travel sim melbourne airport

Where to find a SIM card at Melbourne airport, and which one to get

This guide is to help travellers arriving in Melbourne find where to buy a SIM card. I travel to Melbourne airport frequently for work and visit. One of the first things I do when getting out of the airport is to pick up a SIM card for my phone.

There are two shops that sell SIM cards at Melbourne Airport:

I’ve found the shops occasionally sell out of the cheaper SIM cards, or the staff were pushing me to the more expensive ones.

At Terminal 2, International Arrivals , there are 2 SIM card shops:

• Optus, which sells SIM cards for the phone carrier Optus,
• Welcome to Melbourne , which sells SIM cards for various phone providers and tickets for the bus to the city

At the Domestic Terminals (1, 3, and 4) , I’ve never been able to find a SIM card shop. Typically travellers without SIM cards arriving on domestic flights have been in transit from Sydney. If you’ve arrived with Qantas or Virgin, it’s not far to walk to the international arrivals area to buy a SIM card. Otherwise, wait until the city to buy one.

Overall, I find Optus (starting at $10) 1 to be the best option for SIM cards at Melbourne Airport . Optus typically offers coverage everywhere I travel, which usually places them above Vodafone on my list of preferences. If I know I’m going to travel extensively in rural Australia, I like to find a Telstra SIM card instead.

Alternatively, a SIM card can be bought while transiting in Sydney Airport. I’ve included how to do this in my guide to Sydney airport here: Where to find a SIM card at Sydney airport

Which SIM cards are available at Melbourne Airport?

Of the SIM cards available at Melbourne Airport, I consider which one to get based on:

• Making phone calls

Great for coverage: Telstra and Optus, each from $10 AUD

Out of the options at Melbourne Airport, the best SIM card I’ve found for coverage is the Telstra Pre-Paid max 2 , starting at $10 AUD for 7 days.

Coverage is important in Australia if you plan on travelling outside the major cities and towns. If you’re trip is limited to Melbourne, any of the major mobile phone networks (provided by Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone) will work. For other common visitor destinations:

• Great Ocean Road , in my experience Telstra and Optus work well here, while Vodafone coverage can be spotty.
• Phillip Island , all major carriers should work here.
• Grampians , all major carriers should work in the towns, but Telstra offers the best coverage on the mountains themselves.

I like to use either Telstra or Optus if I’m travelling significantly outside the larger cities and towns:

• Telstra provides the most coverage in the countryside: it covers highways, smaller towns, and many remote areas.
• Optus is the covers most highways and some of the smaller towns. Optus is typically cheaper than Telstra.

Smaller SIM card brands will use the bigger networks to offer coverage. I’ve found the better deals on these smaller SIM card brands are only available once you leave the airport.

Great for data: Optus, from $30 AUD

For visitors staying up to 90 days in Australia, I’ve found Optus to offer the best deal on data. The $30 (AUD) Optus Prepaid Epic Data SIM card includes up to 35GB of data for each 28 day period as a bonus for the first three 28-day periods - so roughly 3 months. After that it drops down to 10GB/28-days, though this isn’t a concern for most short term travellers.

Great for calls: Vodafone, $20 or $40 depending on current deals

For calls back home, Vodafone includes generous minutes with its prepaid SIM card to dozens of countries . The price for this SIM card seems to be inconsistent, either it’s $20 or $40 AUD 3 . I feel it’s a good deal at either price point if you are interested in making phone calls back home.

The Vodafone prepaid SIM includes:

• 500 minutes of calls to Singapore, Malaysia, China and territories, Japan South Korea, UK, US and territories, and many more
• 100 minutes of calls to Most of South America, Most of Europe, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and also many more

For local calls in Australia , both Telstra and Vodafone offer unlimited local calls to standard Australian phone numbers. Optus offers 100 minutes of local calls, which is enough for most people.

Is it better to buy a SIM card in Melbourne city or at the airport?

If I can afford 15 minutes in queue, I like to buy the SIM card at the airport , and I usually buy the Optus option. If I’m in a rush, I’ll buy a SIM card in the city at a convenience store.

There is often a long queue at my preferred shop, Optus, however with coffee in hand from the nearby cafe, I tend to tough it out for the 10-15 minutes it takes.

The previously mentioned Welcome to Melbourne shop has less of a queue, but I feel the staff are less helpful in terms of setting up and activating the new SIM card.

Which SIM cards are better value if bought in the city?

For better value data: coles mobile for $20 aud.

Coles, a large supermarket chain in Australia, offers a $20 AUD plan that includes 28GB of data 4 . It is valid for 35 days. Coles has a large number of shops that you can buy this SIM card from. Network coverage is the same as Optus. Unlimited local calls are available though the rates aren’t as good as Vodafone.

For calls: Stick with Vodafone

For international calls , it’s hard to beat the Vodafone prepaid deal with 500 minutes to most of the world’s population.

For local calls , Coles has a 10 day $10 AUD SIM card that includes unlimited local calls.

For longer expiry: Any

All of the SIM cards mentioned here, available in Melbourne, and Australia in general, can be topped up and have their validity extended.

Do I need ID to buy a SIM card at Melbourne Airport?

Yes, identification is required to buy a SIM card at Melbourne Airport and anywhere else in Australia. A passport is sufficient, and the address you’re staying at will also need to be supplied. An activation process may be required for the SIM. The shop that sells the SIM card can do it, or you can do it on your phone once the SIM is inserted - different SIM cards support different activation methods, it’s easy but if you’re not sure ask when buying.

Recording identification is done either when you buy the SIM card, or when you activate. If you’re not sure about the process, buy from a shop where they can help you activate the SIM card.

Is Wi-Fi available at Melbourne Airport?

Yes, Wi-FI is available at Melbourne Airport. I usually connect to it while I’m waiting for my bag or while I’m waiting in line for the customs check. The Wi-Fi can be a little slow, I’ve found it only useful for updating messages and emails; it often struggles to load news articles.

The Wi-Fi at the airport helps me update on missed news while I’m waiting for bag collection and customs. I feel these embody the Australian spirit and can be a bit slower that what I’m used to in the likes of Singapore or Hong Kong.

How to get from the airport to the city, while connected

Catching the skybus.

SkyBus is the mass-transit option for transporting people from the airport to the city. Melbourne airport does not have a train connection. Taxi and services such as Uber are available. I prefer taxi (company money) or Uber (my money), even though they don’t provide Wi-Fi. The journey takes 30-60 mins depending on where you are going in Melbourne city.

Each SkyBus has Wi-Fi on board . People tell me the service isn’t good on the bus. I usually buy a SIM card before leaving the airport, or accept that I won’t be connected. If you’re next destination is the city - the train station Southern Cross or any hotel/AirBnB in the central area - I’ve found I don’t need a map to locate a convenience store that sells SIM cards.

Uber, using the airport Wi-Fi to book

It may be possible to book an Uber using the free Wi-Fi at Melbourne Airport. I don’t like this option because:

• Wi-Fi coverage isn’t great once you leave the terminal building - Uber pickup is a short walk outside the terminal building
• Wi-Fi speed, even when connected with full signal, is unreliable and may disrupt the Uber booking process.

I haven’t tried the other ride-share options available in Melbourne. Ride share in Melbourne includes:

• DiDi, pickup at airport follows the process on their website
• Ola, also have a process on their website for airport pick up
• Taxify, not available at Melbourne Airport.

Taxis in Melbourne do not have free Wi-Fi. The convenience of going straight to my destination means that I often prefer to jump straight in a taxi rather than line up for a SIM card at the airport - especially if work is paying for the taxi ride.

Can I roam with my Australian SIM card to another country

New zealand.

Optus offers 5 days of 10GB data roaming with its prepaid sim cards for an extra $20. This is only worth it for trips to New Zealand of 5 days or less. For trips longer than 5 days, local SIM cards can be bought at most airports that have flights from Australia and further abroad.

This Optus prepaid data roaming also works in Hong Kong, Singapore, USA and UK.

Prepaid roaming credit can be added on the Optus recharge website or in an Optus shop.

Most New Zealand destinations are available by direct flight from Melbourne. Direct flights take around 3.5 hours and are available to: Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

Despite being neighbours, roaming a prepaid Australian SIM card into Indonesia is expensive.

