard enough having to wrap your head around the huge range of providers in Australia alone, but going overseas can make your head spin with all the phone plans on offer when you’re travelling. Not to mention any language barriers, and it can be quite daunting trying to decipher what the SIM pack is saying in a language you don’t understand. Buying a native prepaid phone plan in the country you’re visiting can require some footwork, but the work can pay off as you’ll often be able to get more value for your money.

Prepaid plans are the way to go, as with  postpaid  plans you’ll most likely need to supply an address, ID check and a local credit card. With prepaid, you can recharge with minimal fuss and enjoy straight away.

New Zealand

This is an easy one. Simply compare prepaid phone providers using our sister site – Canstar Blue NZ .

• You can compare phone plans.
• Expect 1GB of data plus generous call minutes and unlimited texts for under NZD $30 a month.

New Zealand has markedly less providers than Australia, but you will be afforded similar value.

There are five massive mobile networks in the United States: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. Verizon is the largest in terms of subscriber base, but all offer strong plans. Just like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone do in Australia, all five operate physical stores and popping in to one of these stores is a good way to get yourself a prepaid phone plan.

• Keep in mind that 7/11 stores also stock a range of prepaid plans that may prove to be pretty solid value.
• Keep up with the US lingo: ‘wireless’ and ‘cellular’ are synonymous with ‘mobile’.

As you’d expect, these five providers are a little more expensive than the USA’s raft of Mobile Virtual Network Operators, but some US MVNOs are pretty obscure and you’ll really need to do your homework here, as they often aren’t found in-store.

One thing to be aware of: US networks Verizon, Sprint, and US Cellular all operate on CDMA technology, which means your Australian smartphone may not be compatible with their service. If you’re planning to stick a US SIM card in your device, you may need to check with your intended carrier first to ensure you’ll be able to access talk, text and data.

Like the USA, there are five network operators in Canada: Rogers, Telus, BCE and Shaw. Much of what you can get on a mobile phone plan in Canada is province dependent; one network might operate only in Alberta, but not in British Columbia for example.

Going with any of the bigger telcos will be a safe bet though, with an expansive network of stores across most provinces. You can expect plans with 1GB of data and unlimited talk and text for no less than CAD $40 with the big providers. Anything over 10GB could easily cost over CAD $100 — Canada is considered to have some of the most expensive phone plans around.

Prepaid plans are generally much dearer than what’s available in Australia, but there are some cheaper MVNOs available in various department stores, and prepaid SIM cards are often available in convenience stores as well.

UK & Europe

There are four network operators in Great Britain – EE, O2, Vodafone and 3. There is also a huge array of MVNOs, some with funny names like ‘giffgaff’. While undoubtedly these MVNOs may provide solid value, the ‘Big 4’ provide reliability and convenience.

Most of the providers offer pretty solid value, and you can expect upwards of 10GB of data with 1000 minutes & 1000 texts for £20 a month or thereabouts. But keep in mind that the AUD to GBP exchange rate could make it sound cheaper than it is!

It should be noted that most UK plans also operate in most continental European countries as normal with no roaming charges. Though not all your data allowance may be used overseas; for example, you may only find you can use 8GB out of a 10GB phone plan. Nevertheless, it’s still a very handy inclusion.

Being that many flights from Australia to Europe land in the UK, it’s very easy to pick up a UK prepaid SIM and continue on to continental Europe. Each of the four carriers have a range of store locations spanning most of the UK and you’ll likely be able to pop into one and walk out with a prepaid plan any time.

Prepaid plans in other countries

As for other countries, it starts to get a little trickier. The safest bet is selecting a roaming option, but if you’re willing to do the homework and legwork yourself, then you should be able to nab a very cost-effective deal. Sticking to major providers is also a safe bet in terms of reliability and convenience. MVNOs – while often providing more value for your money – can be hard to find without retail stores and you’ll might need to order online first, which can extend the time you spend waiting for mobile phone coverage instead of enjoying your holiday.

Mobile phone roaming: Is it worth it?

Traditional mobile phone roaming where you simply take your phone overseas with no forward planning or SIM card change is obviously very convenient, but the costs can also add up. Expect minute-long phone calls to cost over $1 a minute, a simple text to cost at least 50c and the data charges can really add up. You may want to think twice about turning mobile roaming on, and only using it in case of emergencies.

