Best mobile phone plans for backpackers and other visitors to Australia

best mobile phone plans for backpackers

Australia is world famous for our hot summers days, our beautiful golden beaches and our friendly inviting culture. These are just a few of the reasons why Australia sees more than 7 million visitors to our country each year.

For backpackers and travellers to Australia who need to be connected and let’s face it, in today’s connected age of digital streaming and social media, you will need an Aussie SIM card.

Top Plans Available

In the past, getting a local SIM card was an expensive process and a downright hassle for tourists to go through. After travelling so far to Australia, the last thing they would want to do is to fill out countless pieces of paper to apply for one.

Thankfully those days are long gone and getting a SIM card for your smartphone or tablet device is a cheap and simple process.

For overseas visitors coming to our great country, the good news is that you can either walk into one of the many retail stores of Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone and sign up for a SIM-only prepaid plan.

Or if you can get on a free WiFi connection, visit one of the many different value for money Australian MVNOs websites and order a SIM-only card which in most cases will arrive in under 2-3 days.

Recharging can be done online through the provider’s website, using a wide selection of credit and debit cards, as well as third party providers such as PayPal.

Who are the Australian national carriers?

In Australia, the national carrier networks consist of Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone Australia. All three networks provide 3G, 4G, and 5G services, allowing tourists from other countries to buy a SIM card, use their current smartphones, and benefit from high-quality connection speeds.

However, there are options beyond the three major carriers. These alternatives buy network connectivity from them at wholesale rates and provide users with significantly improved offers. These alternatives, often referred to as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), offer users better deals than if they were to approach the primary network provider directly.

Currently in Australia, Telstra has the best reputation for mobile phone service and connectivity, especially if you are travelling around rural Australia. This is due to the simple fact that the networks of both Optus and Vodafone are not really that great once you leave the built up city areas.

When considering connectivity in both inner city and suburban areas, Optus and Vodafone networks offer nearly identical coverage. However, when it comes to customer support, Optus stands out as the superior choice.

Should you a pick prepaid or postpaid plan?

On average, tourists spend less than a month traveling around Australia, and business travelers spend even less time.

Prepaid SIM-only plans offer simplicity, affordability, and convenience, especially if you already own a smartphone or a SIM-capable handheld device.

For postpaid plans, by paying in advance, you can avoid bill shock and stay within your allotted limits for calls, texts, and mobile data. Before leaving the country, make sure to cancel your plan to prevent being charged at the end of the month.

Choosing either prepaid or postpaid depends on how much data, calls, and texts you will use during the period you stay.

Which network has the best coverage?

Of the three network carriers in Australia, Telstra has the best nationwide coverage in both city and rural areas. Unfortunately, Telstra is also the most expensive carrier and as such is not really the best deal on the market.

The good news is, though, that by choosing a Telstra reseller such as Boost Mobile, you can still get access to the fastest network down under, but without the expensive cost.

If you will be travelling to rural Australia and spending most of your holiday in small towns, then Optus is the best choice.

Amaysim is one of the most popular MVNOs in Australia with some of the best value for money deals, including their Unlimited SIM-only plans which come with generous 4G/5G mobile data allowances.

The majority of visitors to Australia have found that for the flexibility of choice and the convenience of prepaying, companies such as Amaysim provide them with everything they need, with the least hassle.

Our thoughts on the best plan for travellers

As mentioned in the above sections, there is a lot of choice in Australia when it comes to picking the best prepaid plan for travelers, depending on your travel needs and the length of your time in Australia.

Bringing your own mobile phone allows you to easily sign up for a cost-effective SIM-only plan offered by a popular MVNO and replace your international SIM card.

MVNOs provide users with a lot of choice and flexibility which you can’t get from the three major carriers, giving you a wide range of plans to select from, with low monthly minimum prepaid spends.

SIM-only plans are now at the point where you should be able to choose a plan to cover a short stay in Australia, all without needing to waste a lot of money.