Australia

National Anthem

Basics[]

There are three national network operators in Australia:

Telstra
Optus (Singtel Optus)
Vodafone Australia (TPG Telecom Australia)

This is added by a very competitive MVNO market on all three operators. They are sometimes cheaper, but some of them still don't offer 4G/LTE or good data rate SIM cards. They are: ALDI mobile, amaysim, Belong Mobile, Boost mobile, Catch Connect, dodo, exetel, gotalk, Hello Mobile, Kogan Mobile, Lebara AU, Lycamobile AU, TPG, Vaya, yomojo, Auspost mobile amongst others.

Some MVNO companies left the market recently: Global Gossip, Savvytel, Virgin Mobile and yatango (rebranded as yomojo) amongst others are not listed anymore.

The Australian mobile market has in recent years shifted from rather expensive data prices to some of the lowest per-GB prices in the developed world, since many people increasingly use mobile data in lieu of often slow and/or capped public WiFi and as either a complete replacement for fixed-line/satellite NBN or as a backup during NBN disruptions.

In 2017 local cable provider TPG Corporation acquired spectrum for a 4th nationwide 4G network. They began rollout in 2018 and it came to an halt in January 2019 citing the rollout becoming unviable after the Australian Government decided to ban Huawei equipment due to security concerns. TPG Corporation merged with Vodafone Hutchinson Australia in 2020 to form TPG Telecom Australia. TPG Telecom Australia operates its mobile network under the Vodafone brand and also has its own-brand MVNO using the Vodafone network.

The Australian external territories have a special article as they are not served by the providers mentioned here. This refers to Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. They are listed in a special article instead.

For starters, look for bargains in the supermarket catalogues of Coles (www.coles.com.au) or Woolworths (www.woolworths.com.au) which often have prepaid SIMs from various providers at up to half price. These vary week by week with each new catalogue out on Wednesdays.

Alternatively some prepaid providers like Telstra, Boost Mobile and Coles Prepaid offer bonus data to new customers for the first or first three prepaid recharges.

Frequencies and coverage[]

~~2G:~~ All three operators have closed their 2G (GSM and CDMA) Networks (except for Telstra in a limited part of Christmas Island).

You need a 4G/LTE or 5G/NR enabled devices in mainland Australia (including Tasmania)

Telstra has the most extensive coverage in Australia on its "Next G" network on 850 MHz (B5). It covers 99% of the population. This was complemented by 2100 MHz (B1) until March 2019. Its 2100 MHz (B1) spectrum has since been re-farmed for 4G. Telstra has announced plans to switch off its 3G network by 06/2024.
Optus is in 2nd spot on 900 MHz (B8) covering 98.5% of the population. 2100MHz has been switched off at the end of 2021. Optus plans to switch off its 3G network by 09/2024.
Vodafone covers about 96% of the population using 900 MHz (B8). Vodafone also operated on 850 MHz (B5) and 2100 MHz (B1) but has since re-farmed this spectrum for use with its 4G and 5G networks. Vodafone's 3G network will be shut down by the end of 2023.

4G/LTE: 700 MHz (band 28), 850 MHz (band 5), 900 MHz (band 8), 1800 MHz (band 3), 2100 MHz (band 1), 2300 MHz (band 40 in TDD), 2600 MHz (band 7):

Telstra: already covers 90% of the population with 4G (branded as 4GX) in 2015. Its main frequencies are 700 MHz (B28) for coverage nationwide with 1800 MHz (B3) in most population centres. 2600 MHz (B7), 2100 MHz (B1) and 900 MHz (B8) provide additional capacity in populated areas.
Optus: covers 90% of the population using 700 MHz (B28) and 2600 MHz (B7) frequencies. This is aided by 1800 MHz (B3), 2100 MHz (B1) and 2300 MHz (B40) in metro areas.
Vodafone: uses the 850 MHz (B5) band for coverage with 700 MHZ (B28), 1800 MHz (B3) and 2100 MHz (B1) providing additional capacity.

The crowdsourced state of mobile networks report by OpenSignal from Nov. 2017 showed all 3 networks tied for the best 4G/LTE coverage slightly above 85%. Average 4G/LTE download speed was fairly high too and ranged between 30 and 38 Mbps on all three providers.

According to OzTowers at the end of 2017 Optus had 6123, Telstra 5637 and Vodafone 4617 towers working on 4G/LTE.

5G: As of late 2020, all three operators have NSA 5G NR networks open to the public on some prepaid packages. Coverage is increasing, but is largely limited to pockets of major cities. The three operators have not yet opened 5G NR for their sub-brands and MVNOs.

All three networks operate non-standalone (NSA) 5G NR networks on 3500 MHz (n78). All operators also have plans to re-farm the existing 3G/4G spectrum and have started to do so on Bands n40 (Optus), n28 (Vodafone) and n5 (Telstra) as well as band n7.

Price comparison with the rest of the world and average data usage[]

UK internet comparison site cable.co.uk has ranked Australia as 39th out of 237 countries/territories terms of mobile data affordability with data costing on average A$0.69 (approximately US$0.44) per GB or US$0.94 cheaper than the global median (July 2023), data in Australia is thus cheaper than Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, Germany, UK, New Zealand, the US, and Switzerland; relatively on par with Nepal, Turkey, Finland, Austria and Peru; but more expensive than in Indonesia, Thailand, Mainland China, France, Cambodia and Vietnam.^{[Cable 1]}

In the ACCC Communications Market Report of 2023 (PDF), the reported average mobile data usage of Australian SIM cards was 12.8 GB per capita and month, while the median advertised data allowance across all service providers was reported to be within 32 to 40 GB across all Australian postpaid and prepaid plans and providers for 2022-23.

