Australia Your Way

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.

Airport Sim Counters at Sydney Airport

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.

Australian Travel Sim Cards

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.

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A Broken Backpack

Australia SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Oct 13, 2023 | Australia , Oceania , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Australia soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing an Australia SIM card .

Fortunately, Oceania is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Oceania.

In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Australia in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Australia. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate English – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Australia .

Sydney, Australia

Best SIM Cards In Australia

If you’re traveling in Australia, we recommend using a SIM card from Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Oceania, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Oceanian countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Australia

You can either buy an Australia prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Oceanian prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus.

Uluru, Australia

Telstra SIM Cards

Telstra offers several different types of tourist plans available:

  • 2 GB, valid for 7 days for AUD 10 ($6.48)
  • 30 GB, valid for 28 days for AUD 30 ($19.44)
  • 40 GB, valid for 28 days for AUD 40 ($25.92)
  • 65 GB, valid for 28 days for AUD 60 ($38.88)
  • 90 GB, valid for 6 months for AUD 150 ($97.19)
  • 200 GB, valid for 12 months for AUD 300 ($194.39)

Vodafone SIM Cards

Vodafone Australia has several different prepaid plans available:

  • 40 GB, valid for 28 days for AUD 30 ($19.44)
  • 60 GB, valid for 28 days for AUD 50 ($32.40)
  • 80 GB, valid for 28 days for AUD 150 ($97.19)
  • 150 GB, valid for 365 days for AUD 250 ($161.99)

Optus SIM Cards

Optus offers five main SIM-only plans for tourists:

  • 1 GB, valid for 1 day for AUD 1 ($0.65)
  • 7 GB, valid for 7 days for AUD 7 ($4.54)
  • 30 GB, valid for 30 days for AUD 30 ($19.44)
  • 100 GB, valid for 365 days for AUD 150 ($161.99)
  • 200 GB, valid for 365 days for AUD 300 ($194.39)

Overall, we think Telstra is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A Australia Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Australia is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Oceanian SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer several plans in Australia.

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Australia or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Oceania.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Australia

eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Australia.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo .

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Australia.

Airalo Australia

If you want to buy an eSIM for Australia, you could purchase one on Airalo . This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Oceania and Australia. I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available :

  • Yes! Go!: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
  • Yes! Go!: 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $8
  • Yes! Go!: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9
  • Yes! Go!: 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $12.50
  • Yes! Go!: 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
  • Yes! Go!: 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $40

Airalo eSIM Australia

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

  • 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
  • 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
  • 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
  • 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
  • 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country. Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Australia

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

PSSST. Want to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work?

Here’s an overview of the plan for Australia:

  • 10 GB data, valid for 30 days for $34
  • 20 GB data, valid for 30 days for $44

Go to Holafly

Nomad Australia

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Here’s an overview of the plans available for Australia:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $10
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $11

Nomad also has Global , an eSIM plan for 111 countries worldwide. This plan offers coverage in Australia. Here’s an overview:

  • 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
  • 3GB, valid for 30 days for $38
  • 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Australia

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Australia or even an eSIM for your travels in Australia is pretty straightforward. You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Oceania without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Oceania or global plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Australia if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card. Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Australia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

  • Best places to live in Australia
  • How many days in Sydney
  • What to do in Perth

travel sim vodafone australia

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International roaming when you’re on a prepaid recharge

This support article will give you key information about using your prepaid service while you’re overseas.

If you're on international roaming in the USA, you may be able to use VoLTE through some of their networks. Using VoLTE when you're on international roaming may give you a better call quality with a faster call connection. Find out more on our VoLTE support page .

How to activate international roaming.

The best way to activate and manage international roaming is through My Vodafone .

International roaming options.

There are over 80 selected countries where you can use Prepaid Roaming Add-on .

The best way to get a Prepaid Roaming Add-on is through My Vodafone .

You can also get an Add-on by sending a text message to 1511 with a relevant code and using your saved credit/debit card or your My Credit balance.

To use a Prepaid Roaming Add-on, make sure you have international roaming switched on in My Vodafone .

If you’re not heading to one of our more than 80 selected countries where you can use a Prepaid Roaming Add-on, you can use your My Credit with our prepaid roaming rates .

Additional information about Prepaid Roaming Add-ons.

Minutes included in your Prepaid Roaming Add-on are deducted when both making and receiving standard calls while in a selected country. Standard text messages are free to receive while overseas.

You can make standard calls:

  • Within the country you’re visiting.
  • To Australia.
  • To other selected countries.

You can send standard text messages:

  • To Australian mobile numbers.
  • To international mobile numbers.

Prepaid Roaming Add-ons do not include MMS/PXT or video calling.

No. To use your prepaid service in a destination outside the list of selected countries, you’ll need to use My Credit and our prepaid roaming rates will apply. You’re also unable to use a Prepaid Roaming Add-on in Australia.

Once you’ve purchased an Add-on, you can use it immediately. The expiry period will begin from midnight AEST regardless of the country or time zone where you purchased it.

If you’re roaming in a country that are in a time zone ahead of Australia, such as New Zealand, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa or Fiji, your Add-on will expire at midnight local time.

If you’re roaming in a country that are in a time zone behind Australia, such as the UK, USA, China or Canada, your Add-on will expire at midnight AEST time.

You can roll over unused inclusions provided you buy an Add-on with the same expiry period. The unused inclusions will then take on the expiry of the new Add-on.

If you have a 3 day Prepaid Roaming Add-on, you can roll over unused minutes, text and data to a:

  • 3 day Prepaid Roaming Add-on.
  •  3 day Prepaid Roaming Data Add-on.

If you have a 7 day Prepaid Roaming Data Add-on, you can roll over unused data to a:

  • 7 day Prepaid Roaming Add-on.
  • 7 day Prepaid Roaming Data Add-on.
  • 3 day Prepaid Roaming Data Add-on.

If you have a 3 day Prepaid Roaming Data Add-on, you can roll over unused data to a:

The inclusions in your Prepaid Roaming Add-on will be used before the inclusions on your recharge. Once your Add-on expires or runs out, prepaid roaming rates will apply.

If you’ve purchased two or more Add-ons and they have different expiry periods, inclusions will be deducted in this order:

  • 3 day add-on
  • 7 day add-on

If you purchase a Prepaid Roaming Add-on and a Prepaid Data Roaming Add-on with the same expiry period, data inclusions of both Add-ons will be combined.

Additional information about international roaming on a prepaid recharge.

The easiest way to recharge while you’re overseas is through My Vodafone  or  Express Recharge .

You can use your prepaid balance through My Vodafone .

You can also keep track of your usage:

  • By calling 1512 or +61 426 320 000 .
  • By sending a text message to 1511 with the keyword ‘BAL’.

Yes. For more information on voicemail costs while roaming, check out our voicemail costs page.

No. Prepaid international roaming is only available for prepaid phone services.

