Are you traveling to Australia and wondering what is the best sim card to stay connected? Avoid high roaming charges and slow overseas data plans. Get yourself a prepaid sim card or eSIM for Australia.
This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before buying a prepaid sim card in Australia in 2025.
Find out where to buy a sim card, a comparison of the prepaid sim cards, up to date prices and info as per February 2025, the best 4G/5G network, my recommendation, info about eSIMs for Australia and more.
In the past I always used to buy a local prepaid sim card in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected.
Table of contents
- My recommendation
- Why buying a sim card for Australia
- Where to buy a sim card for Australia
- Mobile internet providers in Australia
- Registration process
- Prices Australia prepaid sim cards
- Best 4G/5G data network in Australia in 2025
- Best sim card for Australia
- Best eSIMs for Australia
- Order a sim card for Australia online
- My experience buying a sim card for Australia
Want to buy a sim card at the airport? Check out my dedicated sim card guides for Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane Airport, including vlogs.
Some links in this article about the best way to stay connected when traveling to Australia are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a Telstra sim card for traveling in Australia. Telstra has by far the best 4G/5G mobile network coverage in Australia, much better than Optus and Vodafone.
The Telstra prepaid sim card plans are slightly more expensive but losing signal as soon as you get out of the city is also very inconvenient.
Traveltomtom is also an advocate for using eSIMs when traveling to Australia, but make sure to pick the right one.
A Smartroam eSIM for Australia from Sim Local that operates on the Telstra network is regarded the best eSIM for Australia with 10 GB data for $17 USD. A Jetpac eSIM gives you 15 GB for $16 USD but operates on the Optus network.
eSIMs are just so convenient that I happily pay a couple dollar more to avoid the hassle of buying a prepaid sim card in a phone store or at the airport in Australia. For more detailed info check out my guide with the best eSIMs for Australia in 2025.
When traveling to Australia and visiting more countries on your trip around the world or in the Pacific then also check out my list of the best international prepaid and eSIMs for traveling in 2025. These international travel sim cards are valid in up to 141 countries.
Be aware that foreign sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If your phone is locked then you can't use an eSIM, an international prepaid sim card or a local prepaid sim card before unlocking your phone. If you are not sure about this then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country before traveling to Australia.
Why buying a sim card for Australia
No one wants to get stuck with slow overseas data roaming plans. These data plans from your mobile internet provider in your home country reduce the data speed and are much more expensive than eSIMs or local prepaid sim cards.
The last thing we want is to get stuck with high data roaming charges, which in 2025 are still ridiculous and providers often charge up to $3 USD per MB, which means opening the Instagram app can easily cost you $100 USD. Not kidding! Always make sure you switch off data roaming when traveling internationally.
Very important when traveling to Australia is to stay connected. Why? What about ordering a taxi through an app or getting directions from Google Maps. Ever thought about what to do in emergencies and not being able to use data on your phone? Or killing time on long train, bus or car rides, accessing your banking apps, etc.
Don't rely on WiFi, there is no guarantee your hotel has good and fast WiFi and another reminder that being connected to the internet through public WiFi is on an UNSECURED network. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data.
Since Traveltomtom is already a full time nomad and travel blogger since 2012, buying sim cards and eSIMs is part of my life, especially since Traveltomtom is also aiming to travel to every country in the world.
Therefore you can already find more than 200 prepaid and eSIM guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: New Zealand, Auckland, Samoa, Fiji, Nadi, Hong Kong, China, Shanghai, Thailand, Bangkok, Indonesia, Jakarta, Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Dubai, Turkey, Europe, London, USA, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the most up to date and detailed advice about prepaid and eSIMs for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me!
Where to buy a sim card for Australia
International Airport on arrival
Buying a sim card on arrival at an international airport in Australia is easy. All the major international airports in Australia have sim card shops that sell sim cards for tourists. Traveltomtom personally has shopped around at the airports in Australia.
Here are the links to my detailed blogs: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney. For Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport I also recorded a vlog which you can watch on my Youtube Channel.
Phone store in city center
All around the big cities and tourist destinations in Australia there are sim card stores from the official mobile internet providers: Optus, Vodafone and Telstra.
Traveltomtom recommends buying a sim card in an official phone store over a random phone shop. In an official retail store of the mobile internet providers you get the best service and discounted deals and before you walk out of the store, the staff will make sure your data connection is working properly.