Telstra offers a very expensive $29 AUD for 100MB of data.

Vodafone is slightly cheaper at $25 AUD for a mix of data or calls (up to 200MB data), but it only lasts 3 days. A 7 day option is available for $35 AUD.

I don’t like the idea of taking an Australian SIM card to Indonesia, especially when there are so many local options available.

From Melbourne, Indonesia is accessible directly via Bali and Jakarta.

For short trips of up to 5 days, the Optus prepaid 10GB data roaming plan is $20.

References:

Optus prepaid plans

Telstra prepaid plans

Vodafone prepaid plans

Coles mobile plans

Tags: sim-card melbourne australia

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Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.

Melbourne Airport SIM Card: Getting a SIM Card in Melbourne

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: December 31, 2023  - Last updated: March 8, 2024

Categories Airport Sim Card Guides , Australia

Last updated on March 8th, 2024 at 04:20 am

Planning to purchase a Melbourne Airport sim card for seamless connectivity in Australia?

Landing at Melbourne Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Melbourne Airport? Yes, there are kiosks and vendors with Optus, Telstra and Vodafone are the leading providers for  SIM card in Melbourne and Australia .

The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Melbourne. For eSIM options, you can opt for Airalo , Holafly and Maya Mobile

If you are  going from Melbourne Airport to the city center  you should know that it will take 25 minutes by taxi and 35 minutes by public transportation.

Melbourne, celebrated for its arts, culture, and coffee, is a dynamic city awaiting your exploration. To ensure you’re connected from the moment you arrive, Melbourne Airport offers convenient SIM card options. Let’s look into your best choices for SIM or eSIM .

Related Travel Guides :

• Vegan Breakfast Melbourne and Vegan Cafes in Melbourne
• How To Get From Melbourne Airport To Fitzroy And Carlton Best Way
• How To Get From Melbourne Airport To Footscray Best Way
• How To Get From Melbourne Airport To Richmond Best Way

Table of Contents

WHERE TO STAY IN MELBOURNE

You can stay in a dorm room or a room for  $25 USD  while you can stay in a budget hotel for as low as  $60-80 USD . There are so many to choose from depending on what type and how luxurious you want your stay to be starting from  $150 USD.

Book your accommodations in Australia through  Agoda  or  Booking

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance:  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of  Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review  and the comparison  Heymondo vs Genki

Why a Local SIM Card in Melbourne is Essential

Melbourne’s appeal is multifaceted, from its laneways and art scenes to its sprawling gardens and iconic sports stadiums. A reliable internet connection is crucial for enjoying your visit. While Wi-Fi is available, a mobile connection offers seamless access.

Benefits of being connected:

• Discover Hidden Spots : Uncover local cafes or shops through online recommendations.
• Overcome Language Barriers : Utilize translation tools for smoother communication.
• Navigation : Use GPS to easily explore Melbourne.
• Share Your Experiences : Instantly share your Australian journey.

Melbourne Airport , encompassing both international and domestic terminals, provides various telecom services.

Finding SIM Card Kiosks at Melbourne Airport

• Optus: Sells SIM cards for Optus.
• Welcome to Melbourne: Offers SIM cards for various phone providers and bus tickets to the city​ ​.
• In the Domestic Terminals (1, 3, and 4), SIM card shops are not commonly found. However, it’s a short walk to the international arrivals area to buy a SIM card if you’ve arrived with Qantas or Virgin​ ​.

Prices for sim card at Melbourne airport with Vidafone, Optus and Telstra:

Vodafone starts at $10 AUD with with 4 GB data valid for 7 days and for $25 AUD with 60 GB data valid for 28 days.

Optus has huge data packages starting at $25 AUD with 60 GB data valid for 30 days.

Telstra starts at $30 AUD with 30 GB data valid for 30 days.

Prime SIM Card in Melbourne

Let’s explore some top telecom options that you can find in the stores at Melbourne.

Optus – Melbourne SIM Card

Optus offers traveler-friendly packages with extensive coverage. Their SIM cards provide a good balance of data, text, and call options. Optus starts from $12 AUD and 60 GB data while in the airport $25 AUD with 60 GB data is double price for the same data.

Check the  exact location  to find Optus stores to buy a sim card in Melbourne.

Vodafone – Melbourne SIM Card

Vodafone is known for its reliable service across Australia. Their tourist packages include generous data allowances and reasonable call rates. You can get for $20 AUD with 60 GB data while at the airport for $25 AUD with 60 GB data valid for 28 days. Not a big difference if your choice is Vodafone you will be ok buying at the airport in Melbourne.

Check the  exact location  to find Vodafone stores to buy a sim card in Melbourne.

Telstra Melbourne Sim Card

Telstra is known for broad coverage, especially in remote areas of Australia. It’s a good option for those traveling outside major cities having the best coverage for sim card in Melbourne.

You can get $15 AUD with 35 GB data valid for 28 days while at the airport $30 AUD with 30 GB data valid for 30 days. Telstra is double price if you buy in Melbourne Airport compared to buy in a shop your sim card in Melbourne.

Check the  exact location  to find Telstra stores to buy a sim card in Melbourne.

Airalo – Melbourne Airport SIM Card

This global eSIM store offers country-specific plans. Airalo Australia plan ensures consistent speeds and wide coverage.

See Airalo eSIM plans below:

• $5 USD for 1GB valid for 7 Days
• $8.50 USD for 2GB valid for 15 Days
• $10 USD for 3GB valid for 30 Days
• $15 USD for 5GB valid for 30 Days
• $22.50 for 10GB valid for 30 Days
• $46 for 20GB valid for 30 Days

Airalo plans are best for flexible data usage when you don’t need to be connected to data all the time, however will need it to send a few messages from time to time while traveling. With its flexible plans, you can either get a smaller plan or a bigger one with longer validity.

Holafly – Melbourne Airport SIM Card

Known for its unlimited data plans in various countries, Holafly eSIM plan is comprehensive, ensuring you’re always connected.

Remember to check device compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.

Holafly’s Australia unlimited high speed data starts at $27 USD for 5 Days Validity. Here are the complete packages:

• $19 USD for 5 Days Validity
• $27 USD for 7 Days Validity
• $34 USD for 10 Days Validity
• $47 USD for 15 Days Validity
• $54 USD for 20 Days Validity
• $64 USD for 30 Days Validity

Maya Mobile eSIM – SIM Card at Melbourne Airport

Maya Mobile is a great alternative to Airalo as their plans are flexible which allows you to choose from smaller data options to even unlimited ones for Australia. Check the plans Maya eSIM has below.

Maya’s Data plans are:

• 3GB for $9 USD for 5 Days
• 5GB for $11 USD for 5 Days
• 10GB for $18 USD for 5 Days
• 20GB for $27 USD for 5 Days

In addition to Maya Mobile eSIM ‘s regular data plans, they have unlimited plans in Australia (Melbourne Airport SIM Card)

• Unlimited Data for $19 USD for 5 Days – Best if you’re traveling solo, 2GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed
• Unlimited Data for $29 USD for 5 Days – Wi-Fi hotspot is included, 3GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed
• Unlimited Data for $39 USD for 5 Days – Wi-Fi hotspot is included, 5GB of Highspeed internet daily, then unlimited fast LTE at 1Mbps speed

Personal Stories with a Local SIM in Melbourne

My experiences in Melbourne were enhanced by a local SIM. I remember exploring the bustling Queen Victoria Market, where my SIM aided in navigation and finding local insights.

In the vibrant Fitzroy neighborhood, my phone facilitated translations, aiding my exploration. Another day, GPS guided me to a beautiful spot in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Connectivity enriched each experience.

Final Thoughts on Melbourne Airport SIM Card

Our final advice: for SIMs at Melbourne Airport, consider Optus or Vodafone; for eSIMs, Airalo or Holafly are great choices.

Melbourne, a city where creativity meets tradition, becomes more accessible with a reliable SIM or eSIM. Let digital connectivity enhance your Australian adventure. Remember, with connectivity, Melbourne’s diverse offerings are just a tap away.

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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Best prepaid SIM card for tourists (June 2024)

These are the best prepaid SIM cards for tourists on the eve of their next Aussie sojourn.

