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What is a SIM card?
A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is a microchip that contains details about your mobile phone account that grants you access to your provider’s network.
It’s linked to your account and can be used in any compatible phone to allow the device to make and receive calls and texts as well as use data, depending on the type of SIM card purchased.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a chip that is built into a phone that allows you to change providers without having to swap physical SIM cards. Instead, software allows you to change providers instantly online.
eSIM technology also allows for multiple SIMs to be stored on a compatible phone. This allows you to use more than one number, and facilitates easy switching between providers when travelling overseas.
Most new higher-end smartphones can use eSIMs.
Prepaid offers you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored SIM Only plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $17.50) SIM Only Prepaid
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50GB Data/month |
$17.50 Cost/month |
Go to site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $17.50) SIM Only Prepaid
|
50GB Data/month |
$17.50 Cost/month |
Go to site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $20) SIM Only Prepaid
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UnlimitedGB Data/month |
$20.00 Cost/month |
Go to site |
Where can I buy a SIM card?
Many retailers and online stores sell SIM cards and eSIMs offering different plan options, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal for you.
Do telco stores sell SIM cards?
The three main Australian telcos each have physical and online stores that sell SIM cards and eSIMs that permit access to their mobile phone networks:
Telstra
In addition to Telstra’s website, the telco has over 280 stores across Australia that retail prepaid SIM cards, SIM-only plans and mobile phones.
Optus
Optus retails prepaid SIM cards and SIM-only plans, as well as mobile phones, from its website and 350 physical stores across Australia.
Vodafone
Vodafone sells prepaid SIM cards, SIM-only plans and mobile phones from its website and over 250 stores across Australia.
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Do electronics retailers sell SIM cards?
Most large electronics retail chains sell SIM cards:
JB Hi-Fi
JB Hi-Fi has over 200 stores across Australia, in addition to its website. It retails a range of SIM cards, including its own phone plans, powered by the Telstra network.
Officeworks
Business and stationery supplies chain Officeworks retails prepaid SIM cards and phones via its website and over 170 stores nationwide.
The Good Guys
The Good Guys operates over 100 stores and sells a range of SIM cards, including its own phone plans, powered by the Telstra network. SIMs available in-store only.
Harvey Norman
Harvey Norman has over 200 stores around the country and offers SIM cards for Optus plans in-store only.
Kmart
Low-price retailer Kmart offers a range of SIM cards in-store, from telcos including Amaysim, Boost, Lebara, Optus and Telstra.
Do supermarkets sell SIM cards?
If you’re looking for a cheap SIM, or need one in a hurry, Australian supermarkets and convenience stores often stock SIMs:
Coles
One of the largest supermarket chains in Australia, Coles operates over 850 stores and sells its own range of SIM cards, powered by the Telstra network, as well as low-priced network-locked prepaid phones.
Woolworths
Woolworths has over 1100 stores around the country, and partners with Telstra for prepaid and postpaid plans. SIMs can be bought in-store and via Woolworths’ Everyday Mobile website.
ALDI
ALDI has 591 stores across Australia and retails its own SIM card and a wide range of phone deals, including prepaid, data-only and family plans that use the Telstra network. Its phone products are also available from the Aldi mobile website.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven’s 750 locations stock SIM cards from major telcos, as well as international calling cards.
Do petrol stations sell SIM cards?
Many petrol stations sell a range of SIM cards from major telco providers, usually as prepaid options.
What are the benefits of buying a SIM card in Australia?
If you’ve recently hopped off a plane, buying a SIM card in Australia can have a number of benefits, including:
- Easy top-ups: topping up your balance is made easy with in-store vouchers, online top-ups or through a provider’s app.
- Local support: local telco support can help fix any issues you’re having with your SIM or phone plan.
- Lower data rates: local data rates typically offer better value than international roaming plans.
Alternatively, if you’re planning to head overseas, there are still benefits to buying a SIM from a local provider before jetting off, including:
- Trusted telcos: using a reputable Australian telco can avoid unnecessary issues and provide peace of mind.
- Local currency: avoid overspending by knowing exactly how much you’re paying for an international roaming plan by paying in your local currency.
How do I switch a SIM card?
Once you’ve bought your SIM card, you’ll need to remove your existing SIM and replace it with your new one. SIM-card locations vary model to model, but once you’ve found the SIM tray on your device, general replacement instructions are usually the same:
- Insert the SIM tool that came with your phone (alternatively, you can use a thin paperclip) into the small hole on the SIM tray until it pops out.
- If there is an existing SIM card in the tray, remove it (put it somewhere safe if you plan to use it again) and replace it with your new SIM.
- Slide the tray back into your phone.
- Restart your phone.
If you’ve purchased an eSIM, you’ll usually be prompted to use your telco provider’s app, which will provide full installation instructions.
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