Regulations[]

For all Australian prepaid SIM cards, you used to show some photo ID (drivers licence or passport) in an outlet of the operator. Nowadays activation is mostly done online through the website of the operator. There you have to fill in your personal data before the SIM card will activate. Usually a passport and any Australian address (like your accommodation) is sufficient.

The major brands like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or resellers like amaysim or Lycamobile are sold in kiosks, newspaper stands, fuel stations, major supermarkets and other stores all over the country. Only smaller brands or brands linked to a distribution chain must be bought in their special outlets.

Be aware that some supermarket brands like those of Aldi, Coles or others can only be activated online. For this you need a WiFi connection or a secondary SIM. Most foreigners can only be verified by a small debit on your credit card. For this you need a Master- or VISA-card (not common in China) and the possibility to check your debits in real time. If you don't have such a credit or debit card, stick to the brands of the operators and activate them in their branded stores like at the international airports.

First the three network operators are shown in order of their market position in the country (what coverage or customers are concerned), followed by some of their MVNOs in alphabetical order.

All prices quoted in $ are in AUD$ (Australian dollars).

Telstra[]

Telstra This is the former public telco of the country, but has for long been privatised now. As such it has the most extensive coverage at the highest prices. Its 3G, 4G and 5G networks are the best in the country and has the best coverage, especially in rural areas although there isn't much difference in most major towns and cities. While historically the cost is higher than average, if you are looking to connect from remote areas, this is oftentimes the only network available and/or reliable: coverage map.

Frequencies[]

Telstra closed down its 2G network on 01/DEC/2016. 3G: 850 MHz (main frequency, countryside), 2100 MHz (back-up in centres). 4G: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz = main frequency (B3) , 2600 MHz (B7 in CBDs). In 2017 Telstra announced that it covered 99% of population by 4G. This gives the best 4G coverage in the country, but leaves many areas in the outback still uncovered. Without a fallback to 2G, for a good coverage in the countryside on 3G you'll need to have a 3G 850 MHz device which is not so common in some parts of the world, 2100 MHz covers many urban areas. Telstra has scheduled to switch off its 3G networks by 30/JUN/2024 to allow the 850MHz frequency to be re farmed to 5G.

Availability[]

In Telstra stores and many other places. However, not all Telstra branded stores are run by Telstra, some are franchises: store locator Their prepaid SIM starter kit costing $2 without any data comes in three varieties in all SIM sizes open initially for 4G/LTE:

for free: without any credit loaded
$10: including unlimited domestic mins and SMS and 1 GB data for 1 week
$30: including $30 credit
$40: including $40 credit

You can top-up by voucher, available at many stores, service stations or supermarkets, by debit/credit card or PayPal online on your Telstra account. To check your balance type #100#.

Prepaid SIM card[]

You can choose between two different prepaid tariff lines. All prepaid Telstra offers provides free Telstra Air WiFi data. These are the WiFi hotspots located on top of the Telstra public pay phone boxes located nationwide. Their three lines of plans are:

Pre-Paid Mobile: features all-in combo packs with data and unlimited domestic calls and texts included valid for 28 days (unless specified otherwise). Take care: overuse is charged at $2 per MB(!). Data up to 200 GB rolls over when you top-up at least $10. Note that since 2022-3, all Telstra prepaid plans are capped at 150 Mbps download speed for 4G and 5G. These packages (for new activations and refills) are offered:
- $10: 2 GB, unlimited domestic calls and SMS, 100 international SMS
- $35: 35 GB (for first 3 recharges, then 15 GB), unlimited domestic calls and SMS, 300 int'l mins to Zone 1, 60 int'l mins to Zone 2, 5 int'l mins to Zone 3, 100 int'l SMS
- $40: 50 GB (for first 3 recharges, then 25 GB), unlimited domestic calls and SMS, 500 int'l mins to Zone 1, 100 int'l mins to Zone 2, 10 int'l mins to Zone 3, 100 int'l SMS
- $60: 65 GB (for first 3 recharges, then 40 GB) , unlimited domestic calls and SMS, 1500 int'l mins to Zone 1, 250 int'l mins to Zone 2, 20 int'l mins to Zone 3, 100 int'l SMS
- $150: 90 GB (for first recharge, then 60 GB), unlimited domestic calls and SMS, 3000 int'l mins to Zone 1, 350 int'l mins to Zone 2, 50 int'l mins to Zone 3, 100 int'l SMS
- $300: 200 GB (for first recharge, then 150 GB; 12 months validity), unlimited domestic calls and SMS, 6000 int'l mins to Zone 1, 800 int'l mins to Zone 2, 100 int'l mins to Zone 3, 100 int'l SMS
Pre-Paid Mobile Casual: similar to Pre-Paid Mobile, but mainly intended for very light users with 6 months validity:
- $30: 300 MB, 80 domestic call minutes, 100 domestic SMS; international calls varies by recharge amount

Data-only SIM[]

For their data-only SIM aimed at tablets, dongles and modems, you need to buy a special prepaid starter kit designated "for tablets": They are sold like the voice SIMs for $2 in all SIM sizes. They only contain data and text, no voice.

To get started you’ll need to activate your SIM Card online here. Make sure you have your new service number or SIM serial number. You’ll find this on the packaging.

Take care, that without a package, you stay at the expensive default rate of $2 per MB.

For new activations of SIM starter kit & plan:

$30: 12 GB (with data rollover into following month) - 28 days validity
$150: 40 GB - 12 months validity
$300: 180 GB - 12 months validity

For refills:

$30: 12 GB (with data rollover into following month) - 28 days validity
$50: 35 GB (with 5G access and data rollover into following month) - 28 days validity
$150: 40 GB - 12 months validity
$300: 180 GB - 12 months validity

For the 28 day packages, your unused data will roll over to the next month when you recharge before your credit expiry date.