Best SIM card in Australia for tourists overall

• Best cheap SIM card in Australia for travellers
• Best big data prepaid SIM for travellers
• Best prepaid SIM for regional coverage
• Best prepaid SIM for short stays

If you're travelling down under for a holiday, work trip or family visit, you'll want to know which is the best prepaid SIM card in Australia for your needs based on your budget, phone usage habits, coverage requirements and data needs.

Take a tip from a veteran jet-setter: though the romanticised version of a holiday abroad is one of severing all connection to the boring every day, you're still going to need at least one effective line of communication intact. There is no escape from reality. Not truly.

Whatever the case, you're going to need a good SIM plan to accompany you on your travels. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or travelling out to regional and remote areas, we've laid out options for folks with a range of needs.

We'll dive into the best best sim cards for tourists for each category in a sec, but for a quick overview of popular SIM plans that tend to suit most travellers, look at our most popular prepaid SIM plans below. 

How to buy a SIM card in Australia

What documents do tourists need to buy a sim card in australia.

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• An Australian address (or the address of the hotel you are staying at)

How good is mobile coverage in Australia?

In Australia, there are three major networks. In order of size, these are as follows:

• Telstra - 99.8%
• Optus - 98.5%
• Vodafone - 96%

There are also several dozen mobile virtual network operators ( MVNOs ), which operate on top of those three major networks. This includes providers like Boost Mobile, Belong , Amaysim, Kogan , Lebara, Mate and Felix . The full list of Australian MVNOs is as follows:

• Amaysim (acquired by Optus)
• Aussie Broadband
• Boost Mobile
• CMobile Blue
• CMobile Red
• Catch Connect
• Coles Mobile
• Dodo (owned by Vocus Group)
• Felix Mobile (TPG Telecom sub-brand)
• Gomo (Optus sub-brand)
• iiNet (acquired by TPG Telecom)
• Internode (acquired by TPG Telecom)
• Lebara Mobile (acquired by Vodafone/TPG Telecom)
• Moose Mobile

ALDI Mobile

• Belong (Telstra sub-brand)
• Tangerine Telecom
• Think Mobile
• Southern Phone
• Vaya (acquired by Amaysim/Optus)
• TPG (merged with Vodafone)

To check coverage in the area you'll be visiting in Australia, try our interactive map below.

Where to buy a SIM card in Australia?

If you're looking to buy a SIM card in Australia, you likely won't have to search far.

The airport is the first place that travellers to Australia are likely to have the chance to buy a SIM in Australia, though it isn't the only option. These Australian airports will sell you a SIM the moment you touch down:

• Adelaide Airport (ADL)
• Brisbane Airport (BNE)
• Cairns Airport (CNS)
• Canberra Airport (CBR)
• Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
• Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
• Perth Airport (PER) 
• Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) 

Of course, it's not uncommon for airport retail outlets to charge a premium for convenience. If you want a SIM card as soon as possible, you might end up paying a little bit more for it.

Fortunately, you should be able to find a prepaid SIM in many other Australian retailers, including supermarkets, newsagents, post offices and service stations. Here is a list of major retailers that sell SIM cards in Australia.

• IGA Supermarkets
• Harvey-Norman
• Officeworks
• The Good Guys
• Australia Post

Are all phones working in Australia

If your smartphone is made by a mainstream brand like Apple or Samsung, chances are it will probably work just fine in Australia. However, if you're using something a little more niche then it might be worth digging into the spec sheet to make sure it'll play nice with Australia's telecommunications infrastructure.

One thing you'll want to look out for here is whether your device is compatible with the GSM standard. Some handsets use a different standard called CDMA. If this is the case, then you might not be able to call or text on an Australian mobile network with that device.

The other big thing you might want to double-check before hopping on a plane is whether your smartphone is able to operate on the frequencies that Australia's mobile networks use.

Australia's 3G networks use the 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100Mhz frequencies.

Australia's 4G networks use the 700Mhz, 850Mhz, 900Mhz, 1800Mhz, 2100Mhz, 2300Mhz and 2600Mhz frequencies.

Australia's 5G networks use the 700Mhz, 850Mhz, 1800Mhz, 2100Mhz, 2300Mhz, 3500Mhz and 26Ghz frequencies.

Things you need to consider when deciding on what sim card to buy

If you're looking to decide on a SIM card to buy in Australia, here is a short list of things you should consider and questions to ask yourself.

• Whether it includes enough data for the duration of your stay?
• Does the network the SIM card is associated with meet your coverage requirements? For instance, if you're looking to visit rural and regional areas then Telstra is the way to go.
• Are the expiry terms appropriate? If you're only visiting for a matter of weeks then a long-expiry plan may not be the right fit.
• Will you need to call home during your stay? Picking a prepaid or postpaid plan with included calls might save you some money.

Lastly, it's worth considering whether the mobile provider associated with the prepaid SIM card can get it to you before you travel. Otherwise, you're going to have to get it delivered to a hotel or friend or go out and get it yourself.

Boost Mobile $35 Prepaid Plan

✓ how we picked the best sim card in australia for tourists: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans under $50 in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

Boost Mobile is closely allied with Australia's biggest network, Telstra. So closely allied, in fact, that they have access to the full Telstra network, which covers 99.5% of the population. Considering every other provider on the Telstra network only gets access to part of it, Boost is your best bet for mobile coverage if you don't like the idea of paying Telstra's premium prices.

 Boost Mobile plans range in size from 3GB and 260GB, with prices ranging from as little as $10 to as much as $300. Safe to say, variety is one of this provider's strengths. Boost Mobile offers a variety of plan expiry terms that go all the way up to 365-day-long expiry plans.

Our pick of the lot for travellers visiting Australia is the Boost Mobile $35 Prepaid plan. This SIM-only plan comes with unlimited calls and texts within Australia, unlimited international calls to 20 countries, and 300 minutes to an additional 30 countries. These plans last for 28 days, but if you're staying longer, whatever data you don't use will roll over to the next month.

How does this prepaid SIM card compare?

To see how that compares to other SIM plans, here are the most popular plans around $30 in Australia right now. However, keep in mind that not all of these providers offer the same coverage or international inclusions as the Boost plan above.

Best prepaid plans

If you're looking for more prepaid phone plans, make sure you check out our comprehensive guide to the best prepaid plans in Australia.

Best cheap SIM card in Australia for travellers

Lebara $19.90 extra small plan, ✓ how we picked the best cheap sim card in australia for tourists: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans under $10 in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

We see where your head is at. You've dropped a considerable chunk of money on getting Down Under and you'd much rather spend your remaining funds on the finer things. For you, we'd recommend Lebara as a budget SIM option. This provider runs on the Vodafone network for coverage.

With their Extra Small Plan, you'll get unlimited talk and text within Australia, 10GB of data, plus 5GB of bonus data for the first 3o days. And with prices starting from $19.90, it's great for the old hip pocket.

There's even better value to be had if you open the playing field up to providers that don't offer international calls, but keep in mind some of these SIM plans might not be easy to find at an airport or convenience store. Here are the most popular no-contract plans under $15 in Australia.

Vodafone $40 prepaid SIM Starter Pack

From $14.99

Belong SIM Starter Pack

From $35.00

Telstra Prepaid SIM Starter $10

*Pricing and deals only accurate as of last page update. 

Best big-data SIM card for travellers in Australia

Amaysim unlimited 120gb plan, ✓ how we picked the best big-data sim card for travellers in australia: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers and at least 120GB We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

 If you're after both data  and  some international calls, amaysim is pretty hard to beat.

You're going to need a lot of data to share all those happy snaps and Instagram stories, and if you're a particularly heavy data user, you'll need a plan that can keep up with your needs. Each of the Amaysim plans in the widget above comes with a healthy dose of data, unlimited talk and text in Oz, and unlimited international calls and texts to 42 countries. It also runs on the Optus network, which is Australia's second-largest.

For real data gluttons, you'll want to go with the Amaysim Unlimited 120GB plan. You'll get a generous 120GB of data to use, but this gets boosted pretty often with frequent bonus data deals. 

If you're happy to go without international calls, there are even better deals to be had for data lovers. Here are the most popular contract-free plans offering at least 75GB of data. There's often special offers on too, meaning you can nab a great deal while you're Down Under.

