Vaya Mobile Phone Plans Review

Note: Vaya no longer offers mobile plans to new customers as of April 2024, with existing customers moving to plans with Amaysim.

The self-described ‘best telco you’ve never heard of’, Vaya has been in the mobile game for over seven years, and has undergone some significant changes since it was bought by Amaysim back in 2016. Vaya had earned its reputation for cheap, SIM-only mobile phone plans, however it was previously marred by complaints over bad customer service. Despite this, Vaya’s plan value, network coverage and regular promotions continued to attract wallet-conscious customers.

On the other end of the spectrum, Amaysim has constantly topped customer satisfaction surveys. This pairing has really worked in Vaya’s favour, and the telco has made strides since the acquisition was completed — improving its customer service, and becoming a serious competitor in the cheap mobile phone plan game. Since 2021, Vaya falls under the Optus umbrella, with Amaysim being acquired by the telco giant.

So just what can you expect from Vaya when it comes to mobile phone plans? As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on the Optus network, Vaya has a range of bring-your-own-phone plans that could be worth considering when choosing a new mobile phone plan.

Vaya mobile plans at a glance

Vaya’s SIM-only postpaid plans are fairly straightforward, with a selection of month-to-month plans. All of Vaya’s plans include unlimited standard national calls and text, so you’re only jumping up in price for more gigabytes per month.

The following table shows a selection of published postpaid plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of lowest standard monthly cost to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see all plans available on Canstar Blue’s database. This table includes products with links to referral partners.

Vaya mobile network and coverage

Vaya operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on the Optus 4G network – which covers 98% of Australia’s population – to deliver you super-quick data speeds. So if Vaya sounds like your next mobile provider, you’ll enjoy coverage on Optus’ 3G and 4G Plus nationwide networks.

For customers living in rural locations, Optus is working on improving regional coverage and services across Australia, so more Australians will soon have access to improved services in their area.

Features and bonuses

Although Vaya doesn’t come with any flashy extras, you’ll find good value in both the month-to-month and six-month plans. After all, sometimes simplicity is just what you need.

• Unlimited calls and SMS: Not every telco offers unlimited standard national calls and SMS on all plans — that’s where Vaya shines. Even the lowest plans (on both the month-to-month and six-month options) all come with unlimited talk and text.
• International calls: The top three plans allow you to add on 200 minutes of international calls (to 100 select countries) for an additional $2 per month. International call rates are also fairly cheap, so if you’re not making many calls and are on either of the two cheaper plans, you might find the rates are relatively affordable.
• Auto-renew: If you’re on a month-to-month plan, these plans will auto-renew – so if you’re happy with your plan, there’s no need to worry about renewing each month. However, if you do decide to switch plans or leave Vaya, you can cancel with no early termination fees on all month-to-month plans.

Vaya contact details/customer support

Need some help with your Vaya plan or service? The telco offers several contact and support options, including:

• General customer support: 1300 008 292
• Live chat on the Vaya website
• The contact form on the Vaya website
• The Vaya Australia Facebook page

How does Vaya compare?

Vaya isn’t the only telco offering Optus network coverage at lower prices. The following providers also use parts of the Optus 4G and 3G networks.

• Catch Connect
• Moose Mobile
• Southern Phone
• Circles.Life
• Exetel
• Yomojo
• Amaysim
• Coles Mobile
• Dodo
• iiNet
• SpinTel

Is Vaya a good deal?

While some customers might have been hesitant to switch to Vaya, the changes since Amaysim took over are definitely helping to improve the telco’s reputation. The generous data inclusions might be enough to tempt you if you’re particularly data-hungry, and unlimited standard national talk and text is definitely a plus — so Vaya is worth keeping in the mix if you’re comparing postpaid mobile phone plans.

One downside to Vaya is that there are are several fees to be wary of. If you wish to change your plan, you’ll be up for a $5 plan change fee; there are also late payment fees and SIM card replacement costs.

Overall, if simple and value-packed postpaid plans are what you’re after, and you’re happy to be on the Optus network, Vaya could be the right provider for you. There are also incentives offered if you refer a friend to the telco, so it’s worth considering Vaya when you compare mobile plans.

Related articles

• The Cheapest Mobile Phone Plans
• Top Mobile Deals
• SIM Only Plans Compared
• Excess Data Charges Explained

About the author of this page

This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent over seven years writing for and editing telco comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things phone & internet, including NBN plans, wireless technology, the latest mobile devices and how to find the best deal for your family. She loves to highlight the next best deals, while also flagging the things you need to be aware of.

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