More info[]

Tethering and VoIP are allowed
APN: telstra.internet
Website: http://www.telstra.com.au

Optus (yes)[]

Optus is the 2nd oldest telco in Australia. It is now owned by Singtel. So their official name is Singtel Optus Pty Limited. It's the biggest rival of Telstra in Australia. The coverage is not as good as Telstra's in the countryside, but in most cities and towns, there is little difference between the two of them. Optus has a very detailed coverage map system that gives expected service quality information for voice and data and is available here.

Optus is a wholesaler for a number of smaller MVNOs which often offer less expensive services with the same network as Optus and can be found further down the page. However, MVNOs will not get access to VoLTE or VoWIFI for poor coverage areas with WIFI. Note VoLTE and VoWIFI may only be available on local versions of mobile phones due to firmware compatibility.

Frequencies[]

2G coverage is no longer be available since August 2017. 3G: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz. 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (band 28, national coverage frequency covering 90% of the population), 1800 MHz (other main frequency), 2300 MHz (TDD) (metro capacity frequency), 2600 MHz (regional capacity frequency).

Availability[]

In all yes Optus stores (locator), many Australian post offices and other places. Their prepaid SIM starter kit comes in 3 varieties in all 3 SIM sizes and is open for 4G/LTE:

$2: without any credit
$10: including $10 credit
$30: including $30 credit
$40: including $40 credit

You can top-up by voucher, available at many stores, service stations or supermarkets, by debit/credit card or PayPal online on your Optus account here.

You will also need to log on to Optus website to activate SIM here.

You will need an Australian address to activate your SIM card. You can give an hotel address or any other for it.

Credit expiry depends on how much credit you top up with and which prepaid plan you have activated. To check your balance text the number 1 to 9999.

Prepaid SIM card[]

They have 4 different plans for prepaid based on daily or monthly rates:

Daily Plus: For $2 per day you get 500 MB data and unlimited AU voice and text debited only on the days you are using your phone. A day is based on the 24h clock in local time zone. Using more data, you will charged another $2 for 524 MB up to $4 per GB in one day. If you need even more data, you can buy an add-on of 500 MB for $2 by texting 'MENU' to 999. A $10 or $20 top-up is valid for 30 days, any larger amount for 6 months and any unused credit will roll over when you top-up before expiry.
Long Expiry: Data is charged at 7c per MB, but packs can be added (using the Optus website or app). Data starts at $5 providing 500 MB for 14 days and $10 providing 1.5 GB data which also lasts for 14 days. A $10 top-up last for 45 days, $20 for 90 days $30-50 for 186 days and a $60 top up providing 365 days validity.
Prepaid Epic Value: All plans are valid for 42 days (except $180) and come with unlimited domestic talk and text:
- $30: 2 GB
- $40: 10 GB
- $50: 15 GB
- $180: 60GB + 60 GB bonus (valid for 365 days). Online only

Prepaid Epic Data: All plans come with 10 GB free streaming on Netflix, Stan and ABC iView.

Top-up	Validity	Data	Extras	Credit
$ 10	5 days	500 MB	100 mins, unlimited text	----
$ 20	10 days	20 GB	200 mins, unlimited text	----
$ 30	28 days	10 GB	unlimited calls and texts	$ 5
$ 40		20 GB	unlimited national calls unlimited national texts calls to 18 countries	$ 10
$ 50		30 GB		$ 15
$ 60		40 GB		$ 20
$ 70		45 GB		$ 20
$ 80		50 GB		$ 20
$ 100		60 GB		$ 20

For extra data on Prepaid Epic Value or Data, you can buy add-ons at $5 for 500 MB for 3 days, $10 for 1.5 GB or $20 for 3.5 GB both valid for 7 days. You can roll over up to 50 GB when you recharge before expiry.

Data-only SIM[]

Optus finally released data-only plans called Prepaid Mobile Broadband. Starter kits in all three SIM sizes are offered with preloaded data volume:

for $2 without data, max. 1 per customer
for $10 with 1 GB data valid for 3 days
for $30 with 5 GB data valid for 30 days

As a promotion you get 10 GB bonus on your first recharge, when that recharge is $30 or more. Activations from 04/06/18. Recharge by 02/09/18.

These reloads for the Prepaid Mobile Broadband are sold:

Data	Time	Price
5 GB	30 days	$ 30
25 GB	90 days	$ 60
40 GB	365 days	$ 130

You need to top-up online by credit card, debit card or PayPal here . You can roll over your unused data up to 50 GB to the next month when you recharge before expiry.

Roaming[]

Optus has launched roaming add-ons for prepay customers. The $ 20 Roam Data option offers 10 GB to use in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, UK and the US over 5 days.These add-ons are available on the Prepaid Epic Data Plan and Prepaid Epic Value Plan and customers can purchase them online or via My Optus app.

More info[]

Tethering is supported
APN: yesinternet (for 4G/LTE) /or/ internet
Website: http://www.optus.com.au/

Vodafone Australia[]

Vodafone Hutchison is the 3rd and smallest of the national providers in Australia. In 2009-13 it merged with Three (Hutchison), and network integration has been finalised. It now has a fairly good network, mostly on par with the two leading operators. But for remote areas, better check coverage first: network checker. In 2018 Vodafone has agreed to a merger with local cable supplier TPG Telecom, this merge has now been approved by the Australian Government.

Frequencies[]

Vodafone closed down its 2G network in 2017. 4G: 1800 MHz = main frequency 850 MHz, 900 MHz LTE coverage is mainly in the population centres 5G n78 and 700 MHz (see network checker above).

Availability[]

Their SIM card is sold in Vodafone stores (locator) and other places or online to be sent to an Australian address. Their prepaid SIM starter kit comes in different varieties in all SIM sizes and open for 4G/LTE:

$1: without credit

They also offer $30-50 starter packs with an expiry of 350 days and data combo plan starters:

$20: with 9 GB, unlimited dom. calls and texts for 35 days
$30: with 3 GB, unlimited dom. calls and texts for 28 days
$50: with 12 GB, unlimited dom. calls and texts for 35 days

You can top-up by vouchers, available at many stores, service stations or supermarkets, by debit/credit card (even AmEx) or PayPal online on your Vodafone account starting from $10.

