Skip to Content

Australia: 17 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Australia – known for the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef & Kangaroos that want to punch you when they get the chance.

The country is so large, the 6th largest in the world, that it is often considered a continent on its own.

While New Zealand, its brother, is often omitted from world maps – the unwanted child?

Nah, New Zealand is fabulous. But let's stick to Australia for now.

Australia has become a popular destination for education, especially for students from the Pacific Oceania region.

The country also attracts many European youngsters, who can take advantage of the Working Holiday (or Work and Holiday) schemes, allowing them to stay for a year and up to three years to work and explore the country.

While mentioning all the attractions you should see and experience could be a 2000+ article blog on its own, there is no reason to be bored in Australia.

The country has become more expensive over the years, so any way to save some cash while in Australia to spend on experiences is appreciated.

One thing that has surprisingly stayed affordable is mobile data rates – they are low for regional standards and globally.

In fact, Australia is one of the three countries in Oceania (behind Fiji and Samoa) and 53 globally, where the average cost of 1 GB of data is lower than 1 USD.

Moreover, there is healthy competition in terms of choice, keeping the prices down.

While I only cover 15 prepaid SIM cards in this guide, there are many more available if you are willing to order a SIM card online and wait for it to arrive.

But I only write about SIM cards you can easily purchase in person.

So, are SIM cards expensive in Australia? Not really.

You can get an Australian SIM card for 2 AUD (1.35 USD). But SIM cards with plans range from 10 AUD (6.70 USD) to 300 AUD (201.05 USD) – available in Telstra, Optus & Vodafone stores and from resellers, like grocery stores and electronic shops. SIM cards are also sold at most international airports, including Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Brisbane Airport, Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time. Click here for Canberra Airport (CBR).

Buying a SIM Card at Brisbane Airport Guide (logos of Optus & Vodafone)
Buying a SIM Card at Melbourne-Tullamarine Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone & Boost Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)

Before you call me crazy for thinking a 300 AUD SIM card is cheap, such starter packs include plans that are valid for a whole year.

Such options are useful for overseas students and those planning to work in Australia for a year… or three.

But honestly, I do be crazy though 🤪.

So, what else do you need to know about Australian SIM cards? A lot if you want to be informed and save a lot of money.

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Australia. Let's get started, shall we?

Buying a SIM Card in Australia Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, ALDImobile, Amaysim, Australia Post Mobile, Belong Mobile, Boost Mobile, Coles Mobile, Gomo, Gotalk, Hello Mobile, Lebara, Lycamobile & Woolworths Mobile)

Original publication: 13th of October 2019. Last updated: 1st of June 2023.


Table of Contents

In This Guide Show

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Australia?

Anyone is allowed to buy an Australian SIM card, including tourists and visitors, from the mobile operators (Telstra, Optus & Vodafone) and the numerous MVNOs offering prepaid services without restrictions.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Australia).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Australia?

You can get an Australian SIM card in Telstra, Optus & Vodafone stores. Resellers, like post offices, newsstands & grocery stores, gas stations & electronic shops, also sell SIM cards. They are also sold at most international airports, including Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

You can buy an Australian SIM card in the following airports:

If you are flying into any of these airports, click on the links above to read about the SIM card options at those airports to save some reading time.

Buying a SIM Card at Brisbane Airport Guide (logos of Optus & Vodafone)
Buying a SIM Card at Melbourne-Tullamarine Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone & Boost Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)

You can expect to pay the following for Australian SIM cards:

  • Telstra: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • Optus: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • Vodafone Australia: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • ALDImobile: 5 AUD + various starter plans
  • Amaysim: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • Australia Post Mobile: 20 AUD, 30 AUD, 40 AUD & 150 AUD – all include a plan
  • Belong Mobile: 25 AUD, 35 AUD & 45 AUD – all include a plan
  • Boost Mobile Australia: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • Coles Mobile: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • Gomo Australia: 15 AUD, 25 AUD & 35 AUD – all include a plan
  • Gotalk Australia: 10 AUD (includes a plan/starter credit)
  • Hello Mobile Australia: 10 AUD (includes a plan/starter credit)
  • Lebara Australia: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • Lycamobile Australia: 2 AUD + various starter plans
  • Woolworths Mobile: 2 AUD + various starter plans

The following Australian mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:

  • Optus: 30 AUD (Optus Travelers SIM)

For up-to-date AUD:your currency (let's say NZD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Can You Use Your Phone in Australia?

Australia uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Australia. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).

Traditional European frequencies are used in Australia, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).

The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Australia.

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Australia or can only use slower networks (3G on the Telstra network, although it is being discommissioned slowly at the moment).

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Australia (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Australia

Australia has three mobile operators and 14 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Telstra
  • Optus
  • Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)
  • ALDImobile (Telstra MVNO)
  • Amaysim (Optus MVNO)
  • Australia Post Mobile (Optus MVNO)
  • Belong Mobile (Telstra MVNO)
  • Boost Mobile Australia (Telstra MVNO)
  • Coles Mobile (Optus MVNO)
  • Gomo Australia (Optus MVNO)
  • Gotalk Australia (Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom) MVNO)
  • JB Hi-Fi Mobile (Telstra MVNO)
  • Hello Mobile Australia (Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom) MVNO)
  • Lebara Australia (Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom) MVNO)
  • Lycamobile Australia (Telstra MVNO)
  • Telsim Australia (Telstra MVNO)
  • Woolworths Mobile (Telstra MVNO)

The following frequencies are used in Australia:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in 2018
  • 3G: 850 MHz & 900 MHz (Telstra & Optus will shut down their 3G networks in 2024. Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom) is committed on keeping it for a while will shut down in 2024 too)
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 900 MHz (Band 8),1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40), 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 800 MHz (n28), 1800 MHz (n3), 2300 MHz (n40), 3500 MHz (n78) & 26 GHz (n258)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Australia, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

A Note about SIM Only SIM Cards in Australia

Some of the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer SIM-only plans.

Unlike most countries where SIM only means a postpaid plan without a mobile device bought from the mobile operator and paid off in installments, SIM-only simply means a plan paid in advance (prepaid) that can be canceled at any time by disabling auto-renewal.

At least, that applied to the SIM cards mentioned in this guide.

There are traditional SIM-only plans out there, which require a long-term commitment.

This will not be relevant to you as a traveler, so they will not be covered in this guide.

So you do not have to worry about being charged for two years, as long as you disable auto-renewal on time.

In the plan section of each mobile operator, I will mention when a plan auto-renews… which is basically always.

Luckily, auto-renewal can be disabled on the mobile operator's app or online.

A Note about MVNOs in Australia

There are about 50 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Australia.

While the United States is probably the only country with even more MVNOs, this is a ridiculous number.

But it is good in some way because that means there is a lot of competition in the Australian telecom market.

That explains the low average cost of 1 GB of data, as mentioned in the introduction.

So, if there are more than 50 MVNOs in Australia, why are only 15 discussed in this guide.

Because I only write about the best ones 😎.

Okay, that is mostly true, but not entirely.

I only cover mobile operators and MVNOs that offer prepaid services AND are easily accessible.

In this context, easily accessible means you do not have to order a SIM card online (which you may not even have the time for as a traveler), AND many stores throughout the country sell the SIM cards in grocery stores or convenience stores.

For example, there is no need for me to mention an MVNO that has only 16 dealers throughout New South Wales (the state of Sydney).

The same counts for MVNOs, like Kogan Mobile, that only sell prepaid plans valid for a full year.

So yeah, that is why this guide only covers 15 SIM cards, which is still more than enough choice, I would say!

VoLTE & VoWiFi in Australia

Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) are available in Australia. Telstra, Optus & Vodafone Australia offer VoLTE and VoWiFi to prepaid customers. Not all MVNOs have access to both features.

This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Australia (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).

The following mobile operators offer VoLTE and VoWiFi in Australia:

  • Telstra
  • Optus
  • Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)
  • Coles Mobile
  • Gomo Australia

The following mobile operators offer VoWiFi only in Australia:

  • Amaysim
  • Australia Post Mobile
  • Boost Mobile Australia

The following mobile operators do not offer VoLTE or VoWiFi in Australia:

  • ALDImobile Australia
  • Belong Mobile
  • Gotalk Australia
  • Hello Mobile Australia
  • Lebara Australia
  • Lycamobile Australia
  • Woolworths Mobile

VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.