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to make calls within Australia using our 4G network. If you're on international roaming in the USA, you may be able to use VoLTE through some of their networks.

Using VoLTE when you're on international roaming may give you a better call quality with a faster call connection. You can also browse the internet or use apps at the same time.

You’ll need a compatible device with VoLTE enabled and be on an eligible plan. Find out more on our VoLTE support page .

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Home » Mobile

Best prepaid SIM card for tourists (February 2024)

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

Boost Mobile

We may earn money when you click our links.

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 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?

The quality of your mobile coverage in Australia will depend on your location and network provider. There's plenty of detail to pour over when it comes to Australia's mobile landscape, but the short version is that every Australian SIM card is powered by one of three major mobile networks:

While all three of the above offer 3G, 4G and 5G connectivity, their coverage can vary. To help you find out who offers the best SIM card in Australia for you, have a tinker with the interactive coverage 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.

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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 $5 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.

Which their cheapest offer, you'll get unlimited talk and text within Australia, 3GB of data, 300 minutes of international calls to 8 selected countries, and $3 extra international call credit. It's a great match for people looking to stick to Wi-Fi for most of the trip, but who need a little emergency data for peace of mind. And with prices starting from $5, 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 prepaid sim card

Vodafone $40 prepaid SIM Starter Pack

From $14.99

Belong prepaid SIM card

Belong SIM Starter Pack

From $35.00

Telstra prepaid sim card

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 $50 UNLIMITED 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. 

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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.

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.

Which networks are available 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)

Top Telstra prepaid SIM card plans

Top optus prepaid sim card plans, top vodafone prepaid sim card plans, 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. This is not a guarantee. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase. Each individual's unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

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Canstar Blue

Travel SIMs & Roaming Packs

Compare Mobile Plans

Compare Phone on a plan, Sim only Pre or Post-Paid Mobile Plans.

See Our Ratings Methodology .

travel sim vodafone australia

Most Satisfied Customers | SIM Corner

SIM Corner took out top spot in Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings with an impressive five-star result across almost all categories, including overall satisfaction, and three stars for its app or website.

travel sim vodafone australia

How we rate Travel phone plan providers

Our travel phone plan provider ratings are based on customer satisfaction across multiple purchase factors. It’s like asking more than 1,000 Aussies what they think of their travel phone service!

How many Australians do we survey for our ratings?

Canstar Blue surveyed 1,194 Australians for their feedback on travel phone plan providers they’ve been used. Respondents had to have used a SIM card or roaming pack for overseas travel in the past three years, not including SIM cards for use in Australia or purchased overseas.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics .

What criteria are used to rate travel phone plan providers?

Survey respondents are asked to rate their satisfaction with their travel phone plan provider from zero to 10 , with zero meaning extremely dissatisfied and 10 meaning extremely satisfied. Travel mobile plan provider satisfaction is rated on the following criteria:

  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a travel phone plan provider as an individual score, NOT the combined total of all criteria.
  • Value for money: the price paid for the travel or roaming pack was reasonable for the inclusions.
  • Sign-up and activation: the plan was easy to sign up to and activate.
  • Customer service: the provider was easy to get in touch with and offered good customer support.
  • Network coverage: there was good mobile network coverage and reception in the country/countries travelled in.
  • App or website: the provider offered an app or website that was easy to understand and use.
  • Ease of recharge: it was easy to recharge the travel phone plan when needed.

How do we determine the winner?

The winning brand is the brand that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating after scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.

  • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and therefore win the award. If a clear leading brand still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Which travel phone plan providers do we rate?

To qualify in the ratings results, providers must have received a minimum of 30 responses to be included . Therefore, not all travel phone plan providers are in this survey. Providers rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Woolworths Mobile
  • Australia Post TravelSIM

Find more information on our Most Satisfied Customers ratings .

Best travel phone plan providers in Australia

1. sim corner, ratings result.

SIM Corner took out top spot with a near-perfect result, scoring five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, sign up and activation, customer service, network coverage and ease of recharge. It scored its only three-star result for the app or website category.

Editor’s notes

SIM Corner is an Australian-owned and operated provider offering a range of prepaid travel SIM packs. Most plans require the purchase of a physical SIM card that’s shipped to you, however eSIM packs are also available. Travel packs include destinations in Europe, the US, Asia, the UK, South America, New Zealand and more, with different inclusions and expiry dates available.

In second place was GoSim with four stars for overall satisfaction, along with value for money, app or website and ease of recharge. It scored three stars for sign-up and activation, customer service and network coverage.

GoSim offers a range of physical international SIM cards, including Europe, Asia and USA-specific packs, plus standard international SIM card and data-only SIM packs. You can also top up your plan if you need more data, call and SMS inclusions.

Telstra took third place with four stars for overall satisfaction, sign-up and activation, customer service, network coverage and app or website. It scored five stars for ease of recharge and three stars for value for money.

Telstra offers its travel plans in the form of international roaming add-ons for existing Telstra customers. This means you’re able to keep your Telstra SIM in your phone (and still have access to your Australian phone number) and add on a Day Pass. Inclusions, prices and eligible destinations vary between the plans.

4. Vodafone

Taking out fourth spot was Vodafone, with four stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, sign-up and activation, and app or website. It scored five stars for ease of recharge and three stars for customer service and network coverage.

Vodafone’s $5-per-day roaming has been a stand out offer for several years now. Rather than offering a roaming SIM or add-on packs, Vodafone customers on eligible plans can pay $5 per day of roaming to access their phone plan’s inclusions while overseas. While access to some inclusions (such as unlimited capped-speed data) are excluded, it offers a convenient way to access your phone plan when travelling.

5. Woolworths Mobile

Woolworths Mobile was in fifth place with four stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and ease of recharge. It scored three stars for sign-up and activation, customer service and network coverage, and was the only provider to score five stars for the app or website category.

Like Telstra and Vodafone, Woolworths Mobile offers international roaming as an add-on to an existing phone plan. There are several roaming add-ons to choose from, with varying prices, inclusions and expiry periods, however it’s only available to use in select countries.

6. Australia Post TravelSIM

Australia Post took out sixth place with three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, sign-up and activation, customer service and network coverage. It scored five stars for ease of recharge and four stars for app or website.

Although Australia Post offers a selection of SIM-only phone plans, it has one, separate international roaming plan. The simple roaming plan can be used in more than 90 countries and inclusions topped up as required.

Rounding out our ratings was Optus with three stars for overall satisfaction. It scored three stars in most other categories, but five stars for ease of recharge and four stars for app or website.

Optus offers a $5-per-day roaming add-on to eligible customers. Unlike Vodafone’s offering that allows access to existing domestic inclusions, Optus’ version comes with its own set of inclusions, which can be used in more than 100 destinations.