Beyond that, there are a handful of providers supplying ‘travel packs’, but these too can be quite expensive. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cheapest options also tend to be the most annoying to acquire. A native phone plan in the country you’re visiting can be the most cost effective, but finding the right one can be both time consuming and confusing.

No matter what route you choose, it is undeniable that having mobile phone access overseas is handy and a good safety tool. If you’re willing to pay for convenience, then roaming presents a good option to enjoy your holiday with minimal fuss.

Compare SIM-Only Mobile Plans

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Here is a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 10GB of data, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Try out our comparison tool for mobile phone plans to see a range of offers from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.

The following table shows a selection of SIM-only postpaid plans with a minimum of 60GB data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Try out our comparison tool for mobile phone plans to see a range of offers from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

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Melbourne Airport SIM Card: Getting a SIM Card in Melbourne

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: December 31, 2023  - Last updated: March 8, 2024

Categories Airport Sim Card Guides , Australia

Last updated on March 8th, 2024 at 04:20 am

Planning to purchase a Melbourne Airport sim card for seamless connectivity in Australia?

Landing at Melbourne Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Melbourne Airport? Yes, there are kiosks and vendors with Optus, Telstra and Vodafone are the leading providers for  SIM card in Melbourne and Australia .

The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Melbourne. For eSIM options, you can opt for Airalo , Holafly and Maya Mobile

If you are  going from Melbourne Airport to the city center  you should know that it will take 25 minutes by taxi and 35 minutes by public transportation.

Melbourne, celebrated for its arts, culture, and coffee, is a dynamic city awaiting your exploration. To ensure you’re connected from the moment you arrive, Melbourne Airport offers convenient SIM card options. Let’s look into your best choices for SIM or eSIM .

Related Travel Guides :

• Vegan Breakfast Melbourne and Vegan Cafes in Melbourne
• How To Get From Melbourne Airport To Fitzroy And Carlton Best Way
• How To Get From Melbourne Airport To Footscray Best Way
• How To Get From Melbourne Airport To Richmond Best Way

Table of Contents

WHERE TO STAY IN MELBOURNE

You can stay in a dorm room or a room for  $25 USD  while you can stay in a budget hotel for as low as  $60-80 USD . There are so many to choose from depending on what type and how luxurious you want your stay to be starting from  $150 USD.

Book your accommodations in Australia through  Agoda  or  Booking

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance:  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of  Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review  and the comparison  Heymondo vs Genki

Why a Local SIM Card in Melbourne is Essential

Melbourne’s appeal is multifaceted, from its laneways and art scenes to its sprawling gardens and iconic sports stadiums. A reliable internet connection is crucial for enjoying your visit. While Wi-Fi is available, a mobile connection offers seamless access.

Benefits of being connected:

• Discover Hidden Spots : Uncover local cafes or shops through online recommendations.
• Overcome Language Barriers : Utilize translation tools for smoother communication.
• Navigation : Use GPS to easily explore Melbourne.
• Share Your Experiences : Instantly share your Australian journey.

Melbourne Airport , encompassing both international and domestic terminals, provides various telecom services.

Finding SIM Card Kiosks at Melbourne Airport

• Optus: Sells SIM cards for Optus.
• Welcome to Melbourne: Offers SIM cards for various phone providers and bus tickets to the city​ ​.
• In the Domestic Terminals (1, 3, and 4), SIM card shops are not commonly found. However, it’s a short walk to the international arrivals area to buy a SIM card if you’ve arrived with Qantas or Virgin​ ​.

Prices for sim card at Melbourne airport with Vidafone, Optus and Telstra:

Vodafone starts at $10 AUD with with 4 GB data valid for 7 days and for $25 AUD with 60 GB data valid for 28 days.

Optus has huge data packages starting at $25 AUD with 60 GB data valid for 30 days.

Telstra starts at $30 AUD with 30 GB data valid for 30 days.

Prime SIM Card in Melbourne

Let’s explore some top telecom options that you can find in the stores at Melbourne.

Optus – Melbourne SIM Card

Optus offers traveler-friendly packages with extensive coverage. Their SIM cards provide a good balance of data, text, and call options. Optus starts from $12 AUD and 60 GB data while in the airport $25 AUD with 60 GB data is double price for the same data.

Check the  exact location  to find Optus stores to buy a sim card in Melbourne.

Vodafone – Melbourne SIM Card

Vodafone is known for its reliable service across Australia. Their tourist packages include generous data allowances and reasonable call rates. You can get for $20 AUD with 60 GB data while at the airport for $25 AUD with 60 GB data valid for 28 days. Not a big difference if your choice is Vodafone you will be ok buying at the airport in Melbourne.

