When visiting the land down under, you are sure to want to stay in touch with family and friends, maybe even work, if you have to. Lucky for you, Australia has plentiful network coverage and SIM card options with prepaid plans for travelers. Whether you are exploring the wild terrain of the outback, taking a tour of the Sydney Opera House, or hitting the coast to surf, you will be able to snap a pic and send it to your friends back home. The first three carriers, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, are the largest and cover nearly 100% of the Australian population, from Sydney to Perth, to Melbourne, and all the towns in between. Many of the smaller carriers, such as Lycamobile, Lebara, TPG, and Boost, utilize the more extensive networks but can provide some more budget-friendly packs and plans for those who are interested. Take a look at the options outlined below and remember to follow up with your own research because oftentimes there are promotions and special deals taking place. Here is our list of the best SIM card providers for Australia.
Telstra
Telstra is one of the largest networks in Australia. It covers roughly 99% of the population and is a good choice for travelers visiting remote regions. Telstra offers a $15 (USD) Small package that includes unlimited national calls and SMS service and 2GB of data. The prepaid plan features 28 days of service. The next step up is the Medium pack for $35 (USD) and you get unlimited calls (national) and SMS as well as 5GB of data for the same period. If you still need more data, there is a Large pack for 8GB and unlimited calls and SMS, with a monthly rate of $55 (USD).
Optus
Optus is the second-best network in Australia and covers about 98.5% of the population. It is a good value option and you should keep your eyes open for promotions and sales including this one, which is offering a $40 (USD) SIM for just $20 (USD), including unlimited national calls and SMS service, and 20GB of data. Otherwise, there is a $30 (USD) option for one month that offers 1GB of data and unlimited national calls and SMS. If you are looking for day-to-day options, Optus has prepaid daily plans as well, including 500MB of data for $2 (USD) per day.
Vodafone
Vodafone Australia is the country’s third most popular network and covers about 96% of the population. It is budget-friendly and offers different options depending on your needs. To begin with, there is a 1GB data plan with $10 (USD) worth of calls and texts for one month, priced at $10 (USD). However, the next step up is probably a better deal at $14.90 (USD) for 2.5GB and unlimited calls and SMS per month. Options go up in price to about $30 (USD) for 10GB, making it a much more affordable and flexible option than the first two carriers. However, options including the $40 (USD) and over Combo Plus plans include an extra week to use your data and minutes.
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Lycamobile
Lycamobile uses the Telstra network and offers more affordable options. It also has frequent promotions that offer good deals. Check out the Unlimited Plan S for 9GB of data and unlimited talk, priced at $9.90 (USD). Or Unlimited Plan M, which offers 18GB of data and unlimited talk for a month at $12 (USD). Regardless of promotions, you should be able to find a solid plan with a monthly rate of $10 (USD), offering 1GB of data and talk.
Lebara
Lebara offers bonuses such as extra bonus data after activation or auto recharge online. Prepaid options include the Extra Small bundle for 30 days, priced at $14.90 (USD). It offers 2.5GB and an additional 3GB after auto-recharge online. It also includes unlimited talk and text to national numbers and up to 150 minutes of international calls. The next step up is the Small plan which offers you 4GB the first month, plus 3GB after auto-recharge, unlimited talk, and text to national numbers, and unlimited calls to 10 selected countries. This option is a bit pricier, at $24.90 (USD) per 30 days.
TPG
TPG is a more recent addition to the Australia network coverage and does have some offers for new registrations. There’s no SIM fee or delivery fee. New users can get a base package with 4GB of data and unlimited talk and text for a monthly rate of $10 (USD) for the first six months, which is normally priced at $19.99 (USD). For those who need more data for internet services, there is a 10GB option for a monthly rate of $15 (USD) that includes unlimited talk and text to national numbers and 100 minutes of international call options. This option is usually priced at $29.99 (USD).
Boost
Boost has a wide range of SIM-only plans to choose from. They also offer data rollover, unlimited calls and texts, and international inclusions. Boost has partnered with Telstra to use its network, so you should have extensive coverage during your visit. Some of the best-selling plans include a $40 (USD) plan with 15GB of data, data rollover, unlimited calls and texts, and unlimited calling to 15 countries. Some cheaper options include 1.5GB for $10 (USD) with data rollover, unlimited calls, and texts, and unlimited calling (international) and 6GB for $30 (USD) with data rollover, unlimited calls, and texts, and unlimited international calling. Currently, Boost is promoting their 15GB SIM for half price, making it only $20 (USD).
Coverage coast to coast
The top three providers will give guaranteed cellular coverage for your mobile phone, while the others will certainly come through and even offer more wallet-friendly prices. There is a range of options for those who just need a local number to make and take incoming calls, up to those who eat up data like nobody’s business. Remember to do your research ahead of time and have a few options in mind before your plane lands. It’s also recommended you wait till you are in town, particularly in kiosks or major supermarkets, to buy a mobile SIM card because airport kiosks can be overpriced.
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