5G NR in Australia

Commercial 5G NR has been available in Australia since 2019. It is available on the Telstra, Optus & Vodafone networks if you choose select 5G-enabled plans. A handful of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer 5G NR (as part of a trial or forever).

Best SIM Card in Australia

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Australia, I recommend going with Telstra. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds. Consider Boost Mobile, the only Telstra MVNO with full access to the Telstra network, for cheaper rates than Telstra itself.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Best eSIM in Australia

Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, ALDImobile, Amaysim, Gomo, Lebara & Woolworths Mobile offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

Australia Mobile Post, Belong Mobile, Boost Mobile, Coles Mobile, Gotalk, Hello Mobile, Lycamobile do not offer eSIMs.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.

The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Australia.

But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.

Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).

So here are the 14 best eSIMs for Australia:

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Australia, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).

If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Australia, you better check out my Australia eSIM buying guide.

It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.

Buying an eSIM for Australia Guide (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, Simcorner, Amaysim, Gomo, T, ALDIMobile, Woolworth Mobile, Lebara, Kogan mobile, Vodafone, Optus, Felix & Yes! Go!)

SIM Card Registration in Australia

SIM card registration with your passport information is required in Australia. It will be done at the point of purchase (if purchased in Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone stores and select authorized resellers). Registration can also be done online or on the app of the mobile operator/MVNO.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You need a valid visa if you use an international passport for SIM card registration.

While there is no limit on how many active prepaid SIM cards you can have in your name, you will need to provide secondary forms of identification if you have more than five active SIM cards.

SIM cards are activated within 15 minutes to 4 hours after registration.

If you are unlucky, it can take days, but that is unlikely.

Australia Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of Australia

Australia is one of the cheaper travel destinations in Oceania.

This may sound unbelievable, but all those resort islands in this region are expensive 🤑.

Fortunately, mobile data rates are low in Australia too.

The average price for 1 GB of data in Australia is 0.84 AUD (0.57 USD), way below the Oceanian average of 3.88 USD. The world average is 3.12 USD.

In fact, Australia is the second-cheapest country for mobile data in Oceania, behind Fiji, but ahead of French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, Palau, Vanuatu, Guam (+the Northern Mariana Islands), American Samoa, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Nauru, Micronesia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu & Tokelau.

Australia Average Mobile Data Rates 2022
Source

Data-featured prepaid plans are very generous in Australia (even though Australians will tell you otherwise… until they go abroad 😜).

While the prices for data-featured plans are low, will you also get slow speeds in Australia (knowing its broadband internet is sub-par)?

Surprisingly… not at all.

Australia's median mobile download speed is around 89 Mbps.

For reference, the global median is around 33 Mbps at the moment.

Australia has the fastest median mobile download speeds compared to its (indirect) neighbors like Singapore (75.99 Mbps), New Zealand (62.46 Mbps), Fiji (20.75 Mbps), Papua New Guinea (19.16 Mbps) & Indonesia (16.65 Mbps).

Australia's mobile download speeds have increased by 24.6% year on year.

Australia Median Mobile Data Speeds Compared 2021 2022

Okay, now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in Australia.

That would be Telstra, with a median mobile download speed of 95.83 Mbps. Followed by Optus (86.92 Mbps) and Vodafone (TPG Telecom – 66.40 Mbps).

It was also the winner of the Australia Fastest Mobile Network Award.

The fastest download speeds can be found in greater Melbourne, with a median mobile download speed of 87.8 Mbps.

But Sydney (87.6 Mbps) and greater Brisbane (85 Mbps) are not far behind.

Anyway, so what about coverage? Which Australian mobile operator has the best coverage?

The three mobile operators have an availability of more than 99.2%.

While all mobile operators have a general availability of more than 99.2% according to Opensignal (which includes 2G and 3G reception), Telstra has the best 4G/LTE coverage experience (9.8 on a 10-point scale), followed by Optus (9.4) and Vodafone (8.4).

But do not get too attached to these numbers.

As Telstra used to be state-owned and had a monopoly until it got privatized, it inherited towers in many rural areas.

Because covering these places is unprofitable for mobile operators, and Telstra was not allowed to sell them (from what I have heard), Telstra has significantly better coverage in rural Australia by a longshot.

Telstra and many of its Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) claim that Telstra has 1 million square kilometers more coverage than any other mobile operator (especially Boost Mobile) as a marketing claim; it is probably (somewhat) true.

I have spoken to Australians on my travelers mostly on the east coast (New South Wales, Queensland & Victoria + South Australia) – some informed me that while they (used) to work in the mines, Telstra was the only mobile operator with reception around and inside the mine.

So while you will have coverage with the three mobile operators in all cities, major towns & perhaps some villages, you should expect little from Optus and especially Vodafone in even more rural places.

And expect nothing in the Outback to avoid disappointment

So which mobile operator is winning the 5G NR race in terms of coverage?

Currently, Telstra has the best 5G NR reach (5.2 on a 10-point scale), ahead of Vodafone (4.4) and Optus (3.7).

Regarding 5G NR availability, in the places where 5G NR should be available, Vodafone is winning the race (22.3%), ahead of Telstra (19.3%) and Optus (11.1%).

But do not be fooled by Vodafone's numbers – its 5G NR speeds are often barely faster than its 4G/LTE speeds

So what about the overall network performance of the Australian mobile operators?

Telstra and Optus are the winners of the Australia Mobile Experience Awards of October 2022.

But if you want guaranteed excellent performance everywhere, Telstra is the way to go.

With low SIM card prices, extensive nationwide coverage (in populated areas only), incredible mobile download speeds, and low mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in Australia (in urban areas).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Currency in Australia

50 Australian Dollar Bank Note
© Reserve Bank of Australia

Australia uses the Australian Dollar with the symbol AUD (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed as just $. For example, 25 AUD = $25.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between AUD and USD (US Dollars):

  • 1 AUD = 0.70 USD
  • 10 AUD = 6.70 USD
  • 100 AUD = 67 USD
  • 1000 AUD = 670.20 USD

For up-to-date AUD:your currency (let's say NZD – New Zealand Dollar) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.

Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).

I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Australian Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Telstra, Optus, Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom), ALDImobile Australia, Amaysim, Australia Post Mobile, Belong Mobile, Boost Mobile Australia, Coles Mobile, Gomo Australia, Gotalk Australia, Hello Mobile Australia, Lebara Australia, Lycamobile Australia & Woolworths Mobile, and go through:

  • Background information
  • Mobile coverage
  • SIM card types, prices, and availability
  • Recharge/top-up information
  • Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs) 

With that said, let's see what Australia has to offer to us.


Telstra

Telstra Australia Logo Blue
© Telstra

Telstra is the largest mobile operator in Australia.

It is also the oldest mobile operator in the country, as it used to be a state-owned company.

To this day, Telstra is the fastest in Australia.

However, Optus is currently winning the 5G NR race, but for how long?

Telstra uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down on the 1st of December 2016
  • 3G: 850 MHz – shutting down in 2024
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 850 MHz (n5), 3500 MHz (n78) & 26 GHz (n258)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Telstra:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Telstra SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Telstra

Telstra has the best coverage in Australia.

This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

I recommend going with Telstra if you plan on visiting the Outback (remote Australia), especially when doing farm work for your Working Holiday visa extension.

