How to get your first Australian SIM card: A stress-free guide
One of the first things you'll need is a SIM Card and a reliable mobile plan. Whether it’s to stay connected with your family, navigate the new city or stay up to date with the world. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to help you make an informed and confident decision about your mobile plan.
First things first: Understand your needs
Before diving into mobile plans, it's essential to understand your specific needs. Consider the following questions:
How much data will you need each month?
Will you be making international calls frequently?
How important is network coverage in rural and remote areas (especially if travelling a lot)
What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend on a mobile plan?
What plan expiry length do you prefer - short term (30-day) or long term (180- 365 days)
Where can you buy a SIM card in Australia?
The most convenient places to purchase a SIM card are:
At the airport: Most mobile providers have kiosks at the airport arrival. You can also check out the convenience stores.
Supermarkets and Convenience stores: Stores include Woolworths, Coles, 7-Eleven, Ampol, Night Owl, and Ezymart, among others.
Direct from the provider store: Visit the mobile provider's store in any shopping centre.
Note: You also have the option to go with an eSIM. If your phone is compatible, you can purchase and activate the plan without a physical card.
Getting an eSIM is especially helpful when you only have one SIM card slot and need to use multiple SIM cards.
Prepaid vs Postpaid: The wise choice for students
Prepaid plans
You pay for the service upfront. There's a preset amount of data and calls.
Pros:
Affordable, no overspending, no extra charges
Flexibility with no lock-in contracts
No credit check needed
Offers different expiry lengths (week, month, year, etc.)
Easier to budget as you pay upfront
Cons:
Service stops if you've used up the monthly allowance; you will have to top up/recharge to continue. With Wi-Fi at your uni and home, this is less likely to happen.
If it's a 28-day expiry, you will be paying for 13 recharges each year instead of 12
No handset options
Postpaid plans
You use the service and receive a bill for your usage at the end of each month.
Pros:
Continuous service. If you use up your allowance, the connection doesn't stop; you can continue using it, and you'll be charged for the usage in the next bill.
Sometimes comes bundled with perks or mobile phone bundle deals.
If it's a 30-day billing cycle, you will be paying for 12 recharges each year instead of 13 (28-day expiry)
Cons:
May have a lock-in contract for 12, 24, or 36 months
Can require credit checks
Risk of high bills if you've exceeded the plan's limit
Harder to budget
Note: If your plan is $30 and has a 28-day expiry, you will pay $30 x 13 = $390 instead of $30 x 12 = $360 for the year (365 days), which is equivalent to $32.5 per month.
Verdict: There are reasonable and affordable mobile plans in both categories, but the prepaid SIM-only plan is a safer option at this time.
The Big Three: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone
The major providers in Australia have the widest network coverage, and some also offer student discounts, although these have reduced recently.
In Australia, only these three telcos actually own their networks; all other mobile providers use one of the networks owned by Optus, Telstra or Vodafone.
They also offer phone plans, which can be purchased as a bundle at discounted rates.
View Optus and Vodafone student plans here:
Telstra does not currently offer any student plans.
View non-student SIM-Only plans here: Optus, Telstra, Vodafone.
Student secrets: cheaper plans from other providers
Smaller companies known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) typically offer the most affordable mobile plans. These include providers such as Boost Mobile, Amaysim, Kogan, Woolworths Mobile, and others.
These companies don't incur any costs in building or maintaining their mobile networks, as they lease the network from the big three, allowing them to offer mobile plans at a lower price.
Here are the top 7 providers:
How to choose the best mobile plan
Consider what you use your phone for and how much you can afford to spend. Understand the Contract/Critical Information Summary (CIS) of your plan and ask questions if you have any doubts. Doing this will help you choose a plan that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Here's your quick-start Mobile Plan Checklist Guide to help you make a decision.
Note: Keep your international SIM card active if it's connected to essential services back home. Remember to recharge it regularly to avoid disconnection.