Best SIM Cards for Tourists in Australia

In Australia, tourists have a variety of options for SIM cards offering great coverage and diverse plans. Providers like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and smaller MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer prepaid SIM cards catering to different needs.

Depending on your requirements for data, local calls, international calls, and duration of stay, you can choose from a range of prepaid plans available.

Obtaining a SIM Card in Australia

Australia has several mobile network providers like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Boost Mobile, and more. Decide which one aligns best with your needs in terms of coverage, data plans, and budget.

  • Purchase a SIM Card: You can buy SIM cards from various places like supermarkets, convenience stores, electronics shops, or directly from the provider's stores in major cities or at airports.
  • ID Requirement: In Australia, you'll need identification to register the SIM card. A passport is typically the best form of identification for tourists.
  • Select a Plan: Providers offer a range of prepaid plans catering to different data, call, and text needs. Choose a plan that fits your usage and duration of stay in Australia.
  • Activate the SIM Card: Follow the instructions provided with the SIM card to activate it. This might involve calling a specific number or using an online activation portal.
  • Top-Up: Once activated, you'll need to add credit (top-up) to your SIM card to use the chosen plan. Top-ups can usually be done online, via the provider's app, or by purchasing vouchers.
  • Insert and Test: Insert the SIM card into your phone and ensure it's working properly. Check for network coverage in your area to confirm it meets your needs.

Telstra: Australia's Leading Telecommunications Provider

Telstra is Australia's largest telecommunications company, providing a wide range of services to individuals, businesses, and government agencies.

Telstra

Founded in 1992, Telstra has grown to become a major player in the Australian telecommunications industry, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services.including:

  • Mobile phone services: Telstra offers a range of mobile phone plans to suit individual needs, including prepaid and postpaid plans with a variety of data allowances, calls, and text messages.
  • Internet services: Telstra provides NBN (National Broadband Network) and other broadband internet plans, offering high-speed internet access for homes and businesses.
  • Home phone services: Telstra offers a variety of home phone plans, including landline and VoIP services.
  • Entertainment services: Telstra offers a range of entertainment services, including Foxtel cable TV, streaming services, and gaming services.
  • Business solutions: Telstra provides a wide range of business solutions, including mobile phone plans, internet services, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions.

Plan Type

Data Allowance

Validity

Calls & Texts

International Features

Data Rollover

Prepaid Large

50GB

60 days

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

N/A

Prepaid Extra Large

100GB

90 days

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

N/A

Prepaid Supersized

200GB

180 days

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

N/A

Postpaid Small

20GB

Monthly

Unlimited standard calls and texts

35 countries

N/A

Postpaid Medium

40GB

Monthly

Unlimited standard calls and texts

45 countries

Yes

Postpaid Large

80GB

Monthly

Unlimited standard calls and texts

50 countries

Yes

Postpaid Extra Large

120GB

Monthly

Unlimited standard calls and texts

60 countries

Yes

Telstra SIM CARD

Telstra SIM cards deliver access to Australia’s largest and fastest national mobile network for calls, messaging, and mobile data including 5G in select areas.

Telstra-SIM-CARD

Telstra's Network Coverage

Telstra operates Australia's largest and most reliable mobile network, leveraging world-class infrastructure to offer robust 4G and 3G connectivity to over 99% of the population. With near nationwide reach across metropolitan and rural Australia, Telstra provides consumers and enterprises with exceptional coverage for voice, messaging, and mobile data.

Telstra-Network-Coverage

Optus

Optus is a leading Australian telecommunications company, offering a wide range of mobile, internet, and entertainment services to individuals and businesses. Founded in 1991, Optus has grown to become a major player in the Australian telecommunications market, providing services to over 10 million customers.

Optus

Postpaid plans

Some of their popular postpaid plans include:

  • My Optus Plan Small: 20GB data, unlimited calls and text to standard Australian numbers, international calls to 35 selected countries.
  • My Optus Plan Medium: 40GB data, unlimited calls and text to standard Australian numbers, international calls to 40 selected countries, data rollover.
  • My Optus Plan Large: 80GB data, unlimited calls and text to standard Australian numbers, international calls to 45 selected countries, data rollover.

Prepaid plans

Optus also offers prepaid plans such as:

  • Prepaid x2 Data: 10GB data, unlimited calls and text to standard Australian numbers, 28-day expiry.
  • Prepaid x5 Data: 25GB data, unlimited calls and text to standard Australian numbers, 28-day expiry.
  • Prepaid x10 Data: 50GB data, unlimited calls and text to standard Australian numbers, 28-day expiry.

Internet plans: Optus provides NBN and other broadband internet plans, offering high-speed internet access for homes and businesses.

Optus SIM CARD

Optus offers prepaid and postpaid SIM cards providing mobile connectivity through Australia's second largest network with coast-to-coast 4G coverage supplemented by 3G in rural areas for data, voice, and text services.

Optus-SIM-CARD

Network Coverage Optus

Optus provides nationwide mobile coverage across Australia utilising extensive 4G and 3G networks reaching over 98% of the population. Optus continues to focus on improving connectivity to deliver speedy and reliable voice, text, and mobile internet to urban, regional and remote areas of Australia.

Network-Coverage-Optus

Vodafone Australia

Vodafone Australia is a major player in the Australian telecommunications market, offering a diverse range of services to individuals and businesses. Established in 1993, the company has grown to become a trusted provider, serving over 4 million customers. 

