Looking for suggestions on inexpensive service for a ~2 week trip.
Have unlocked phone on AT&T. Not liking the $10 per day plan they offer..
Appreciate help in finding sim/esim option for college student to contact family in USA.
Thank you
Posted by
Singapore
947 posts
If they're only in major capital cities, the three network operators are Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Then there are a whole bunch of resellers. Amaysim operates on the Optus network and has great deals, including free international calls.
If they are traveling to rural/country areas, stick to Telstra. The Optus and Vodafone networks are not as good outside the big cities, and this can be an issue if they're in a remote area.
Posted by
127 posts
$10 per day is better than Verizon now $12 per day! More helpfully, do they need to use cellular every day? Just to check in with you, they can use WiFi for WhatsApp, email, facebook, etc.
Posted by
Singapore
947 posts
Being a college student I'm guessing they will need it every day :). Messaging friends, checking maps, etc. Buying a local SIM can be as little as AUD10 a month (USD7), so it's not much.
Posted by
OP
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12822 posts
Simon--- Do you have a provider, or two, that you would recommend ?
Thanks to everyone for the help.
Welcome any other suggestions.
Posted by
4 posts
For my two-week trip to Australia, I picked up a prepaid SIM from Optus at the airport—worked great across major cities and even along the Great Ocean Road. You can also order eSIMs online ahead of time if your phone supports it. Data was fast, and plans were cheaper than roaming with my U.S. carrier. Just bring an unlocked phone.
Posted by
Hobart Tasmania
468 posts
@ Joe.
This web site provides what appears to be a reasonable comparison of the three networks which provide mobile coverage and info on the resellers who piggyback on these networks,
https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans
I am told the comments on the three networks is quite comprehensive and reliable.
Assuming your student is only interested in the capital cities, anyone would appear to be of interest. I am also told that not all offer E Sims.
If going to the outback/rural and remote, Telstra offers the best coverage.
Disclaimer: I am a shareholder in Telstra via a number of investment instruments.
My sons oversee the management of our communications, so I do not know the nitty gritty of the deals. We have an account manager at Telstra. Suffice to say that from my perspective, Telstra is reportedly the most expensive but gives the best coverage, which is what I need in outback Western Australia.
Regards Ron