Check the  exact location  to find Vodafone stores to buy a sim card in Melbourne.

Telstra Melbourne Sim Card

Telstra is known for broad coverage, especially in remote areas of Australia. It’s a good option for those traveling outside major cities having the best coverage for sim card in Melbourne.

You can get $15 AUD with 35 GB data valid for 28 days while at the airport $30 AUD with 30 GB data valid for 30 days. Telstra is double price if you buy in Melbourne Airport compared to buy in a shop your sim card in Melbourne.

Check the  exact location  to find Telstra stores to buy a sim card in Melbourne.

Airalo – Melbourne Airport SIM Card

This global eSIM store offers country-specific plans. Airalo Australia plan ensures consistent speeds and wide coverage.

See Airalo eSIM plans below:

• $5 USD for 1GB valid for 7 Days
• $8.50 USD for 2GB valid for 15 Days
• $10 USD for 3GB valid for 30 Days
• $15 USD for 5GB valid for 30 Days
• $22.50 for 10GB valid for 30 Days
• $46 for 20GB valid for 30 Days

Airalo plans are best for flexible data usage when you don’t need to be connected to data all the time, however will need it to send a few messages from time to time while traveling. With its flexible plans, you can either get a smaller plan or a bigger one with longer validity.

Holafly – Melbourne Airport SIM Card

Known for its unlimited data plans in various countries, Holafly eSIM plan is comprehensive, ensuring you’re always connected.

Remember to check device compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.

Holafly’s Australia unlimited high speed data starts at $27 USD for 5 Days Validity. Here are the complete packages:

• $19 USD for 5 Days Validity
• $27 USD for 7 Days Validity
• $34 USD for 10 Days Validity
• $47 USD for 15 Days Validity
• $54 USD for 20 Days Validity
• $64 USD for 30 Days Validity

Maya Mobile eSIM – SIM Card at Melbourne Airport

Maya Mobile is a great alternative to Airalo as their plans are flexible which allows you to choose from smaller data options to even unlimited ones for Australia. Check the plans Maya eSIM has below.

Maya’s Data plans are:

• 3GB for $9 USD for 5 Days
• 5GB for $11 USD for 5 Days
• 10GB for $18 USD for 5 Days
• 20GB for $27 USD for 5 Days

In addition to Maya Mobile eSIM ‘s regular data plans, they have unlimited plans in Australia (Melbourne Airport SIM Card)

• Unlimited Data for $19 USD for 5 Days – Best if you’re traveling solo, 2GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed
• Unlimited Data for $29 USD for 5 Days – Wi-Fi hotspot is included, 3GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed
• Unlimited Data for $39 USD for 5 Days – Wi-Fi hotspot is included, 5GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed

Personal Stories with a Local SIM in Melbourne

My experiences in Melbourne were enhanced by a local SIM. I remember exploring the bustling Queen Victoria Market, where my SIM aided in navigation and finding local insights.

In the vibrant Fitzroy neighborhood, my phone facilitated translations, aiding my exploration. Another day, GPS guided me to a beautiful spot in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Connectivity enriched each experience.

Final Thoughts on Melbourne Airport SIM Card

Our final advice: for SIMs at Melbourne Airport, consider Optus or Vodafone; for eSIMs, Airalo or Holafly are great choices.

Melbourne, a city where creativity meets tradition, becomes more accessible with a reliable SIM or eSIM. Let digital connectivity enhance your Australian adventure. Remember, with connectivity, Melbourne’s diverse offerings are just a tap away.

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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SimsDirect (by Simify) FAQ

All simify plans of $30 or more have international calls and text included.

1. Order your travel SIM online by clicking on the "BUY" buttons above to select your plan 2a. e-SIM: download e-SIM from the link in the email you will receive 2b. Sim card: wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail and then take it on your flight 3. Land and choose e-SIM or just insert the physical sim card into your device and activate it. You're all set!

Option 1 - Australia Post Standard Service. Delivered in 4-7 business days and is completely free with tracking included.

Option 2 - Australia Post Express Service. Delivered in 1-2 business days and is $7.99 with tracking included.

See full details here .

Check that your phone is compatible with eSIMs here .

Step 1 - Land in New Zealand

Step 2 - Insert SIM card

Step 3 - Dial 200

Step 4- Restart your device

You should connect within 5 minutes and you are all set. Happy travels!

