How Travelers Can Get Connected in Australia

There are 32.89 million mobile phone connections in Australia as of January 2020. It is a huge market equivalent to 130% of Australia’s population! Additionally, a mobile phone has to have its Sim Card, which holds all your information and allows you network connectivity at all times.

Initially, these mobile phones were designed for calling and sending instant messages, but today, these gadgets are so versatile it is used for email communications, banking, video streaming, shopping, browsing the internet, engaging in social media, playing games, and e-commerce all through one device. It is, therefore, important that your connectivity is assured and consistent. People rarely leave home without their mobile phones because it contains major information that one may need – usernames and passwords, addresses, phone numbers, contact names and even money to pay for your purchases.

In Australia, there are three major telcos or mobile phone networks – Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. When travelling, it is best to consult a coverage checker of the mobile network for your destinations. Check this out – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone. Among the three, Telstra has the widest coverage. If you will be staying in small towns or remote areas, it is wise to check the coverage to avoid inconveniences. It is advisable to bring with you an unlocked phone and buy a local Sim Card. There are phone shops in most airports and shopping centres that sell these cards, and they will help you register and activate the sim. Be prepared to present your passports as identification because Australia requires them.

Now, in buying your sim card, choose one that uses the telco with the widest coverage. Here are the other features to consider:

1. Data size or allowance

Travelling with kids these days can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the internet connection. Depending on your family’s size and your internet needs, you must choose the size to fit your needs.

To give you an idea, 1GB will allow you to send or receive 6,000 emails with standard-sized attachments. Or it is the equivalent of 20 hours of browsing. A 3GB will let you send or receive 12,000 emails with standard-sized attachments or the equivalent of 60 hours of web browsing.

Do you have an idea of your data usage? Download apps that allow you to get your actual data usage.

2. International call capable

You must be easily reached even on travels. Ensuring that you will be reachable when you travel, whether overseas or local, is a top travel tip. The cellphone charger is another travel paraphernalia that you should never miss because keeping a well-charged phone is crucial, for personal and for business. Pack your charger in your carry-on luggage. Maintaining a fully charged phone at the start of the day will ensure constant communication throughout the day. It is good to know that most sim cards sold in Australia come with international calls. That is, using a sim card that provides you great connection. Connection is the key!

3. Flexibility of plan

If you decided to stay longer, can you change your plan? Or are you going to be locked-in to a plan for more than your stay? Is it possible to level up or down your plan? A good plan is when you can have the flexibility of changing it.

The best way to get connected at the least cost is to get a prepaid sim card from a local mobile network provider that you can buy from airport phone kiosks. This will save you roaming charges from your mobile network back home, and this applies to all countries you will visit.