You will also need to log on to the Vodafone website to activate SIM here. You will need an Australian address to activate the SIM card. You can give an hotel address or any other for it. A Vodafone SIM will stay active for 365 days after the credit has expired before being terminated.

To check your balance either call 1512 or text 'BAL' to 1512.

Data feature packs[]

To their prepaid SIM cards, you can add $30, $40 or $50 recharges after 28 days to get more data. Default use is $0.02 per MB for Prepaid 365 Plus. To their prepaid SIM cards you can further add these top-ups:

Top-up	Time	Data	Extras
$ 30	25 days	3 GB	unlimited national calls unlimited national texts
$ 40	35 days	9 GB
$ 50		12 GB
$ 60		15 GB

MyMix[]

Vodafone introduced a new offer called MyMix for prepaid customers to create their own bundles. Using the MyVodafone application, users can design their own recharge from a menu of different voice, data and international call options, as well as different validity lengths. MyMix offers many possible combinations and can be adjusted each time a customer recharges.

Time	Data	dom. Calls	internatl. Calls	Price
7 days	1 GB	120 mins included unlimited: + $3-5	none included + 120 mins: $10 + 300 mins: $20	$ 8
	4 GB			$ 15
	8 GB			$ 25
	11.5 GB			$ 35
28 days	1 GB	120 mins included unlimited: +$5	none included +120 mins: $5-10 +300 mins: $5-15	$ 20
	4 GB			$ 30
	8 GB			$ 40
	11.5 GB			$ 50
90 days	1 GB	120 mins included unlimited: +$5-10	none included +120 mins: +$5 +300 mins: +$5-15	$ 55
	4 GB			$ 60
	8 GB			$ 75
	11.5 GB			$ 90

All plans include unlimited domestic SMS and 50 internatl. SMS

Data-only SIM[]

Their data-only product for modems and tablets is called "Mobile Broadband" and has text too, but no voice. The starter SIM pack contains data valid for 30 days. They come in all 3 SIM sizes as:

$30: SIM with 5 GB for 30 days
$40: SIM with 10 GB for 30 days
$50: SIM with 10 GB for 180 days

Their Mobile Broadband SIM card can be recharged with these packages:

Data	Time	Price	Bonus
1 GB	30 days	$ 10	100 MB
2 GB	30 days	$ 20	200 MB
5 GB	30 days	$ 30	500 MB
10 GB	30 days	$ 40	1 GB
10 GB	180 days	$ 50	1 GB
12 GB	365 days	$ 60	1.2 GB
30 GB	365 days	$ 125	3 GB

You get 10% bonus data when recharging your Mobile Broadband service online by credit card or PayPal. You can rollover up to 50 GB of unused data to the next month, if you recharge your service before your expiry date. Unused data will be forfeited after 18 months.

More info[]

Tethering is supported

APN: live.vodafone.com
http://www.vodafone.com.au

ALDI mobile[]

ALDI mobile is a MVNO of the German-based supermarket chain Aldi using parts of the Telstra network on the 3G and 4G/LTE bands. Aldi mobile claims to have a combined 3G/4G footprint covering 98.5% of the Australian population (92% on 4G).

It operates on the Telstra wholesale network, not the full Telstra retail network, which has better coverage in remote areas and claims to cover over 99% of the population. Aldi Mobile coverage is similar to Optus, or even better in some country areas.

Aldi mobile their 4G/LTE is capped at 100 Mbps. If you can live with a downgraded Telstra network, ALDI gives out low rates.

Availability[]

The SIM is sold in ALDI stores exclusively (store locator), ask at check out, or online to be sent to an Australian postal address. The starter pack SIM costs $5 and comes with $5 credit pre-loaded. All three sizes are available.

You have to activate the SIM card online here . From activation the SIM card is valid for 365 days, longer than any other SIM card in AU. Be aware that registration is only possible online and a bit tricky for non-Australians. You need a working internet connection, plus a credit/debit card (Master/VISA) and realtime access to your debits as they will charge you a small amount for verification, that you will need to specify.

You can buy recharge vouchers of $15 or $30 in ALDI stores or top-up online by credit/debit card. To check balance, text 'balance' to 590 or use the app.

Prepaid SIM card[]

Data is at $0.05 per MB using standard prepaid Pay As You Go credit, valid for 365 days. This is best for low call/no data users, or you can add Data and Value packs. If using a Data/Value pack, excess data is also charged at 5c per MB until all credit is used.

Data and Value Packs[]

To any prepaid SIM card you can add data-only packages, value packs with data, texts and voice or a family pack:

Data-Only Packs

Pack	Data	Time	max. Roll-over
$15	2 GB	30 days	up to 30 GB
$30	6 GB	30 days	up to 30 GB
$65	60 GB	30 days	up to 60 GB
$95	24 GB	365 days	up to 30 GB
$395	240 GB	365 days	None

Data Rollover: Cumulative unused data (up to the amount specified) from previous months can roll forward into the next month. To be eligible, your current pack must support data rollover, and you must add an equal or higher data pack within 24 hours of the previous pack expiring. Further information is available at https://www.aldimobile.com.au/plans/data-packs/

Value Packs including unlimited domestic calls and texts for 30 days plus:

Data	Int'l calls & texts	Price
3 GB	none	$ 15
22 GB	100 mins / 50 SMS	$ 25
42 GB	200 mins / 50 SMS	$ 35
65 GB	300 mins / 50 SMS	$ 45

Value Packs are valid for 30 days each, all come with unlimited free calls and texts within Australia. Any unused data on the Value Pack rolls over to the next month, if you purchase an equal or higher Value Pack within 24 hours. All value packs starting from $25 come with unlimited international calling and SMS to 15 countries. To a further 35 countries, you get up to 300 minutes for international calls and 50 SMS (some destinations are landline calls only). See countries list

Take care, if you add a Value Pack whilst you have a Data Pack running, you will forfeit the Data Pack and any remaining data. Any unused data on the Value Pack rolls over to the next month, if you purchase an equal or higher Value Pack within 24 hours.