If you want to call or text home: Simply dial: Country Code -> Area Code -> Mobile Number For example: If you wish to dial 0431166871 You would enter +61431166871

For NZ calls & texts: Simply enter the local number and you are all set.

This SIM can be easily recharged via the 2degrees mobile app. Instructions are included on the SIM packaging.

Your new mobile number is printed on the back of the SIM packaging so you can give it to friends and family before you leave.

Countries included in the Europe & UK plan

• Aland Islands
• Balearic Islands
• Canary Islands
• Isle of Man
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• Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Switzerland
• The Czech Republic
• Vatican City

Countries included in SOUTH AMERICA

• El Salvador
• French Guiana
• French West Indies
• Puerto Rico

Most common questions

Your new New Zealand mobile number is printed on the back of the SIM packaging so you can give it to friends and family before you leave.

Countries included in the Europe & UK plan: EUROPE

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How to Choose an Australia eSIM for Travel

Australia is probably on your bucket list because of its beautiful sandy beaches, stunning arid landscapes, and laid-back culture... not to mention cute kangaroos and koalas.

If you’re visiting Australia from Asia, Europe, or North America, then chances are you'll want to use your fancy new smartphone on vacation. Think about all those priceless memories (and selfies) you’ll capture. And, of course, share jaw-dropping videos with friends and family back home. 

But what if you don’t have a local SIM card? How can you stay connected? No problem – just buy an eSIM for Australia, and you can get online without any hassles. eSIMs allow you to connect to the internet and make calls without fussing around with a local physical SIM card. 

These can be bought online before you leave home or even while you’re in Australia. But selecting the right one for you requires a little research. And cutting corners can end in a vacation disaster, rolled in a fetal position on the floor, cradling your device, gently sobbing.

Ok, that’s a bit dramatic.

Anyway… here’s everything you need to know about choosing and using an eSIM in Australia.

TL;DR : Just want a link to my recommended eSIM provider for Australia ? Ok, done.

Is eSIM Available in Australia?

Let’s start at the very beginning with a sensible question. Yes, eSIM is available in Australia and supported by major telecommunication providers. However, for decades Australia has been behind the technology curve, and when it comes to eSIMs, it’s no different. 

If you’re used to easy, affordable local plans with many options to choose from, then you might need to re-adjust your expectations in Australia. However, don’t worry, I have a solution for you later on. Keep reading.

What Phones Support eSIM?

This is the next smartest question. There’s no point comparing eSIM providers if your phone doesn’t support it. 

The first eSIM-compatible handset was released in 2017, and almost all new top-tier smartphone models released in 2020 (and later) supported eSIM. Here’s a summarised list of compatible phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Oppo:

• Apple: iPhone XS / XR (and newer)
• Samsung: Galaxy S20 (and newer), Galaxy Fold (and newer), Galaxy Z Flip (and newer)
• Google: Pixel 3a (and newer)
• OPPO: Find X3 Pro (and newer), Find X3 (and newer)

And for smartwatches:

• Apple: Watch series 3 (and newer)
• Samsung: Gear S2 (and newer), Galaxy Watch 4 (and newer)
• Huawei Watch 2 Pro (and newer)

If in doubt, ask your phone provider or search online – “ Is (phone model) esim compatible? ” or check this comprehensive list .

Can You Buy an eSIM Online in Australia as a Tourist?

Now comes the juicy part. The short answer is “yes”, but it’s not so straightforward.

Buying an eSIM in Australia is a different game for locals versus tourists. Most local eSIM plans are designed for permanent Australian residents, with lock-in contracts for 12 to 24-month periods. Prepaid options are harder to find, although this is constantly evolving. And for some bizarre reason, the telcos focus on services that bundle standalone smartwatch Internet access with a phone. Unfortunately, that doesn’t suit most short-term travellers.

Since you’ll probably be in Australia for only a few weeks, then it’s unlikely one of the lengthy or bundled plans will suit you.

But don’t give up yet.

Australia eSIM Provider Options

The 3 major telecommunication networks in Australia are Telstra, Optus, Vodafone. Fortunately, they all support eSIM-compatible handsets .

You might come across the smaller resellers like Kogan, which uses the Vodafone network, Woolworths which uses Telstra, and Truphone which uses Optus.

But rather than any of these, you’re better off choosing an international provider that offers affordable, flexible prepaid plans designed especially for tourists. The other upside is that these providers often cover multiple countries, so you don’t have to waste time hunting down a new eSIM provider when you travel to another destination, such as Thailand or Singapore .