Best SIM card for regional coverage in Australia

✓ how we picked the best sim card for regional coverage in australia: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans under $30 in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

You'll not have too big a head-scratching decision with this one. Telstra and Boost Mobile plans are the only two providers available that offer access to the full Telstra network, and you'll need that if you're going to go bush. With that in mind, there are plenty of different plans to choose from, depending on your budget and data needs. Both providers' plans offer some international calls, but only Boost offers unlimited international calls - Telstra only comes with 30 international minutes.

Our pick of the lot for travellers visiting Australia is the Boost Mobile $35 prepaid mobile plan. This SIM-only plan comes with unlimited calls and texts within Australia, unlimited international calls to 20 countries, and 300 minutes to an additional 30 countries.

With that in mind, here are all of Telstra and Boost Mobile's Upfront and prepaid plans, sorted by popularity. Just be aware that Telstra Upfront plans auto-renew at the start of each month, so you'll need to cancel it before you leave. 

Best SIM card for short stays in Australia

Amaysim $10 7-day unlimited plan, ✓ how we picked the best sim card for short stays in australia: .

• We ranked SIM only phone plans with 7-day expiry in our database by price and chose one that offered the best coverage for travellers. We also factored in the cost per gigabyte and relevant international inclusions.

If you're only in Oz for a short stay, you'll be happy to hear you don't have to settle with a more expensive 28 or 30-day plan like those listed above. Both Optus and amaysim (which both run on the Optus network) offer shorter-term prepaid plans.

Our top pick is Amaysim's $10 7-day UNLIMITED Plan, which comes with 10GB of data, unlimited talk and text in Australia and even unlimited international calls to 42 countries.

If you'd rather go day-to-day, Optus's Flex plans include a $1 per day subscription plan or $7 per 7 days, each offering 1GB data per day and unlimited Australian talk in text. On the downside, there are no international call inclusions.

How we choose the best prepaid SIM cards for tourists and travellers visiting Australia

Every tourist's needs are going to be different, however, here's a quick rundown of what we consider the most important plan features.

Our picks are centred on prepaid or no-contract SIMs only with a maximum expiry of 30 days. This is where you can get the most value for money while avoiding any fine print cancellation fees or surcharges for going over your allotted amount of call time or data usage. Trust us ⁠— there's nothing worse than coming back home to find your bank account has taken a hit from holiday expenses and some fees you were up until now blissfully unaware of.

We also focused on options that have wide availability at Australian international airports and major convenience stores, as well as international call inclusions and foreign-language customer support.

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists FAQs

Does australia have prepaid sim cards.

Mobile providers in Australia will provide you with a prepaid SIM card when you sign up for a plan. Some providers also offer eSIM.

Can the best sim cards for tourists be used worldwide?

If you want to use your phone overseas , your best bet is to ensure you have affordable global roaming.

Otherwise, consider purchasing a SIM at your overseas destination.

Which is the best network in Australia?

Australia has three major phone networks: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Telstra is our oldest telecom and covers 99.5% of the Australian population. Optus isn't far behind with 98.5% coverage, and Vodafone is in third with about 96%.

If getting good reception during your holiday is important to you, Telstra (or a provider that uses the Telstra network, like Boost Mobile and Aldi Mobile) is your best bet. However, if you're on a budget or are sticking to mainly metropolitan areas and large regional centres, Optus, Vodafone, and other providers that run on their respective networks (like Amaysim and Lebara) are generally much cheaper. There's no clear-cut "best" network in Australia - it's more a matter of what's most important to you: Coverage or cost.

Can an unlocked phone use a prepaid SIM card in Australia?

If you're a tourist and you're having issues with a prepaid SIM card in Australia, there's a chance that your mobile might be locked to a specific network. Fortunately, most Australian mobile providers (with Telstra being the big exception) are able to unlock your device for free if you ask nicely.

Can I switch to a different prepaid SIM card or mobile plan in Australia

Yep. Swapping between prepaid and SIM-only plans in Australia is as simple as signing up for a new plan and trading out the physical SIM card inside your device.

Tourists can also change prepaid plans via eSIM, depending on the provider.

What documents do you need to buy a prepaid SIM card in Australia?

Unless you're buying it online, you won't need any special documents to buy a prepaid SIM card in Australia. however, you may need additional documentation when it comes to activating your tourist SIM such as your full name, passport number and the Australian address where you'll be staying.

Where to get eSIM in Australia

There are a number of mobile providers in Australia that offer eSIM. If you're visiting Australia, chances are you'd prefer to go prepaid. The list of providers that offer eSIM include felix, Lebara and amaysim.

How long does an Australian SIM card last?

An Australian SIM card should last as long as the terms of your plan dictate. For instance, those on a mobile plan with 30 day expiry will have that long to use the inclusions involved.

What happens if I don't recharge my prepaid SIM?

If your Australian SIM card has no data, talk or text on it, it's likely only a matter of time until your mobile provider will disconnect that number. The length of this can vary between providers. For example, Telstra will give tourists on an expired prepaid plan six months grace to recharge before they kick you off the network.

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Complete Guide to Australian Tourist Sim Card & Data Plans 2024

Choosing an Australian Tourist sim card can be confusing, to say the least. We have decided it was time to answer the questions we regularly get in our Facebook group. If you have any more questions, pop over to the group and let us know.

You want to stay in contact with the people you love when you’re travelling to Australia, and that usually means working out the best options for buying a sim card in Australia and discovering which data plan will suit you best. If you’re trying to decide between different travel sims in Australia, then here’s how to make the best choice for your trip.

Is your phone compatible with the Aussie network?

Buying a sim card in australia, mobile virtual network operators, essential card features, tips for phone use in regional areas of australia, pocket wi-fi australia.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy is here .

Using your phone in Australia

Before you choose a prepaid sim card in Australia, you need to know if your phone is compatible with Australia’s network.

Australian networks use the GSM standard, which is common in other countries as well. However, if you’re from Japan or the US, your phone may use the CDMA. If your phone is CDMA only, you won’t be able to talk or text on your phone; however, you may be able to use the 4G network to access data.

Australia has three mobile networks:

All other providers use these networks.

Before you leave home, make sure your phone is not locked to your provider. 

Your phone will also need to operate on the right frequencies to use Australia’s network. You will need to look at your phone’s specifications and match them to Australia’s frequencies to work this out.

Australia uses 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100Mhz for 3G networks and B1, B3, B5, B7, B7, and B28 for 4G bands. Different areas tend to use different frequencies too, especially rural areas. This is an important consideration if you want to travel outside of the major cities while you’re in Australia.

Before you choose your travel sims in Australia, make sure that your phone is compatible with all these requirements.

Once you’ve worked out if your phone is compatible, buying travel sims in Australia is easy. You can buy a sim card overseas before you leave and have it shipped to you , or buy one at the airport or at the provider’s stores. If you’re going to buy at the airport, spend some time looking at the options and chosen your sim card before you arrive to make the transaction quick and easy. You will need to pay for and register your sim card, but once that’s done, it should be activated in 10 minutes.

To activate your card, you’ll need:

• Passport number
• Australian address (you can use your hotel or hostel address)

For a long time, buying travel sims in Australia was very expensive. Fortunately, the growth of low-cost carriers has recently made it a lot cheaper.

Phone Networks in Australia

The three major networks in Australia are:

This company has the widest coverage and is probably the best choice if you’re planning to visit the outback and want to make sure that you have a signal. There are Telstra shops all over, including in most international airports.

The Optus network isn’t as large as Telstra, but if you’re staying near the cities or towns, it shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll find Optus stores in shopping centres and airports.

Vodafone is the smallest of the three major carriers and has a smaller network as well.

There are also lots of smaller sim providers known as Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNOs). These all use one of the three major networks but can provide cheaper sim plans with fewer extras.

Some of the most popular are:

• Coles / Woolworths / Aldi (Supermarkets)
• Boost mobile

How to choose travel sims – Australia

There are several things you should consider before buying your sim card, including:

• How much money you’re willing to spend?
• Where you want to travel in Australia, if you’re spending a lot of time in rural areas, you will need a sim card that operates on a network with comprehensive coverage (Telstra). 
• How long you will be in Australia, most plans are for 30 days.
• How you use your phone, which means assessing whether you intend to make phone calls back home, watch Netflix on long bus rides, or just use it for emergencies.