Other travel phone plan providers

Whether you’re looking for an international roaming add-on, or you want a separate SIM with a specific travel plan, there are plenty of providers offering a range of travel phone plans. While not all providers (or telcos offering international roaming on plans) are covered in our ratings, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a good-value travel plan to suit your needs. Some other travel phone plan providers include:

  • Cover-More Global SIM
  • Tripsim (by Sydney Airport)

Phone plans with roaming features

  • Postpaid plans
  • Prepaid plans

To give you an idea of the plans available with international roaming features, the table below lists a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of advertised cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.

To give you an idea of the plans available with international roaming features, the table below lists a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of advertised cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.

Compare more products featured in our Most Satisfied Customers Awards

  • Prepaid SIM-only providers
  • Postpaid SIM-only providers
  • Phone on a plan providers
  • Smartphones

How to choose a good travel phone plan

Having access to our mobile phones and phone service overseas is an essential for many of us, for keeping in touch with friends and family back home, sharing our journey on social media, using maps and browsing great places to visit.

Of those we surveyed, 39% used their travel SIM more for data than calls and texts and 38% chose a travel SIM because roaming on their regular plan was too expensive. Although 39% said that they’d recommend their travel SIM to friends and family or other travellers, there are a few things to consider when choosing a travel phone plan.

First up, you’ll need to decide what type of travel plan you’ll need — for light data users or if you’re with a telco that offers a good international roaming plan, you might prefer to just switch roaming on.

However, if roaming is too expensive, there are plenty of travel plans available so you don’t need to stress about finding a SIM card when you reach your destination. Some of these might include calls, texts and data allowance, while some might be data-only. If you choose a data-only plan, you may need to set up a messaging app that uses mobile data, such as Messenger or WhatsApp, so you can still make calls and send messages.

SIM card or eSIM?

Some plans might also be available with an eSIM. The advantage to using eSIM is that there’s no need to switch out your Australian SIM for a physical SIM card  so you’ll be able to get text messages to your Aussie number while travelling — very important for receiving verification codes from your bank and other services. You can also set up your eSIM before you hop on your flight. Keep in mind that eSIM is not available with every phone, so you’ll need to check if your mobile phone offers eSIM compatibility . Some phones might have dual-SIM capability so you’ll be able to have your Aussie SIM and a physical travel SIM in your phone at the same time.

Destinations available

The most popular travel destinations in Europe, Asia, Oceania and North and South America are covered by many travel phone plans, but it’s important to check the destinations a plan has included before signing up. Likewise, if you’re travelling to multiple destinations, you may prefer to find a travel phone plan that will cover all of those destinations on the one plan.

Inclusions, cost and plan length

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, you’ll need to consider how long the travel plan is active. Some plans might have limited expiry periods, so you might need to recharge your plan when still travelling. If that’s the case, make sure you know how to recharge, have any required  app installed and your payment details already connected to the account (if possible).

Also consider what inclusions you need, such as how much data you’ll likely use each day, and how much the plan will cost. Travel phone plans are often expensive and data inclusions can be small so it’s a good idea to make use of secure WiFi networks when available. It’s also a good idea to download all your favourite movies, shows, music, podcasts and audiobooks before you travel so you’re not draining your data by streaming.

About our telco experts

Emma bradstock: senior telco specialist.

Emma-Circle

Emma Bradstock has been an authority on consumer phone, internet, technology and streaming markets in Australia for the last 4 years, with a dedication to providing Aussies with all the information they need to make better purchasing decisions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University and has a decade of professional writing experience in print and digital media.

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

About this research.

Canstar Blue surveyed 12,200 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have used a SIM Card or roaming pack for overseas travel in the last 2 years (not including for use in Australia or SIM cards purchased overseas)– in this case, 1,194 people.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.

Past ratings

Here are past winners of Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers – Travel phone plan ratings:

  • 2022: Vodafone
  • 2021: Telstra
  • 2019: SIM Corner

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**Max. Data/Billing Period

The amount of data the provider has advertised for the billing period of their plan.

Billing periods usually range from 28 to 31 days, but can vary - contact the provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.

Actual product inclusions can be found on the provider’s website.

^^Advertised Cost/Billing Period

The advertised cost the provider has advertised for the billing period of the plan.

  • The search results do not include all providers or products, and may not compare all features relevant to you.
  • Advertised data (per billing, and monthly cost as shown in the table may not be the same as the amounts per billing period). Contact Provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.
  • Some plans may apply additional charges where you exceed usage limits. Check the product provider's plan information.
  • Products displayed by our referral partner will be the closest available match to your search inputs. If no reasonable match is available, no results will be displayed.
  • Proof of identity may be required
  • Canstar Blue’s  Terms and Conditions  and  Privacy Policy  apply.

Unlimited Data

  • Some providers may cap the provision of unlimited data at maximum speed. Once this cap is reached the provider will then revert you to a slower speed. See providers website for more details.

Referral Partners

By clicking on a brand, ' go to site ', ' shop online ', ' get quotes now ', or ' see offer ' button, you will leave Canstar Blue and be taken to our referral partner to compare. Canstar Blue may be paid for this referral. You agree that Canstar Blue’s terms and conditions  apply to this referral.

Canstar Blue may earn a fee for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship fees may be higher than referral fees. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as such on website pages. They may appear in a number of areas of the website such as in comparison tables, on hub pages and in articles. Sponsored products may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The table position of a Sponsored product does not indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. The table position of a Sponsored product does not change when a consumer changes the sort order of the table.  For more information please see  How Are We Funded .

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Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

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.

group of coloured sim cards

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

Woman use smartphone at city for ride-hailing

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

Using a phone on a train

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

KeepGo Sim card

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

Australia Post International SIM

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)

SimCorner Europe eSIM Card

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

PREPAIDSIMS USA T-Mobile Travel SIM Card

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

travel sim vodafone australia

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

Close-up Of A Person Inserting A Sim Card Into The Back Of A Mobile Phone

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).

ASIC regulated

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

SIM cards from Boost and Optus, two of the providers I like in Australia

Australian SIM Cards: A Guide For Tourists, Students, and Visitors

Chris

For visitors arriving in Australia for 1 week to 1 year, this guide describes some of the best SIM cards available in Australia. In this guide I compare Australian SIM card providers based on their data, coverage, ability to make and receive phone calls, and convenience of purchase. I’ve written this guide for:

  • Tourists : Consider Optus (starting from $10 AUD) or Vodafone SIM card when arriving at an Australian airport, or Boost Mobile which is sold at convenience stores and petrol stations.
  • Students : Look for Boost Mobile as well, it includes lots of data and can be a cheap way to call back home.
  • Visitors in a rush , such as business travellers: Optus is available at every major international airport in Australia, it’s a safe bet.

Travellers who can leave the airport before buying a SIM card can often find better deals with Boost Mobile (from $10 AUD).