The best options for international tourists in Australia are eSIM providers like eSIM Australia by WHIZ. They offer prepaid country-wide data plans for just:

- US$12.99 for 4GB (valid for 8 days); or

- US$15.99 for 6GB (valid for 10 days)

After those full-speed data allowances are used up, you still get unlimited access, although at a slower speed, so you’re never stuck high and dry.

Mobile Network Coverage in Australia

Australia is a vast country, but around 64% of the 26 million-strong population is concentrated in the 5 largest cities, sprinkled on the coastline. This is the opposite of countries like the US, which have relatively dispersed populations. This dynamic affects mobile coverage as it’s more cost-effective to concentrate on larger cities, and the vast, thinly populated “Outback” has little-to-no coverage, except for regional towns.

The largest network, Telstra, tends to perform better in rural areas in terms of coverage, but for urban centres, all networks offer a strong signal wherever you go. If you plan to head out of the major cities, check this interactive map showing coverage by provider.

Tip: If you’re travelling into The Outback with a small group or on a road trip, I recommend buying an affordable mesh device, such as  goTenna Mesh , as a communication tool. It might just save the day.

Benefits of an eSIM in Australia for Travel

Paying expensive international data roaming fees in Australia is a complete waste of money and completely unnecessary. That cash could instead be spent on once-in-a-lifetime adventures such as camel riding around Uluru.

A travel-friendly Australia eSIM offers these perks: 

Instant delivery  – there’s no waiting for an old-fashioned SIM card or portable hotspot device in the mail, and zero shipping charges.

Super-fast data speeds  - you’re not a second-class citizen using an eSIM. Use all the same 4G and 5G networks when you hop around Australia.

Peace of mind  - the most important aspect when travelling… you can focus on enjoying your much-needed vacation rather than searching for a SIM card seller at the airport when you land.   

Keep your original physical SIM card  - it might be useful for roaming calls and/or texts from your home provider, and you can switch back to it when you get home without reaching for that flimsy, bent-out-of-shape paperclip. Remember to turn off data roaming on that SIM, as most traditional providers charge like a wounded bull for international data roaming.

Dual SIM - if your phone supports 2 eSIMs or 1 eSIM plus 1 physical SIM card, it’s easier to keep work and personal calls separate - potentially turning off work calls after business hours. Now you can really enjoy your holiday in Australia!

Easy top-up  - no need to go to a provider’s physical store or a minimart to add more phone credit. Just tap a few buttons on the eSIM provider’s app or website.

Fast, easy switching  – Found a better deal? Jump between service providers in seconds, without removing or adding a physical SIM card.

Only pay for what you need  - most travel-friendly Australia eSIM providers offer shorter periods like 1 week, 2 weeks, or a month. Much better than paying for a local SIM card upfront for a whole month when you only need a portion of that. 

No bill shocks  - You’ve heard the gut-wrenching stories from travellers. eSIM prepaid data plans give you control over how much you spend, so there are no unpleasant surprises when you get home.

Keep your existing WhatsApp number  - you don’t have to worry about missing important text messages from loved ones or work colleagues. Other IM apps like Telegram, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger work perfectly fine too, as they just use the Internet.

No losing SIM cards  - yes, those fiddly little pieces of plastic can get dropped or misplaced easily when doing a switch. True story.

Improved security  - no need to rely on risky insecure public wifi networks at airports, malls, and restaurants. These are common targets for hackers.

Limitations of an eSIM in Australia for Travel

There are bound to be a couple of drawbacks to eSIMs in general, and specifically in Australia. 

Expensive - Australia’s major telcos charge a premium for the privilege of using eSIM. The easy solution is to use an international provider instead.

No fail-safe - if your phone is damaged, a physical SIM can be quickly pulled out and installed into a secondary phone or backup device. An eSIM… not so much. But the chances of that are pretty slim. Just make sure you’ve got a sturdy phone cover .

Handsets - currently, eSIM-compatible phones tend to be the more expensive high-end models, while cheaper models still have physical SIM slots.

Not all devices support eSIM - even some newer iPhones that you expect to offer support, such as those purchased in China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Check with your phone seller if in doubt.

Still rolling out – while it’s fine in Australia, you might not be able to use eSIM in other countries where carriers don’t support it yet, and telecommunication network growth is lagging.