If you buy a sim card at a gas station or convenience store you will have to activate and register the sim card yourself. At these kind of stores they also sell prepaid sim cards from MVNO's: Lebara, Lycamobile, Virgin Mobile, etc.
Online
You can also buy a sim card for traveling in Australia on the internet. The easiest way is to order an eSIM. If your phone is eSIM compatible check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for Australia in 2025.
But you can also buy physical prepaid sim cards for traveling in Australia. These international sim cards will be delivered to your home address before traveling to Australia. On arrival it is plug and play! More about it later.
Mobile internet providers in Australia
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Australia: Optus, Vodafone and Telstra.
All mobile internet providers sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. Prices for prepaid sim cards are more or less the same, the big difference between the mobile internet operators is the mobile data network coverage.
As per 2025 you can also get eSIMs in phone stores in Australia. You choose between an eSIM or a physical prepaid sim card.
Registration process
When buying a sim card in Australia in any sim card shop you will need to bring your passport. A copy of your passport will be taken in the phone store and your new Australia sim card will be registered on your name and your passport number. You will receive a physical prepaid sim card or eSIM that comes with an Australian phone number that starts with +61.
Prices Australia prepaid sim cards
All prices and info are updated as per February 2025. Prices are in Australian Dollar (AUD) and $1 USD = $0.62 AUD and $1 AUD = $1.6 USD.
As of 2025 all mobile internet providers in Australia offer eSIMs for tourists as well as prepaid sim cards.
So when buying a prepaid sim card for Australia in any phone store of Optus, Vodafone or Telstra you can choose to get a physical prepaid sim card or an eSIM.
Optus
Optus offers physical as well as eSIMs for tourists in Optus stores all around Australia and they have 3 standard tourist plans:
- 5 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 7 days = $12 AUD - $7.5 USD
- 40 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + 400 minutes international calls for 28 days = $35 AUD - $22 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + 800 minutes international calls for 28 days = $45 AUD - $28 USD
- 80 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + 1,200 minutes international calls for 28 days = $55 AUD - $34 USD
You can get an eSIM or a physical prepaid sim card. Offers constantly vary. Check the Optus website for more info.
Vodafone
In Vodafone stores in Australia tourists can also get an eSIM and the following plans are available:
- 45 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $15 AUD - $9 USD
- 85 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $25 AUD - $16 USD
- 65 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $45 AUD - $28 USD
Check the Vodafone website for more info. You can get an eSIM in Vodafone stores in Australia.
Telstra
Telstra is the mobile internet that has by far the best mobile 4G/5G network coverage in Australia:
- 3 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 7 days = $12 AUD - $8 USD
- 35 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $35 AUD - $22 USD
- 50 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $45 AUD - $28 USD
- 70 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $55 AUD - $34 USD
- 105 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $65 AUD - $41 USD
There are always various ongoing offers. Check the Telstra website for more info. In a Telstra store in Australia you can also opt for an eSIM.
Best 4G/5G data network in Australia in 2025
To determine the best prepaid sim card for traveling in Australia let's compare the mobile data network coverage of all the mobile internet providers. Australia is a huge country and especially during long bus and car rides you want to stay connected. A sim card without a data connection is useless.
Is there 5G in Australia?
Yes, there is 5G in Australia, but especially when traveling off the beaten path, don't expect to find 5G in Australia.
In fact, depending on which mobile internet operator you choose you might not even find a signal at all. In some of my previous Australia travel blogs I named Australia a third world country for WiFi and mobile data.
A couple years ago I wrote an article: 12 Things I Don't Like About Australia.
Anyway, let me show you why the network coverage is so important before choosing the best prepaid sim card for Australia in 2025.
Vodafone 4G/5G network coverage map
Optus 4G/5G network coverage map
Telstra 4G/5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage map is updated for 2025 it is not 100% accurate. However, it is a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Australia in 2025.
From the above Australia 4G/5G coverage maps we can clearly see that Telstra has by far the the best mobile data network in Australia in 2025.
There is actually a big difference between Telstra and Optus and Vodafone. Optus is a second best but is no competition for Telstra when it comes to the best 4G/5G network in Australia.
Therefore Traveltomtom at all times recommends a Telstra sim card or eSIM for traveling around Australia.
Best sim card for Australia
Prices for prepaid sim cards in Australia are cheap, but so are eSIMs. Not everyone needs 50 GB data for their trip to Australia and also not everyone travels off the beaten path finding secluded beaches. Some tourists only visit Melbourne or Sydney.
Different travelers, different needs.