There are three essential features to look at when you’re comparing travel sims in Australia. These are:

• The network coverage, because this will help you stay in touch throughout your trip.  
• Data limits, because this will determine how you can use your phone.
• International calling options, just in case you get homesick and want to call home.

The offerings from each company are different. You can find data-only cards, which won’t allow you to make calls or texts but give you access to the internet to make bookings or look at maps. But if you want to make calls, you will need to get a prepaid sim card in Australia that offers a combination of features.  

Don’t always expect to connect to a network in the outback, as many isolated areas in Australia can be unpredictable for network coverage. Telstra has the biggest network, so if you’re planning on visiting rural areas, this is your best overall choice when buying travel sims in Australia.

If you spend time in really remote areas, you may not be able to get coverage no matter what network you go with. Australia is just too large and most of it is too isolated for complete coverage.

If you have long days or weeks in the outback, consider getting a sim only for your city days. You probably won’t be able to use it in the outback anyway, and most phones will allow you to call emergency numbers without being on a network. If you need emergency help at any time, just dial 000 or 112.

Free Wi-Fi can be hard to find in Australia, some travellers like the assurance provided by pocket Wi-Fi devices. The pros of using these devices are:

• Always having coverage in your pocket.
• Simple to use.
• You can connect it to any device or multiple devices.
• A range of plans and devices are available.

And the cons are:

• They can be pricey if you go over your data limits.
• The battery life doesn’t last long, so you can lose power quickly and suddenly.
• Pocket devices only provide data, so you can’t make calls or send messages.
• It means you need to carry around and care for another device.

This is a personal choice that can be a good option if you travel a lot and need to stay connected. It’s also an affordable choice for families which up to 4 devices being able to be used on some pocket wi-fi.

The Takeaway

Choosing the right Australian Tourist sim card is up to you. It depends on how you intend to use your phone, your budget, and how long your trip is. So, before you head to Australia, make sure you do your research and choose the option that works best for you. Then, you can have an amazing holiday!

Ready to plan your holiday, look at our 14-day itinerary for Australia

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.

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Best SIM cards for travellers and tourists in Australia

If you're planning to visit australia for work or play, you'll likely need a sim card to get you through the length of your trip. we’ve narrowed down prepaid sims suited to both short and longer trips starting at just $1.25 a day..

In this guide

Looking for a versatile travel SIM card?

Best sim for short trips, best sim for longer visits, best sim card for coverage, how do i find the best sim card for travelling in australia, which australian network should i get a sim on, how much data do i need on my sim, do you need international call inclusions, how do i choose the right plan length for my trip, compare mobile plans.

Read our reviews of other brands

If you're looking for a convenient travel SIM to use in Australia, as well as other countries as part of your holiday, consider getting a travel eSIM before you arrive.

eSIMs allow for almost instant activation and you can find good value data packs that can be used in hundreds of countries and regions worldwide.

Just keep in mind that not all travel packs come with international calls included, if that's something you're after.

Airalo Travel eSIM

• Available to use in over 200 countries, including Australia
• Instantly activate your eSIM after purchase
• Prices start from US $4.50
• 24/7 customer support

Best prepaid SIM cards for travellers in Australia

• Best SIM for short trips : Lyca Small
• Best SIM for longer visits : amaysim 32GB Plan
• Best SIM card for coverage : Boost $35 SIM
• Good to know: Before we dive into the best SIMs for you to consider, keep in mind that there are 3 mobile networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Smaller mobile providers operate on any 1 of the 3 networks and tend to offer cheaper plans that could be better suited to your budget as long as you're getting what you need in return.

Why we like Lycamobile:

• Runs on the wholesale Telstra 3G/4G network which covers 98.8% of the Australian population.
• Comes with unlimited calls and texts in Australia, as well as unlimited minutes to 29 selected destinations .

If you're coming to Australia for a short visit, Lycamobile's Small plan lasts for a week and is great value at just $1 per 1GB.

It also has the added advantage of running on the Telstra network, just keep in mind it's not the full network access (which covers 99.5% of Aussies) but is still pretty good.

Can I get a Lycamobile SIM card at the airport?

Lycamobile is available to purchase in some Australian airports, but can also easily be picked up at many convenience store chains such as EzyMart.

amaysim 32GB Plan

Why we like amaysim:

• Operates on the Optus 4G network so you get the same coverage as you would on a plan from Optus.
• Unlimited international calls to 28 countries .
• Unlimited data banking to save up unused data for your next month.
• eSIM available for those with eSIM compatible phones so you can sign up to an amaysim plan before you even land in the country!

amaysim is Australia's fourth-biggest mobile provider and operates on the Optus 4G network. It gets access to the full network so you'll get the same coverage as if you're with Optus itself.

amaysim usually throws in extra data deals and price cuts on its plans, which bumps up what you're getting.

You'll also get international call inclusions with amaysim, which can make reaching home a lot easier.

• Keep in mind that amaysim's plans last for 28 days. You'll need to recharge before the end of the month if you want to continue using the plan for the next 28 days.

Can I get an amaysim SIM card at the airport?

amaysim doesn't offer a standalone store, but you can pick it up from various stores and post offices. Check Australia Post, the airport supermarket or a general store at the international arrivals area to see if they have an amaysim plan for you to buy.

Boost $35 SIM

Why we like Boost:

• Offers full Telstra 4G network coverage that reaches 99.5% of the Aussie population (without the premium Telstra price tag).
• Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 countries .
• Data rollover to use in your next recharge.

Telstra offers the widest network coverage in Australia but its own prices are set at a premium. If you're looking for excellent coverage but don't want to spend a lot of money, then Boost Mobile can sort you out.

It's great for travellers going around regional or rural Australia and want to continue getting strong signals wherever they end up.

• Good to know: Boost is the only provider outside of Telstra itself that shares the same 4G coverage. Other smaller providers that run on the Telstra network only reach 98.8% of Australians, compared to Telstra's full umbrella coverage of 99.5%.

Boost is another provider that likes throwing in price and data promotions, making its value a lot better when you first sign up.

Can I get a Boost SIM card at the airport?

There's no specific Boost kiosk at Australian airports but you might be able to pick up a Boost SIM from the airport supermarket or newsagency. You can also get a Boost SIM from a bunch of locations such as Australia Post, Coles, Woolworths and Caltex.

Choosing the right SIM card for your visit to Australia means ticking off a few boxes other than price. These include:

Where will you be visiting in Australia? Will you be travelling around or sticking to the main cities? Those looking to branch out should consider mobile plans on one of the larger mobile networks such as Telstra or Optus.

Avoid having to recharge your plan before its time by choosing the right amount of data. Will you be streaming Spotify if you plan to take long road trips or stream Netflix on the bus? Or do you just need enough data to use Google Maps, social media and WhatsApp?

International calls

These could be important to you if calling friends and family back home isn't possible via WhatsApp, Zoom or a similar service.

Plan length

Choose a plan that best suits your time in Australia. While most plans last about 28–30 days, you'll find some short-term mobile plans for 1–14 days too.

There are 3 mobile networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Smaller providers, also known as MVNOs , run on 1 of the 3 networks.

Here's an overview of what makes each one different.

Telstra network: The largest in Australia

Telstra offers the most extensive 4G network in Australia, covering 99.5% of the Aussie population. Its reputation for coverage makes it a strong bet if you plan to spend time in rural or regional Australia.

But if you don't want to splash some cash for its premium prices, then it's best to consider smaller providers that run on the Telstra network.

Telstra splits its network access into 2. It offers 99.5% coverage on its own plans and those from Boost Mobile while other smaller providers on its 4G network have 98.8% coverage.

See our top picks for the best mobile plans on the Telstra network

Optus network: The Goldilocks choice

Optus is a close runner-up to Telstra as its 4G network reaches 98.5% of Aussies. Its prices are slightly more favourable too.

You won't notice much difference between Optus and Telstra if you're only visiting large towns and cities, which makes it a solid choice for most travellers.

Optus also opens its full 4G network to the largest number of smaller providers. If price is an issue, you're bound to find a bargain from a smaller provider on the Optus network.

When I arrived in Australia 8 years ago to travel, I signed up for an Optus SIM at the airport. It allowed for unlimited calls and texts to my friends and family overseas as well as plenty of data.

