Mobile phones and internet

Some of the major mobile phone and internet providers are Optus, Vodafone, Telstra and Virgin. Many providers will have outlets in major shopping centres. Mobile phones and SIM cards can also be purchased from some Post Offices.

Mobile phones

It is best to purchase a SIM card with Australian mobile number when you arrive in Australia, as using your home phone number will incur high international roaming costs. There are two types of mobile phone accounts you can choose from:

Prepaid

A prepaid SIM card gives you flexibility to control how much you spend. Pre-paid SIM cards are sold in many shops and supermarkets, as well as by mobile phone providers. After an easy set-up process with the provider, you will have a working Australian mobile number which you can add credit to as needed either online or in a retail store. Your mobile phone provider can provide details on how you can top up your service.

Contract

A phone contract is where you choose from a range of payment plans for a monthly fee. The fee depends on the inclusions such as the physical handset, amount of internet data access, and number of calls and texts. The advantage of this is little up-front cost; but most of these contracts are at least 12 months. You should consider the length of your stay in Australia and any plans you have to leave the country during holidays before you start a phone contract.

Internet

The University has free high-speed WIFI at all of our campuses for all students. Many rental properties will offer Internet access as part of, or additional to rent. You can also purchase pre-paid or contract internet plans like mobile phones or as an addition to a mobile phone plan.

Making international calls

To make international telephone calls from Australia, dial 0011 followed by the country code, the area code (if required) and the telephone number. To call Australia from overseas, dial 61 followed by the area code and telephone number. To make calls from one location to another within Australia, dial the area code (if required) followed by the telephone number.