Below is Telstra's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Telstra's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Telstra

You can get a Telstra SIM card for 2 AUD or between 10 AUD and 300 AUD with starter plans in Telstra stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Data-only SIM cards (Mobile Broadband) are sold for 30 AUD, 150 AUD & 300 AUD. Telstra SIM cards are also sold at various airports, including Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time. Click here for Canberra Airport (CBR)

Buying a SIM Card at Canberra Airport Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Boost Mobile & Lebara)
Buying a SIM Card at Melbourne-Tullamarine Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone & Boost Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)
Telstra Australia SIM Card
© Telstra
Telstra Australia Mobile Broadband SIM Card
© Telstra

The following seven Telstra Pre-Paid starter packs are available:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Zone 1 Zone 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2International Zone 3 Minutes 3Local SMSInternational SMS 4Validity
10 AUD2 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AN/AUnlimited100 SMS7 days
30 AUD300 MB80 minutes10 minutes10 minutesN/A100 SMS10 SMS6 months
30 AUD30 GBUnlimited300 minutes60 minutes5 minutesUnlimited100 SMS28 days
40 AUD40 GBUnlimited500 minutes100 minutes10 minutesUnlimited100 SMS28 days
60 AUD65 GB 5Unlimited1500 minutes250 minutes20 minutesUnlimited100 SMS28 days
150 AUD90 GBUnlimited3000 minutes350 minutes50 minutesUnlimited100 SMS6 months
300 AUD200 GBUnlimited6000 minutes800 minutes100 minutesUnlimited100 SMS12 months

1 zone 1: Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands & Vietnam
2 zone 2: Argentina, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, the Faroe Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Greece, Italy, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, France, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Mongolia, Palestine, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Peru, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates & Venezuela
3 zone 3: Austria, Comoros, Croatia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Russia, Samoa, Serbia, the Solomon Islands, Suriname, Switzerland, Tonga, Turkey, Vanuatu & Zimbabwe
4 to any country – not restricted to zone 1-3 countries
5 with 5G NR access (although all Telstra prepaid plans have 5G NR access now (until late November 2022), plans with 5 should still have 5G NR access when the trial ends

TIP: get your Telstra starter pack at Coles or Woolworths. They often sell the 30 AUD-60 AUD starter packs with 50% off. If you stay in Australia for a longer time, order it online from Telstra, Office Works & various electronic stores for the same offers when not available in Coles or Woolworths

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank (except for the 30 AUD – 300 MB starter plan).

The Telstra Pre-Paid starter packs auto-renew.

Telstra Australia SIM Cards

The following three Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband SIM cards are available:

PriceDataValidity
30 AUD20 GB28 days
150 AUD80 GB12 months
300 AUD250 GB12 months

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

The Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband starter packs auto-renew.

Telstra Australia Mobile Broadband SIM Cards

You can register and activate your Telstra SIM card in Telstra stores, online, or on the My Telstra app (Android/iOS).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get a Telstra eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Telstra offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Telstra

Telstra top-up vouchers are sold in Telstra stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Australia.

To top up your Telstra SIM card, dial #100# and follow the instructions.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial #100# to check your Telstra balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the My Telstra app (Android/iOS).

Telstra Australia My Telstra App
© Telstra

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Telstra

Telstra has four data-featured prepaid plans:

All Telstra plans can be activated on the Telstra app.

I will list all the prices in AUD (Australian Dollar).

To convert AUD to your currency (let's say NZD – New Zealand Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Pre-Paid Mobile Recharges – Telstra

The Pre-Paid Mobile Recharges are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access until late November 2022 during the trial), minutes & SMS.

Pre-Paid Mobile Recharges can be activated on the My Telstra app:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Zone 1 Zone 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2International Zone 3 Minutes 3Local SMSInternational SMS 4Validity
10 AUD2 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AN/AUnlimitedN/A7 days
30 AUD30 GBUnlimited300 minutes60 minutes5 minutesUnlimited100 SMS28 days
40 AUD40 GBUnlimited500 minutes100 minutes10 minutesUnlimited100 SMS28 days
60 AUD65 GB 5Unlimited1500 minutes250 minutes20 minutesUnlimited100 SMS28 days
150 AUD90 GBUnlimited3000 minutes350 minutes50 minutesUnlimited100 SMS6 months
300 AUD200 GBUnlimited6000 minutes800 minutes100 minutesUnlimited100 SMS12 months

1 zone 1: Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands & Vietnam
2 zone 2: Argentina, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, the Faroe Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Greece, Italy, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, France, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Mongolia, Palestine, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Peru, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates & Venezuela
3 zone 3: Austria, Comoros, Croatia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Russia, Samoa, Serbia, the Solomon Islands, Suriname, Switzerland, Tonga, Turkey, Vanuatu & Zimbabwe
4 to any country – not restricted to zone 1-3 countries
5 with 5G NR access (although all Telstra prepaid plans have 5G NR access now (until late November 2022), plans with 5 should still have 5G NR access when the trial ends

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Telstra Australia Pre-Paid Mobile Recharges
Pre-Paid Mobile Casual Recharges – Telstra

The Pre-Paid Mobile Recharges are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access until late November 2022 during the trial), minutes & SMS.

Pre-Paid Mobile Recharges can be activated on the My Telstra app:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Zone 1 Minutes 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2Local SMSInternational SMS 3Validity
20 AUD150 MB40 minutes5 minutes5 minutes50 SMS5 SMS45 days
30 AUD300 MB80 minutes10 minutes10 minutes100 SMS10 SMS6 months
50 AUD500 MB120 minutes10 minutes10 minutes150 SMS10 SMS6 months
70 AUD700 MB200 minutes20 minutes20 minutes200 SMS15 SMS12 months
100 AUD1 GB300 minutes20 minutes20 minutes300 SMS15 SMS12 months

1 zone 1: Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands & Vietnam
2 zone 2: Argentina, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, the Faroe Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Greece, Italy, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, France, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Mongolia, Palestine, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Peru, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates & Venezuela
3 to any country – not restricted to zone 1 or 2 countries

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Telstra Australia Pre-Paid Mobile Casual Recharges
Mobile Broadband Recharges – Telstra

The Mobile Broadband Recharges are data plans (with 5G NR access until late November 2022 during the trial).

Mobile Broadband Recharges can be activated on the My Telstra app:

PriceDataValidity
20 AUD10 GB14 days
30 AUD12 GB28 days
50 AUD40 GB 128 days
70 AUD300 GB28 days
150 AUD60 GB12 months
300 AUD20 GB12 months

1 with 5G NR access

Unused data will go to your Data Bank for one recharge when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires (applicable for the 20 AUD, 30 AUD & 50 AUD plans).

Telstra Australia Mobile Broadband Recharges
Data Packs – Telstra

The Data Packs are data add-ons.

Data Packs can be activated on the My Telstra app:

PriceDataValidity
5 AUD1 GB7 days 
20 AUD4 GB28 days
Telstra Australia Data Packs

APN/Internet Settings – Telstra

  • Name: Telstra
  • APN: telstra.internet OR telstra.iph OR telstra.broadband

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Optus

Optus Australia Logo
© Optus

Optus is the second-largest mobile operator in Australia.

It is also referred to as Yes Optus, but that is mostly by its marketing team and some staff members.

Optus is wholly owned by Singtel – a mobile operator from Singapore.

Currently, Optus has the fastest 5G NR speeds – it even won a Australia Speedtest Fastest 5G Mobile Network award.

However, Telstra is not far behind.

Optus uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in August 2017
  • 3G: 900 MHz – shutting down in 2024
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (n40), & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 1800 MHz (n3), 2100 MHz (n1), 2300 MHz (n40), 3500 MHz (n78) & 26 GHz (n258)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Optus:

* Coverage
* How to Get an Optus SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Optus

Optus has extensive coverage in Australia.

While Optus' coverage in the Outback is not as amazing as Telstra's, it is okay and significantly better than Vodafone Australia's (TPG Telecom).

Below is Optus' coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Optus' official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Optus

You can get an Optus SIM card for 2 AUD or between 30 AUD and 300 AUD with starter plans in Optus stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Data-only SIM cards (Prepaid Mobile Broadband) are sold for 30 AUD and 130 AUD. Optus SIM cards are also sold at most international airports, including Brisbane Airport (BNE), Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) & Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Brisbane Airport, Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time. Click here for Canberra Airport (CBR).

Buying a SIM Card at Brisbane Airport Guide (logos of Optus & Vodafone)
Buying a SIM Card at Melbourne-Tullamarine Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone & Boost Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)
Optus Australia SIM Card
© Optus
Optus Australia Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM Card
© Optus

The following four Optus Epic starter packs are available:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local SMSValidity
30 AUD40 GBUnlimitedUnlimited28 days
40 AUD50 GBUnlimitedUnlimited28 days
180 AUD100 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited365 days
300 AUD300 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited365 days

1 for local use and to 15 countries: Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Optus app.