Prepaid SIM cards for travellers visiting Australia typically cost between $10 and $20 AUD, depending on the amount of data, calls, and validity included. These SIM cards can be topped up and expect to spend up $10 - $30 per month on prepaid plans for more data/calls, or for staying longer in Australia.

This guide to Australian prepaid SIM cards for tourists is separated into 3 parts:

  • Part 1: Tourists , staying 5 - 90 days
  • Part 2: Students , staying for a term or a year
  • Part 3: Visitors in a rush , such as business travellers and others interested in convenience

This guide below are my comprehensive recommendations for tourists , students , or visitors in a rush arriving in Australia. I’ve written separate guides for each of the major international airports detailing how to find a SIM card upon arrival. The airport guides can be found here: Sydney | Melbourne | Adelaide | Brisbane | Cairns | Darwin | Gold Coast | Perth .

Drawing of SIM card locations in Australia

Part 1: Tourists

This part of the guide is for tourists, people who visit Australia for a week, or for 3 months, mostly interested in seeing sights, experiencing the country, and staying in touch with people back home.

When I visit a country as a tourist, what I look for in buying a SIM card is convenience , I don’t want to spend previous time searching for a SIM; cost , since I’m paying better keep the cost down; and enough data/calls to stay in touch with friends and family or perhaps order the odd taxi.

Overall, I find Optus SIM Cards the best experience for tourists arriving in Australia . Optus SIM cards are sold at nearly every international airport in Australia and packages start form $10 AUD 1 .

Convenience for tourists: Where to buy a SIM card

At nearly all airports in Australia, Optus SIM cards are conveniently available soon after leaving customs. Optus SIM cards are competitively priced as well, starting from $10 AUD.

It’s also easy to use Optus SIM cards as they can be activated and set up at the shop they are purchased from. Some other SIM cards require a separate internet connection to be activated.

Alternatives that can also be convenient:

  • Vodafone is found at many airports in Australia, such as Melbourne and Sydney, often located next to Optus. Their SIM card packages can cost slightly more money, but tend to include more data or calls to compensate. I find Vodafone doesn’t offer as good coverage as Optus or Telstra.
  • Telstra , the largest of the mobile phone networks, is available at select airports, such as Adelaide and Melbourne .
  • Leaving the airport to buy a SIM card. Many providers (see costs below) are available after leaving the airport. I don’t like this option as it takes up valuable holiday time; there are some better deals available however, particularly if staying longer than a month.
  • Ordering online : SIM cards can also be ordered online for collection at some airports, such as Sydney.

Costs for tourists: Data and calls

Optus plans good for tourists visiting Australia include:

  • $10 AUD for 5GB of data and 100 mins of local calls - 5 day validity, can be extended
  • $30 AUD for 35GB of data, unlimited local calls, unlimited calls to select countries (e.g. UK, USA, China, Singapore) - 28 day validity, can be extended.

On the more expensive plans, Optus includes unlimited calls to select overseas destinations, such as those listed above, as well as France, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and many others. I find this a nice perk for calling friends and family back home.

Incoming calls are free with every prepaid plan I’ve ever seen in Australia.

For comparison: Vodafone offers 10GB of data for $30 2 ; Telstra offers 2GB of data for $10 3 ; other options near airports (such as Boost) are also available for $10 4 .

Part 2: Students

This part of the guide is for students, those who will be studying in Australia for a semester, a year, or even longer.

Students typically have more time available than tourists and can shop around to save the extra few dollars per month of a cheaper SIM card. Staying in contact with family back home is also likely more important, and the SIM cards listed below include generous amounts of data or international calls to stay in touch with family.

Overall, I found Boost Mobile to offer the best deals for students studying in Australia with its 12 month plan averaging out to a cost of $12.50 AUD per month. For students staying a shorter amount of time, Boost offer a comparable plan for $20 AUD per 28-days. Boost SIM cards can be purchased at 7-Eleven, petrol stations, and supermarkets.

The downside to Boost is that it does not really include roaming. Some students I know like to keep the same SIM card when travelling overseas or back home, and there is no real option to add this to Boost. I’ve included details of prepaid Australian SIM card roaming in the section below.

Costs for students: Data and calls

Good Boost Mobile plans for students staying in Australia to study include:

  • $20 AUD per 28-days for 5GB of data, unlimited local calls, and unlimited calls to select overseas destinations.
  • $12.50 AUD per month (charged as $150 AUD per year) for 80GB of data to use over the year, unlimited local calls, and unlimited calls to select overseas destinations

Countries included with Boost Mobile’s international calling include UK, USA, Malaysia, Singapore, China, much of Europe, and many others.

Alternatives include:

  • Coles Mobile, $20 AUD per 35-days (slightly cheaper than Boost!) including 3GB of data and unlimited local calls 5
  • Aldi Mobile, $15 AUD per 30-days, including 3GB of data and unlimited local calls 6
  • Woolworths Mobile, $10 AUD per 30-days, including 1GB of data and unlimited local calls 7

Out of these cheaper options, I consider Coles Mobile the better deal (better coverage than Woolworths and easier to find than Aldi).

Where to buy

Boost Mobile SIM cards can be purchased at 7-Eleven, petrol stations, and supermarkets (including Coles and Woolworths).

Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi SIM cards can be purchased at their respective supermarkets.

Boost uses the full Telstra network and should have the same excellent coverage the Telstra does.

Coles Mobile uses the full Optus network, it has excellent coverage as well but I find there are some parts of Australia where the Telstra network has better coverage.

Aldi Mobile and Woolworths Mobile use a reduced amount of the Telstra network. Coverage is not as widely available, or it may be slower, when compared to Boost or Telstra.

Part 3: Visitors in a Rush

This part of the guide is for business travellers and any other short-term visitors who are in a rush. The focus here is on convenience rather than cost.

Business travellers want a plan that works. I’m frequently a visitor in a rush, usually travelling for business; I don’t mind spending a few more dollars on something I know that will work all the time.

As it is easily available at airports and can be set up and working on the spot, I find Optus prepaid SIM cards to offer the best deal for business travellers and visitors in a rush.

Optus plans for business travellers include:

  • $10 AUD for 5 days, with 5GB of data and 100 mins of local calls
  • $20 AUD for 10 days, with 12GB of data and 200 mins of local calls
  • $30 AUD for 28 days, with 35GB of data, unlimited local calls, and unlimited calls to select overseas destinations

At $30 AUD and above, Optus includes calls to countries such as UK, US, Canada, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand. This makes it easy to stay in touch. For most countries I visit, I prefer Skype, though in Australia a local SIM card is a good option; I wrote a guide to all the different options available for staying in contact with family while travelling, check it out here: http://landinglastminute.com/calling-while-travelling-guide/

All prepaid SIM cards sold by local providers include an Australian phone number that other people can call to.

