Getting a Mobile Phone
You can either choose to bring your existing mobile phone, or buy a new one when you arrive. You can buy second hand phones at Gumtree or brand new at one of Australian’s mobile phone providers.
Using Your Existing Phone in Australia
If your existing mobile phone provider has an International Roaming Agreement with a network in Australia, you can use it in Australia. Your home network provider will be able to give you further details, including the charges for International Roaming.
This service can be quite expensive, so it is important for you to be aware of all charges that may apply. You should also check whether your phone is compatible with networks in Australia.
Buying a New Phone
‘Pre-paid’ is the best option if you decide to buy a new mobile phone in Australia. These are available from Robina Town Centre at Woolworths, Coles, and Optus and Telstra shops and include a basic handset, a SIM card and some calling credits. You can purchase additional calling credits as needed.
The main phone companies are Vodafone, Telstra, Optus and Virgin. Pre-paid phones range from $49 to around $249 depending on the model you choose and calls will cost between 92c per minute peak time and 34c off peak.