The Optus Epic starter packs auto-renew.

The following two Optus Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM cards are available:

PriceDataValidity
30 AUD25 GB30 days
130 AUD80 GB365 days

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

The Optus Prepaid Mobile Broadband starter packs auto-renew.

Optus Australia Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM Cards

You can register and activate your Optus SIM card in Optus stores, online, or on the My Optus app (Android/iOS).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get an Optus eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Telstra offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Optus

Optus top-up vouchers are sold in Optus stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Australia.

To top up your Optus SIM card, text MENU to 9999 and follow the instructions.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Text BAL to 999 to check your Optus balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the My Optus app (Android/iOS).

Optus Australia My Optus App
© Optus

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Optus

Optus has four data-featured prepaid plans:

All Optus plans can be activated on the Optus app.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Optus Flex 4G Plans – Optus

The Optus Flex 4G plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Optus Flex 4G can be activated on the My Optus app:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Minutes 1Local SMSValidity
1 AUD1 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited1 day
1.50 AUD1 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited1 day
7 AUD7 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited7 days
8 AUD7 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited7 days
14 AUD14 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited14 days
17 AUD14 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited14 days
30 AUD30 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited30 days
35 AUD30 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
180 AUD100 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited1 year
300 AUD200 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited1 year

1 for local use and to 50 countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Venezuela & Vietnam

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Optus app.

Optus Australia Optus Flex 4G Plans
Optus Flex 5G Plans – Optus

The Optus Flex 5G plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Optus Flex 5G can be activated on the My Optus app:

PriceDataLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity
2 AUD2 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 day
60 AUD60 GBUnlimited 1Unlimited30 days

1 for local use and to 50 countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Venezuela & Vietnam

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Optus app.

Optus Australia Optus Flex 5G Plans
Optus Epic Plans – Optus

The Optus Epic Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Optus Epic Plans can be activated on the My Optus app:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local SMSValidity
10 AUD5 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited5 days
30 AUD40 GBUnlimitedUnlimited28 days
40 AUD50 GBUnlimitedUnlimited28 days
180 AUD100 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited365 days
300 AUD300 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited365 days

1 for local use and to 15 countries:Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Optus app.

Optus Australia Optus Epic Plans
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharges – Optus

The Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharges are data plans (without 5G NR access)

Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharges can be activated on the My Optus app:

PriceDataValidity
5 AUD 11 GB2 days
10 AUD 15 GB5 days
15 AUD 17 GB7 days
20 AUD12 GB10 days
30 AUD25 GB30 days
40 AUD 120 GB30 days
50 AUD 125 GB90 days
60 AUD30 GB90 days
70 AUD 135 GB90 days
80 AUD30 GB186 days
90 AUD50 GB186 days
100 AUD 160 GB186 days
130 AUD80 GB365 days

1 sold as vouchers in select stores only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Optus app.

Optus Australia Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharges

APN/Internet Settings – Optus

  • Name: Optus Yes Internet
  • APN: yesinternet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

Vodafone Logo
© Vodafone

Vodafone Australia, just Vodafone, is the smallest mobile operator in Australia.

It is often the cheapest of the Big Three, but many Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), even on the Vodafone network, are often more affordable.

In 2020, Vodafone became a subsidiary of TPG Telecom. However, there are no plans to phase by the Vodafone brand (anytime soon).

Vodafone is not loved by Australians. In fact, it was referred to as VodaFail in the early 2010s.

It has the slowest networks and the worst coverage, especially in the Outback.

While its reputation and services havew improved since then, Vodafone is still a relatively small player with about 6 million customers (18.3% market share).

For comparison, Telstra has 19 million customers (58.1% market share), and Optus has 10.5 million (23.6% market share).

With so many SIM card options in Australia, you should consider the other options to avoid headaches if you plan to visit the Outback.

Vodafone uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – shut down in March 2018
  • 3G: 900 MHz – unlike its competitors, Vodafone is not planning on shutting down 3G in 2024 will shut down in 2024 too
  • 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28) & 3500 MHz (n78) & 26 GHz (n258 – not in use yet)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Vodafone:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

Vodafone has the worst coverage in Australia.

Not many Australians would praise Vodafone for its service, let alone its coverage.

However, if you plan on staying in urban areas, the reception will not be an issue.

If you plan on going to the Outback, however, you better avoid Vodafone and its MVNOs if you do not wish to deal with constant black spots.

Below is Vodafone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Moldtelecom's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

You can get a Vodafone SIM card for 2 AUD or between 30 AUD and 250 AUD with starter plans in Vodafone stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Data-only SIM cards (Mobile Prepaid Internet) are sold for 30 AUD, 150 AUD & 250 AUD. Vodafone SIM cards are also sold at various airports, including Brisbane Airport (BNE), Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) & Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Brisbane Airport, Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time. Click here for Canberra Airport (CBR).

Buying a SIM Card at Brisbane Airport Guide (logos of Optus & Vodafone)
Buying a SIM Card at Melbourne-Tullamarine Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone & Boost Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)
Vodafone Australia SIM Card
© Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

The following five Vodafone starter packs are available:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Zone 1 Minutes 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2Local SMSInternational SMS 3Validity
30 AUD15 GBUnlimited500 minutesN/AUnlimited50 SMS28 days
40 AUD30 GBUnlimited1000 minutes100 minutesUnlimited50 SMS28 days
50 AUD45 GB 4Unlimited1500 minutes200 minutesUnlimited50 SMS28 days
150 AUD80 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AUnlimited50 SMS185 days
250 AUD150 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AUnlimited50 SMS365 days

1 to Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vatican City
2 to Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Cambodia, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, the Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Réunion, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela & Vietnam
3 to any country – not restricted to zone 1 and countries
4 with 5G NR access

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Vodafone (Australia) app.

The Vodafone starter packs auto-renew.

Vodafone Australia SIM Cards

The following three Vodafone Mobile Prepaid Internet SIM cards are available:

PriceDataValidity
30 AUD30 GB30 days
150 AUD100 GB365 days
250 AUD250 GB365 days

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 50 GB in your data bank for one recharge only.

The Vodafone Mobile Prepaid Internet starter packs auto-renew.

Vodafone Australia Prepaid Mobile Internet SIM Cards

You can register and activate your Vodafone SIM card in Vodafone stores, online, or on the My Vodafone (Vodafone) app (Android/iOS).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get a Vodafone eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Vodafone eSIM
© Vodafone

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Vodafone offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

Vodafone top-up vouchers are sold in Vodafone stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Australia.

To top up your Vodafone SIM card, call 1511 and follow the instructions.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Text BAL to 1511 to check your Vodafone balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the My Vodafone (Australia) app (Android/iOS).

Vodafone Australia My Vodafone App
© Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

Vodafone has three data-featured prepaid plans:

All Vodafone plans can be activated on the My Vodafone (Australia) app.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Prepaid Plans – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

The Prepaid Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access during the trial), minutes & SMS.

Prepaid Plans can be activated on the My Vodafone (Australia) app:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Zone 1 Minutes 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2Local SMSInternational SMS 3Validity
10 AUD4 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AUnlimited50 SMS7 days
20 AUD8 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AUnlimited50 SMS14 days
30 AUD15 GBUnlimited500 minutesN/AUnlimited50 SMS28 days
40 AUD30 GBUnlimited1000 minutes100 minutesUnlimited50 SMS28 days
50 AUD45 GB 4Unlimited1500 minutes200 minutesUnlimited50 SMS28 days
60 AUD60 GBUnlimited2000 minutes250 minutesUnlimited50 SMS28 days
150 AUD80 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AUnlimited50 SMS185 days
250 AUD150 GBUnlimitedN/AN/AUnlimited50 SMS365 days

1 to Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vatican City
2 to Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Cambodia, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, the Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Réunion, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela & Vietnam
3 to any country – not restricted to zone 1 and countries
4 with 5G NR access (after the trial – now, all Vodafone plans have 5G NR access)

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Vodafone (Australia) app.

Mobile Prepaid Internet Plans – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

The Mobile Prepaid Internet Plans are data bundles (with 5G NR access during the trial) for the data-only SIM card.