Convenience, where to buy

If arriving in:

  • Sydney : Optus, turn right after exiting customs (each door has an Optus shop to the right)
  • Melbourne : Optus, to the right after exiting customs
  • Adelaide : Proceed outside to WHSmith, any of the major providers are there
  • Brisbane : On the right hand side after exiting customs (Optus), behind the cafe
  • Darwin : SIM cards only available in the city centre or nearby towns
  • Perth : Directly in front after exiting customs

Click any of the cities above for my full guide on buying a SIM card when arriving at these airports. I also have airport guides available for Cairns and the Gold Coast if arriving there.

Staff at the SIM card store should be available to help set up the SIM and activate it. The SIM cards sold at the airport are easy to set up however if staff are not available to help.

Every airport listed above also has Wi-Fi available to update messages while waiting for luggage.

Alternative SIM cards for those in a rush:

  • Some airports listed above have alternatives, usually Vodafone or Telstra.
  • If travelling outside major cities and towns, look for a Telstra or Boost SIM card - they usually offer better coverage.
  • For more data, Optus has more expensive plans available such as $40 AUD for 45GB - Optus data can be shared with a laptop as far as I can tell, making it a good option for internet on the go.

Convenience stores and petrol stations around Australia sell other SIM cards such as Boost, which can offer good value. The major supermarket brands (Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi) have their own good value SIM cards as well. While they are cheaper than SIM cards sold at the airport, these shops can be harder to find.

Roaming an Australian prepaid SIM card to another country

Visitors to Australia can find value in roaming their prepaid SIM card to another country.

The big carriers offer better deals for roaming, and typical charges can be as little as:

  • Optus: $20 AUD for 10GB with 14 days expiry (that’s $1.43 per day!)
  • Vodafone: $5 AUD per day to use your included plan data and calls
  • Telstra: $10 AUD per day, including unlimited calls and 200mb of data ($5 for New Zealand)

Short roaming trips from Australia can be cost effective compared to the other options, such as local SIM cards. I wrote a guide on the other options available for making calls while travelling, check it out here: http://landinglastminute.com/calling-while-travelling-guide/

Some of the countries where it can be cheaper to roam with an Australian SIM include:

  • New Zealand (Telstra even offers its roaming cheaper to New Zealand)
  • Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore
  • China and Hong Kong
  • US, Canada, UK, and parts of Europe

A local SIM card is typically cheaper for visits of more than a few days to these countries.

Identification required for buying a SIM card

Identification is required for tourists, students, visitors, and anyone else buying a SIM card in Australia.

A passport is usually the best form of ID as it’s not expected that visitors have an Australian drivers license. An address may also be required, though a hotel should be sufficient. Details of an Australian visa are not required for activating a prepaid SIM card.

SIM cards purchased in Australia will need to be activated as part of the identification process. It’s often easiest to have this done at the shop where the SIM card was purchased. If the shop can’t help, detailed instructions are included with the SIM card and I’ve never found the process too onerous. An internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, may be required to activate SIMs of the smaller providers.

Other SIM cards Considered

There are a lot of SIM cards in Australia. I used to work for a small dial-up focussed internet provider; they now sell SIM cards. A lot of these SIM cards are not easily available to short term travellers - they often need to be purchased by post or as part of a bundle with another internet service.

Out of the SIM cards that are available to travellers, these are the other options I considered (and why I do and don’t usually recommend them):

  • Lycamobile : Available at newsagents and convenience stores. Lycamobile is a cheap way to call other countries (starting from $15 AUD), but it seems to lack the coverage of some of its competitors - competitors who only cost a few dollars more.
  • Lebara : Available at supermarkets and petrol stations. Lebara offers some great value, and includes international roaming. When I first heard of them I was under the impression the network wasn’t great, but it’s likely this has improved since then.
  • Amaysim : I used to use Amaysim when I lived in Australia, but I feel the best value here is focussed towards people who will be in Australia for more than a few months.

References:

Optus prepaid plans and prices

Vodafone prepaid plans and prices

Telstra prepaid plans and prices

Boost Mobile plans and prices

Coles Mobile plans and prices

Aldi Mobile plans and prices

Woolworths Mobile plans and prices

Tags: sim-card australia roaming

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Chris

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.

Traveltomtom<span>.</span>

Buying a Sim Card at Brisbane Airport in 2024

travel sim vodafone australia

Are you planning a trip to Australia and flying to Brisbane? Let me help you finding the best way to stay connected in on your trip to Brisbane. In this guide you can read everything about buying a sim card for traveling in Australia at Brisbane International Airport.

Find out where to buy a prepaid sim card, up to date prices as per January 2024, my recommendation, my experiences on arrival and even information about international and e-sim cards for Australia.

When I don't have an e-sim card yet, the first thing I do is buying a prepaid sim card to get connected whenever I get to a new country. Local prepaid sim cards are in general a cheaper way to get a lot of data on your phone compared to an e-sim card. Both avoid high roaming costs though and you don’t need to struggle with slow overseas data roaming plans.

As Traveltomtom is also on a mission to visit every country in the world you can find already more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: Auckland , New Zealand , Vanuatu , Sydney , Melbourne , Asia , Indonesia , Bali , Hong Kong , Thailand , Malaysia Europe , London , Paris , USA , New York , Canada , Dubai , Istanbul and many more.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in 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

Traveltomtom recommends buying a Vodafone sim card at Brisbane Airport for your trip to Brisbane. You can get one in the arrival hall at the Vodafone store.

Why Vodafone? They have similar 4G/5G network coverage as Optus, but slightly cheaper prepaid sim card plans for tourists. Traveltomtom only recommends a Vodafone sim card for a city trip to Brisbane, not for traveling in Australia.

Is Vodafone the best prepaid sim card for traveling to Australia in 2024? Traveltomtom thinks not. Read more about it in my complete guide for finding the best prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024 . There is a comparison including 4G/5G coverage maps and tips on how to get cheaper data plans.

you may also like...

Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Australia in 2024

Traveltomtom definitely recommends e-sim cards for traveling to Australia. E-sim cards start from just $4.5 USD. Recommended e-sim card providers are:  SimOptions , Airalo and  Nomad .

Traveling to several countries on your journey down under then check out my comparison of the best international (e)-sim card for traveling in 2024 . Click on the link to see my recommendations.

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.

You order an e-sim card for Australia on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have an Australia e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Australia.

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 esim card plans for australia 2024

Check out the Airalo e-sim card deals for Australia in 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 for more info or to  directly order an e-sim cards for Australia via Airalo .

The above e-sim cards from Yes! Go! are data-only and phone calls are not supported. They operate on the 4G/LTE network of Optus in Australia.

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.

simoptions esim card plans for australia 2024

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.

three hk esim card plans for australia 2024

  • 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 .

nomad esim card plans for australia 2024

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.

5g ready esim card plans for australia 2024

  • 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 more info about e-sim cards for Australia check out my article about the best e-sim cards for Australia in 2024 , including tips and tricks on how it works.