See our top picks for the best mobile plans on the Optus network

Vodafone network: For big-city travellers

Vodafone's network covers 96% of the Australian population and could be a strong option if you're sticking to populated towns and cities.

Vodafone offers the cheapest prices of the lot, so if you're more comfortable signing up directly with a provider, you could do well with it.

• Keep in mind: Those looking to travel to regional destinations should check whether Vodafone offers coverage in these areas. You may be better off with Telstra or Optus instead if you're going outside of major cities.

While having loads of data can be handy, it also usually means spending more on your mobile plan.

Consider whether you're happy to use free Wi-Fi for the time you're in Australia. This is available at most accommodations, some cafes and restaurants and even in shopping centres and outdoors in major cities.

If you're going down the free Wi-Fi route, it means you can save on your mobile plan by picking one with less data.

But if you plan on being on the road often, it's best to opt for a SIM card with plenty of data so you don't rack up any excess usage charges.

It can be easy to contact friends and family if they're used to WhatsApp calls or similar services.

But you might need to consider international call inclusions if your grandma needs to be called directly on her home phone or for instances of emergency. This can include contacting your embassy back home due to a lost passport, or the bank to address any credit card issues.

There are quite a few short-term plans for trips that last anywhere between 1 and 14 days, which can be convenient if you don't want a lot of data.

But if you're visiting Australia for longer and reckon you'll need a hefty amount of data to get by, then you're better off getting a monthly prepaid SIM. These often give you a better bang for your buck.

• Watch out for autopay: We suggest not turning on autopay if you're on a short trip. You could easily forget to switch it off as you're leaving Australia. You may get charged for a plan you're no longer using, even when you're already back home. It can also be a pain to contact Australian providers from overseas to get the issue sorted.

Find more options for your trip down under in our comparison table.

Why compare mobile phone plans with Finder?

We know our stuff. We pour over hundreds of mobile plans every month. It's exhausting. But worth it.

You can rely on us. We're constantly updating and fact-checking our data on dozens of Aussie telcos.

We're here to help. We've helped millions of Aussies find better mobile phone plan. And we'll keep doing it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best sim card to use in australia.

We recommend grabbing a prepaid SIM card for visitors to Australia. These are easy to buy from physical kiosks and stores. Our top picks for the best SIMs in Australia include:

• Best SIM for short trips: Lycamobile Small 10GB $10 7 Days
• Best SIM for longer visits: amaysim 32GB $30 28 Days
• Best SIM card for coverage: Boost Mobile 25GB $35 28 Days

What documents do I need to buy a SIM card?

It's easy to buy a SIM card in Australia as long as you have a valid ID on you. Your passport should suffice.

Do I need to unlock my phone for international travel?

Yes, you do, especially if your phone is currently locked by your carrier (such as Verizon or AT&T if you're from the US) and you plan to use a local SIM overseas.

Make sure you do this before leaving your home country.

Is there free Wi-Fi in Australia?

Travellers coming into Australia will usually get access to free Wi-Fi at airports (at least the major ones), libraries, McDonald's, Starbucks and some hotels.

However, you shouldn't solely rely on Wi-Fi if you need to use your phone frequently when visiting Australia. It's always best to have at least a handful of data if you need Internet access for navigation or a quick Google search.

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Mariam Gabaji

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. Her goal is to help households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their household bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full profile

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Travel SIM Cards

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SimsDirect (by Simify) FAQ

All simify plans of $30 or more have international calls and text included.

1. Order your travel SIM online by clicking on the "BUY" buttons above to select your plan 2a. e-SIM: download e-SIM from the link in the email you will receive 2b. Sim card: wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail and then take it on your flight 3. Land and choose e-SIM or just insert the physical sim card into your device and activate it. You're all set!

Option 1 - Australia Post Standard Service. Delivered in 4-7 business days and is completely free with tracking included.

Option 2 - Australia Post Express Service. Delivered in 1-2 business days and is $7.99 with tracking included.

See full details here .

Check that your phone is compatible with eSIMs here .

Step 1 - Land in New Zealand

Step 2 - Insert SIM card

Step 3 - Dial 200

Step 4- Restart your device

You should connect within 5 minutes and you are all set. Happy travels!

If you want to call or text home: Simply dial: Country Code -> Area Code -> Mobile Number For example: If you wish to dial 0431166871 You would enter +61431166871

For NZ calls & texts: Simply enter the local number and you are all set.

This SIM can be easily recharged via the 2degrees mobile app. Instructions are included on the SIM packaging.

Your new mobile number is printed on the back of the SIM packaging so you can give it to friends and family before you leave.

Countries included in the Europe & UK plan

• Aland Islands
• Balearic Islands
• Canary Islands
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Switzerland
• The Czech Republic
• Vatican City

Countries included in SOUTH AMERICA

• El Salvador
• French Guiana
• French West Indies
• Puerto Rico

Most common questions

Your new New Zealand mobile number is printed on the back of the SIM packaging so you can give it to friends and family before you leave.

Countries included in the Europe & UK plan: EUROPE

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Melbourne Airport Portable WiFi Rental & Travel SIM Card

The WiFi access is available at most seating and public areas in the terminal buildings, so that you can always stay online. It is free of charge and without any application procedures needed to connect to the Melbourne Airport WiFi. If you have problems connecting to the airport WiFi, you can check with the information desk available in the airport terminal. Portable WiFi Rental & Prepaid SIM Card Are you looking for portable WiFi rental and a prepaid SIM card while traveling in Australia? There are various packages from a few telecom companies (telcos) available at the Melbourne Airport to best suit your selection and needs. More telcos information and shops, check HERE .

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Buying a Sim Card at Melbourne Airport in 2024

Traveling to Melbourne and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Melbourne International Airport on arrival? This is a complete guide for finding the best way to stay connected on your trip to Melbourne and finding the perfect Australia sim card for you.

Find out where to buy a sim card at Melbourne Airport, up to date prices as per June 2024, my recommendation, the best e-sim cards for Australia, a vlog about my arrival, more info about international sim cards and everything else you need to know.

Making sure I stay connected is one of my main priorities when planning a trip. Mostly these days I order an e-sim card online. If not, a local prepaid sim card is a great substitute and depending how much Gigabyte you need, prepaid sim cards are even cheaper. 

Forget about high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming plans. Find your prepaid or e-sim card with big data bundles and the best 4G/5G network connection.

Traveltomtom would like to visit every country in the world  and everywhere I go I document what is the best way to stay connected. That is how on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Sydney , Brisbane , Auckland ,  Hong Kong , Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur, Thailand , Bangkok ,  Indonesia , Bali ,  USA , New York , Turkey , Qatar , Dubai , London , Europe , Asia , Singapore , Hong Kong , Vietnam  and many more.

I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Australia in 2024 with a comparison of all the mobile internet providers and their 4G/5G coverage maps. Thos who are explicitly looking for e-sims check out my guide for the best e-sim cards for traveling to Australia in 2024 .

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me!

Some links in this article about the best sim cards for traveling to Melbourne are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you.

My recommendation

The best prepaid sim card deal for tourists at Melbourne Airport is an Optus sim card. Compared to Telstra and Vodafone they prepaid sim card deals they offer the best value.

For a trip to Melbourne that is totally fine. However, if you are going to travel around Australia Traveltomtom recommends a Telstra prepaid sim card. You can also buy a Telstra prepaid sim card at Melbourne Airport, though slightly more expensive.

Why is Telstra the best prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024 ? Check out my complete guide and explanation in the link.

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Traveltomtom definitely recommends using e-sim cards when traveling to Australia. E-sim cards are so easy and convenient and with an installed e-sim card for Australia on your phone you are online as soon as the plane lands. More info below.

Recommended e-sim providers for Australia are:  SimOptions , Airalo and  Nomad .

If you travel to multiple countries on your trip to the Pacific then it is worth looking into an international travel sim card. Check out my article about the best world sim cards with data in 2024  and find the one that covers the countries of your trip to for example Australia and New Zealand.

Best e-sim cards for Australia

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Australia in 2024. But keep in mind they only work in e-sim compatible phones.

If your phone is e-sim compatible then you simply order an e-sim card 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 e-sim cards when traveling to Australia in 2024 , including a comparison of the best available tourist e-sim cards.