Mobile Prepaid Internet Plans can be activated on the My Vodafone (Australia) app:

PriceDataValidity
10 AUD7 GB7 days
30 AUD30 GB30 days
40 AUD45 GB30 days
50 AUD60 GB30 days
150 AUD100 GB365 days
250 AUD250 GB365 days

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 50 GB in your data bank for one recharge only.

Mobile Prepaid Internet Plans auto-renew.

Data Add-Ons – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

The Data Add-Ons are, as the name implies, data add-ons.

Data Add-Ons can be activated on the My Vodafone (Australia) app:

PriceDataValidity
3 AUD2 GB1 day
5 AUD500 MB28 days
5 AUD4 GB1 day
7 AUD2 GB7 days
10 AUD1 GB28 days
15 AUD5 GB7 days
15 AUD2 GB28 days
Vodafone Australia Data Add-Ons

APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom)

  • Name: VB WEB
  • APN: live.vodafone.com

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


ALDImobile Australia

ALDImobile Logo
© ALDImobile Australia

ALDImobile Australia, just ALDImobile, and not to be confused with Aldi Mobile in Switzerland or Aldi Talk in Germany and the Netherlands, is a Telstra MVNO.

ALDImobile is by the discount brand called ALDI.

Be aware that ALDImobile speeds are restricted to 100 Mbps.

To learn about ALDImobile's frequencies, jump back to Telstra’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about ALDImobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get an ALDImobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – ALDImobile Australia

ALDImobile is a Telstra MVNO, meaning ALDImobile uses the Telstra network.

Normally, I would tell you to jump back to the Telstra coverage section to see what you can expect with the MVNO.

However, Telstra has two networks: the Full Network, sometimes called the Retail Network, and the Wholesale Network.

ALDImobile uses the Wholesale network, which covers 98.8% of the population – the Full Network covers 99.5% of the population.

The percentage difference may sound insignificant, but your coverage in a rural area will be significantly worse with ALDImobile compared to Telstra itself (or Boost Mobile Australia, for that matter).

Moreover, speeds are restricted to 100 Mbps with ALDImobile.

Below is Telstra's Wholesale coverage map:

SIM Card Price – ALDImobile Australia

You can get an ALDImobile SIM card for 5 AUD with 5 AUD credit or 15 AUD or 25 AUD with plans in ALDI stores. They are not sold at airports like Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

ALDImobile Australia SIM Card
© ALDImobile Australia

You can register and activate your ALDImobile SIM card online or on the ALDImobile app (Android/iOS) – not in ALDI stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get an ALDImobile eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with ALDImobile.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – ALDImobile Australia

ALDImobile top-up vouchers are sold in ALDI stores.

To top up your ALDImobile SIM card, text code VoucherCode to 590.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text code 123456 to 590.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Text balance to 590 to check your ALDImobile balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the ALDImobile app (Android/iOS).

ALDImobile Australia App
© ALDImobile Australia

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – ALDImobile Australia

ALDImobile has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mobile Plans (combo) & Data Plans.

All ALDImobile plans can be activated on the ALDImobile app.

Mobile Plans – ALDImobile Australia

The Mobile Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can enable the Mobile Plans on the ALDImobile app:

PriceDataLocal/International Zone 1 Minutes 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2Local/International Zone 1 SMS 1International Zone 2 SMSValidity
15 AUD3 GBUnlimited 3N/AUnlimited 3N/A30 days
25 AUD22 GBUnlimited100 minutesUnlimited50 SMS30 days
35 AUD42 GBUnlimited200 minutesUnlimited50 SMS30 days
45 AUD65 GBUnlimited300 minutesUnlimited50 SMS30 days

1 for local use and to 20 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 to 30 countries: Andorra, Argentina (fixed), Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, French Guiana, Greece, Guam, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Peru, Poland (fixed), Portugal (fixed), Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (fixed), Taiwan (fixed) & Turkey (fixed)
3 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

There is no limit on how much data you can store in your data bank.

However, your data bank will be depleted when you do not renew your plan or downgrade a plan.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the ALDImobile app.

ALDImobile Australia Plans
Data Plans – ALDImobile Australia

The Data Plans are, as the name suggests, data bundles (without 5G NR access).

You can enable the Data Plans on the ALDImobile app:

PriceDataValidity
95 AUD30 GB365 days
240 AUD185 GB365 days
365 AUD365 GB365 days

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can have up to 30 GB, 50 GB & 100 GB in your Data Bank for the 95 AUD, 240 AUD & 365 AUD plans, respectively.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the ALDImobile app.

ALDImobile Australia Data Plans

APN/Internet Settings – ALDImobile Australia

  • Name: Mobile data
  • APN: mdata.net.au

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Amaysim

Amaysim Australia Logo
© Amaysim

Amaysim, officially amaysim, but I am stubborn and will use a capital A anyway, is an Optus MVNO.

Amaysim is the largest MVNO in Australia, although it was purchased by Optus in 2017 and was finalized in 2021.

Optus has stated that Amaysim will continue to operate as an independent entity.

To learn about Amaysim's frequencies, jump back to Optus’ frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Amaysim:

* Coverage
* How to Get an Amaysim SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Amaysim

Amaysim is an Optus MVNO, meaning Amaysim uses the Optus network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Amaysim, jump to the Optus Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Amaysim

You can get an Amaysim SIM card for 2 AUD or between 10 AUD and 200 AUD with starter plans from resellers, like grocery stores, electronic stores & post offices (but not in Optus stores). They are also sold at airports like Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time.

Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)
Amaysim Australia Stores
© Amaysim

You can register and activate your Amaysim SIM card online or on the Amaysim app (Android/iOS) – not in (Optus) stores.

Amaysim Australia SIM Card
© Amaysim
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get an Amaysim eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Amaysim offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Amaysim

Amaysim top-up vouchers are sold in grocery stores (Coles & Woolworths) throughout Australia.

To top up your Amaysim SIM card, text the VoucherCode to 568.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text code 123456 to 568.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Text BAL to 568 or call 555 and select option 1 to check your Amaysim balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Amaysim app (Android/iOS).

Amaysim Australia App
© Amaysim

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Amaysim

Amaysim has six data-featured prepaid plans:

All Amaysim plans can be activated on the Amaysim app.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Short Term Plan – Amaysim

The Short Term Plan is a combo bundle with 10 GB of data (without 5G NR access), unlimited local/international minutes & unlimited local/international SMS for 7 days, costing 10 AUD.

You can enable the Short Term Plan on the Amaysim app:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local/International Minutes 1Validity
10 AUD10 GBUnlimitedUnlimited7 days

1 for local use and to 42 countries: Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

There is no limit on how much data you can store in your data bank.

However, your data bank will be depleted when you do not renew your plan or change plans.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Amaysim app.

Amaysim Australia Short Term Plan
Mobile Plans – Amaysim

The Mobile Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can enable the Mobile Plans on the Amaysim app:

PriceDataLocal/International MinutesLocal/International MinutesValidity
15 AUD4 GBUnlimited 3Unlimited 328 days
20 AUD8 GBUnlimited 3Unlimited 328 days
30 AUD32 GBUnlimited 1Unlimited 128 days
40 AUD80 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited 228 days
50 AUD120 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited 228 days

1 for local use and to 28 countries (calls) and 42 countries (SMS – marked with (S)): Austria (S), Bangladesh (S), Brazil, Cambodia (S), Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia (S), France, Germany, Greece (S), Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary (S), Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy (S), Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands (S), New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan (S), the Philippines (S), Poland (S), Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa (S), South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey (S), the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam
2 for local use and to 42 countries: Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam
3 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

There is no limit on how much data you can store in your data bank.

However, your data bank will be depleted when you do not renew your plan or change plans.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Amaysim app.

Amaysim Australia Mobile Plans
5G Mobile Plan – Amaysim

The 5G Mobile Plan is a combo bundle with 60 GB of data (with 5G NR access), unlimited local/international minutes & unlimited local/international SMS for 28 days, costing 55 AUD.

