When travelling to Australia, you need an affordable and reliable way to stay connected with your family and friends. But using your SIM card can quickly lead to high charges.
A local Australian SIM card provides a cost-effective solution, offering local rates for calls, texts, and data. Moreover, it often comes with larger data allowances, making it easier to access the internet for maps, travel apps, and staying in touch without worrying about excessive costs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top Australian SIM card providers in 2025 and guide you through choosing the best option for your trip.
Keep reading!
Key Highlights:
- An Australian SIM card offers affordable local rates for calls, texts, and data, avoiding high roaming fees.
- The top providers for tourists in Australia are Telstra, Optus, aloSIM, Vodafone, Amaysim, Felix Mobile, Nomad, and Boost Mobile, offering various prepaid plans and eSIM options.
- When choosing a SIM card, consider your data usage needs, network coverage, and plan validity to find the best option for your trip.

Why Do You Need Australian SIM Cards?
An Australian SIM card helps you save on roaming charges, offering local rates for calls and data. It also provides reliable network coverage, clear call quality, and secure internet access.
- Save on Roaming Charges: An Australian SIM card allows you to make calls at local rates, helping you avoid high roaming charges during your trip.
- Call Quality: A local Australian SIM card ensures clearer, more stable connections, reducing call drops and providing better overall voice quality.
- Reliable Network Coverage: Using a local SIM connects you to regional networks, ensuring faster speeds and trustworthy services.
- Stay Secure: A trusted local SIM provides secure, private access to the internet compared to relying on public Wi-Fi.
- Local Access: A local phone number provides you access to the local apps, maps, and translation tools at affordable rates.
Avoid International Roaming Fees. Get a Virtual Number for Your Australia Trip.
8 Best Australia SIM Card Providers in 2025
1. Telstra
Telstra is Australia’s largest network, offering prepaid SIM cards (both physical SIMs and eSIMs) for tourists and visitors. Its flexible prepaid data allowances make it the top choice for travelers, as they can choose according to their needs. Additionally, there are no lock-in contracts; you can join or exit the service anytime you want.
Telstra’s SIM can be managed through the My Telstra app. It offers various security features, including scam call blocking, device protection, and WiFi scanning, providing safe and reliable connectivity.
Data Plans
Plan | Data Allowance | Price |
7 Day Plan | 5 GB | $13 |
28 Day Plan | 45 GB | $39 |
65 GB | $49 | |
85 GB | $59 | |
110 GB | $69 | |
6 Month Plan | 140 GB | $180 |
12 Month Plan | 300 GB | $350 |
2. Optus
Optus’ prepaid plans include features like data rollover, allowing you to carry over up to 200GB of unused data to your next recharge. To make things easier, you can set up AutoRecharge to keep your plan active without manual top-ups.
Additionally, all its plans include unlimited local calls and texts within Australia and provide access to Optus’ high-speed network. Plus, with the availability of eSIM, you can activate your plan digitally, which is particularly convenient for tourists.
Data Plans
Data Plan | Validity | Price |
65GB | 28 days | $49 |
85GB | 28 days | $59 |
140GB | 186 days | $180 |
300GB | 365 days | $350 |
3. aloSIM
aloSIM provides an Australian data SIM card for tourists. You can buy and activate its eSIM before arriving in Australia. Simply scan the QR code, and it will automatically connect to the local network upon arrival. Its aloSIM app lets you monitor data usage, top up, and share data with other devices.
Additionally, aloSIM offers a free international phone number for calls and texts through its sister app, Hushed, providing a solution for its data-only limitation.
Data Plans
Data Plan | Valid Period | Price |
1GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
2GB | 15 days | $8.00 |
3GB | 30 days | $9.00 |
5GB | 30 days | $12.50 |
10GB | 30 days | $20 |
Unlimited GB | 10 days | $35 |
Best Value 20GB | 30 days | $40 |
4. Vodafone
Vodafone is another popular Australian travel SIM card provider, offering both physical SIMs and eSIMs with flexible data plans. One of its key benefits is a 30-day network satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service within 30 days, you can cancel and receive a refund.
Vodafone also includes basic security through Vodafone Device Care and Norton. They help to secure your phone and personal data when using public Wi-Fi.
Data Plans
Plan | Validity | Price |
5GB | 7 days | $12 |
25GB | 28 days | $35 |
50GB | 28 days | $55 |
35GB | 28 days | $45 |
90GB | 185 days | $160 |
150GB | 365 days | $250 |
5. Amaysim
Amaysim offers affordable and flexible Australian SIM cards for travellers. It operates on the Optus 4G/5G network, providing reliable network coverage across multiple cities and regional areas. Moreover, it also supports features such as VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling for better call quality, even in areas with a weak signal.