There are many e-sim providers on the internet, below you can find my recommendations. All trusted, tested and reviewed by Traveltomtom personally. 

Airalo is a trusted e-sim card provider and they have the following Australia e-sim card plans. Here are the Airalo data-only e-sim card plans for Australia for 2024:

• 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 to order an e-sim card for Australia from Airalo .

The Airalo e-sim cards for Australia are from Yes! Go! and they operate on the Optus 4G/LTE network.

SimOptions is another trusted e-sim card provider. They sell international e-sim cards that are valid in up to 130 countries around the world.

Here are the international e-sim card plans from SimOptions for 2024: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $9.90 USD
• 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD

SimOptions also sells the e-sim cards from Three HK that are valid in Australia as well.

• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Click here to order an international e-sim card for Australia via SimOptions .

A third trusted e-sim card provider is Nomad and they offer also e-sim card plans for Australia. Here are the Nomad 4G/LTE e-sim card plans for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD

Nomad also offers 5G ready e-sim cards for Australia.

• 30 GB data for 30 days = $80 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $110 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $125 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Australia from Nomad .

Before ordering an e-sim card make sure your phone is unlocked and e-sim compatible otherwise an e-sim card won’t work on your phone.

For a more detailed comparison of the best e-sim cards for Australia in 2024  click on the link for my guide, including all FAQ’s about e-sim cards.

Melbourne Airport

A very modern and easy to navigate airport. International flights all arrival in Terminal 2 and when walking out you are greeted by huge letters saying MELBOURNE. There is only one exit into a spacious arrival hall. Melbourne Airport is not as busy as most airports in Asia, Europe and the USA.

Where to buy a sim card at Melbourne Airport

Buying a prepaid sim card for Australia on arrival at Melbourne Airport is very easy. There are 3 different stores and you can not miss them.

On your left hand side when walking into the arrival hall you will see Welcome Center. This store sells prepaid sim cards from Telstra and Boost. If you are Chinese or Vietnamese speaking this is your place to buy a sim card as they also offer services in these languages. The Welcome Center is NOT an official Telstra retail store, just a reseller.

The Welcome Center store is open from 06.00 am till 02.00 pm and from 5.30 pm till midnight.

On your right hand side you will find the official retail stores of Vodafone and Optus. These stores are both open from 6.30 am till 23.30 pm. All sim card shops at Melbourne Airport accept international credit cards payments.

If you arrive outside the opening hours there is also a vending machine for sim cards behind the Optus shop.

Prices Australia sim cards at Melbourne Airport

Mind you that prices and packages change constantly. Traveltomtom tries to keep this article as up to date as possible. New input in the comments below is always appreciated. Prices below are in Australian Dollar and per June 2024: $1 AUD = 0.66 USD and $1 USD is $1.50 AUD.

Buying a Boost sim card is only recommended when staying in Melbourne city. Their network is very limited outside the city and therefore not recommended for traveling in Australia.

• 40 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $30 AUD - $20 USD
• 55 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $40 AUD
• 140 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $200 AUD - $137 USD
• 260 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $300 AUD

A prepaid Telstra sim card is free when buying one of the below data packages:

• 30 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $30 AUD - $20 USD
• 40 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $40 AUD
• 200 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $300 AUD - $200 USD

Telstra has the best 4G/5G network coverage in Australia, see my guide for the best prepaid sim card in Australia in 2024 .

At the Vodafone store they offer a wide range of prepaid sim cards for Australia:

• 4 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 7 days = $10 AUD - $7 USD
• 8 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $20 AUD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $25 AUD - $17 USD
• 150 GB data + unlimited calls/text for 365 days = $150 AUD

Vodafone is the most flexible when it comes to picking the right data package for your trip to Australia. Some have international minutes included as well, see the photo above for more info.

At Optus they only offer 2 prepaid sim cards for tourists at Melbourne Airport. They offer a 4G and a 5G sim card deal:

• 60 GB data (4G/LTE) + unlimited calls/text for 30 days = $25 AUD - $17 USD
• 60 GB data (5G ready) + unlimited calls/text for 30 days = $60 AUD

International minutes are also included to 35 different countries and unlimited international minutes to another 15 countries, see the photo above.

Best prepaid sim card Melbourne Airport

Traveltomtom always recommends buying a prepaid sim card from an official retail store and therefore the Welcome Center is not my first recommendation. However, for Chinese and Vietnamese speaking travelers this store is great as they have everything in Vietnamese and Chinese as well.

Although Telstra has the strongest 4G/5G coverage in Australia the prices for Telstra prepaid sim cards are also slightly more expensive or at least you get less data for the same money.

If you really want 5G then Vodafone claims to offer 5G on all their data packages and Optus only gives you 5G when you pay double the price. Mind you that the 5G network in Australia is still pretty limited to the cities.

Vodafone has the widest range of prepaid sim cards and the cheapest prepaid sim card deals for tourists. That said Vodafone has the weakest 4G/5G mobile data network in Australia.

For more info on the best 4G/5G network and a comparison of the best prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024 check my article in the link.

My conclusion for the best prepaid sim card for Australia at Melbourne Airport is an Optus prepaid sim card. They offer 60 GB data for $25 AUD which is about $17 USD only. The Optus 4G/LTE network coverage is stronger than the Vodafone network.

However, if you are going to travel around Australia then you simply want a Telstra sim card, trust me.

When comparing e-sim cards for Australia with local prepaid sim cards Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that local prepaid sim cards offer more value for money. Meaning if you need a lot of Gigabytes then the prepaid sim card you buy in Australia are cheaper.

That said, if you just need a little bit of data then e-sim cards are the best way to stay connected when traveling to Melbourne. You arrange everything online and as soon as the plane lands you are already online and no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival.

E-sim cards from Australia already start from just $4.5 USD and for $12 USD you already get 5 GB data. Traveltomtom recommends  SimOptions , Airalo and  Nomad  for ordering an Australia e-sim card.

Check out my comparison of the best e-sim cards for Australia in 2024 for more detailed info.

If you are wondering what it looks like arriving at Melbourne Airport and buying a prepaid sim card for Australia on arrival then watch my vlog above.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Australia online

If your phone is not e-sim compatible then 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:

1. Three Data Pack - $24.90 USD

• 10 GB data-only
• Valid 30 days
• Valid in 56 countries
• Incoming/outgoing calls not supported

2. Orange Holiday World - $49.90 USD

• Valid 14 days
• Valid in124 countries
• Data allowance varies per country

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Australia directly online via SimOptions .

Also a last reminder that if your phone is e-sim compatible you can arrange everything online by simply ordering an e-sim card for Australia on the internet. Recommended e-sim providers for Australia are:  SimOptions , Airalo and  Nomad .

I hope all the above tips for buying a sim card for Australia were helpful for your upcoming trip to Melbourne. If you have any more questions then don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below and I will try to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of June 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Melbourne!

Perth Airport flights to resume after refuelling issue grounded planes, stranding thousands

A refuelling issue at Perth Airport which grounded domestic and international flights on Saturday morning has been resolved, the airport says.

At least 70 domestic and international flights were affected, with planes unable to land at the airport or depart.

Passengers were stranded at airports nationwide and at some international destinations, including Doha waiting to get to Perth.

Perth Airport said a problem with load pressure in the fuel lines had caused the issue, which had since been fixed.

Airport CEO Jason Waters said the system had now been repaired and tested.

Mr Waters apologised to impacted travellers and said the airport would be working with airlines to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

"The effects will be felt throughout today but we'd like to think that within a short period of time after that we'll get back to normal flights," he said.

"I'd like to think that by this evening and into tomorrow we'll have it dealt with but given we're talking about long haul flights and the extent of the backlog, it might take some time."

It's understood some flights had been delayed since Friday night, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

The airport called in external experts, including engineers and technicians, to identify and repair the problem.

"As of just recently, I can inform you that we are back to normal refuelling and obviously very keen to see a return to normal operation," Mr Waters said.

"This has had a significant impact on flights overnight. 

"From Perth airport's perspective we're very apologetic and sympathetic to impacted travellers.

"We're going to work very hard with our airlines here to ensure we get things back to normal as quickly as possible."

Mr Waters said the problem appeared to be the result of "air sucked into the distribution system".

