Use Cell Phone In Australia for Travelers 2024: How To Do It?

David Smith

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Published: May 2024

Travelers will need to understand how to use cell phone in Australia effectively to always remain connected during their trips.

This blog post is a guide for travelers on how to use cell phone in Australia. It will cover different phone networks if your phone will work, and cheap options like international SIMs or eSIMs for the internet. You’ll learn how to use your phone effectively to keep in touch, use maps, book stuff, and more without communication problems.

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies, and Networks in Australia

Australia has a comprehensive mobile network infrastructure that supports various frequency bands and technologies.

Phone Compatibility

• 4G LTE is Standard: Most new smartphones work with Australia’s 4G LTE. Check if your phone uses 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, important for Australian networks.
• Get Ready for 5G: As more 5G is coming, especially with Telstra, make sure your phone can use 5G bands like n78 to stay up-to-date.
• Check if Your Phone Works in Australia: Before buying a phone, especially from abroad or lesser-known brands, make sure it will work on Australian networks to avoid connection problems.

Frequencies

• 2G: Used for calls and simple texts, mainly in the countryside. Uses 900 & 1800 MHz.
• 3G: Faster than 2G, good for data. Uses 850, 900, & 2100 MHz.
• 4G: Very fast, most common for the internet. Uses 700, 1800, 2100, & 2600 MHz.
• 5G: Super fast, much quicker than 4G. Uses 700, 3500 MHz, & mmWave in crowded places.

Networks

• Telstra: Biggest network, widest reach, fastest speeds, lots of 5G.
• Optus: Good coverage and speeds, more 5G in cities.
• Vodafone: Good city and some regional coverage.
• MVNOs: Like Amaysim, Boost, and Belong, offer good deals using big networks.

II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Australia?

It depends on your specific phone model. To make sure your cell phone will work in Australia, you need to check the following:

You can go to the Kimovil website to check for more details. 

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Australia?

Yes, opting for an international plan for your trip to Australia is highly recommended. While free WiFi hotspots are available in cafes, hotels, and public areas, they come with limitations:

• Limited: Hard to find good WiFi, especially in remote places or when traveling.
• Security Risks: Public WiFi can be unsafe and risk your data.
• Inconvenient: Needing WiFi limits where you can go and what you can do.

But with an international plan, you can do a bunch of things like:

• Call and text home cheaply, skip high roaming fees
• Use cheaper mobile data abroad
• Keep your home number when traveling, so friends and family can easily contact you
• Pick a plan that suits your travel time and needs for the right coverage

Sounds very interesting, right? So do not neglect an international plan while going to Australia.

IV. What Are Options To Use Cell Phone in Australia For Tourists?

When traveling in Australia, it’s key to search for directions, keep in touch, and share moments. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep your cell service good during your trip. Here are:

• eSIM Plan
• International SIM card 
• Pocket WiFi

Let’s dig into details to see which one is the best for you.

1. eSIM Plan for Australia

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card.

Suitable for: Travelers with eSIM-compatible smartphones who want a convenient option.

Where to buy: Gigago

Pros:

• Easy to activate and manage
• No need to swap physical SIM cards
• Often offers competitive data packages
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Requires an eSIM-compatible phone
• Limited availability of local Australian numbers

2. International SIM card for Australia

A physical SIM card pre-loaded with a data package specifically for use in Australia.

Suitable for: Travelers who prefer a traditional SIM card or have phones that are not eSIM-compatible.

Where to buy: Airports, mobile phone stores, convenience stores, online retailers

Pros:

• Widely available and easy to find
• Offers a local Australian phone number
• Variety of data packages and providers to choose from

Cons:

• Requires swapping out your existing SIM card
• May require additional configuration
• Risk of losing the physical SIM card

3. Pocket WiFi

A portable device that provides a WiFi hotspot, allowing you to connect multiple devices to the internet.

Suitable for: Travelers with multiple devices or those who need a large amount of data.

Where to buy: Travel WiFi rental companies like Tep Wireless, Skyroam, or local providers.

Pros:

• Connect multiple devices simultaneously
• Large data allowances
• Can be more cost-effective for group travel

Cons:

• Requires carrying an additional device
• Battery life limitations
• Potential for loss or damage

V. Will My Local Network Work In Australia?

Most likely, your local network can work in Australia, but it’s important to check the specific details to ensure compatibility.

• Australia has different types of mobile networks like 2G to 5G.
• Your phone needs to match Australia’s network frequencies to work.
• Big networks like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone use different frequencies, so check if your phone fits.
• If your phone matches, you won’t have problems using it in Australia.
• If not, you might get a weak signal or slow service in some places.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Australia With Your Cell Phone

Australia is a sought-after travel destination, yet staying connected can often be a hurdle. Luckily, Gigago presents a handy and cost-effective solution with just an eSIM.

A major benefit of Gigago’s Australia eSIM is how user-friendly it is. You can easily buy it online and have it sent straight to your email, enabling setup on your compatible device ahead of your arrival. This means you’re all set from the moment you touch down, avoiding any hassle or complex setup.

Which Australia eSIM plan should you choose for your trip?

For Australia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 5 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Australia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 – $141.50 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Australia, there is always an option for you with Gigago

VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Australia

Here’s how to use your phone smartly in Australia:

• Unlock it for international use to avoid big charges.
• Use free Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, and public places to save data.
• Turn off cellular data and use airplane mode to avoid extra fees.
• Text instead of calling to save money.
• Get offline maps like Google Maps to navigate without using data.
• Bring a portable charger to keep your phone alive all day.
• The emergency number in Australia is “000”

Hope these helpful tips will help you survive in every corner of Australia.

VIII. FAQs about Use Cell Phone in Australia

IX. Conclusion

Knowing how to use cell phone in Australia can make your travel easy. Knowing about international SIM cards, data plans, and free Wi-Fi helps a lot. Be aware of rules and culture to save money and enjoy your trip. Prepare a bit, and your phone will be a great help in Australia.