Arrival at Brisbane International Airport

brisbane international airport bne

When flying to Brisbane for your trip to Australia then expect a pretty hassle free arrival. Brisbane Airport is not that big nor busy. After landing you first get to immigration and if your passport allows you to use the e-gates then you will be ‘stamped’ into Australia in no-time.

brisbane airport arrival hall

After picking up your luggage you walk through the customs bag check. Occasionally there can be a line as Australian customs are pretty strict. But when you pass the customs check you walk into the Brisbane airport arrival hall. 

Where to buy a sim card at Brisbane Airport

optus store brisbane airport

There are 2 sim card stores at Brisbane Airport that sell prepaid sim cards for Australia for tourists: Vodafone and Optus. Both sim card stores are in the arrival hall.

When entering from the international arrivals through the sliding door into the Arrival Hall then both stores are right in front of you. Vodafone is on your left hand side and Optus is on your right hand side. In and between there is the exit door to the taxi stand.

Prices prepaid sim cards for Australia at Brisbane Airport

Prices and prepaid sim card plans constantly change. Your help is very much appreciated so please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram if you have up to date information.

The prices and info below is updated as per January 2024 and prices are in Australian Dollars: $1 AUD = 0.68 USD and $1 USD is $1.46 AUD.

Optus Brisbane Airport

optus sim card brisbane airport

These are the 2 Optus prepaid sim cards for tourists they sell at Brisbane Airport and they are both valid for 30 days:

  • 60 GB data on 4G + unlimited local calls/text + international calls = $30 AUD - $20.5 USD
  • 60 GB data on 5G + unlimited local calls/text + international calls = $60 AUD - $41 USD

Basically the exact same prepaid sim card deals, but if you want 5G internet you pay double. 

Vodafone Brisbane Airport

vodafone australia prepaid sim card plans 2024

Vodafone offers a lot more prepaid sim card plans:

  • 4 GB data + unlimited local calls/text for 7 days = $10 AUD - $6.8 USD
  • 8 GB data + unlimited local calls/text for 14 days = $20 AUD - $13.6 USD
  • 40 GB data + unlimited local calls/text for 28 days + 500 minutes international calls = $25 AUD - $17 USD

For more info and available Vodafone prepaid plans see the picture above.

Best sim card at Brisbane Airport

vodafone store brisbane airport

As you can see from the comparison of the Vodafone and the Optus prepaid sim card deals at Brisbane Airport is that prices are basically the same. However, Vodafone has much more prepaid plans for tourists and they start from much lower prices.

To find the best prepaid sim card for Australia I also compared the 4G/5G network coverage of Vodafone and Optus and came to the conclusion that Optus has better 4G/5G coverage across the country. That said Vodafone covers all the tourists destinations in Australia as well and for traveling to Brisbane it is more than fine.

The major difference between Vodafone prepaid sim cards and Optus prepaid sim cards is that Vodafone offers 5G on all prepaid plans and if you want to use the Optus 5G network you have to pay double the price.

Therefore Vodafone is the best buy prepaid sim card for Australia at Brisbane Airport in 2024.

Personally I also bought a Vodafone Australia prepaid sim card to check it out for my research and I had no problems and was happy with the data speed I experienced.

data speed vodafone australia prepaid sim card

Here is my speed test that I ran, just outside the airport. I had hoped the upload speed would be a little better, but little too complain about the download speed.

So what about e-sim cards for Australia compared to local prepaid sim cards. E-sim cards are slightly more expensive, but it is just a couple bucks. You can already get 5 GB data for just $ 12 USD and the great thing is that you can order an e-sim within just 2 minutes on the internet.

Traveltomtom recommends using e-sim cards from  SimOptions , Airalo  or  Nomad  when traveling to Australia.

Order a prepaid sim card for Australia online

international sim card plans for australia 2024

Is your phone not e-sim compatible, but you would like to arrive prepared and order a physical prepaid sim card for Australia on the internet then check out the following...

Buy ordering an international prepaid sim card for Australia online you save yourself the hassle of buying a sim card on arrival at Brisbane Airport.

These are pre-activated physical travel sim cards and will be delivered to your home address. They automatically activate from its first use. So it is plug and play when you land in Australia.

See the following international prepaid sim card deals from SimOptions:

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 you can arrange everything online within just a couple clicks by ordering an e-sim card for Australia. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Australia via either  SimOptions , Airalo or  Nomad .

Curious what is the best e-sim card for traveling to Australia in 2024 then click on the link and read my Australia e-sim comparison, including everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card.

I am sure the above information for buying a prepaid sim card for Australia at Brisbane International Airport was helpful for your upcoming trip. If you still have any questions, remarks or recommendations please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram.

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.

Enjoy your trip to Brisbane!

Some links in this article about the best sim cards at Brisbane Airport are affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage in case you decide to purchase something after clicking on an affiliate link. This is at absolutely no extra costs to you!

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travel sim vodafone australia

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Vodafone australia vs travelsimÂź, international esim comparison for europe.

Phone

If you regularly travel overseas for business, pleasure, or both, it’s likely that you’ve been stung by extortionate roaming fees in the past.

Navigating roaming charges can get complicated, especially when passing through more than one country per trip. For a long time the only alternative was to buy a local SIM card in each country you visit – which presented its own problems, such as finding yourself lost with no data to help you find your nearest SIM store. Thankfully, eSIMs are rapidly simplifying the way we travel.

Bought and activated within minutes, and able to connect to networks all over the world, eSIMs take some of the fear out of roaming – you can even buy data plans while already abroad, and top-up as and when you need. Many service providers have eSIM products and packages available, and here we can take a look at how our services compare to those of our competitor, Vodafone AUS.

travel sim vodafone australia

TravelSimÂź Overview

Our eSIMs can give you affordable access to over 320 mobile networks in more than 200 destinations worldwide. TravelSimÂź has been saving travelers money on roaming costs since 2006, first through physical SIM cards and then through eSIM packages and plans.

Over 4.5 million people use our services worldwide, and that number is only growing. We’re passionate about offering affordable rates , helping people find the best deals for the country they’re traveling to, and keeping things simple.

Vodafone AUS Overview

Originally founded in 1992, and then merged with Hutchison Telecommunications Australia in 2009, Vodafone Australia’s mobile network provides service to millions of users all across Australia.

They offer prepaid roaming deals – such as 2GB, valid for 7 days, for $35 AUD. While they do have eSIMs, information about them can be difficult to find via their website.

travel sim vodafone australia

Source for pricing: Vodafone Australia homepage, April 2023

A TravelSim¼ international eSIM is right for you if


If you’re planning to head off the beaten track on your travels, something that’s bound to kill your adventurous energy is searching for somewhere with Wi-Fi. With a prepaid eSIM you can update your friends and family on your progress from wherever you are, before looking up the route to your next destination. A prepaid eSIM also means you won’t have to use insecure wireless networks, avoiding the risk of criminals intercepting your personal information.