Family Pack

Aldi Mobile is offering a Family Package for $80. Each package comes with four sim cards and with 72 GB shared between the four users. A voucher is included for a bonus 72 GB in the first recharge. Each user has unlimited domestic calls and SMS. Any unused data rolls over to next month, provided you recharge with another family pack within 24 hours of expiry.

More info[]

App for iOS and Android available in App Store and Play Store
APN: mdata.net.au
Website: http://www.aldimobile.com.au

Amaysim[]

Their starter pack is available at: 7-Eleven, allphones, BIG W, BP, Caltex, Co-op Bookshop, Coles, Coles Express, Harvey Norman, Kmart, NewsLink, Officeworks, On the Run, Post Offices, Supanews, United, Woolworths (Store locator) and many more sales points. It's for $2 without credit loaded.

Ordered online on their website the SIM costs $5 and comes with $5 credit, valid for 90 days. When you buy an amaysim SIM card online or pick one up in-store, by default you’ll get one of the triple-punch SIM Cards.

Amaysim also offers eSIMs for online ordering if you have a phone that supports this feature. It allows you to access the latest website offers and download the eSIM to your phone in the time it takes to get through arrivals in the airport. Use the Amaysim app to order, install and activate the eSIM.

Activation works online and they accept all major credit cards. Hotel addresses for registration are accepted.

As of May 2019, online activation requires you to be physically in Australia (if using a foreign passport as proof of identity). You have 3 chances (during online activation) to submit your foreign passport number, expiration date, etc., and if you fail all 3, an email to their Help Desk is required (with photocopy of your passport and your visa). They DO check to ensure you have been marked as 'Arrived' in Australia, so no chance of activating this BEFORE you arrive. After you have registered and enable roaming (using the amaysim app), you are free to roam with this SIM card.

Voice and data SIM []

The pay as you go rate is at 7.2c per MB. These "unlimited" plans can be added. They contain unlimited domestic voice and SMS for 28 days and a data quota:

1.5 GB: $ 10
8 GB: $ 20
40 GB: $ 30 + unlimited calls to 10 countries
60 GB: $ 40 + unlimited calls to 10 countries + 300 mins to further 22 countries (Unlimited data for first 3 renewals)

Plan auto-renews every 28 days. Overuse is charged at pay as you go rate.

Data-only SIM[]

These data-only plans valid for 28 days are offered for tablets and routers without voice or SMS.

2 GB: $ 15
5 GB: $ 25
20 GB: $ 45
50 GB: $ 60
100 GB: $ 70
150 GB: $ 90

Additional data is 7.2c per MB or $10 per GB.

More info[]

Tethering is now allowed without surcharges
APN: internet
Website: http://www.amaysim.com.au

boost Mobile[]

Boost Mobile is a MVNO which uses the Telstra network, since it migrated from Optus network in 2013. Boost is unique in that is the only MVNO to have access to Telstra's entire (retail) mobile network including 5G on all prepaid plans since June 2022.

Other MVNOs using Telstra's network only have access to a smaller part of Telstra's network. This gives Boost customers equal coverage to Telstra retail customers. Most plans (except the $55 and $70 plan) are speed-capped to 150 Mbps (like Telstra Prepaid), while the $55 plan is speed-capped to 250 Mbps and the $70 plan has access to maximum uncapped speeds. See this article for more info on Boost's network.

Boost customers can also utilise VoWiFi, VoLTE and RCS.

Availability[]

Buy a SIM starter kit for $2 without credit or for $40 with the same plan included from their outlets (store locator). Or online in all three SIM sizes to be sent to an Australian postal address.

You can recharge by vouchers, sold in their stores or online by credit card or PayPal.

You need to activate it online here with an Australian Driver's Licence or Learner's Permit, a Medicare card, an Australian passport or an international passport with valid Australian visa.

Prepaid SIM card[]

All boost prepaid plans include unlimited calls and texts in AU. Data (up to 5G) is as follows:

Price	Data	Time	Data promo*	Data rollover*	Internatl. calling texting and MMS
$ 12	5 GB	7 days	None	No	Included for 20-55 countries. Add on available for other countries. See details below.
$ 35	50 GB	28 days	None	Yes
$ 45	65 GB	28 days	None	Yes
$ 55	80 GB	28 days	None	Yes
$ 70	115 GB	28 days	None	Yes
$ 230	170 GB	12 months	None	No
$ 300	260 GB	12 months	None	No
$ 365	365 GB	12 months	None	No

Data Promo: Boost occasionally offers data promos, At time of writing there is only sales on New SIMs, reducing cost, no additional Data promo.

~~All Boost plans include data free streaming of Apple Music.~~

Data rollover: On 28 day plans, unused data rolls over to the next month if you recharge to a 28 day plan before the plan expires.

International Calling: All plans include international calling and texting to 55 specified countries. Unlimited calling and SMS apply for 20-30 of these countries (plan specific) with limited minutes and SMS to the remaining 25-35 countries. All plans include limited MMS to the 55 specified countries.

A $15 add-on is available for other countries, which are charged on a PAYG basis.

Further information is available here.

More info[]

APN: telstra.wap
Website: http://boost.com.au

Coles Prepaid (Coles Mobile)[]

Similar to Woolworths, the other leading retailer Coles started its brand in 2015 as a MVNO on the 3G Optus network, now extended to 4G/LTE (for details check Optus above).