No compensation for passengers, says Virgin

Virgin Airlines apologised to customers in a statement handed to passengers at Perth Airport, but said it was not required by law to provide compensation "for delays or cancellations outside of our control".

"We recommend you contact your travel insurance provider to assist you with any unforeseen expenses," the statement said.

A virgin spokeswoman later clarified that passengers were entitled to be re-booked on other flights or apply for a refund.

Perth man Darshan Patel, who had had been planning to go to Hobart on Saturday for his wife's birthday until their flight was cancelled, said the airline's response was not good enough.

He wants compensation for his flights and other non-refundable bookings, such as accommodation.

"We're really not happy because we've been planning for this holiday for quite a long time," Mr Patel said.

"Somebody is responsible for what is happening and there should be something done to help the passengers.

"We've booked everything well ahead, now it's getting cancelled. All our bookings are non-refundable. 

"It's just passengers who are suffering."

Flights diverted to regional airports

At least four flights were diverted to regional airports including a Philippines Airlines flight from Manila to Perth that landed in Geraldton earlier on Saturday.

Geraldton is about 420 kilometres north of Perth.

A Geraldton Airport spokesperson said the small regional airport could only assist with a handful of flights due to having limited fuel supply themselves. 

Passengers on the Philippines flight were not allowed to disembark and a biosecurity representative was on site. 

City of Geraldton chief executive Ross McKim said Geraldton Airport was in danger of running out of fuel after the Philippines flight took a quarter of the airport's fuel capacity.

"The [airport's] refuelling isn't booked until mid-next week so we're going to have to work out how to get some up sooner than that," he said.

Qantas flight QFA10 from London to Perth was diverted to Karratha, in the state's far north.

Other flights were diverted to Kalgoorlie, about 600km east of Perth.

Passenger sat on plane for hours

Perth man Campbell Grieves and Swiss exchange student Zander Goosen arrived at the airport early to catch a flight to Sydney.

"We were taking (Zander) to see all the classic Aussie things in Sydney … the bridge, the Opera House," Mr Grieves said.

"We get here at about 6am and we get on the plane, boarded alright, then we sat there in the little economy seat for two hours.

"The captain was ringing every in hour saying 'dunno where the fuel is,' eventually we get kicked off the plane and the flight is cancelled." 

Mr Grieves said he had been told the earliest he and Mr Goosen could travel to Sydney was Monday.

Perth resident Stephen Herbert is stranded in Doha, where he was meant to stop briefly en route from London to Perth on Qatar Airlines.

" We have been in a line with other returning Aussies for nearly four hours," he said.

"No official from Qatar Airlines has given us any updates and we are relying on social media.

"[There are] lots of tired and disgruntled people wanting answers."

He was scathing of Perth Airport over the delays.

"There's no way you can call Perth an international airport after this debacle. Imagine if this happened at Heathrow?" he said.

Another passenger in Doha, Rae de Wet, told the ABC a delay of more than 24 hours was expected before they could get back to Perth, but little information had been provided.

She said she had already been in transit for more than 30 hours since leaving South Africa.

"It is incomprehensible that an international airport could face an issue of this nature, embarrassing really especially on an international scale," she said.

At Sydney Airport, Perth man Steven Dipane said his son had been at a baseball tournament in Lismore and he was trying to head home.

"They're going to book us in to a room for the night, and then get us on a plane to Melbourne tomorrow and then to Perth.

"It just delays it. I would have liked to be home tonight." 

Dieter Spurgeon's family is currently in Darwin after their flight home from a family holiday to Perth was delayed over 36 hours.

"We've contacted both Qantas and Perth airport and neither seem willing to reimburse us for an extra night's stay in Darwin," he said.

He said communication by both the airport and airline has been "horrendous".

If you or someone you know has been affected by the flight cancellations, please contact us by filling in the form below.

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Examined: The Most Sought-After Winter Travel Destinations For New Zealand's Airline Passengers

• Queenstown is the top domestic destination for Kiwi travelers this winter.
• Trans-Tasman travel remains popular, with plenty of direct destinations available from most major New Zealand ports.
• China is the most popular long-haul destination for New Zealand travelers, with direct flights from Auckland.

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, winter is well and truly settling in, and Kiwis are quickly looking to the skies for travel plans during the colder months. Data released by Booking.com identified the most popular destinations for New Zealand travelers this (Southern) winter. Top of the list was Queenstown, domestically and in Australia, for short-haul travelers, while China was the most popular long-haul destination.

For those who are unaware, Queenstown is a ski lovers' dream, with multiple world-class ski slopes within a short distance of Central Otago. Its international airport attracts direct flights from most major Australian East Coast centers, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. Domestically, the airport is connected to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch with direct flights.

Why Queenstown, New Zealand, Is Such A Challenging Airport To Fly Into

Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) is frequently rated as one of the world's top ten most stunning airport approaches. Those who may have experienced it will note the beautiful landscape and towering mountain ranges surrounding the aircraft as it descends toward the runway alongside the remarkable range. Simple Flying looked into the top destination picks and which airlines serve these popular destinations this winter.

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Domestic hot-spots

Queenstown (zqn).

Located in Frankton, the airport is a short drive from downtown Queenstown, with plenty of boutique shopping and lakefront restaurants for tourists to enjoy. Direct flights from Queenstown on offer include:

Kaikoura (KKE)

This airport is currently not served by any scheduled carriers, but it remains popular for tourist scenic flights. The area is well known for whale watching and fishing, which lure many tourists. Its closest commercial airport is Blenheim (BHE), which is one hour and 40 minutes north, or Christchurch, which is two and a half hours south and caters to a number of international services .

Hamilton (HLZ)

Not to be confused with Hamilton, Ontario (YHM). New Zealand's Hamilton lies just an hour south on the motorway from Auckland Airport (AKL), lies the city of Hamilton. Competing fiercely with Christchurch to the nation's 'Garden City,' Hamilton lies on the Waikato River, the longest in New Zealand. Its airport once served several international destinations with Freedom Air and Virgin Australia; however, these have long since disappeared.

Domestically, the airport now sees multiple daily flights from Wellington and Christchurch on Air New Zealand, with Originair serving Nelson and Palmerston North. At the same time, Sunair flies to Gisborne, Napier, and Whangarei. In bad weather, Hamilton occasionally serves as an alternate airport for diverted flights. For example, this week, Air New Zealand sent an Airbus A320 en route from Adelaide to Auckland to the airport while the weather calmed further north.

Hops across the Ditch - Australia

Australia is always a popular choice in New Zealand, and Australia is a fan favorite for many Kiwis. Air New Zealand operates to more Australian airports than any other carrier trans-Tasman, and from New Zealand, you can fly directly to these Australian ports:

Adelaide (ADL)

• Served solely by Air New Zealand

Brisbane (BNE)

• Direct services are operated by Air New Zealand, China Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.

Cairns (CNS)

• Seasonal services are operated by Air New Zealand over the winter southern hemisphere winter months.

Gold Coast (OOL)

• A popular choice for many with famous theme parks, shopping, and beaches, Air New Zealand and Jetstar compete fiercely on the route.

Melbourne (MEL)

• On track to become the most populated city in Australia by 2031, tourists flock to Melbourne for the hip street scene, easy access to the Great Ocean Road, and Melbourne Cricket Ground, among many other attractions; airlines serving the trans-Tasman market include Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas.

Perth (PER)

• The major airport serving the state of Western Australia, Air New Zealand, operates direct services to Auckland in direct competition with Batik Air Malaysia, which operates a fifth freedom flight between the two cities.

Sunshine Coast (MCY)

• Another seasonal service from Air New Zealand connects the Sunshine Coast to Auckland over winter. This is the only international service from the Queensland airport.

Sydney (SYD)

• Sydney is the most connected airport between Australia and New Zealand, and it sees more carriers than any other trans-Tasman destination. Current airlines include Air New Zealand, China Eastern Airlines, Emirates, Jetstar, LATAM, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

Long-haul to China

The most popular long-haul destination on the list is China, where many passengers travel between the two countries. While over the Southern Hemisphere summer, Christchurch was connected to Guangzhou seasonally with direct flights on China Southern; now, the only direct services to China are from Auckland and include:

Trans-Tasman Route Oddities: 5 Foreign Carriers That Fly Between Australia & New Zealand