Data only  – most international eSIM providers do not include a local phone number on data-only plans. That may or may not be important to you. If you need to make calls or send texts, I recommend using WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or Facebook Messenger.

Take your turn  - most compatible handsets allow you to download more than 1 eSIM, but may use only 1 at a time. Apple fans will be happy to know the  iPhone 13  (and newer) supports 2 active eSIMs simultaneously.   

Take it easy  - data limits might be lower than what you’re used to at home, so use your data carefully.

How to Choose an Australia eSIM Plan and Get Started

Firstly ask yourself often you use your phone (a light, moderate, or heavy user). Then consider how long is your trip to Australia. Now you’ve got a starting point to compare eSIM providers and plans.  

1)  Check if voice/text is included (if that matters to you), and most importantly, how much data allowance is included. If the provider offers additional data, look for the upgrade prices. If you’re unsure how much data you need, try this free calculator .

2)  Not all telco networks are the same. So, check your eSIM provider’s website if they clarify which networks are used in Australia.

3)  Look for customer reviews on Trustpilot – with an emphasis on network coverage and customer support (just in case you need a little help).

Tip: Even if the sticker price looks good, don’t just choose the cheapest eSIM plan. Reliability and ease of use is far more important in a travel-friendly eSIM.

Still unsure? If you need an eSIM recommendation, I suggest eSIM Australia by WHIZ.

How to Install and Activate an eSIM

Once you’ve checked that your device is compatible, simply follow the checkout steps on the eSIM provider’s website or mobile app. These tend to be pretty typical – provide contact details, phone, and email, followed by payment details. Within a few minutes, you’ll receive an email that contains a unique QR code.

Scan the QR code or follow the next steps in your provider’s app to download your eSIM to your device instantly. Some eSIMs will ask you to enter a confirmation code (which is provided to you at the same time as the QR code). 

This is the location on your smartphone where a new eSIM is installed:

-  iOS:  Settings > Cellular/mobile data > Data plans

-  Android:  Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Carrier > Add Carrier

Tip:  To avoid wastage, only complete the QR code scan when you’re ready to start using your plan. I suggest doing this the day before you depart on your trip. Remember you’ll need an internet connection (like wifi or 4G) to do this.

Tip:  Never delete your eSIM before your plan is finished – this cannot be undone. While your data plan may expire, your eSIM never will, so there’s no need to delete it (unless your eSIM provider instructs you to).

The Bottom Line

Now you are ready to explore Australia. A well-chosen eSIM will become completely invisible – you will forget all about it because you’re focused and immersed in the sights and experiences… rather than crying over your wretched smartphone with no 4G reception. 

Your long-awaited Australian vacation is far too important to scrimp on mobile data. And your precious travel memories will last a lifetime… especially the koala cuddles.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...

• How to Choose an International eSIM for Travel
• What is the Best eSIM for Europe?
• What is the Best eSIM for USA?
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7 of the best international sim cards for australian travellers.

From GPS navigation to booking an Uber, smartphones have made travel a lot easier — so easy that we can’t imagine travelling without it! But that begs the question: what’s the best way to stay connected while overseas without breaking the bank?

Global roaming costs with mobile plans quickly add up and local SIM cards aren't always easy to buy. Fortunately, there’s another option: international SIM cards.

Prepaid travel SIMs come with many benefits but you need to pick your card carefully. International SIMs cover different destinations and have varying data amounts and validity periods.

Some can be recharged while others are single-use. Some are physical SIM cards while others can be downloaded from an app.

We’ve taken it all into account in our comparison to bring you the best international SIM cards for Australian travellers.

7 of the Best International SIM Cards for Australians:

Airalo Discover Global eSIM - Best Overall

Keepgo Lifetime World SIM - Best for Data

Australia Post International SIM - Cheapest Global SIM

SimCorner Europe eSIM Card - Best for European Travel

PREPAIDSIMS USA T-Mobile Travel SIM - Best for North American Travel

SimsDirect New Zealand SIM - Best for NZ Travel

Vodafone Mobile Plan - Best International Roaming

E-sim Offer

Airalo e-sim offer.

Enjoy 10% off all Airalo eSIMs with code 'SMONEY' applied at checkout through this link

Terms and conditions apply .