Availability[]

The starter is sold for $2 exclusively at any Coles supermarket or Coles Express store in the country. The $2 has no credit pre-loaded. You need to activate the SIM online giving passport and visa data. The process takes 15 minutes to 4 hours.

You can recharge by using vouchers sold at Coles or online by credit card or PayPal. To check balance, text 'BAL' to 9999.

Prepaid SIM card[]

You can choose between three plans, which can be changed by texting "MENU" to 9999:

$ 10: 1 GB, unlimited AU talk and text for 10 days
$ 20: 28 GB on first three recharges. First three recharges must occur in 90 days of activation. 3 GB standard data from 4th recharge. (3 GB, unlimited AU talk and text for 35 days)
$ 40: 35 GB on first three recharges. First three recharges must occur in 90 days of activation. 10 GB standard data from 4th recharge (10 GB, unlimited AU talk and text, 250 internatl. mins to 10 countries for 35 days). Up to 250 Standard International Minutes Destinations are: mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, UK and USA.
$ 180: 48 GB data 36 GB, unlimited AU talk and text for 365 days

To all plans 500 MB data to be used within 7 days can be added for $5. Beyond, their default rate of 12c per MB applies. The first recharge of the $20 and $40 plans will be doubled in data.

More info[]

APN: internet
Website: http://www.coles.com.au/our-range/our-products/coles-mobile

dodo[]

Dodo is an Australian multi-media organization focusing on triple-play. It sells SIM cards as a MVNO on the Optus network in 3G and 4G/LTE too.

Availability[]

You can buy their SIM cards in many stores: where-can-i-buy for $2 or free. You need to activate the SIM on their website.

Recharges are possible on the same website by credit card: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx and even Diners are accepted. Recharges are from $10 for 60 days validity to $100 with 1 year's validity.

Prepaid SIM card[]

Data on their only prepaid SIM stays at 5c per MB. They offer three packages valid for 30 days to be added:

$ 10: 1 GB
$ 25: 3 GB
$ 40: 5 GB

Data-only SIM[]

They also offer a prepaid data-SIM which is on 3G up to HDSPA. These starter packs are sold:

SIM-only: for free
$ 40: 3G USB dongle and 3 GB included

You can top-up their data-only SIM with these packs:

$ 10: 300 MB for 30 days
$ 20: 1 GB for 60 days
$ 40: 3 GB for 60 days
$ 70: 6 GB for 90 days
$ 99: 10 GB for 180 days
$ 139: 15 GB for 365 days

Absolute data transfer usage limit of 10 GB applies per calendar month. SMS service is not available for prepaid wireless broadband accounts.

More info[]

Tethering seems to be not available for the iPhone
APN: internet
Website: http://www.dodo.com/

gotalk[]

Gotalk is a MVNO on the network of Vodafone in 3G and 4G/LTE is available for gotalk customers too. For coverage check Vodafone above.

Availability[]

Gotalk mobile SIM cards and recharge vouchers are available from many retail outlets throughout Australia. They can also be purchased on the this website. Alternatively, call 1800 GOTALK (1800 468 255) to find your nearest retailer.

You need to activate your SIM card here: activate. You can top up online with credit cards (Visa, Master, AmEx), PayPal or voucher.

Their voice & data prepaid SIM cards are not a good deal, as they always stay at the default rate of 5c per MB without any bundles available.

Data-only SIM[]

Their prepaid data-only SIM is called BYO Wireless Broadband and comes in 2 starter packs:

$15: with 1 GB for 30 days
$20: with 2 GB for 30 days

Their data-only SIM can be topped up with these packages, all valid for 30 days and on 4G too:

$10: 1 GB
$15: 2 GB
$20: 2.5 GB
$30: 3 GB
$50: 5 GB

Recharge online, in-store or via phone.

More info[]

APN for broadband SIM: purtona.net
Website: http://www.gotalk.com.au

Hello Mobile[]

Hello Mobile is another MVNO on the 3G network of Vodafone. From 2016 4G/LTE has been available for Hello Mobile customers. For coverage check Vodafone above.

Availability[]

Hello Mobile SIM cards and recharge vouchers are available from many retail outlets throughout Australia find a store or bought online here to be shipped to an Australian postal address.

You need to activate your SIM card here. You can top up online by credit card (Visa and MasterCard only) or a voucher from a store from $10 to 100. As with gotalk, their voice prepaid SIM cards are not that interesting, as they either stay at 5c/MB with no bundles available or include data with lots of AU minutes or texts.

Data-only SIM[]

Their prepaid data-only starter kit is available in all three SIM sizes:

$ 10: with 500 MB for 30 days
$ 20: with 1 GB for 30 days
$ 30: with 2 GB for 30 days

Their data-only SIM can be topped up online with these packages, all valid for 30 days:

500 MB: $5
1 GB: $10
2 GB: $15

More info[]

APN: vfinternet.au
Website: http://www.hellomobile.com.au

Lebara mobile[]

Lebara mobile in Australia has been using the Vodafone network in 3G and 4G/LTE as a MVNO. In 2016 it was acquired by Vodafone. They want to retain Lebara as a separate entity as well as maintaining the MVNO’s existing customer service channels now as a subsidiary of Vodafone.

Availabilty[]

Starter packs are available at 7-Eleven, allphones, BP, Coles, Coles express, DickSmith, Harvey Norman, Kmart, Newsagent, NewsLink, Officeworks, On the Run, post offices, Ritchies, TeleChoice, United, Woolworths (storefinder) for $2 or online for free to be shipped to an Australian postal address.

SIM card comes without balance either as mini/micro or nano size. It needs to be activated online here: activation. Only Australian IDs are shown as options, but most internatl. credit cards are accepted too as reference.

