How To Get An Australian Mobile Phone (Cell Phone)
If you've been wondering how to get an Australian mobile phone, it's easy. Read on to find out how.
The great thing about Australian mobile phones is that you never pay to receive calls. You only pay to make calls.
Let's look at the different carriers in Australia as well as their prepaid and post-paid offers.
Australian Mobile Phone Carriers
The big 4 Australian mobile phone carriers are "3 Network" (yes, sponsors of the Australian cricket team), Vodafone, Optus and Telstra (listed from my favourite to my least favourite).
Reception and Coverage
In the big cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, it doesn't really matter which carrier you choose in terms of reception.
If you're going out into remote country areas (ie you're driving from Sydney to Perth or you're going to the Outback) then Telstra has the best coverage out of all the carriers. But Telstra are over-priced ripoffs in my opinion and so if you're sticking to the big cities, I would go with another carrier.
Prices and Customer Service
As mentioned previously, I think Telstra are over-priced ripoffs. I don't recommend Optus either - I think their customer service is appalling.
So I think either the "3" network or Vodafone are the way to go when choosing a mobile phone plan or prepaid package in Australia.
Prepaid Phones In Australia
Just like in many countries, prepaid phones are popular in Australia. All the carriers have prepaid offers in Australia.
Prepaid phones are ideal if you don't want to be locked down to a plan. They're also great if you don't want to pay roaming rates in Australia for your U.S. or Canadian or English or French carrier.
You can get a prepaid Australian SIM card for about $30 AUD. As mentioned earlier, you don't pay to receive calls so these are ideal if you want to be contactable by both people back at home or hostels and airlines confirming your reservations.
You can bring your tri-band, SIM-card cel phone or mobile from home, or alternatively you can buy an Australian Nokia or other similar phone here for about $100 AUD.
Postpaid Plans And Contracts In Australia
If you are going to be in Australia for 1 or 2 years, you can sign up to a contract. You'll get a free mobile phone if you sign up for 2 years. You can even get an iPhone with Vodafone, Optus or Telstra plans.