Australia SIM card for tourists: local SIM or eSIM?
For a week of everyday use (6 GB), the cheapest prepaid SIM in Australia costs A$44 (Telstra, 50 GB, 28 days). A travel eSIM for the same week costs from $12.00 (Jetpac) and is installed before you leave.
Offers checked on October 21, 2026 on the carriers’ websites
The best travel eSIMs in Australia for a week
For 7 days and 6 GB
- 1Best unlimited
GigSky
Unlimited · 7 days
$34.99$5.00 per day- 3.5 GB a day at full speed, then 500 kbps
- Networks: Optus and Vodafone
- Hotspot allowed
- 2Cheapest
Jetpac
10 GB · 7 days
$12.00$1.20 per GB- Lowest total price for 7 days
- Network: Optus
- Hotspot allowed
- 3Best price per GB
GoMoWorld
17 GB · 30 days
$12.99$0.76 per GB- Lowest price per GB for this trip
- Hotspot allowed
Three steps, three questions: the best unlimited plan, the cheapest and the best price per GB, from three different providers. How we pick the podium · Affiliate links
Local SIM or travel eSIM?
For a week of everyday use (6 GB), at the prices on the carriers’ and providers’ websites.
Local SIM, 7 days
A$44
Telstra · 50 GB · 28 days
- Sold in stores or online, depending on the carrier.
- It also comes as an eSIM: your SIM then stays on for calls and texts.
- Passport required at purchase.
Travel eSIM, 7 days
$12.00
with Jetpac
- Installed at home before you leave, it works as soon as you land.
- Your SIM stays on for calls and texts.
- ID: our provider pages say who asks for one.
The currencies differ: we convert nothing. · Affiliate links
Australia SIM card: our analysis
From the carriers’ websites, checked on October 21, 2026.
The carriers
- TelstraTelstra Pre-Paid Mobile Plan $44 · as an eSIM · onlineA$44
- OptusOptus Flex Plus eSIM $44 · as an eSIM · at the airport · online · in storesA$44
Unlimited, phone number, eSIM
- No unlimited offer among the 8 we found: the largest is Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Plan $74 (Telstra, 155 GB).
- 8 of 8 offers come with a number for calls (Telstra and Optus).
- All 8 offers we found also come as an eSIM (Telstra and Optus): no counter to find.
Where to buy it
- At the airport: Sydney (Kingsford Smith) (Optus, Vodafone, SIM Planet).
- Online before you leave: 8 of 8 offers (Telstra and Optus).
- In stores in town: Optus.
eSIMs in Australia at a glance
- In Australia, we compare plans from 8 eSIM providers: Airalo, GigSky, GoMoWorld, Jetpac, Nomad, Orange Travel, Ubigi, and Yesim.
- The cheapest unlimited plan for a week is from GigSky: $34.99 (Unlimited · 7 days).
The carriers’ prepaid offers
For each carrier, the cheapest offers that cover everyday use (maps, messaging, social media) for a week, two weeks or a month.
We found 8 prepaid offers from 2 carriers in Australia: Telstra and Optus. Prices are those on their websites, in their currency (AUD), not converted.
| Offer | Carrier | Data | Validity | Price | As eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optus Flex Plus eSIM $44 | Optus | 110 GB | 28 days | A$44 | Yes |
| Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Plan $44 | Telstra | 50 GB | 28 days | A$44 | Yes |
Sources: optus.com.au, telstra.com.au
What your trip costs, SIM or eSIM
For each trip length, the cheapest offer that covers everyday use.
| Trip | Local SIM | Travel eSIM | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 week · 6 GB | A$44 Telstra | $12.00 Jetpac | See the plan |
| 2 weeks · 12 GB | A$44 Telstra | $12.99 GoMoWorld | See the plan |
| 1 month · 24 GB | — | $24.99 GoMoWorld | See the plan |
The currencies differ: we convert nothing. · Affiliate links
Where to buy it when you land
Carriers and SIM resellers named by the airports’ and carriers’ websites.
| Airport | Where to buy a SIM |
|---|---|
| Sydney (Kingsford Smith) (SYD) | Optus, Vodafone, SIM Planet |
| Melbourne (Tullamarine) (MEL) | None found |
Australia SIM card: your questions
Answered from the carriers’ websites and today’s prices.
How much is a SIM card in Australia?
For a week of everyday use, from A$44 with Telstra (50 GB, 28 days), checked on October 21, 2026.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Australia?
At the airport: Sydney (Kingsford Smith) (Optus, Vodafone, SIM Planet). Carriers also sell their offers in shops or online, depending on the offer.
Do I need a passport for a SIM card in Australia?
Yes: carriers ask for your passport to activate the SIM.
Local SIM or eSIM in Australia?
A travel eSIM is installed before you leave and keeps your SIM on for calls and texts; for a week, it costs from $12.00 (Jetpac). The cheapest local SIM costs A$44 (Telstra).
How much is a SIM card in Australia for two weeks or a month?
For two weeks, from A$44 (Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Plan $44, Telstra).
Is there an unlimited SIM card in Australia?
No unlimited offer among the 8 we found: the largest is Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Plan $74 (Telstra, 155 GB).
Does a tourist SIM card in Australia come with a phone number?
8 of 8 offers come with a number for calls (Telstra and Optus).
Can I buy the SIM card before I leave?
Online before you leave: 8 of 8 offers (Telstra and Optus). All 8 offers we found also come as an eSIM (Telstra and Optus): no counter to find.
Which carrier should I pick in Australia?
For a week of everyday use: Telstra from A$44 and Optus from A$44.
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