Best Cheap SIM Cards and Phone Plans for International Students in Australia (2025)

Buy This at the Airport

Woolworths Mobile, Aldi Mobile, and Amaysim all have physical SIM cards at airports. Skip the Telstra/Optus airport shops — their plans are overpriced. A AUD 10–15 prepaid SIM gives you enough to last your first week while you set up properly.

Best Ongoing Plans for Students (2025)

• Boost Mobile (uses Telstra network): AUD 20/month for 15GB, unlimited talk and text. Best regional coverage.
• Woolworths Mobile: AUD 10/month for 15GB if you shop at Woolworths regularly (bonus data). Uses Telstra network.
• Aldi Mobile: AUD 15/month for 12GB. Uses Telstra network. Simple and reliable.
• Circles.Life: AUD 18–25/month. Data rollover. Optus network. Popular with students in metro areas.

Network Coverage Tip

Telstra has the best coverage across Australia, including regional areas. Optus is good in metro areas. Vodafone struggles in regional areas. Since Boost and Woolworths Mobile use Telstra's network at budget prices, they're the best value combination.

Setting Up Your Account

Australian phone plan registration requires ID (passport). Some providers require an Australian address — use your university or student accommodation address for initial registration.