Once you have arrived in Australia, you'll want to stay connected with family and friends. There are many ways to keep in touch these days, and once you've settled in, you'll have access to mobile phone and landline services, and the Internet, too. There are various operators across the country offering a wide range of packages at competitive rates, so you can choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. And the country's postal service, Australia Post, will ensure that those birthday presents and Christmas cards arrive overseas on time too.
Phone operators in Australia
With numerous mobile phone providers in Australia, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast array of choices available. Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG, and Amaysim are the primary service providers, offering a range of mobile and home phone plans.
It is important to note that although there are many providers, all mobile plans in Australia operate on one of three networks: Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone. The networks themselves sell their own mobile plans, but they also share their network with smaller, independent operators who often charge cheaper rates for their plans.听Compare prices before making your choice, as the different options can sometimes be confusing.
Phone plan types and prices
When choosing a phone plan, research providers and consider the type of connection you require. For instance, if you plan to use your current mobile phone, you can opt for a monthly subscription or a prepaid card without needing to commit to a contract.
Given the competition among operators in the country, it is worthwhile to compare the different brands. If you opt for a prepaid SIM card, expect to pay around AUD 20 (USD 13.15) per month for unlimited texting and calling, including unlimited international calling to certain countries and about 15GB of data. In addition to and stores, you can also purchase pre-paid SIM cards from the major Australian retailers and supermarkets such as , , , , and .
If you want to sign up for a contract, the price will be higher, as it includes phone rental. Alternatively, you can buy the phone outright. Contracts range from 12 to 36 months, and the bill is paid monthly via direct debit or your provider's website. Your plan will include a minimum monthly service charge, along with a range of internet data usage, and unlimited talk and text. The cost of plans can vary widely, but the first thing you need to consider is whether you need a new phone with your plan or if you already have a phone and just need a phone plan. Comparison websites like and are a great way to get started when researching mobile phone plans, their inclusions, and the costs.
Landlines
If you want a home phone at your new address in Australia, most landline or fixed-line services now operate over the Internet. Landlines, or fixed lines, are being transitioned to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as a result of the rollout of the National Broadband Network in Australia, which aims to provide Australians with faster Internet services. To connect a landline, speak to one of the main providers such as , , , and . You can bundle your home phone with NBN Internet, as well as unlimited local and national phone calls. In recent years, however, many Australians have done away with their home phone, relying on their mobile phones instead.
Internet calling
If your friends and family overseas also have Internet access, then platforms like Skype, FaceTime, Google Meet, and Zoom are a great way to stay in touch. These communication platforms enable you to make free video calls and are also popular in Australia for conducting business meetings.
Mobile phones in Australia
In Australia, you can buy a regular mobile phone at a reasonable price. If you already have a mobile device, consider unlocking it before you leave your home country, so you can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in Australia.听Although all operators offer national coverage, you will find areas with no or very poor reception, especially in remote and rural parts of the country.
To buy a mobile phone locally, visit one of the branches of your chosen operator, such as Optus or Telstra, or an electronics store, like JB Hi-Fi. To top up your pre-paid account, you can buy credit in any supermarket (Aldi, Woolworths or Coles) as well as in electronic stores and Australia Post branches.
Important:听
Signing a contract with an operator commits you to one or two years. If you break your contract before the deadline, you will have to pay the remaining balance, which can be very expensive.
Good to know:
To make international calls from Australia, dial "00" followed by the country code, then the number.
To make local or national calls, you must dial the area code below, followed by the phone number:
- 02 for New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT);
- 03 for Victoria (VIC) and Tasmania (TAS);
- 07 for Queensland (QLD);
- 08 for the Northern Territory (NT), South Australia (SA) & Western Australia (WA);
- 04 for mobile phones.
Connecting to the Internet in Australia
Where would we be without the Internet? It's an essential part of modern living, whether it's for professional or personal use. Access to the Internet is vital for staying in touch with family and friends, as well as the world around us, especially when living abroad. The Internet is widely available throughout Australia, although it can be slow or unreliable in some of the country's most remote areas. However, Australia's internet infrastructure has improved in recent years, thanks to the rollout of the NBN, which is improving access in isolated communities and improving speed and reliability for those working from home.
