How to buy a SIM Card at Melbourne Airport & City 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

David Smith

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Latest update: September 2024

Arriving in Melbourne, Victoria’s bustling metropolis is a thrilling experience. However, maintaining a connection may be difficult, particularly when expensive roaming fees are involved. Thankfully, picking up a SIM card at Melbourne Airport (MEL) is a simple procedure that guarantees easy communication during your visit. This thorough guide examines your alternatives and prepares you for a stress-free connection and arrival.

I. Should You Buy a SIM Card at Melbourne Airport (CBR)?

The answer depends on your requirements, interests, and money.

Tourists usually buy SIM card at Melbourne Airport. It’s convenient to utilize the internet when you arrive. It has various flaws. You may have to pay more, wait in line, and have limited options.

Mobile shops, convenience stores, and internet retailers sell SIM cards in Melbourne. These methods give more options, lower rates, and better deals. However, they need more effort, study, and travel.

► Our recommendation: Purchasing a SIM card at the airport could be a smart option if you need internet fast, don’t mind paying for it or standing in line, and want a hassle-free experience. You should go elsewhere if you want to evaluate programs, save money, and aren’t in a rush.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Melbourne Airport?

The next question is where to buy a SIM card at Melbourne Airport. There are two main ways to do that:

1. Buy online before departure and pickup at the airport

Don’t want to wait in line upon arrival? Pre-ordering your SIM card online, including options for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone customers, lets you conveniently pick it up at Melbourne Airport. Search “Australia SIM card” and choose a website offering SIM card at Melbourne Airport for a hassle-free experience.

What to prepare:

• Look for the SIM pick-up option during purchase.
• The product description usually includes an airport map with marked pick-up points and a list of participating airports.
• Prepare your passport and order confirmation for a smooth pick-up.

Cost: Generally comparable to in-airport purchases, sometimes cheaper with promotional offers.

Pros:

• Skip the line at the airport.
• Potentially better deals than on-site purchases.

Cons:

• Availability varies by provider.
• Requires planning before your trip.

2. Buy at the airport upon arrival

Did you land in Melbourne? You can snag a SIM card right after arrival at convenient kiosks or stores. Here’s a quick guide:

• After clearing customs and baggage claims, you’ll likely see kiosks/stands/stores of various mobile network operators.
• Prices and availability may vary across different retailers.

2.1 Optus store

Location: International arrivals area (T2), near the exit of the customs area

Opening hours: 6 am – 7 pm daily 

Plan: Optus Epic, starting from $10 AUD for 7 days, unlimited calls and texts, and up to 10 GB of data.

2.2 Vodafone store

What to prepare: Your passport and your phone 

Cost: Vodafone Combo Plus, starting from $20 AUD for 7 days, unlimited calls and texts, and up to 3 GB of data.

Pros: Flexible recharge options online or in-store, decent coverage and speed in major cities 

Cons: More expensive and fewer data than Optus, worse coverage and speed in rural areas, the store may not be open 24/7

2.3 Telstra

What to prepare: Your passport and your phone 

Cost: Telstra Pre-Paid Max, starting from $10 AUD for 7 days, unlimited calls and texts, and up to 10 GB of data.

Pros: Best coverage and speed in Melbourne and other major cities, as well as in rural areas, reliable and secure network 

Cons: More expensive and less data than Optus. The kiosk may not be open 24/7

III. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Melbourne Airport – Registration Process

Before heading to the store SIM card at Melbourne Airport, be sure you have these essentials handy:

• Your passport: This is crucial for identification during the purchase process.
• Unlocked phone: Ensure it isn’t locked to a specific carrier, allowing it to function with the new SIM card. Contact your home provider beforehand if you need clarification on unlocking.
• Payment method: Most stores accept cash and credit/debit cards, so choose your preferred option.

While counter staff typically assist with setting up the SIM, it’s always good to carry your SIM removal tool just in case, mainly if you’re used to changing SIM cards frequently.

IV. Best Tourist Melbourne Airport SIM Cards Options and Price

If you wish to purchase a SIM card at Melbourne Airport, three significant network alternatives are available: Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra. You may choose from various bundles priced in USD, which each network offers. Comparing them is provided here:

1. Optus: 

• 5 GB data + unlimited calls/texts for 7 days – $7.6 USD
• 40 GB data + unlimited calls/texts + international calls for 28 days – $22 USD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls/texts + international calls for 28 days – $29 USD

2. Telstra:

• 3 GB data + unlimited calls/texts for 7 days – $7.6 USD
• 35 GB data + unlimited calls/texts + international calls for 28 days – $45 USD 
• 45 GB data + unlimited calls/texts + international calls for 28 days – $45 USD 

3. Vodafone:

• 40 GB data + unlimited calls/texts + international calls for 28 days – $19 USD
• 50 GB data + unlimited calls/texts + international calls for 28 days – $25 USD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls/texts + international calls for 28 days – $32 USD

V. Australia eSIM for Melbourne – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Melbourne Airport

eSIMs (embedded SIM cards) offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. Here’s why they stand out:

• No need to carry or swap physical cards: eSIMs are programmed directly into your phone, eliminating the risk of losing or damaging a tiny plastic chip.
• Dual SIM capability: Some phones allow using an eSIM alongside a physical SIM card, enabling you to manage two phone numbers on the same device.
• Environmentally friendly: Choosing an eSIM reduces plastic waste compared to traditional SIM cards.

Gigago offers a variety of eSIM plans for Australia. What is excellent about Gigago’s Australia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 – $141.50 :

• 1 GB/1 day for 5 days – $10.50 USD
• 20 GB for 30 days – [product_price_max id= “15461”] USD

Explore more options and purchase your eSIM directly on Gigago’s website: Gigago eSIM Australia.

VI. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Melbourne Airport?

While the airport offers convenient options, venturing into the city opens up additional possibilities, including obtaining a SIM card at Melbourne Airport:

• Official Mobile Network Operator (MNO) stores: Look for dedicated stores of significant carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. These stores offer a more comprehensive range of plans and better deals than airport options.
• Convenience stores: Depending on the location, some convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Woolworths might sell prepaid SIM cards.

What to prepare:

• Passport for identification.
• Payment method (cash or card, depending on the store).

Cost: Prices might vary slightly compared to airport options but generally fall within the same range ($25-40 AUD for tourist plans).

► Our recommendation: If your phone is eSIM compatible, consider purchasing an eSIM online before your trip. This eliminates the need to find a physical SIM card and allows you to manage your plan conveniently. However, ensure your chosen provider offers eSIMs for Australia.

VII. FAQs

VIII. Conclusion

Melbourne Airport provides convenient options to grab a SIM card upon arrival, making it an ideal choice for immediate internet access. However, limited options, potentially higher costs, and potential waiting times can be drawbacks when considering the purchase of a SIM card at Melbourne Airport.

Consider purchasing an eSIM online before your trip, especially if your phone is compatible with a more flexible and potentially cost-effective approach. This allows you to explore plans, compare prices, and avoid airport queues, ensuring a smooth and connected start to your Aussie adventure.