Australia has a mature, competitive prepaid market, so tourists have plenty of choice — from local Telstra/Optus SIMs sold in every supermarket to install-before-you-fly travel eSIMs. Networks are fast and modern, with 5G across the cities.
Networks & coverage
Three carriers run the networks: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone (TPG). Telstra has the widest reach into the outback and the best regional 5G; Optus and Vodafone are strong in cities and value-priced. Expect signal gaps on remote highways and in the interior, where only Telstra reaches.
eSIM or physical SIM?
Both work well. A travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) is the easiest if your phone supports it — buy online, connect on landing. Local prepaid SIMs from Telstra or Optus are cheap, sold at the airport and convenience stores, and include a local number plus generous data. Make sure your handset is unlocked.
Data, calls & messaging
Travel eSIMs are usually data-only; use WhatsApp or FaceTime over data. Local Telstra/Optus prepaid plans add calls and SMS with an Australian number — handy for bookings and local services.
How much data do you need?
2–3 GB for a short visit, 10 GB for a couple of weeks, and 20 GB+ or an unlimited local plan if you stream or tether a lot.
Available plans
17 plans available
Prices here are listed in more than one currency — the range is compared against each group in its own currency, values are not converted.
Data last verified: Jul 3, 2026
SIM and eSIM plans in Australia — operator, plan, data, validity, network, type and price.
Plans shown are indicative samples for reference. Confirm current pricing, data allowances, and coverage with each provider before purchasing.
Compare with other countries
How we compile this data
Plan data is compiled from the public pricing pages of mobile operators, MVNOs, and eSIM providers serving each destination.
Listings are reviewed by the DROAM telecom desk and kept neutral — we surface a representative sample of options rather than promote any single provider.
Operators change allowances and pricing frequently, so we update entries as plans change and always link out to the provider for the current offer.
Networks & coverage
9 operators appear in the plans listed for Australia:
Airalo
Holafly
Optus
Telstra
Ubigi
eSIMbag
MyDataSim
Xipo Flex
Weconnect
Network technology available across these plans: 4G, 5G.
Good to know
The lowest-cost option listed is Xipo Flex at €3.26 for 1 GB over 7 days.
eSIM plans activate instantly by scanning a QR code — no SIM swap or local store visit needed.
A physical SIM can be the better choice for older phones that do not support eSIM.
Check that your phone is carrier-unlocked before buying, and match the data allowance to your trip length.