You can enable the 5G Mobile Plan on the Amaysim app:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local/International SMS 1Validity
55 AUD60 GBUnlimitedUnlimited28 days

1 for local use and to 42 countries: Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam

Amaysim Australia 5G Mobile Plan
Long Expiry Plans – Amaysim

The Long Expiry Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can enable the Long Expiry Plans on the Amaysim app:

PriceDataLocal/International MinutesLocal/International MinutesValidity
120 AUD60 GBUnlimited 3Unlimited 31 year
150 AUD150 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited 26 months
200 AUD180 GBUnlimited 1Unlimited 11 year

1 for local use and to 28 countries (calls) and 42 countries (SMS – marked with (S)): Austria (S), Bangladesh (S), Brazil, Cambodia (S), Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia (S), France, Germany, Greece (S), Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary (S), Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy (S), Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands (S), New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan (S), the Philippines (S), Poland (S), Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa (S), South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey (S), the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam
2 for local use and to 42 countries: Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam
3 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

There is no limit on how much data you can store in your data bank.

However, your data bank will be depleted when you do not renew your plan or change plans.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Amaysim app.

Amaysim Australia Long Expiry Plans
Data Plans – Amaysim

The Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).

You can enable the Data Plans on the Amaysim app:

PriceDataValidity
15 AUD7 GB28 days
40 AUD50 GB28 days
60 AUD90 GB28 days

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

There is no limit on how much data you can store in your data bank.

However, your data bank will be depleted when you do not renew your plan or change plans.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Amaysim app.

Amaysim Australia Data Plans
Add-On – Amaysim

The Add-On is a 1 GB data add-on, costing 10 AUD, for when your main plan is out of data. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan.

Text TOP1GB to 586 to activate the Add-On.

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
10 AUD1 GBUntil plan expiresTOP1GB

APN/Internet Settings – Amaysim

  • Name: Optus Yes Internet
  • APN: yesinternet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Australia Post Mobile

Australia Post Logo
© Australia Post

Australia Post Mobile is an Optus MVNO.

As the name implies, Australia Post Mobile is by the Australian postal service.

To learn about Australia Post Mobile's frequencies, jump back to Optus' frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Australia Post Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get an Australia Post Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Australia Post Mobile

Australia Post Mobile is an Optus MVNO, meaning Australia Post Mobile uses the Optus network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Australia Post Mobile, jump to the Optus Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Australia Post Mobile

You can get an Australia Post Mobile SIM card for or 2 AUD or between 10 AUD and 150 AUD with starter plans in Australia Post offices. They are not sold at airports like Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

Australia Post Mobile SIM Card 1
© Australia Post Mobile

The following five Australian Post Mobile starter packs are available:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Call CreditLocal SMSValidity
10 AUD2 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited30 days
20 AUD15 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited30 days
30 AUD50 GBUnlimited50 AUDUnlimited30 days
40 AUD70 GBUnlimited300 AUDUnlimited30 days
150 AUD100 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited365 days

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 100 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled online.

Australia Post Mobile SIM Card
© Australia Post Mobile

You can register and activate your Australia Post Mobile SIM card onlinenot in Australia Post offices.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Australia Post Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Australia Post Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Australia Post Mobile

You can top up your Australia Post Mobile SIM online – the same counts for checking your balance. Top-up vouchers are not sold.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Australia Post Mobile

Australia Post Mobile has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Mobile Plans. It is a combo plan with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can enable Mobile Plans online:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational Call CreditLocal SMSValidity
10 AUD2 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited30 days
20 AUD15 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited30 days
30 AUD50 GBUnlimited50 AUDUnlimited30 days
40 AUD70 GBUnlimited300 AUDUnlimited30 days
150 AUD100 GBUnlimitedN/AUnlimited365 days

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 100 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled online.

Australia Post Mobile SIM Cards & Plans

APN/Internet Settings – Australia Post Mobile

  • Name: Optus Yes Internet
  • APN: yesinternet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Belong Mobile

Belong Mobile Australia Logo
© Belong

Belong Mobile, officially just Belong, is a low-cost sub-brand by Telstra.

It offers cheaper mobile and broadband services than Telstra itself.

However, customer service with Belong (Mobile) is not as “great” (depending on who you ask) as Telstra.

Be aware that Belong Mobile speeds are restricted to 100 Mbps (except for one plan with speeds up to 250 Mbps).

To learn about Belong Mobile's frequencies, jump back to Telstra’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Belong Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Belong Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Belong Mobile

Belong Mobile is a Telstra sub-brand, meaning Belong Mobile uses the Telstra network.

Normally, I would tell you to jump back to the Telstra coverage section to see what you can expect with the MVNO.

However, Telstra has two networks: the Full Network, sometimes called the Retail Network, and the Wholesale Network.

Belong Mobile uses the Wholesale network, which covers 98.8% of the population – the Full Network covers 99.5% of the population.

The percentage difference may sound insignificant, but your coverage in a rural area will be significantly worse with Belong Mobile compared to Telstra itself (or Boost Mobile Australia, for that matter).

Moreover, speeds are restricted to 100 Mbps with Belong Mobile (except for one plan).

Why Belong Mobile, a direct sub-brand by Telstra, does not have full access to the Telstra network while Boost Mobile Australia does, I cannot tell.

Below is Telstra's Wholesale coverage map:

SIM Card Price – Belong Mobile

You can get a Belong Mobile SIM card for 25 AUD, 35 AUD & 45 AUD from resellers, like grocery stores, electronic stores & post offices (but not in Telstra stores). They are also sold at airports like Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time.

Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)
Belong Mobile Australia Stores

You can register and activate your Belong Mobile SIM card online or on the Belong app (Android/iOS) – not in (Telstra) stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Belong Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Belong Mobile.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Belong Mobile

You can top up your Belong Mobile SIM card on the Belong app (Android/iOS) or online – the same counts for checking your balance. Top-up vouchers are not sold.

Belong Mobile Australia App
© Belong

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Belong Mobile

Belong Mobile has three data-featured prepaid plans:

All Belong Mobile plans can be activated on the Belong app.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Mobile Plans – Belong Mobile

The Mobile Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can activate Mobile Plans on the Belong app:

PriceDataLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity
15 AUD 15 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 month
25 AUD20 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 month
35 AUD40 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 month
45 AUD100 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 month

1 not for new sign-ups. However, you can switch to this plan after using one of the other plans for a month

Belong Mobile Australia Mobile Plans
Data Plans – Belong Mobile

The Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (with 5G NR access).

You can activate Data Plans on the Belong app:

PriceDataValidity
15 AUD20 GB1 month
35 AUD80 GB1 month
70 AUD400 GB 11 month

1 with 5G NR access (up to 250 Mbps). On 4G/LTE, speeds up to 180 Mbps (instead of 100 Mbps with any other Belong plan)

Belong Mobile Australia Data Plans
Add-On – Belong Mobile

The Add-On is a data add-on. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan.

The add-on costs 10 AUD and gives you 5 GB until your plan expires.

It can be activated on the Belong app.

PriceDataValidity
10 AUD5 GBUntil plan expires

APN/Internet Settings – Belong Mobile

  • Name: Belong Mobile
  • APN: mdata.net.au

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Boost Mobile Australia

Boost Mobile Logo
© Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile Australia, just Boost Mobile, is a Telstra MVNO.

It is the only Telstra MVNO that does not have the 100 Mbps download speed restriction, and it has full access to the Telstra network (even with 5G NR access for now until the 28th of November 2022 as part of a trial).

Boost Mobile is also active in the United States.

To learn about Boost Mobile's frequencies, jump back to Telstra’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Boost Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Boost Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Boost Mobile Australia

Boost Mobile is a Telstra MVNO, meaning Boost Mobile uses the Telstra network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

Unlike any other Telstra MVNO using the less useful Telstra Wholesale network, Boost Mobile is the only Telstra MVNO with access to the Full Telstra network.

However, you cannot use 5G NR (yet – however, Boost Mobile plans on introducing 5G NR soon).

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Boost Mobile, jump to the Telstra Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Boost Mobile Australia

You can get a Boost Mobile SIM card for 2 AUD or between 10 AUD and 300 AUD with starter plans from resellers, like grocery stores, electronic stores & post offices (but not in Telstra stores). They are also sold at Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time. Click here for Canberra Airport (CBR).

