Complete Guide for Travelers · Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in Australia. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $16 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$16
Providers
3
Network
Currency
AUD
Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane airport arrivals, or any supermarket/convenience store
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in Australia. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Optus | Major | Good | Excellent | $19USD 40 GB / 28 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier StoreSupermarket |
Vodafone Australia | Major | Fair | Good | $16USD 30 GB / 28 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier StoreSupermarket |
Telstra Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $23USD 40 GB / 28 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier StoreSupermarket+1 |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$19
40 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Plan 40GB | 40 GB | $30 AUD | $19 | 28 days | Unlimited Australia |
| Tourist Plan 80GB | 80 GB | $40 AUD | $26 | 28 days | Unlimited Australia + intl |
From
$16
30 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 30GB | 30 GB | $25 AUD | $16 | 28 days | Unlimited Australia |
| Prepaid 60GB | 60 GB | $35 AUD | $23 | 28 days | Unlimited Australia + intl |
From
$23
40 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 40GB | 40 GB | $35 AUD | $23 | 28 days | Unlimited Australia |
| Prepaid 80GB | 80 GB | $45 AUD | $29 | 28 days | Unlimited Australia + intl |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
Vodafone Australia
Prepaid 30GB
$25 AUD AUD
Optus
Tourist Plan 40GB
$30 AUD AUD
Vodafone Australia
Prepaid 60GB
$35 AUD AUD
Telstra
Prepaid 40GB
$35 AUD AUD
Optus
Tourist Plan 80GB
$40 AUD AUD
Telstra
Prepaid 80GB
$45 AUD AUD
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in Australia
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$16
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Australia, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in Australia.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
European supermarkets (Carrefour, Tesco, ALDI) sell house-brand SIM cards at the best prices.
Available at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and similar stores. Look near the checkout counter.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
Australia does not require identification for prepaid SIM purchases, making it one of the easiest countries to get connected.
Australia uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for Australia
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
major carrier
Urban
Good
Rural
Patchy
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Australia requires SIM card registration. Here is exactly what you need and step-by-step instructions for each provider.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in Australia
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportOptional
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
Local addressRequired
Hotel address for SIM registration form
major carrier
Step 1
Passport (for ID verification via app)
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Online ID verification
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for Australia.