SIM Cards in Australia: an Overview of the Best Options in 2025

In this article we will suggest the best options of SIM cards in Australia, compare data plans of local operators and will tell you about the peculiarities of purchase and activation of SIM cards in Australia. We will help you understand the peculiarities of using physical and virtual cards so that you can choose the most convenient and profitable option.

Australia: travel SIM cards for visitors

Planning a trip to Australia and want to stay connected during your journey? Choosing the right SIM card can make your stay in the country easier and save you money. There are two types of prepaid Australia SIM cards available for travelers:

• Physical SIM cards — you need to insert it into the slot of your smartphone.
• Virtual eSIM cards — this is a chip that is already embedded in a device by its manufacturer.

The eSIM technology in Australia is popular among travelers due to a number of advantages:

• no risk of loss or damage;
• no need to search for points of sale in a foreign country;
• fast and convenient activation directly from your device in minutes;
• possibility to use several numbers on one device;
• works almost all over the world — just choose another tariff package. This is convenient when traveling frequently.

Technology eSIM allows you to be in touch instantly. The main thing is compatibility with your smartphone. Most modern models support virtual eSIM cards — the full list of devices can be found on this page of Yesim service.

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card for Australia

You can buy a physical prepaid SIM card for Australia at various locations, which is very convenient for tourists. Popular outlets are:

• Official operator stores in major cities, where you can get assistance from specialists.
• Airports — you'll find local operator kiosks as soon as you arrive.
• Woolworths, Coles and major shopping centers where starter packs are sold.
• Australia Post outlets around the country offer prepaid SIM cards from a variety of operators.
• Gas stations and mini-markets such as 7-Eleven.

SIM card outlets for travelers in Australia are available throughout the country. However, it is worth considering the specifics of buying and activating them.

How to buy Australia SIM card for tourists: specifics

There are several ways to get a SIM card in Australia:

• Online — order a virtual eSIM card in Australia on the operator website or through an app. This is the most convenient way that does not require waiting in queues. Activation is instant, no need to visit the office. You can order a virtual eSIM card in advance and activate it immediately upon arrival.
• Offline — visit an operator's official store or a point of sale of Australian SIM cards at the airport of Sydney, Petra, Melbourne and other major cities. Here you will be assisted when choosing a suitable data plan and making a purchase. You will need to show your passport to purchase. Activation takes some time, after which you can immediately use the connection.

However virtual eSIM cards offer a number of advantages in terms of ease of purchase and activation. You don't need to look for where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Australia, provide personal data, deal with payment and activation. Everything is done via the provider's application, and detailed instructions in clear language allows you to get a connection in a few minutes.

It is extremely important to be connected at all times while traveling around the mainland — you may need to build a route, find the right places, contact your loved ones or call a taxi. That's why you should take care of buying the right SIM card in advance.

Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work

Best SIM cards for Australia: data plans overview

There are several mobile operators and international providers in the Australian market. Among the most popular are:

• Yesim
• Telstra
• Optus

Let's consider the terms of connection of the best SIM cards in Australia in more detail.

Read also: 11 best travel apps

Yesim

Yesim is an international provider with favorable packages of prepaid virtual eSIM cards in Australia. The service offers convenient travel data plans with access to Internet for different periods of time:

• 7 days, 3 GB data for $12.10 — suitable for a week long trip to the country;
• 15 days, 5 GB data for $16.50 — optimal for traveling for a couple of weeks;
• 30 days, 10 GB data for $27.50 — suitable for a longer stay in the country;
• 30 days, 20 GB data for $44 — unlimited Internet for a whole month of traveling.

There are also unlimited plans that allow you not to worry about the remaining traffic and freely use the Internet while traveling for navigation, communication, web browsing and online entertainment.

All virtual eSIM card data plans in Australia operate at speeds of up to 150Mbps, ensuring fast and stable Internet. All you need to do is download the Yesim.app. Activation takes just a few minutes — register a profile according to the instructions and activate it in the settings of your device.

Optus

Optus is one of the largest operators. Let's see how much a SIM card in Australia from Optus costs:

• 60 GB data, unlimited calls and SMS, 400 minutes for international calls for 28 days for $35 — an offer for long trips with a lot of Internet traffic;
• 90 GB data, unlimited calls and SMS + 400 minutes for international calls for 28 days for $45 — package for active users.

The Optus network provides 4G/5G coverage in most of the country, including all major cities and popular tourist destinations. Internet speed is up to 100 Mbps.

Read also: TOP 8 Best eSIM Providers for Travelers in 2024: Review of Services

Telstra

The operator with the widest coverage, offers SIM cards for Australian travelers with the below packages:

• 3 GB data and unlimited calls and SMS for 7 days for $12 — a basic package for short trips;
• 35 GB data, unlimited calls and SMS and up to 300 minutes for international calls for 28 days for $35 — a combination of high data and overseas calls;
• 45 GB data, unlimited calls and SMS and up to 500 international call minutes for 28 days for $45 — a package for traveling throughout Australia.

Telstra provides 4G/5G coverage across the country, including the most remote regions. Internet speeds in the network are up to 150Mbps.

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Stay connected in Australia

Australian operators offer many favorable prepaid SIM and virtual eSIM card options for travelers. Yesim has the most affordable prices for unlimited data plans, Optus offers the best combination of price and quality, and Telstra provides maximum coverage across the country.

When choosing a SIM card for travel to Australia, consider your requirements and your planned itinerary. Prepaid eSIM virtual cards in Australia are a great option for modern travelers. They can be issued online at any time and activated immediately upon arrival without searching for a point of sale. You won't have to look for a place to buy an international SIM card in Australia — you'll be connected instantly.

With the right operator, your journey to Australia will be even more comfortable and enjoyable. You will always be able to stay in touch, share your impressions with your loved ones, use online maps and services for navigation.

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