Buying a SIM Card at Canberra Airport Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Boost Mobile & Lebara)
Buying a SIM Card at Melbourne-Tullamarine Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone & Boost Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)
Boost Mobile Australia SIM Card
© Boost Mobile Australia

You can register and activate your Boost Mobile SIM card online or on the My Boost Mobile app (Android/iOS) – not in (Telstra) stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Boost Mobile has no eSIMs. However, it plans on introducing this feature soon.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Boost Mobile offers VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Boost Mobile Australia

Boost Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in grocery stores (Coles & Woolworths) throughout Australia.

To top up your Boost Mobile SIM card, dial #111#, select option 2, and enter the VoucherCode.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial #111# and select option 3 to check your Boost Mobile balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the My Boost Mobile app (Android/iOS).

Boost Mobile Australia My Boost Mobile App
© Boost Mobile Australia

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Boost Mobile Australia

Boost Mobile has four data-featured prepaid plans:

All Boost Mobile plans can be activated on the My Boost Mobile app.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Starter Plan – Boost Mobile Australia

The Starter Plans is a combo bundle with 3 GB of data (with 5G NR access until at least the 28th of November 2022), unlimited local minutes & unlimited local SMS for 7 days, costing 10 AUD.

It can be activated on the My Boost Mobile app.

PriceDataLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity
10 AUD3 GBUnlimitedUnlimited7 days
Boost Mobile Australia Starter Plan
28 Day Plans – Boost Mobile Australia

The 28 Day Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access until at least the 28th of November 2022), minutes & SMS.

You can enable 28 Day Plans on the My Boost Mobile app:

PriceDataLocal/International Zone 1 Minutes 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2International SMS 3Validity
20 AUD5 GBUnlimited 4N/AN/A28 days
30 AUD20 GBUnlimited300 minutes300 SMS28 days
40 AUD30 GBUnlimited300 minutes300 SMS28 days
50 AUD40 GBUnlimited300 minutes300 SMS28 days
70 AUD65 GBUnlimited300 minutes300 SMS28 days

1 for local use and to 20 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam
2 to 30 countries: Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden & the United Arab Emirates
3 international SMS to any country – not only zone 1 or 2 destinations
4 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank for one recharge when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Boost Mobile app.

Boost Mobile Australia 28 Days Plans
12 Month Plans – Boost Mobile Australia

The 12 Month Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access until at least the 28th of November 2022), minutes & SMS.

You can enable 12 Month Plans on the My Boost Mobile app:

PriceDataLocal/International Zone 1 Minutes 1International Zone 2 Minutes 2International SMS 3Validity
200 AUD140 GBUnlimited1200 minutes1200 SMS12 months
300 AUD260 GBUnlimited3600 minutes1200 SMS12 months

1 for local use and to 20 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam
2 to 30 countries: Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden & the United Arab Emirates
3 international SMS to any country – not only zone 1 or 2 destinations

12 Month Plans auto-renew. Auto-renewal can be disabled on the My Boost Mobile app.

Boost Mobile Australia 12 Month Plans
Data Packs – Boost Mobile Australia

The Data Packs are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

You can enable Data Packs on the My Boost Mobile app:

PriceDataValidity
4 AUD1 GB7 days
20 AUD4 GB28 days
Boost Mobile Australia Data Packs

APN/Internet Settings – Boost Mobile Australia

  • Name: Telstra Internet
  • APN: telstra.wap

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Coles Mobile

Coles Mobile Australia Logo
© Coles Mobile

Coles Mobile is an Optus MVNO.

Coles Mobile is by the supermarket chain called Coles.

To learn about Coles Mobile's frequencies, jump back to Optus’ frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Coles Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Coles Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Coles Mobile

Coles Mobile is an Optus MVNO, meaning Coles Mobile uses the Optus network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Coles Mobile, jump to the Optus Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Coles Mobile

You can get a Coles Mobile SIM card for 2 AUD or between 20 AUD and 200 AUD with starter plans in Coles stores. They are not sold at airports like Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

Coles Mobile Australia SIM Card
© Coles Mobile

The following four Coles Mobile starter packs are available:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local/International SMS 1Validity
20 AUD15 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited 230 days
120 AUD60 GBUnlimitedUnlimited365 days
150 AUD120 GBUnlimitedUnlimited365 days
200 AUD200 GBUnlimitedUnlimited365 days

1 for local use and to 15 countries: Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 50 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Coles Mobile app.

You can register and activate your Coles Mobile SIM card online or on the Coles Mobile app (Android/iOS) – not in Coles stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Coles Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Coles Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Coles Mobile

Coles Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in Coles stores.

Top-up vouchers have to be redeemed online or on the Coles Mobile app (Android/iOS).

So you are better off recharging online with (international) debit and credit cards anyway.

Use the Coles Mobile app to check your balance.

Coles Mobile Australia App
© Coles Mobile

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Coles Mobile

Coles Mobile has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mobile Plans (combo) & Data Extras (add-ons).

All Coles Mobile plans can be activated on the Coles Mobile app.

Mobile Plans – Coles Mobile

The Mobile Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can enable the Mobile Plans on the Coles Mobile app:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local/International SMS 1Validity
20 AUD15 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited 230 days
120 AUD60 GBUnlimitedUnlimited365 days
150 AUD120 GBUnlimitedUnlimited365 days
200 AUD200 GBUnlimitedUnlimited365 days

1 for local use and to 15 countries: Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 for local use only

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 50 GB in your data bank.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Coles Mobile app.

Coles Mobile Australia Plans
Data Extras – Coles Mobile

The Data Extras are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

You can enable Data Extras on the Coles Mobile app:

PriceDataValidity
5 AUD500 MB7 days
15 AUD3 GB30 days
Coles Mobile Australia Data Extras

APN/Internet Settings – Coles Mobile

  • Name: Optus Yes Internet
  • APN: yesinternet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Gomo Australia

Gomo Australia Logo
© Gomo Australia

Gomo Australia, just Gomo – officially gomo, but I am stubborn and will use a capital G anyway, is a digital-only sub-brand by Optus.

It offers cheaper mobile and broadband services than Optus itself.

Even though Gomo is digital-only, SIM cards are sold in many grocery stores. Hence, it is added to this guide.

To learn about Gomo's frequencies, jump back to Optus’ frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Gomo:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Gomo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Gomo Australia

Gomo is an Optus sub-brand, meaning Gomo uses the Optus network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Gomo, jump to the Optus Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Gomo Australia

You can get a Gomo SIM card for 15 AUD, 25 AUD & 35 AUD with starter plans from resellers, like grocery stores, electronic stores & post offices (but not in Optus stores). They are not sold at airports like Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

Gomo Australia Stores

The following two (but still three if you look hard enough) Gomo starter packs are available:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local SMSValidity
15 AUD8 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited30 days
25 AUD 340 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
35 AUD60 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days

1 for local use and to 15 countries: Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 for local use only
3 Gomo is restricting the 25 AUD starter pack to existing customers only (for now). However, you can still find this starter pack at many places until they are sold out

Gomo Australia SIM Card
© Gomo Australia

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

However, your data bank will be depleted when you do not renew your plan or change plans.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Gomo Australia app.

You can register and activate your Gomo SIM card on the Gomo Australia app (Android/iOS) – not in (Optus) stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get a Gomo eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Note that Gomo offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Gomo Australia

You can top up your Gomo SIM card on the Gomo Australia app (Android/iOS) – the same counts for checking your balance. Top-up vouchers are not sold.

Gomo Australia App
© Gomo Australia

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Gomo Australia

Gomo Australia has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mobile Plans (combo) & $5 Data Booster (add-on).

All Gomo plans can be activated on the Gomo Australia app.

Mobile Plans – Gomo Australia

The Mobile Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

You can enable Mobile Plans on the Gomo Australia app:

PriceDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local SMSValidity
15 AUD8 GBUnlimited 2Unlimited30 days
25 AUD 340 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
35 AUD60 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days

1 for local use and to 15 countries: Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 for local use only
3 not for new sign-ups. However, you can switch to this plan after using one of the other plans for a month

Unused data will go to your Data Bank when your plan auto-renews (enabled by default) or when you renew your plan before it expires.

