Mobile Operators & SIM Cards in Australia

Mobile networks in Australia

Share of mobile lines by operator, as of June 30, 2025 (retail mobile phone services, network operators counted with their sub-brands). Sources are listed at the end of the page.

Shares count each network operator's flagship brand (Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom's Vodafone) together with its sub-brands, which compete with the MVNOs for price-sensitive customers.

Buying a SIM card in Australia as a visitor

• Under the ACMA's prepaid ID rules, a provider must not activate a prepaid mobile service until it has collected identifying information from the customer and verified their identity.
• The provider records the name and date of birth of the person activating the service, and (for a personal service) their residential address.
• One approved way to verify identity is a visual check of ID documents.
• For a visual check, you show either one "category A" document or two different "category B" documents (more are needed if you would end up with 5 or more prepaid services).
• A passport issued in your name is a category A document.
• If the ID document shows an expiry date, it must not have expired.
• Telstra's online eSIM checkout asks you for one ID document to confirm your identity.
• The documents Telstra lists are an Australian passport, a driver's license, a Medicare card, or an international passport or ImmiCard.
• A Telstra prepaid eSIM connects in minutes online or in the My Telstra app.
• A physical Telstra SIM ordered online is sent by mail and normally takes about 5 days to reach metro areas.
• Since October 28, 2024, Telstra must block phones that cannot call emergency services (Triple Zero, 000) from its network, including older 3G handsets and some 4G/5G handsets.
• To call 000 on Telstra's network, your phone must support VoLTE emergency calling.

Bring a valid passport: your identity must be checked before a prepaid SIM is activated, and Telstra's online eSIM checkout accepts an international passport.

Prepaid offer examples

Prices from each operator's own website or announcements, checked on September 29, 2026. Offers change often, so confirm before you buy.

Using your US phone in Australia

Whether your US plan covers Australia, and at what cost, depends on the plan, so check your carrier's international page before you go. Our guide to using your US phone abroad covers roaming, Wi-Fi calling and bill surprises.

To call Australia from the US, dial 011 + 61 + the number: see how to call Australia and the Australia phone number format.

FAQ

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Australia?

Under the ACMA's prepaid ID rules, a provider must not activate a prepaid mobile service until it has collected identifying information from the customer and verified their identity. For a visual check, you show either one "category A" document or two different "category B" documents (more are needed if you would end up with 5 or more prepaid services). A passport issued in your name is a category A document.

Can I get a Telstra prepaid SIM with a US passport?

Telstra's online eSIM checkout asks you for one ID document to confirm your identity. The documents Telstra lists are an Australian passport, a driver's license, a Medicare card, or an international passport or ImmiCard.

Which is the biggest mobile operator in Australia?

Telstra led with 41%, followed by Optus at 29% and TPG Telecom at 17%. At June 30, 2025, the three mobile network operators, including their sub-brands, held 87% of Australia's retail mobile phone services.

Will my US phone work in Australia?

Check that your phone supports 4G voice calling (VoLTE) before you go. Telstra has switched off its 3G network. Since October 28, 2024, Telstra must block phones that cannot call emergency services (Triple Zero, 000) from its network, including older 3G handsets and some 4G/5G handsets. To call 000 on Telstra's network, your phone must support VoLTE emergency calling.

Is Boost Mobile the same as Telstra?

Boost is a brand of Telstra. Boost runs on the full Telstra prepaid mobile network.

What are Belong, Felix and Amaysim?

These network-operator sub-brands include Belong, Felix and Amaysim. Shares count each network operator's flagship brand (Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom's Vodafone) together with its sub-brands, which compete with the MVNOs for price-sensitive customers.

Should I get an eSIM or a physical SIM?

A Telstra prepaid eSIM connects in minutes online or in the My Telstra app. A physical Telstra SIM ordered online is sent by mail and normally takes about 5 days to reach metro areas. The physical SIM is shipped free, but only within Australia.