All Amaysim plans are prepaid with no binding contracts, so you can switch or cancel at any time. Plus, it offers unlimited data banking, in which you can roll over any unused data for future use.
Data Plans
Data | Validity | Cost |
120GB | 28 days | $35 |
150GB | 28 days | $10 |
50GB | 28 days | $10 |
80GB | 28 days | $15 |
200GB | 365 days | $175 |
240GB | 365 days | $225 |
30GB | 28 days | $10 |
100GB | 28 days | $18 |
365GB | 365 days | $300 |
6. Felix Mobile
Felix Mobile offers a prepaid SIM card in Australia through a month-to-month subscription. Your subscription automatically renews each month. However, you can pause or cancel it anytime at no extra cost.
Felix Mobile runs on 4G and 5G networks, so you’ll enjoy reliable coverage and clear connections all across Australia. All its plans come with unlimited calls and texts within Australia. And, if you're not happy with the service, you can get a full refund within 7 days of activation.
Data Plans
Data | Validity | Cost |
25GB | 3 months | $25 |
50GB | 3 months | $30 |
Unlimited | 3 months | $40 |
7. Nomad
Nomad offers an Australian data eSIM card for travellers. You can buy and activate your eSIM directly from the app or its website.
Nomad’s plans are data-only, meaning they don’t include a local phone number. However, using its affordable data plan, you can leverage apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime to make calls. Its plans range from 1 day to 30 days or more, with flexible data options. If you need additional data during your trip, you can easily top up through the app.
Data Plans
Plan | Validity | Price |
1GB | 7 days | $6 |
3GB | 30 days | $10 |
5GB | 30 days | $12 |
10GB | 30 days | $19 |
15GB | 30 days | $20 |
20GB | 45 days | $30 |
50GB | 45 days | $55 |
Unlimited | 3 days | $11 |
5 days | $15 | |
7 days | $19 | |
10 days | $25 |
8. Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a popular prepaid SIM provider in Australia. It is often rated highly in customer reviews for its value, simplicity, and service reliability.
All of its data plans are prepaid, including unlimited domestic calls and texts. Many plans also include international call minutes to a wide range of countries, which can help stay in touch with family and friends overseas.
Boost Mobile also supports eSIM, allowing for quick digital activation. Additionally, you can use your mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot to share your phone's data connection with other devices.
Data Plans
Data | Price (per 28 days) |
32GB | $26 |
50GB | $39 |
60GB | $49 |
70GB | $59 |
115GB | $74 |
What You Should Consider Before Buying an Australian Travel SIM Card?
Before buying an Australian SIM card, consider your data usage needs, device compatibility, network coverage, and plan validity to ensure the plan suits your trip. Also, check customer support reliability and top-up options for convenience.
- Data Usage: Estimate your average data usage during the trip. If you anticipate high data consumption, consider a plan with a higher data allowance or unlimited options.
- eSIM Compatibility: If you’re using an eSIM, check whether your device supports eSIM or not. Your device must be eSIM compatible and unlocked for easy activation.
- Network Coverage: Ensure the provider has reliable coverage in all the areas you plan to visit, particularly in regional areas.
- Plan Validity: Opt for a plan that lasts for the duration of your trip, whether it’s a short visit or an extended stay.
- Customer Support: Ensure the provider offers accessible customer support through an app, online chat, or in-store assistance if needed.
- Top-up Options: Verify the ease and availability of top-up options to add more data or credit if required.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right Australian SIM card provider is important for staying connected during your trip at an affordable price. There are plenty of options available, including physical SIMs and eSIMs, some offering data only, while others provide both data and calls. You can pick the one that best suits your needs to avoid high roaming charges and stay connected throughout your trip.
For more flexibility, you can also opt for a virtual phone number. Providers like Calilio offer Australian virtual phone numbers at affordable rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Australian address to buy a tourist SIM card?
No, you do not need an Australian address to purchase a tourist SIM card. Most prepaid SIM cards can be bought at the airport or in retail stores without requiring a local address, making it easy for tourists to get connected immediately after arrival.
Can I use my home country’s SIM card in Australia?
Are there any restrictions on international calls with tourist SIM cards?
Can I use a dual SIM phone with an Australian SIM card?

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