While traveling through Australia, you may need to buy a new SIM card for your phone. This can get kind of tricky because many phones require a specific type of SIM card, and sometimes they are not available. Also, some carriers only offer micro or nano SIM cards, which are not compatible with all phones. You’ll want to make sure you have the right type of SIM card from Travel Sim Australia – SimCorner for your phone before arriving in Australia, so you don’t run into any problems.
Here are 8 tips for buying a brand-new SIM card in Australia:
1. Find the right size
Make sure you have the right size SIM card for your phone. If your phone uses a micro or nano sized SIM card, you might have to buy an adapter to make it fit in your phone. It’s better to find out ahead of time so you can be prepared when you arrive.
2. Consider your price range
While Optus is usually the most expensive option among all three carriers, they also tend to provide more coverage than their competitors. If cost is a factor for you, consider opting for either Vodafone or Three instead.
3. Buy your SIM cards in bulk
In this day and age, it’s not uncommon for people to travel with multiple phones. If you’re planning on using your cell phone while traveling abroad, it’s a good idea to purchase multiple SIM cards so that you won’t have to worry about running out of minutes or data when you’re away from home. You can even purchase one for each member of your family if they all plan on using their phones while traveling overseas together!
4. The Big Three: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
Australia has three main phone carriers: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. All have good coverage across the country and you can buy prepaid SIM cards for these providers at any mobile phone store – including discount stores like Kmart or Big W – or at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Leave your passport with the vendor when buying the card so that it can be registered in your name.
5. Compare Your Options
If you’re planning to use up data and phone credit quickly, choose an unlimited call and text plan with as much data as possible – around $40-$60 should do the trick. For occasional users who simply want to stay connected while they’re travelling, choose a cheaper option with limited calls, texts and data – this usually costs around $20-$30 AUD per month.
6. Have An Approximate Idea of Your Monthly Usage
Knowing ahead of time how much you’re likely to be using a cell phone can help you choose the right rate plan. If you’ll be using your phone for talking, texting and emailing only, then it’s easier to use a prepaid plan. If you’re expecting to have hours of calls every month, then you’ll need an unlimited calling plan. If you’ll be using data, then that cost will factor in too.
7. Choose One That Uses The 4G Network
The 4G network is fast and efficient, and it covers all of Australia’s major cities and most towns in between — making it easy to stay connected in more places than ever before.
8. Make sure your phone is unlocked
Most phones these days come unlocked from the manufacturer, but it’s always worth double-checking before heading off to another country where you’re going to be using a new SIM card and service provider. You can usually get a phone unlocked by calling your cell carrier or taking it into one of their retail locations.