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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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'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.
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.
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 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.
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.