Modem and internet packages
In Australia, internet packages usually include data and a modem. However, when you arrive in Australia, you can purchase a Wi-Fi dongle, which can be a cost-effective option for temporary internet access. In Australia, consumers have several internet providers to choose from, with Telstra, Optus, and TPG leading the way. Please note that if the provider sends a technician to your home to set up your Internet, a fee will be applied for this service.
As for Internet packages, you can choose an unlimited package for between AUD 50 (USD 33) and AUD 80 (USD 52) per month or a limited monthly package. It is strongly advised to protect your internet access with a password for more security. Your provider will give you all the necessary information, and many offer bundled packages that include a landline phone, cable TV, and modems, all of which are included when you open a new account.
Unfortunately, Australia ranks 59th in the world for internet quality, with an average download speed that is slower than the global average. This can be somewhat frustrating if you come from a country with a fast connection. However, the NBN rollout is aiming to rectify the problem.
Wi-Fi
You will find free Wi-Fi hotspots in many public places, such as shopping centers, libraries, cafeterias, and restaurants; however, the security of your data is not guaranteed.听Avoid using these connections for sensitive online transactions, such as banking or financial matters.听Internet cafes are rare these days, but you can still find some in major cities.
Mobile data
You can purchase a mobile data plan to access the internet from your smartphone or tablet.听In Australia, you can find affordable data and SIM cards by comparing the different providers' offers. On average, you'll pay between AUD 15 (USD 10) per month for a budget-friendly plan and up to more than AUD 80 (USD 52).
, for example, offers prepaid data plans for AUD 25 (USD 16) per month that include 30GB of data. The advantage of prepaid plans is that they allow you to unsubscribe at any time.
Useful link:
Postal services in Australia
is the nationwide postal system in Australia. There are approximately 4,200 post offices across the country, with more than 2,550 located outside major cities. In the 2024 financial year, more than 2.3 billion items were processed. You can post a letter or parcel at an Australia Post outlet, or you can post a letter from one of the 14,000 street letter boxes.
However, the modern-day Australian post office does a great deal more than just sending and delivering domestic and international mail. Australia Post outlets have become a one-stop shop for your everyday needs. You can get your passport photo taken, pay bills, buy mobile phone SIM cards and prepaid top-ups, update your driver's or firearms license, verify your identity, apply for a tax file number, have your signature witnessed, transfer money, buy foreign currency, and stock up on your stationery supplies. There are numerous other services available as well.
In Australia, the mail is usually delivered Monday to Friday, with weekend deliveries taking place in the lead-up to Christmas. Express Post is a faster service, albeit at a more expensive rate, for time-sensitive letters and parcels. Express Post typically takes between one and three days, and a next-day guarantee applies to items sent within the Express Post network. Parcels and letters can be sent to residential or business addresses as well as Post Office boxes and Parcel Lockers.
When sending items with Australia Post, you can send by:
- Standard Mail: regular post service that takes between two and six days within Australia
- Express Post: premium, express services for letters and parcels. It takes one to three days
- Registered Post: includes insurance, tracking, and proof of delivery. It takes two to six days for delivery within Australia
- Parcel Post: regular parcel delivery service within Australia. It takes two to six days. Cost based on size, weight, and destination
Shipping overseas
The cost of shipping parcels internationally will be calculated based on size, weight, and destination. Australia Post ships to more than 220 destinations around the globe and offers prepaid boxes and satchels in-store to help save on postage costs. You can send overseas via standard or express shipping.
There are five zones for items shipped from Australia:
- Zone 1: New Zealand
- Zone 2: Asia Pacific
- Zone 3: USA and Canada
- Zone 4: UK and Europe
- Zone 5: Rest of the World
Use the to determine the best way to send your item overseas, including the cost and estimated delivery time. You just need to enter your Australian suburb and the destination.
Other mail options
Courier services have become increasingly popular in Australia, particularly with the rise in online shopping over the past few years. Couriers can provide a more cost-effective mailing solution to Australia Post for business owners who send multiple parcels, and they sometimes offer faster delivery times as well. However, if you are looking to use the services of a courier, be sure to read online reviews to gauge the quality of service and their reliability.
Some of the well-known couriers in Australia include:
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