You can recharge either by voucher or credit card online. For the first 3 recharges, you will get a $1 bonus each. SIM card will expire 365 days after activation of the last recharge.

Prepaid SIM card[]

Lebara has these base plans for prepaid valid for 30 days:

Plan	Data	Price	Extras
Standard	2c / MB	free
XS	2 GB	$ 14.90	unlimited dom. calls and SMS
S	3.5 GB	$ 24.90	plus 2500 mins to 3 countries
M	7 GB	$ 29.90	plus unlimited calls to 12 countries
L	16 GB	$ 39.90	plus unlimited calls to 15 countries
XL	30 GB	$ 49.90	plus unlimited calls to 50 countries
XXL	60 GB	$ 69.90	plus unlimited calls to 60 countries

All packages are sold with a recharge bonus of 3 GB when you auto-renew the package.

Data feature packs[]

These data packages can be added to any prepaid plan:

$ 5: 500 MB, activation: "DATA5"
$ 10: 1.5 GB, activation "DATA10"
$ 25: 5 GB, activation: "DATA25"

For activation, text code to 126 172. Data packs are valid for 30 days from application (with day one being the application date) or until the data has been consumed, whichever occurs first.

If the expiry date of the data pack after recharge is later than the current main balance expiry date, the main balance expire date will be extended so that they are consistent. If customer has multiple data allowances available (including from bundle plans), data will be consumed in the order of purchase; with the exception that included data from non-current bundle plans will only become available once the current plan expires.

Data-only SIM[]

Aimed at tablets and modems they have released a "Mobile Broadband" SIM without voice or SMS. These plans are available valid for 30 days:

S - 5 GB: $ 20
M - 12 GB: $ 35
L - 25 GB: $ 45

More info[]

APN: purtona.net
Website: http://www.lebara.com.au

Lycamobile[]

Lycamobile from Britain is using the Telstra network in 3G as a MVNO and added 4G/LTE access in 2016. The new deal means that Lycamobile’s expanded service provides a footprint of 95% of population and a combined 4G/LTE and 3G coverage footprint of 98.8%,

Availability[]

Their starter pack is available in many stores nationwide for $2 or you can order your SIM from their website here to be shipped to an Australian postal address. It's sold in all three sizes.

You need to activate your SIM card online here. Recharges can be made online by credit card on their website here for $10, $20, $30 or $50 or at their sales outlets.

Prepaid SIM card[]

Lycamobile offers free voice calls amongst their AU customers. Calls to any Lycamobile numbers in Australia are unlimited. Customer must recharge by a minimum of $10 during each 28 days and should have a minimum account balance of $0.01 to be eligible for making calls. If customer not recharge, he/she still can enjoy the free call for the first 15 minutes with a flagfall of 29c per call (standard rate of 15c/min will apply afterwards).

Data feature packages[]

Default data is 5c per MB. On Lycamobile you may or may not be on a plan. These plans with data are valid for 28 days each and come with unlimited AU mins and texts:

Data	Price	Activation
250 MB	$ 5	1393103#
1.5 GB	$ 10	1393020#
3 GB	$ 25	1393030#

For data-only, you can activate these packages for 28 days as well as for extra data:

250 MB: $ 5, activation: *139*3013#, add-on: *139*601#
1.5 GB: $ 10, activation: *139*3020#, add-on: *139*602#
3 GB: $ 25, activation: *139*3030#, add-on: *139*603#

Excess data usage beyond data bundle allowance is charged at 5c per MB. All plans auto-renew. To stop, type *190# and follow instructions. Validity of bolt-ons is the rest of the running time of the base package.

Combo packages[]

Lycamobile also offers combo packages with unlimited minutes, texts, IDD minutes and some data valid 28 days:

Plan	Price	Data	IDD Calls	Activation
10	$ 10	1 GB	-	139510#
20	$ 20	7 GB	-	139519#
XS	$ 25	2 GB	unlimited to 12 countries	139524#
S	$ 30	5 GB	unlimited to 12 countries	139529#
M	$ 40	15 GB	unlimited to 15 countries	139539#
L	$ 45	9 GB	unlimited to 54 countries	139544#
XL	$ 50	20 GB	unlimited to 54 countries	139549#

For the first activation on a new SIM card all packages (except Plans 10 and 20) are discounted by 50-70%.

More info[]

Lycamobile actively blocks tethering
APN: data.lycamobile.com.au

Website: http://www.lycamobile.com.au

Woolworths Mobile[]

Available from Woolworths supermarkets, Woolworths Mobile is a MVNO using Telstra's wholesale network which has slightly less coverage than Telstra's retail network (available with Telstra products and Boost mobile only). This means poorer coverage, mainly in rural areas and network data speeds are limited to 100 Mbps on 4G. Woolworths are one of the very few MVNOs who offer eSIM, this can be activated through the app and can be purchased on the website.

Availability[]

Their starter packs are exclusively sold at Woolworths, Big W and Caltex service stations in 3 sizes in the same amounts as the top-ups listed below.

You need to activate your SIM or eSIM card online giving passport and visa data. You can recharge using vouchers sold at Woolworths, through the Woolworths mobile app or online by credit card.

Prepaid SIM card[]

For top-ups these 30 days allowances are offered:

$10: 1 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts, data bank roll-over up to 200GB
$20: 12 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts, data bank roll-over up to 200GB
$30: 32 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts, calls to 22 countries, data bank roll-over up to 200GB
$40: 52 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts, calls to 22 countries, data bank roll-over up to 200GB
$50: 55 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts, calls to 22 countries, data bank roll-over up to 200GB

For top-ups these 180 days allowances are offered

$60: 12 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts

For top-ups these 365 days allowances are offered

$1: 12 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts

Data will be shut off, when depleted.

