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How to get internet in Australia | eSIM vs local providers
When planning a trip to Australia, one of the first things you should organize is how you're going to have internet access during your trip. It's a huge country, with many remote areas, carextremely long queues and places where coverage changes completely depending on the company.
We traveled around Australia in a camper van, and having unlimited mobile data was key to staying connected and following our travel itinerary. In this guide, we explain how. How to get internet in Australiacomparing the option of using a eSIM of Holafly by buying one Australian local SIM.
How having internet in AustraliaMain options
To get internet in Australia there are two options: use a international eSIM or, buy one Local SIMActivating roaming with your usual carrier isn't worth it due to the extremely high cost.
Therefore, in this article we compare the two most useful options to stay connected when visiting this country.
Option 1: eSIM for Australia
La eSIM for Australia It's the most convenient option if you want internet access from the moment you land. You buy it online, install it on your phone before your trip, and activate it upon arrival in the country—a really simple process.
It's the most appealing option if you're looking for maximum comfort, if your flight is late, or if you don't want to complicate things.carcomparing local plans.
We recommend this company HolaflyWith your eSIM you will have unlimited data throughout your trip.
➤ Hire Holafly With the code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS
Option 2: Buy a local SIM in Australia
Buy one Local SIM card in Australia It's an interesting option if you prioritize the lowest price, are looking for a specific operator, or if you're going to stay in the country for a long time, for example, those traveling with a Working Holiday visa.
The main local networks belong to Telstra and OptusThere are many other companies, but they usually use the network coverage of the two main providers. Virtually all operators offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists, and these can be easily found at the airport and in large supermarkets such as Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi.
The company with the best coverage depends on the region, but Telstra is the most popular in the country thanks to having a more extensive network.
eSIM vs local SIM in Australia: which one to choose?
travel eSIM
Better for: For short trips or if you're looking for maximum comfort.
Quick setup, internet upon landing, and no bus required.car a physical store.
It can be more carto a local SIM.
Local SIM
Better for: long trips or if you prioritize price.
Many options available and Australian number included.
You have to choose the company and buscar a store.
¿Which is the best eSIM How can I get internet in Australia?
Buy one eSIM is the most convenient choice To have internet access in Australia and, in general, in any other travel destination. It's also the most practical option since the purchase and installation process is very quick and easy.
The choice of your ideal eSIM card It will depend on the length of your stay and your needs. If you regularly use the internet and consume a lot of data, I recommend choosing unlimited internet rates such as HolaflyIt's one of the pioneering companies to offer eSIMs, they have 5G connectivity, and you'll never be without internet. You simply need an internet connection when you install the eSIM in your phone before traveling, and once you arrive in your destination country, you can activate it as soon as you land.
Other advantages of eSIM cards are:
- The operation is simple: When you purchase the data package, you'll receive a QR code. Scanning it will automatically begin the eSIM installation on your phone. Simply activate it upon landing, and you'll have instant internet access.
- You keep your WhatsApp number. You can call and message your WhatsApp contacts as usual.
- You keep your SIM card from your usual operator. By activating the eSIM you will have «double SIM» with your usual card, in case you need it. This is important because You will continue to receive confirmation SMS when making online operations such as purchases or account verifications.
HolaflyThe best eSIM for internet access in Australia
El purchasing process of Holafly It's very simple, in their app or website. Holafly You choose Australia as your travel destination. Next, you'll need to decide on the duration and number of passes you want to buy, in case you're traveling with someone. Thanks to reading this article, you can applycar the discount code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS and get a 5% discount.
If you are traveling through several countries or are a frequent traveler we recommend you hire Holafly PlansA monthly subscription service that offers internet in over 160 destinations with a single eSIM. With the discount code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS You get a 10% discount for the first 12 months.
Furthermore, all eSIMs of Holafly They have a benefit that is activated automatically, at no additional cost, and it is called Always OnWith it, you get 1GB of backup internet per month in over 70 destinations. Greater security and peace of mind!
➤ Hire Holafly With the code VIAJEROSLOWCOSTEROS
How to install and activate an eSIM card Holafly in Australia
Install and activate your eSIM It's getting easier all the time, and the email you receive after making your purchase includes step-by-step instructions. Although there are different ways to do it, The quickest and easiest is using the attached QR code. Take a picture of this QR code with a friend's phone or open it on a computer so you can scan the code directly with your phone's camera. You can do this days before you travel; you don't need to do it in Australia.
Once scanned, your phone will begin the installation process, and in less than a minute, the eSIM will be ready. Don't forget that in order to install the eSIM you need an internet connection.
Once you land in Australia, you need to remember deactivate the mobile data option of your usual operator and activate the option allow roaming of the eSIM, otherwise you will not have an internet connection.
Where to buy one local prepaid card
In many cases, buying a prepaid SIM card is the cheapest way to get internet access. These SIM cards can be purchased directly at major Australian airports; there are many shops that sell them, and there are plenty of options to choose from. You can also find them at major supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. In many cases at the airport they are somewhat more carasBut it's worth getting an internet connection before leaving the airport.
Buy a SIM card at Sydney Airport
Sydney Airport is one of the main gateways to Australia and Buying a SIM card at this airport is really easy.Inside the airport you will find many specialized shops that sell SIM cards from various companies.
Once you've collected your luggage and cleared customs, you'll again find small shops from major Australian providers like Vodafone, Optus, and Telstra. The main problem at this airport is that there are so many different options that it's hard to know which one to choose.
Best card Prepaid SIM in Australia
Whether your phone isn't compatible with an eSIM or you prefer a local SIM card, we recommend comparing the main options offered at the airport and choosing the one that best suits your needs in terms of data allowance and price. We suggest Avoid those that use the Vodafone network since it is the least widespread in the country and you may have more coverage problems.
If you prefer to buy the SIM card at a supermarket, the range of options is even greater. At Aldi supermarkets you can get SIM cards from Aldi MobileOne of the most popular options thanks to its low price and use of Telstra's network coverage, which is the most extensive in the country. Another budget-friendly option that also uses Telstra is... Everyday Mobilewhich you can find in the Woolworths supermarket chain.
FAQ about having internet in Australia
In cities, yes, there is usually coverage in most areas between Sydney and Melbourne. But in remote areas of other regions, there may be little or no coverage, even if those remote areas are tourist destinations.
Yes, you can continue using WhatsApp with your usual number without any problems.
It depends on the company and the plan, for example, if you subscribe to Holafly Plans You can share your unlimited internet.
Many cities have free Wi-Fi networks; for example, most phone booths offer free Wi-Fi. However, from our own experience, we can say that these networks often fail and are not very secure.
It depends on the option you've chosen, with eSIMs from Holafly You'll never run out of data. If you've bought a local SIM, you can recarGarla in supermarkets.
I hope this article helps you choose the best option for having internet in Australia and prepare your trip well.