For those who only visit the big cities and the well-known places to see in Australia an Optus or Vodafone sim card will do the job. However, be prepared to be offline as soon as you hit the road.
A Smartroam eSIM for Australia from Sim Local that operates on the Telstra network is regarded the best eSIM for Australia with 10 GB data for $17 USD.
A Jetpac eSIM gives you 15 GB for $16 USD but operates on the Optus network. Jetpac has eSIMs starting from just $1 USD.
Check out my guide for the best eSIM for traveling to Australia in 2025 for more info and eSIM deals.
If you intend to travel around Australia Traveltomtom recommends to get a Telstra prepaid sim card. Telstra always has ongoing offers in their stores and sometimes you can already get 35 GB data for just $15 AUD ($10 USD).
After comparing all the prepaid and eSIMs for Australia and taking into account the 4G/5G network coverage it leaves no doubt that Telstra is the best sim card for traveling to Australia in 2025.
Best eSIMs for Australia
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Australia in 2025. But keep in mind they only work in eSIM compatible phones.
If your phone is eSIM compatible then you simply order an eSIM for Australia on the internet, process the payment, receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and you are connected in just a couple clicks.
If this raises a lot of questions then check out my complete guide with everything you need to know about using eSIMs when traveling to Australia in 2025, including a comparison of the best available tourist eSIMs.
There are many eSIM providers on the internet, below you can find a small selection. All trusted, tested and reviewed by Traveltomtom personally.
Sim Local
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested Sim Local eSIMs. Find al the pros and cons of Sim Local in our extensive review.
Here are all the Sim Local eSIM plans for Australia:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $7.50 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10.50 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $34 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Australia via Sim Local.
The Smartroam eSIM plans for Australia operate on the Optus and Telstra network in Australia.
Airalo
Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs, very reliable but often a couple dollar more expensive. Here are the Airalo eSIM deals for Australia in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $12.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIMs for Australia via Airalo.
The above eSIMs from Yes! Go! are data-only and phone calls are not supported. They operate on the 4G/LTE network of Optus in Australia.
Jetpac
The Traveltomtom Team was impressed reviewing Jetpac eSIMs for Australia. They not only offer eSIM solutions but also free lounge access if your flight is delayed, free VPN and a couple more advantages. Check out our honest and detailed Jetpac review.
Here are the Jetpac Australia eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $7 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $48 USD
Click here for more info or to order a Jetpac Australia eSIM.
The Jetpac Australia eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Jetpac Australia eSIMs operate on the Optus network and they support 5G.
Before ordering an eSIM make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible otherwise an eSIM won't work on your phone.
Click on the link for a more detailed comparison of the best eSIMs for Australia in 2025, including all FAQ about using eSIMs, more eSIM deals from Nomad, Holafly, etc.
Order a sim card for Australia online
If your phone is not eSIM compatible you can still order an international prepaid sim card for traveling in Australia on the internet. These sim cards are valid in multiple countries around the world.
After you ordered online, a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Australia. On arrival it is plug and play.
SimOptions offers the following physical prepaid sim card for Australia:
- 10 GB data valid in 56 countries for 15 days = $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data valid in 124 countries for 14 days = $49.90 USD
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Australia directly online via SimOptions.
Also a last reminder that if your phone is eSIM compatible you can arrange everything online by simply ordering an eSIM for Australia on the internet.
My experience buying a sim card for Australia
Traveltomtom visited Australia multiple times over the last years. As there were no Telstra shops at the international airports I mostly ended up buying a sim card from Optus. They had a great offer for tourists at Melbourne as well as Sydney Airport.
Though on my last trips to Australia when I flew to Brisbane I simply ordered an eSIM online and I already enjoyed data on my phone when the plane landed. Prices for eSIMs went down a lot and especially when staying just a for a couple days in Australia an eSIM with 5 or 10 GB data is more than enough.
I used to always order an eSIM from Airalo, but since I discovered Jetpac I found that they are often much cheaper.
Back in the days when I lived and traveled in Australia for 5 months I definitely had a Telstra sim card and even then I was often disappointed with the lack of phone signal and slow internet. But that is already 7 years ago and things have changed a lot over time.
Nowadays even with an eSIM in the cities of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney you can expect a data speed of around 90 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload.
Anyway, I am sure some of the above tips for buying a prepaid sim card for Australia were helpful and my information made it easier for you to pick the right sim card for your trip to Australia.
Let me know if you still have any questions and I am more than happy to help you out. Leave me a comment below.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of February 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Australia!