Airalo Discover Global eSIM - Best Overall International SIM Card

• Data options between 1GB and 20GB
• Validity options between 7 days and 180 days
• Works in 84 countries
• Easy-to-use app to buy and activate eSIMs
• Trusted by over 1 million people worldwide

More information

Airalo makes it easier than ever to stay connected overseas with their digital SIM cards. These eSIMs are easy to access and can be arranged in a heartbeat from your couch before you travel. No shipping fees or nail-biting delivery delays. Just download the straightforward Airalo app onto your phone and pick the SIM that works for your travels.

The variety of Discover Global eSIMs means you can tailor the SIM card to your travel needs. But it’s essential to check that your phone is eSIM compatible before you buy.

• Provides the ability to hotspot from your phone
• Can work in dual SIM mode (if your phone is compatible) so you can keep your Australian number active for calls and texts
• Variable top-up amounts available
• Data packs available for more than 200 countries and regions
• Customer support available 24/7

Keepgo Lifetime World SIM Card - Best International SIM Card for Data

• Comes with 3GB + bonus 2GB
• Works in 100+ countries
• Access high speed 4G internet
• Data doesn’t expire as long as you top up once per year

This is a pay-as-you-go travel SIM that allows you to stay connected in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Keepgo partners with the top mobile carriers around the globe, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, and Orange.

We picked this as our favourite travel SIM for data because the data never expires, as long as you top up with as little as US$3 once per year. Top-up amounts include 100MB, 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 25GB.

• Can use your phone for hotspot and tethering
• Top-ups start at just US$3
• Automatic recharge is available
• 24/7 customer support

Australia Post International SIM - Cheapest Global SIM Card

• Can be used in over 90 countries
• Just $5 plus GST
• Buy $5 top-ups
• Easy to buy at your local participating post office

Of all the international SIM cards we compared, Australia Post offered easily the most affordable plan. You probably won't get far scrolling on social media with 50MB of data so you will likely still rely on WiFi. However, the ability to make and receive phone calls and texts is welcome — few international SIM cards provide this feature.

• 30 day expiry from last recharge
• 50MB substantially limits internet browsing
• 50 minutes of standard calls
• 50 standard international SMS (SMS are free to receive)
• Top up before expiry to rollover any remaining allowances

SimCorner Europe eSIM Card - Best Travel SIM for Your European Sojourn

• Generous 30GB of data
• Works in 50+ European countries and territories
• Unlimited texts and calls within the UK and Europe
• Receive 25€ credit for calls and texts to international numbers (including Australia)

Although it isn't the most affordable travel SIM for Europe, SimCorner’s Europe eSIM is ideal for staying connected. The generous 30GB of data is better than almost every other travel SIM we looked at for European travel. There are also generous inclusions for talk and text, including 25€ credit for calls back home — something few other European travel SIMs offer.

This SIM cannot be topped up, which means that once the data expires or your 30 days are up, the SIM card will no longer work. If you’re travelling for longer than 30 days or you need extra data, consider buying extra eSIMs to last your trip.

• 30 days expiry
• Provides the ability to hotspot or tether from your phone
• Comes with a French phone number
• Cannot be recharged
• Receive your virtual SIM via email

PREPAIDSIMS USA T-Mobile Travel SIM Card - Best International SIM Card for the US and Canada

• Unlimited 4G LTE data in USA
• Highly customisable
• Unlimited free calls and SMS to North America numbers

The PREPAIDSIMS USA T-Mobile travel SIM available provides unlimited data in the USA but what we really love is the customisability through add-on packs.

Just US$5 more enables you to use the SIM in Canada and Mexico — although you won’t get unlimited data in these countries. An optional International call and SMS pack allows you to make unlimited calls and SMS back home to Australia.

• Ability to hotspot or tether from your phone
• Comes with a US number
• Free delivery Australia wide
• Just $5 more to add the Canada & Mexico pack for unlimited calls & SMS and 5GB data in Canada and Mexico

SimsDirect New Zealand SIM - Best Travel SIM Card for Your NZ Trip

• Access high speed 5G internet
• Unlimited calls and texts to NZ and Aussie numbers
• Top-ups available

The SimsDirect New Zealand SIM Card (10GB)

SimsDirect makes it easy to connect as soon as you land with the New Zealand SIM card. Once activated, you will receive an NZ number to make unlimited calls and texts throughout New Zealand and to family and friends back home.

Access the very best data with high speed 5G internet using the 2degrees network. If you run out, you can top up via 2degrees. Other New Zealand travel SIM cards are available for 3GB and unlimited data.