We’ll find the best SIM or eSIM for you, based on where it is you’re traveling to and for how long. We can save you up to 85% on international roaming charges compared to using your own carrier – perfect for a traveler looking to tighten their budget and avoid any roaming fee surprises.

Often when you travel you strive to have a detailed itinerary of everywhere you’re going and when. But, sometimes that simply isn’t possible. Whether your frequency of travel is unpredictable due to family or professional commitments, or if you’re simply a free spirit who takes off whenever the feeling strikes you, you need connectivity to match. Our eSIMs remain active for 12 months following their last top-up, so they’re easy to pick up and put down as and when you need them. With annual top ups, your eSIM will cover your adventures for years to come.

Not only are eSIMs becoming more popular and easy to use – they have a number of aspects that make them a convenient and modern way to roam. They’re energy-efficient, especially when compared to traditional SIM cards, and the lack of a physical component means that eSIMs can’t be cloned by would-be hackers or thieves. The fact that you don’t need to order and insert a small, fiddly card also makes them much more accessible for mobile users with different physical needs.

One of the joys of the 21st century is the number of ways in which we can communicate with each other – but sometimes you can’t beat a phone call. Some providers are only able to offer data through international eSIMs, whereas we can offer data, SMS and calls to and from the majority of countries we cover. This means that when you’re homesick and only the voice of a loved one will help, whatever you need is simply a phone call away.

Save money on data roaming in Europe with a TravelSimÂź eSIM

The last thing you want when you’re traveling is to feel restrained – held back from checking in with home, or touching base with work, or posting on social media, for fear of being charged excessive amounts in roaming fees. Share the highs and lows of your adventures with friends and family all over the world with TravelSimÂź international eSIMs . Forget worrying about extortionate roaming charges every time you send a text or image, and feel confidently connected no matter where your travels take you.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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 .

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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!

travel sim vodafone 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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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.

travel sim vodafone australia

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).

travel sim vodafone australia

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?
  • 9 Cutest Australian Animals: Can You Eat Them?

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Ultimate Guide to Australian Travel Sim Cards for International Students

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You’re about to head to Australia as an international student. ( Congratulations , by the way!) You know you need a travel SIM card, but you’re not sure which provider to go for or how to set your new SIM up.

Don’t fret – this guide has got you covered. Here we’ll answer all your Australian SIM card questions: why you need one, prepaid vs postpaid, the best providers, activation and recharge, managing data and more.

Travel SIM cards – The basics

For those new to the game, SIM (subscriber identity module) cards are the little chips that give your phone a number, allowing you to take and make calls, send and receive messages, and access the internet.

In terms of interacting with your phone, SIMs work the same in Australia as they do anywhere else in the world. It’s wise to check that your phone isn’t ‘locked’ to a network in your country, as that may mean it won’t work with an Australian SIM card (though it may be able to be unlocked).

SIM cards come in three sizes: standard, micro and nano. All modern phones now use the nano size.

Phone networks in Australia

Australia has just three mobile phone networks: Telstra , Optus and Vodafone . But there are dozens of phone service providers, called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), which use the three main networks to carry out their business (sometimes with slightly lower coverage):

*Just one MVNO, Boost, gets access to the full Telstra network

You’ll find a fast-growing 5G network in cities, but the further you move from civilisation, the lower bandwidth your signal will be. Networks are stretched thin by the wide brown expanse that is the Australian landmass. Telstra, the network that boasts the best coverage, says it covers 99.4% of the Australian population, but that equals just a third of the total Australian landmass (2.6 out of 7.6 million square kilometres).

This may not worry you as an international student living in a metro area – you probably won’t find yourself walking across the Simpson Desert – and if you’re planning a long road trip, most networks try to ensure highway signal is decent across the country.

Why SIM cards are crucial for international students

Do I even need an Australian SIM card as an international student? It’s a fair question, as many international students get by without one, and WiFi is solid and plentiful in Australian cities.

At its core this is predominantly a question of convenience . Relying on WiFi is fine when you’re at home, but as soon as you step outside you’ll need to find a publicly accessible signal to reconnect with the world.

A SIM card helps you to maximise your time . While you’re on public transport you can do university work or chat on WhatsApp with friends. You can jump on Student Job Board to search and apply for that casual job in Sydney or Melbourne, or research prospective employers and businesses. You can then make or take calls with those potential employers using an Australian number, which adds to your legitimacy and likelihood of success.

SIM cards are also a valuable item in emergencies , from the slight, like booking a quick Uber at the end of a night out, to the serious, like calling an ambulance due to a health issue.

All in all, the benefits of having an Australian SIM card comfortably outweigh the rather low cost.

Prepaid SIM cards vs. SIM only plans

You’ve brought your phone from home, and for the purposes of this exercise, we’ll assume that it is ‘unlocked’ – i.e. it isn’t tied to a particular carrier (check this before you leave home). So which travel SIM plan should you choose?

The first question is whether to go for a prepaid or postpaid (SIM only) plan:

  • Prepaid: These plans see you pay a set amount of money upfront to gain access to a mobile network for a set period of time (usually around a month, sometimes longer or shorter). For your money you get a certain amount of calls, texts and data.
  • Postpaid: Also known as ‘SIM only’ plans, to differentiate from handset and SIM card bundles, postpaid plans are paid after the service has been used. This means that if you overuse your service, it doesn’t cut off (as happens with prepaid plans) – you are simply billed extra. Postpaid plans may feature a lock-in period, or they can simply roll month to month.

A prepaid plan is generally the safer option for international students, as there’s no risk of overspending (at least without realising it!) The only downside is that you could run out of credit at an inconvenient time, although this only happens if you choose an ill-fitting plan, and recharging is easy (more on that later).

How to choose the right Australian travel SIM plan

Which is the right SIM plan for you? The answer will depend on two main factors:

  • How much you use your phone
  • Your access to WiFi

The more you use your phone, the more calls, texts and internet you’ll need. But if you have access to fast, stable WiFi at home, at uni and at work, and mostly communicate over WhatsApp, Messenger and email, you may be able to get away with quite a low cost plan.

No matter whether you go prepaid or postpaid, choose a plan that includes a little more than you think you might need, just in case. Even the cheapest Australian SIM plans offer at least a few gigabytes of internet per month, and most now offer unlimited texts and calls within Australia.

A couple of other considerations include:

  • International calls: Some SIM plans offer free international calls to certain countries. Even if you communicate with family and friends exclusively through WhatsApp or similar, it can be handy to have the option to make a call back home, like if you need to get in contact with a business.
  • Longer prepaid periods: While most SIM plans offer one month (28-30 day) terms, there are some six and 12 month options available that can work out cheaper in the long run, though you may leave value on the SIM card if you need to leave Australia early.
  • Data only?: You may think you only need data, but the ability to make calls is super valuable for organising your Australian life, speaking to your uni, finding a job and perhaps getting yourself out of a pickle.