Vodafone-Australia
Plan Type Data Allowance Calls & Texts International Features

Red 40 Prepaid

40GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

Red 80 Prepaid

80GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

Red 120 Prepaid

120GB + 300GB bonus

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

Essentials 20 Prepaid

20GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

Essentials 40 Prepaid

40GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

Essentials 80 Prepaid

80GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

N/A

Red 40GB Postpaid

40GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

International call packs available

Red 80GB Postpaid

80GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

International call packs available

Red 120GB Postpaid

120GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

International call packs available

Essentials 20GB Postpaid

20GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

International call packs available

Essentials 40GB Postpaid

40GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

International call packs available

Essentials 80GB Postpaid

80GB

Unlimited standard calls and texts

International call packs available

Vodafone Australia Network Coverage 

Vodafone-Australia-Network-Coverage

Vodafone Australia operates a nationwide 4G and 3G mobile network covering over 22 million Australians with quality connectivity. The company continues to invest significantly in its mobile infrastructure and spectrum assets to enhance and extend its network reach across metropolitan and regional areas.

Amaysim

Amaysim is a leading Australian mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), offering a range of mobile plans designed for value-conscious customers. Founded in 2010, Amaysim has grown to become a popular choice for Australians seeking affordable and flexible mobile plans.

Amaysim

Package Name

Data Allowance

Validity

Unlimited Data

Unlimited

28 Days

Unlimited 30GB

30GB

1 Month

Unlimited 60GB

60GB

1 Month

Unlimited 120GB

120GB

1 Month

Amaysim SIM CARD

Amaysim provides prepaid and postpaid SIM card plans on the Optus network delivering affordable talk, text, and mobile data services across Australia.

Amaysim-SIM-CARD

Amaysim's Services

  • Mobile plans: Amaysim offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans with different data allowances, call and text inclusions, and international features.
  • SIM-only plans: Amaysim offers SIM-only plans that allow you to use your existing phone with their network.
  • No lock-in contracts: Amaysim plans are typically month-to-month, offering flexibility and freedom.
  • BYO (Bring Your Own) phone: You can use your existing phone with Amaysim plans.
  • Data banking: Unused data on most plans can be rolled over to the next billing period.
  • Customer service: Amaysim offers online and phone-based customer service.

Amaysim Network Coverage 

All amaysim mobile and data-only plans are powered by the superfast Optus 5G and 4G Plus network. The Optus Network covers 98.5% of Aussies.

Boost Mobile Australia

Boost Mobile is a popular prepaid mobile phone provider in Australia, known for offering massive data allowances at competitive prices. It operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), utilising the Telstra network, which boasts the widest coverage in the country.

Boost-Mobile-Australia

Lebara Australia

Lebara Australia is a mobile telecommunications provider catering to Australians who value affordable international calls and flexible plans. With its diverse range of prepaid mobile plans and international SIM cards, Lebara empowers you to stay connected with loved ones near and far without breaking the bank.

Lebara-Australia

Package Name

Data Allowance

Validity

International Features

30-Day Prepaid Mobile Phone Plans

35GB + 35GB activation bonus

30 days

300 minutes, including 200 bonus minutes to Zone 1 countries

28-Day Prepaid Data Packs

5GB

28 days

N/A

28-Day Prepaid Data Packs

10GB

28 days

N/A

180-Day Prepaid Mobile Phone Plans

90GB

180 days

Unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers

180-Day Prepaid Mobile Phone Plans

180GB

180 days

Unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers

360-Day Prepaid Mobile Phone Plans

360GB

360 days

Unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers

Lebara SIM CARD in Australia

Lebara Mobile offers prepaid SIM cards in Australia providing budget-conscious international travellers and residents discounted calls to over 50 countries along with domestic service.

Lebara-SIM-CARD-in-Australia

Lebara Australia Network Coverage 

Lebara relies on the Vodafone Australia mobile network to deliver prepaid cell phone service and connectivity for calls, messaging, and data nationwide.

Lycamobile Australia

Lycamobile Australia is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) offering a wide range of affordable prepaid mobile plans tailored to the needs of international communities and value-conscious consumers. With its focus on global connectivity and competitive international call rates, Lycamobile empowers you to stay connected with loved ones around the world without breaking the bank.

Lycamobile-Australia

Package Name

Data Allowance

Validity

International Features

30-Day Prepaid Mobile Plans

20GB

30 days

Unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers

35-Day Prepaid Mobile Plans

40GB

35 days

Unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers

90-Day Prepaid Mobile Plans

60GB

90 days

Unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers

180-Day Prepaid Mobile Plans

120GB

180 days

Unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers

Lycamobile Australia Network Coverage

Lycamobile Australia utilises the full Telstra mobile network to provide national prepaid coverage and services for connectivity across Australia.

Constructing an Organised Trip Itinerary

Ensure a smooth and budget-friendly travel experience with these essential tips:

  • Travel Arrangements

Book flights to Australia, considering the best time to visit and budget-friendly options,Research and book hotels, hostels, or holiday homes based on your preferences and budget. Arrange for transportation within Australia—consider domestic flights, trains, or rental cars.

  • Visa and Documentation

Check visa requirements and obtain necessary documents for entry into Australia.

Get required vaccinations and medications. Carry necessary prescriptions and medical documents.

  • Finances and Budgeting

Australian Dollar (AUD). Exchange money or use ATMs in Australia. Plan a daily budget covering accommodation, food, activities, and transportation.

  • Essentials to Pack

 Pack according to the season—light clothing for summers and warmer clothing for winters like Camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a hat and important Documents like Passport, visas, travel insurance, and copies of important documents.

FAQS

SIM cards are available at airports, convenience stores, supermarkets, and directly from mobile network provider stores across major cities.
Major providers include Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and various Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Boost Mobile, Amaysim, and more.
Generally, you'll need identification such as a passport to register and activate the SIM card.
Follow the instructions provided with the SIM card. Activation usually involves calling a number or using an online portal.
Yes, providers offer prepaid plans with varying data allowances, call minutes, text allowances, and validity periods.