You can save up to 200 GB in your data bank.

However, your data bank will be depleted when you do not renew your plan or change plans.

Auto-renewal can be disabled on the Gomo Australia app.

Gomo Australia Plans
$5 Data Booster – Gomo Australia

The $5 Data Booster is a 5 GB data add-on until your Mobile Plan expires, costing, as to be expected, 5 AUD. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan.

$5 Data Booster can be activated on the Gomo Australia app.

PriceDataValidity
5 AUD5 GBUntil the plan expires

APN/Internet Settings – Gomo Australia

  • Name: Optus Yes Internet
  • APN: yesinternet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Gotalk Australia

Gotalk Mobile Australia Logo
© Gotalk Australia

Gotalk Australia, just Gotalk, is a Vodafone Australia MVNO.

To learn about Gotalk's frequencies, jump back to Vodafone Australia’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Gotalk:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Gotalk SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Gotalk Australia

Gotalk is a Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom) MVNO, meaning Gotalk uses the Vodafone Australia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Gotalk, jump to the Vodafone Australia Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Gotalk Australia

You can get a Gotalk SIM card for 10 AUD to 39.95 AUD with starter plans from resellers 1, like grocery stores, electronic stores & post offices (but not in Vodafone stores). They are not sold at airports like Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

1 this link indeed links to the Hello Mobile Australia store locator page. However, Gotalk SIM cards and top-up vouchers are sold at the same places as Hello Mobile does

Gotalk Australia Stores
© Gotalk Australia

The following five Gotalk starter packs are available:

PriceCreditDataValidity
10 AUD10 AUDN/AUnknown
10 AUDN/A500 MB30 days
20 AUDN/A1 GB30 days
29.95 AUD30 AUDN/AUnknown
39.95 AUD40 AUDN/AUnknown
Gotalk Australia SIM Cards

You can register and activate your Gotalk SIM card onlinenot in (Vodafone) stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Gotalk has no eSIMs.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Gotalk.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Gotalk Australia

Gotalk top-up vouchers are sold by Gotalk resellers 1, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Australia.

1 this link indeed links to the Hello Mobile Australia store locator page. However, Gotalk SIM cards and top-up vouchers are sold at the same places as Hello Mobile does

To top up your Gotalk SIM card, call 126467 and follow the instructions.

Call 126466 to check your Gotalk balance.

You can also top up and check your balance online.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Gotalk Australia

Gotalk has two data-featured prepaid plans: Aussie Plans (combo) & Seafarers Wireless Broadband (data).

All Gotalk plans can be activated online.

Aussie Plans – Gotalk Australia

The Aussie Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Aussie Plans can be activated online:

PricePlanDataLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity
30 AUDAussie 302 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
40 AUDAussie 404 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days

Aussie Plans auto-renew. Auto-renewal can be disabled online.

Gotalk Australia Aussie Plans
Seafarers Wireless Broadband Plans – Gotalk Australia

The Seafarers Wireless Broadband plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Seafarers Wireless Broadband can be activated online:

PriceDataValidity
10 AUD500 MB30 days
20 AUD1 GB30 days
30 AUD1.5 GB30 days

Seafarers Wireless Broadband auto-renew. Auto-renewal can be disabled online.

APN/Internet Settings – Gotalk Australia

  • Name: VB WEB
  • APN: live.vodafone.com

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Hello Mobile Australia

Hello Mobile Australia Logo
© Hello Mobile Australia

Hello Mobile Australia, just Hello Mobile, is a Vodafone Australia MVNO.

To learn about Hello Mobile's frequencies, jump back to Vodafone Australia’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Hello Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Hello Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Hello Mobile Australia

Hello Mobile is a Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom) MVNO, meaning Hello Mobile uses the Vodafone Australia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Hello Mobile, jump to the Vodafone Australia Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Hello Mobile Australia

You can get a Hello Mobile SIM card for 10 AUD with 10 AUD credit from resellers, like grocery stores, electronic stores & post offices (but not in Vodafone stores). They are not sold at airports like Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

Hello Mobile Australia Stores
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Hello Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the Australian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM without personal detail capturing, you can go with the Australia (Yes! Go!) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers, 5 GB/30 daysvery popular with PTW readers & 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with PTW readers).

Australia Yes! Go! eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, you can get Australia eSIMs from Holafly:

  1. Australia 10 GB eSIM for 30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Australia 20 GB eSIM for 30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Australia (yet)

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Nomad recently improved its APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM by introducing new countries while offering five variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days to be used in the following countries:

APAC eSIMs Nomad
  • Australia
  • China (new)
  • Hong Kong (removed for some reason)
  • India
  • Indonesia (new)
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines (new)
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka (new)
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (new)

Use code ADU123 and 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your APAC eSIM (or any other Nomad eSIM)!

Promo: until the 30th of June, you can get 10% off plans with 10 GB of data or more by using code NOMADSUMMER23. If you do not need that much data, you can still use code ADU123 for the struck through discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.

(but avoid the Nomad Australia eSIM – its performance was too bad in my opinion, especially when you have cheaper and/or even better options (like the ones listed above) – read my Nomad Australia review to find out why)

  • Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Best Local & Travel eSIMs Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Hello Mobile.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Hello Mobile Australia

Hello Mobile top-up vouchers are sold by Hello Mobile resellers, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Australia.

To top up your Hello Mobile SIM card, call 129999 and follow the instructions.

Text bal to 126999 or call 126999 and select option 1 to check your Hello Mobile balance.

You can also top up and check your balance online.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Hello Mobile Australia

Hello Mobile has two data-featured prepaid plans: Pay As You Go Plans (combo) & Unlimited Calls & Texts Plans (combo).

All Hello Mobile plans can be activated online.

Pay As You Go Plans – Hello Mobile Australia

The Pay As You Go Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.

Pay As You Go Plans can be activated online:

PricePlanDataInternational Minutes 1Validity
10 AUDCombo 10N/A50 minutes30 days
10 AUDSUPA Plus200 MBN/A90 days
10 AUDPAYG 1 GB1 GBN/A30 days

1 to 16 countries: Canada, China, France (fixed), Germany (fixed), Greece (fixed), Hong Kong (fixed), India, Indonesia (fixed), Italy (fixed), Malaysia (fixed), New Zealand (fixed), Singapore, Taiwan (fixed), Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States

Pay As You Go Plans auto-renew. Auto-renewal can be disabled online.

Unlimited Calls & Texts Plans – Hello Mobile Australia

The Unlimited Calls & Texts Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Unlimited Calls & Texts Plans can be activated online:

PricePlanDataLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity
19 AUDUnlimited 2 GB2 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
29.90 AUDUnlimited 5 GB5 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
35 AUDUnlimited 10 GB10 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days

Unlimited Calls & Texts Plans auto-renew. Auto-renewal can be disabled online.

Hello Mobile Australia Unlimited Calls & Texts Plans

APN/Internet Settings – Hello Mobile Australia

  • Name: VB WEB
  • APN: live.vodafone.com

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Lebara Australia

Lebara Logo
© Lebara

Lebara Australia, just Lebara, is a Vodafone Australia MVNO.

It was purchased by Vodafone in 2016, but Lebara still operates as an independent entity.

Lebara, as a brand, is known for offering low rates for international calls abroad, and it is active in various European countries and Saudi Arabia.

To learn about Lebara's frequencies, jump back to Vodafone Australia’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Lebara:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Lebara SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Lebara Australia

Lebara is a Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom) MVNO, meaning Lebara uses the Vodafone Australia network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lebara, jump to the Vodafone Australia Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Lebara Australia

You can get a Lebara SIM card for 2 AUD or between 5 AUD and 300 AUD with starter plans from resellers, like grocery stores, electronic stores & post offices (but not in Vodafone stores). They are also sold at airports like Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

If you are flying into Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport or Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some reading time. Click here for Canberra Airport (CBR).

Buying a SIM Card at Canberra Airport Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Boost Mobile & Lebara)
Buying a SIM Card at Melbourne-Tullamarine Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone & Boost Mobile)
Buying a SIM Card at Sydney Kingsford Smith Guide (logos of Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, Belong, Boost Mobile, Circles.Life, Lebara, Lycamobile & Telsim)