More info[]

APN: mdata.net.au
Website: https://mobile.woolworths.com.au/

Kogan Mobile[]

Kogan.com is an Australian portfolio of retail and services businesses founded in 2006 by Ruslan Kogan and has over 8 million active subscribers. Kogan Mobile was re-launched in Australia on the Vodafone network in 2015 and offers Vodafone's 4G since 2016. Vodafone handles all customer service. Kogan was not listed before, as it's mostly sold online to be sent to a local address which makes it inconvenient for visitors.

Availability[]

Their SIM card can be purchased online from kogan.com to be delivered within 3-10 business days to an Australian address for $2 with free shipping. Since 2019 it can also be purchased at United fuel stations and 7-Eleven Stores in the country (list of purchase points). To activate you need to go online and have your passport and credit/debit card ready.

Recharges need to be made using a Mastercard, Visa or Amercian Express through your online account. You can check your balance by dialling 12612 and selecting Option 1 from the main menu. Alternatively you can see your balance by logging into your Kogan Mobile account or using their app.

If you do not recharge your account after your plan expires, you will still be able to receive incoming calls and text messages for 20 days, and make calls to emergency services for 90 days before your account will be deactivated.

Data feature packages[]

These auto-renewing plans are offered for smartphones. They are for 30 days and all include unlimited calls and texts within Australia and a data pack:

Small: 3 GB - $16.90
Medium: 13 GB - $29.90
Large: 20 GB - $36.90
Extra Lange: 40 GB - $49.90

They also offer discounts of about 20% off if you commit for 90 days and of 40% off if you commit for a year. Some additional packs are offered:

for roaming in China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, USA and UK with 1 GB, 100 SMS and 30 mins airtime for 24 hours - $15
with 250 mins airtime from AU to 10-20 countries for 30 days - $5-$15 depending on country
2 GB extra data in Australia for 30 days: $ 14.90

Data-only SIM[]

They also sell data-only plans aimed at tablets or modems without voice or text in two denominiations:

8 GB for 30 days: $29.90
30 GB for 30 days: $49.90

More info[]

APN: live.vodafone.com
Website: https://www.koganmobile.com.au

Yomojo Mobile (previously Yatango)[]

Yatango used to be a MVNO in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE on the Optus network. In 2015 they declared bankrupcy. Their customers were taken over by the new MVNO Yomojo Mobile that works on the same network. So far this new operator hasn't built up an offline distribution system in stores. As an online-only operator they remain unsuitable for travellers as you need a reliable delivery address. That's why they can't be listed here, even they give good rates.

more info on their website: https://yomojo.com.au/

Superloop[]

Superloop is an Australian telecommunications company that provides a range of services, including nbn internet, mobile phone plans, and home phone plans. Their prepaid mobile sim services are powered by the Telstra network, and offer a variety of plans to suit different needs.

Availability[]

You can order physical sim or e-sim from superloop website.

Plans[]

Here are some of the prepaid mobile sim plans offered by Superloop:

4GB for $16 per month
15GB for $22 per month
28GB for $28 per month
40GB for $34 per month
90GB for $45 per month
120GB for $60

All plans include unlimited calls and text within Australia. Unlimited Standard international calls and sms are available to 15 selected countries. These countries are: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UK and USA.

For more information visit: https://www.superloop.com/mobile

Australian External Territories[]

These are small island territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans attached to Australia, but not served by Australian operators:

Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Norfolk Island

These islands used to be without major internet connections. This has changed since the Australian Government installed the nbn Sky Muster satellite services to cover remote areas in 2015-8. This has improved connectivity to these islands a lot as 4G/LTE networks are being deployed.

The availability of SIM cards to travellers is still unknown on many islands and 4G coverage may only cover certain parts of it. That's we moved these territories from our Blacklist to the Greylist. You still might think of using a satellite phone to be sure of connection.

Christmas Island[]

Christmas Island is located in the Indian Ocean, around 350 km south of Java and Sumatra and around 1,550 km north-west of the closest point on the Australian mainland. It has an area of 135 sq km and a population of 1,800 residents.

Christmas Island Internet Administration Limited (CiiA), has started to build a 4G/LTE network to replace their existing fixed wireless internet service in 2015.The network has since then gradually grown to cover the majority of the island population, residents and visitors, but also extended the initial 4G/LTE data-only service to support VoLTE (Voice-over-LTE). At the end of 2017 CiiA ceased providing internet services to homes and businesses, effectively disconnecting one of Australia’s most remote islands.

As of 2018 there is extremely limited cellular coverage on Christmas Island, restricted only to the developed (small town/residential) areas of the island. There is zero coverage within the national park itself, on the hiking trails and at the beaches. This is a 2G mobile network operated by Telstra that can only be used for voice and SMS. There is *no mobile data coverage. WiFi coverage is also extremely limited, to some shops, cafes and the visitor center, and is charged at around AU$ 7 per hour. Some hotels may have wifi access provided as part of the room rate, but is also rather slow and spotty.

This situation is likely to improve in 2019 when the branch off to the INDIGO-West submarine cable is completed linking the Christmas Islands to Perth. There are unconfirmed reports that a 4G network operated by Speedcast currently operates and is sold from the post office - prices unknown - and operated by a company called Glonet.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands[]

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a small archipelago approximately midway between Australia and Sri Lanka and closer to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The territory consists of two atolls made up of 27 coral islands, of which only two West Island and Home Island are inhabited by around 600 inhabitants.

Norfolk Island[]

Norfolk Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean located between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. It has around 1,800 inhabitants living on a total area of about 35 km²

Norfolk Telecom has a 3G/4G network on the island, with island wide coverage. Plans can be Purchased from the NI Telecom main office.

Lord Howe Island[]

On Lord Howe there is no mobile coverage. There are paid WiFi hotspots at the visitor information center, museum and few other places and some hotels provide complimentary WiFi. Australian nbn SkyMuster has started broadband connections to homes via satellite.
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