The best SIM card options for international students in Australia

Which is the best SIM option for you while you’re studying in Australia? Here is a rundown of prepaid offers from some of the leading networks and MVNOs, as of August 2023.

  • 35GB, unlimited Australian calls & texts, international calls & texts included*, valid for 28 days: AU$35
  • 100GB, unlimited Australian calls & texts, international calls & texts included*, valid for six months: AU$160
  • 220GB, unlimited Australian calls & texts, international calls & texts included*, valid for 12 months: AU$320

*Amount of calls and texts depends on the plan and the country.

  • 40GB*, unlimited Australian calls & texts, some international calls & texts included**, valid for 28 days: AU$35
  • 120GB*, unlimited Australian calls & texts, valid for 186 days: AU$160
  • 220GB*, unlimited Australian calls & texts, valid for 365 days: AU$320

*Unused data rolls over to next recharge.

**20 countries. Amount of calls and texts depends on the plan and the country.

  • 20GB*, unlimited Australian calls & texts, some international calls & texts included**, valid for 28 days: AU$30
  • 80GB*, unlimited Australian calls & texts, 50 international texts included, valid for 185 days: AU$150
  • 150GB*, unlimited Australian calls & texts, 50 international texts included, valid for 365 days: AU$200

**20 countries. Amount of calls and texts depends on the country.

  • TPG (Vodafone network): 25GB, unlimited Australian calls & texts, valid for one month: AU$25
  • Amaysim (Optus network): 80GB, unlimited Australian calls & texts, unlimited international calls & texts to 40 countries, valid for 28 days: AU$40
  • Boost Mobile (Telstra network): 170GB, unlimited Australian calls & texts, unlimited international calls to 20 countries, 1200 mins standard calls to 30 selected countries, 1200 standard texts to any country, valid for 12 months: AU$230

Purchasing and activating an Australian SIM card

You can buy an Australian SIM card any number of ways: online, in a phone shop, at a supermarket or convenience store, or at the airport when you arrive. You can even get one shipped to you before you leave home!

The best option is to wait until you get to Australia, then buy one at a phone network store, as this will mean the staff can set up your SIM and make sure it’s working as it should. While the rules aren’t particularly strict, you’ll usually have to give the provider some basic details like your name, passport number and local address (even if it’s a hotel or hostel).

Once that information is logged, your new SIM will be up and running in a matter of minutes!

If you choose to buy a SIM card at the airport, convenience store, supermarket or online, simply follow the steps that are supplied with the SIM. If you run into any trouble, head to the provider’s nearest store for help.

How to recharge/ top-up your Australian SIM card

There are four main ways to recharge your Australian prepaid SIM card.

The most common method, if your credit is low or about to expire, you’ll be directed to the provider’s portal where you can purchase more. These portals should continue to work even if you have run out of internet. Simply follow the prompts to recharge, and pay by credit card

2. In-store

You can buy credit for all providers at most supermarkets and convenience stores. Buy a voucher over the counter, then complete the steps on the packet to recharge. You can also buy direct from a network provider and get them to complete the recharge in-store.

3. USSD code

While less common, some Australian providers still allow you to recharge via USSD code . On Telstra, for example, you can dial #100#, press ‘1’ for recharge, then follow the prompts.

4. Auto-recharge

Most providers offer an auto-recharge setting that you can activate through their online portals. This automatically recharges an expired or empty SIM using the credit card details you place on file. You’ll need to remember to stop this auto-recharge before you head back home.

Tips for using less data

Data: the less you use, the less you spend, and for international students living what might politely be termed the thrifty life , every dollar and gigabyte counts.

Here are a few handy tips that might help you better manage your mobile internet use, without cutting you off from the fun of the internet:

  • Use WiFi wherever possible: at home, uni and work, and in any public space where it’s available for free, like malls, libraries, parks, cafes and bars.
  • Download video while connected to WiFi that you can watch when you’re on public transport or eating lunch at uni.
  • Set apps to lower the quality of videos when using mobile data. This setting is available on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and more.
  • Pack a book. If you’re in between classes or on the bus, pick up a book rather than your phone.
  • Track your mobile data usage on your phone and set alerts for when you’re nearing your limit.

Enjoy a richer experience with an Aussie SIM

An Australian SIM card is a low cost yet super high value item for an international student. For just a couple of dozen dollars a month, you can ensure that you’re always able to contact your loved ones back home, that you can make calls to your uni or take calls from potential employers, and that you’re able to get emergency assistance if you ever need it.

Now that you have a good sense of the Australian telecom landscape and your SIM options, you’re ready to choose the plan that best suits your needs. Once that’s done, you’ll be one step closer to enjoying the experience of being an international student in Australia!

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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.

  16. The 7 Best International SIM Cards for Australians

    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.

  17. Australian SIM Cards: A Guide For Tourists, Students, and Visitors

    Vodafone is found at many airports in Australia, such as Melbourne and Sydney, often located next to Optus. Their SIM card packages can cost slightly more money, but tend to include more data or calls to compensate. I find Vodafone doesn't offer as good coverage as Optus or Telstra.

  18. Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) SIM Card Buying Guide

    You can get a Telstra, Optus, Vodafone Australia & Boost Mobile Australia SIM card or eSIM for 10 AUD to 300 AUD at Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL). That is quite a spread - what gives? It is mostly because you can get a starter pack lasting a full year - useful for Working Holiday Makers.

  19. Buying a Sim Card at Brisbane Airport in 2024

    Traveltomtom recommends buying a Vodafone sim card at Brisbane Airport for your trip to Brisbane. You can get one in the arrival hall at the Vodafone store. Why Vodafone? They have similar 4G/5G network coverage as Optus, but slightly cheaper prepaid sim card plans for tourists.

  20. Vodafone Australia vs TravelSimÂź

    Vodafone Australia vs TravelSim¼. Source for pricing: Vodafone Australia homepage, April 2023. A TravelSim¼ international eSIM is right for you if
 You don't have time to hunt down Wi-Fi. If you're planning to head off the beaten track on your travels, something that's bound to kill your adventurous energy is searching for somewhere with Wi-Fi.

  21. How to Choose an Australia eSIM for Travel

    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.

  22. eSIMs for Australia: The Best Travel Plans

    Travel eSIMs can be a much more affordable way to stay connected, even in Australia. How much will a travel eSIM for Australia cost? You can get a travel eSIM for Australia for as little as 4.50 USD, with 1 GB for 7 days, and up to 54 USD, for unlimited data, from Airalo, Holafly & Nomad.

  23. Ultimate Guide to Australian Travel Sim Cards for International Students

    Ultimate Guide to Australian Travel Sim Cards for International Students. Student Job Board General August 2, 2023 7 Min Read. You're about to head to Australia as an international student. ( Congratulations, by the way!) You know you need a travel SIM card, but you're not sure which provider to go for or how to set your new SIM up.