Getting an Australian SIM card and mobile number

How to choose a mobile network and plan in Australia, prepaid or post-paid, what ID you need, and what to check before you pay.

In short

Most forms in Australia, from rentals to bank accounts and myGov, ask for an Australian mobile number, so get one early. You choose a provider and a plan: prepaid (you pay up front) or post-paid (you get a monthly bill).

What to do

Most other steps ask for an Australian phone number. Pick a network that covers where you live, then a plan that fits how much data you use.

The three networks

Telstra coverage ↗ Optus coverage ↗ Vodafone coverage ↗

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone run the mobile networks, per the ACCC. Coverage is not the same on each, so enter your postcode on each coverage map and check your home and workplace before you choose.

Smaller providers

Many smaller companies resell service on one of those three networks. The ACCC said in 2021 that their plans usually leave out extras such as streaming content, but their calls, SMS and data are similar and can cost less. Ask which network a provider uses, then check that network's coverage map.

Prepaid or post-paid

Prepaid means you pay up front. Post-paid means you get a bill, usually at the end of the month, and can often buy a handset in monthly instalments. If you already have a phone, many providers sell SIM-only plans on a month-to-month or 12-month contract (ACCC).

Before you pay: safety checks

Some providers let you cancel at no cost and refund your last month if the coverage is not satisfactory, so ask before you sign up
Leaving a contract early can cost a termination fee, and a handset on instalments must be paid off before you leave
You can keep your number when you change provider. Do not cancel the old service first, because only an active number can be moved
Mobile boosters and repeaters sold online from overseas are banned in Australia

What you need to know

To activate a prepaid service, the provider must take your name, date of birth and home address, and check your ID (ACMA)
Most plans include unlimited national calls and SMS, so look closely at data, price and coverage
Mostly browsing and email: a smaller data allowance may be enough. Video streaming, video calls and online games use much more
Read the plan's Critical Information Summary. It lists the call, SMS and data inclusions, termination fees and contract length
Calling home: some plans include international call minutes to selected countries, so check before you buy

ID for new arrivals, from one recent arrival's experience and not an official source: most providers accepted an overseas passport and checked it online, and a few also asked for the visa grant notice. Have both ready, and ask the provider if unsure. This site does not recommend any provider.

Choosing a mobile phone service (ACCC) ↗ID checks for prepaid mobiles (ACMA) ↗