• Ability to tether or hotspot from your phone
• Free shipping across Australia
• 100% money back guarantee
• No expiry — you can recharge after extensive periods of inactivity

Vodafone Mobile Plan - Best International Roaming Plan

• An extra $5 per day for global roaming
• Uses your local inclusions overseas
• Stay contactable through your Australian number

Vodafone International Roaming

One of the most affordable international roaming offers among Australian telcos, Vodafone allows you to use your local inclusions overseas with a $5/day fee. Once you’ve used up the data limit, you’ll be charged $5 per GB — unless you have a Vodafone Ultra+ Plan, which covers unlimited mobile data overseas.

If you have a Vodafone prepaid plan (Prepaid Plus or Pay and Go), you can also access Prepaid Roaming Add-Ons. These range from $5 for 200MB data (expires in one day) to $35 for 2GB data (expires in 7 days).

International roaming isn’t the most affordable option. It's best for short holidays or business trips where you need to use your local Australian number.

• $5 is only charged on the days you use data, make a call, or send a text
• Only valid with Vodafone Infinite, Plus or Ultra+ Plan
• Can be used for a maximum 90 days per calendar year
• Global roaming is automatically activated — you don’t have to do a thing

International SIM Card FAQs

Our favourite global SIM card for travel abroad is the Airalo Discover Global eSIM. It provides a great range of data and validity options and can be topped up as needed.

The best travel SIM for data that doesn’t expire is the Keepgo Lifetime World SIM card. Australia Post International Roaming SIM offers the most affordable prepaid option and the best postpaid mobile plan is the Vodafone international roaming plan.

The best travel SIM for Europe is the SimCorner Europe eSIM. For North America, it’s the PREPAIDSIMS USA T-Mobile Travel SIM and for New Zealand is the SimsDirect New Zealand SIM card.

It’s easier than ever to buy an international SIM card. You don't need to visit a dedicated store or buy one at the airport. These days, you can buy it online. It will then be delivered to your door (often with free delivery) or you can instantly download it via an app.

International SIM cards remove the hassle of staying connected while abroad. You can buy the SIM card online and install it on your phone before you land.

Travel SIM cards connect to local networks wherever you travel and are usually activated as soon as they connect.

Most SIM cards stipulate the terms of use. Be aware of your data limit and expiry date and read the fine print to make sure you get the most out of your travel SIM.

The cost of an international SIM card depends on the region it covers, the data amount, and the expiry date, among other things.

Most global SIM cards cost between A$50–100 in Australia. However, more affordable options are available. For example, the Australia Post International SIM card is just A$5 and it’s often cheaper if you choose a SIM card that only works in one country or region. For short trips, many international roaming plans are A$5 per day.

Many seasoned travellers swear by local SIM cards. This involves waiting until you arrive in the country and buying a SIM from a local telecom company.

This is usually the most affordable way to stay connected while you’re travelling but there are some drawbacks. It can be a hassle finding a store to buy the SIM card and you will often need ID to register the card.

The SIM card may also only work within the country you bought it in — although many SIM cards from European countries work throughout the Eurozone. Does an international sim card change your phone number? It depends. Many international SIM cards are data-only, which means you will not receive a phone number or be able to make or receive phone calls and texts.

However, many regional SIM cards or country-specific SIM cards provide their own phone number. For example, a North American SIM card may provide an American phone number and European SIMs may provide a UK or French number.

If your phone is compatible, you may be able to have two SIM cards active at the same time. This means you can have your travel SIM card or eSIM while keeping your Australian number active. Just beware those roaming charges!

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

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Operating from major hubs in Paris (France), Bangkok (Thailand), and Hong Kong, SimOptions is at the forefront of the international Prepaid SIM Card market. Our mission is to provide global travelers with a reliable solution to completely avoid roaming charges in Melbourne through the use of Melbourne Prepaid SIM Cards. We take pride in our diverse offerings that span continents, including Europe , Asia , Oceania , North America , and South America . When it comes to Prepaid SIM Cards for Melbourne, SimOptions is your go-to provider. Wondering about the shipment? We collaborate with global couriers such as DHL, UPS, FEDEX, ARAMEX, Australia Post, among others, ensuring prompt delivery to your doorstep in over 100 countries. Connect with SimOptions today and keep in touch with your family and friends back home!

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• Works in over 200 countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

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If you change your mind or can’t use our service, we will issue you a refund to the last penny on all unused services from 14 days of purchase.

TravelSim has more than 4.5 million users worldwide and covers 135+ countries, here’s why...

It’s prepaid, so you’re in control of the costs.

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