Australia, the land of kangaroos and crystal-clear blue seas, attracts tourists from all corners of the world. Whether you plan to explore Sydney or venture into the wilderness, you certainly don’t want to waste time figuring out how to stay online. In this article, we’ll show you how to quickly and easily get a SIM card or eSIM.
eSIM Australia: How to Choose the Best One?
When choosing an eSIM, you need to consider a few factors. Among them is, of course, the amount of data and how long you will be in Australia. Keep in mind that on a sightseeing trip, you usually consume more data than you do at home.
Another important factor is whether you will mainly stay around cities or also venture beyond them. If you plan to travel across Australia, we recommend choosing an eSIM that uses the Telstra network because it has the best coverage. If you’ll only be in cities, an eSIM using the Optus network will suffice.
It’s also a good idea to consider whether you will travel to neighboring countries like New Zealand or Singapore. In that case, an eSIM covering all these countries might be beneficial.
📱 Learn more about choosing the best data eSIM here. 📱
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The Best Data eSIM Deals for Australia
Do you already have an idea of which type of plan will suit you best? Let’s look at the prices.
Cheapest Plans
If you’re getting an eSIM as a backup, 1 GB of data might be enough. The cheapest such eSIM is offered by eSIM4Travel for $1.74. However, note that you’ll be connected via Vodafone, which has the worst coverage in Australia.
A better option is GlobalYO, where this eSIM costs $2.49 but can connect to any operator in the country, ensuring you’ll stay online wherever there’s at least some network. Another solid choice is the eSIM from MobiMatter, which costs $3.49.
Average Usage (5 GB Data)
If you need an eSIM just to stay oriented or book a hotel, 5 GB of data will be sufficient. Providers don’t differ much in this category.
The cheapest option is eSIM4Travel, but its connection quality isn’t great. We recommend GlobalYO or MobiMatter, both offering eSIMs from eSIMGo for $8.99 with a validity of 30 days.
A seemingly cheaper option is the eSIM from RedTeaGo, available on MobiMatter for $4.99. However, this one only connects to the Optus network. It’s fine for cities, but if you plan a road trip across Australia, we wouldn’t recommend it.
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High Data Usage (10 GB and More)
If you enjoy browsing social media during your vacation, a larger data plan might be a good choice. We usually opt for 10 GB on a two-week trip, and it tends to be enough.
We recommend buying this eSIM from GlobalYO for $15.99 or MobiMatter at the same price. This ensures you will have a signal wherever it is available.
You can also find a cheaper eSIM at MobiMatter for $7.99, but only choose this if you’ll be mostly in cities, as it connects through Optus.
We also recommend checking out Nomad, which often has discounts. Right now, for example, it’s reduced from $19 to an unbeatable $13. This eSIM connects to Australia’s best operator, Telstra.
Unlimited Data in Australia
If you’re looking for unlimited data, consider these providers:
The first is Nomad, which offers “Day Plans.” You can choose from 1 to 10 days and select how much high-speed data you want daily. Don’t worry—even if you use up your high-speed data, your connection will only slow down to 512 kbps, which is perfectly fine for a regular tourist. Plus, you’ll connect via Telstra. Prices are variable, but a standard plan is 1 GB of high-speed data daily, costing $13 for 7 days or $18 for 10 days.
If you’re visiting Australia for two weeks, GlobalYO offers similar parameters and prices, including 15 days of unlimited data for $27.99.
Another option is Holafly, which is ideal if you need a lot of data or are staying longer, as it offers plans from 1 to 90 days. The downside is that you can only share up to 0.5 GB per day via hotspot. It’s perfect for those looking for an eSIM mainly for work on a laptop. The mid-range option, 15 days, costs $50.9.
Local Data SIM Card in Australia
You can find SIM cards from major operators at airports after passing passport control. Of course, you can also buy them outside the airport, such as at post offices, gas stations, and supermarkets. To purchase a prepaid SIM card, you’ll need a passport. They may ask for an Australian address, but providing your hotel’s address will suffice. Major operators also offer eSIM options, which you can supposedly order online and install before departure. However, this hasn’t been tested yet.
Australia has three main operators: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Additionally, there are around 50 virtual operators on their networks, including Lebara, Felix, Lycamobile, Boost Mobile, amaysim, and others.
Telstra offers the best coverage. If you’re traveling only within major cities, you probably won’t notice much difference, but for remote areas, Telstra is worth choosing.
Prices vary accordingly. Telstra SIM cards are slightly more expensive. If you want the cheapest option, you’ll need to explore virtual operators, but there are so many that we’ll skip covering them. Additionally, these SIM cards are usually not available at airports.
Optus offers a minimum data package of 5 GB, valid for only 7 days, costing 12 AUD (175 CZK). Next, you can choose 40 GB for just 28 days at 35 AUD (515 CZK) or higher options (60 GB, 80 GB, etc.). They also offer an annual prepaid card with 260 GB of data for 320 AUD (4,700 CZK).
Telstra is slightly more expensive. For 12 AUD (175 CZK), you get only 3 GB, again for 7 days. Next options include 35 GB for 35 AUD (515 CZK), valid for only 28 days, and higher data packages. They also offer an annual SIM for those on work placements, offering 220 GB for 320 AUD (4,700 CZK).
Vodafone, the third operator, lists a minimum data package of 45 GB on its website. However, smaller packages, such as 4 GB for 7 days at 10 AUD (150 CZK) or 8 GB for 14 days at 20 AUD (300 CZK), are available at airports. They also offer an annual prepaid card with 260 GB for 320 AUD (4,700 CZK).
Prices are relatively high, but you’ll encounter many discounts. Every airport kiosk offers some discounts, as do websites. All these SIM cards include unlimited calls and SMS. If you’re staying in Australia for an extended period, they’re definitely a good option.
Summary
SIM cards in Australia are not the cheapest. This is mainly because operators offer packages with large amounts of data.
If you don’t use much data, eSIMs are a better choice. Opt for GlobalYO or specific eSIMs from MobiMatter. Ensure the connection is ideally via Telstra or at least Optus.
For unlimited data, prices are comparable to local SIM cards offering large data volumes. However, eSIMs save you from waiting in lines. For unlimited data during your vacation, consider Nomad.
