1. Australian phone number
- CeyaExplore
- Aug 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Have you just arrived in Australia on your Working Holiday Visa (WHV)? Before you even think about buying a van or looking for a job, there's one essential step: getting a local phone number.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about choosing an operator so you can connect to Australia in less than 30 minutes.
📌 Why have an Australian number?
Having an Australian phone number is essential for:
Apply for a job (all employers will require this)
Create a local bank account
Apply for a TFN (tax number)
Use Uber, order an eSIM card, or access certain local apps
Avoid roaming charges from your UK operator
👉 This is the first thing to do upon arrival.
🇦🇺 The main operators in Australia
Australia has three major operators with their own mobile networks:
Operator | Network | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
Telstra | National leader | Better coverage, including rural areas | Higher rates |
Optus | 2nd network | Good balance between quality and price | Less reliable outside major cities |
Vodafone | Urban network | Attractive prices | Poor coverage in remote areas |
👉 A quick comparison with France:
Telstra ≈ Orange
Optus ≈ Bouygues
Vodafone ≈ SFR
💸 Virtual Operators (MVNOs) for PVTists
Many low-cost operators use these networks to offer very competitive prepaid plans, ideal for backpackers:
Operator name | Network used | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Boost Mobile | Telstra | Super coverage + flexible prepaid |
Amaysim | Optus | Cheap, easy to find in supermarkets |
Kogan Mobile | Vodafone | Perfect for small budgets |
Aldi Mobile | Telstra | Top-up in Aldi store |
Coles Mobile | Optus | Coles in-store top-up |
✅ How to choose the right package?
Here are the key criteria to take into account as a PVTist:
Network coverage
If you travel a lot, especially in rural areas, choose Telstra or Boost Mobile.
Budget
For budget deals, Amaysim and Kogan are unbeatable.
Flexibility
Take out a prepaid plan without commitment, to keep your freedom.
Accessibility
You can buy a SIM card in almost any supermarket (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi).
🧾 How to activate your SIM card in Australia?
Buy your SIM card in a store, at an airport, or online
Insert the SIM into your phone
Connect to Wi-Fi to activate online
Provide proof of identity (passport)
Choose your plan and make your first payment
⚠️ Your phone must be unlocked (free from any operator).
🧠 eSIM: a practical alternative
If your phone is compatible, you can also use an eSIM, which is a virtual SIM card that you can download.
Benefits :
Immediate activation (convenient at the airport)
Keep your French SIM at the same time
Less plastic and faster to set up
👉 Some Australian operators like Boost, Optus and Vodafone already offer eSIMs.
✈️ Where to buy your Australian SIM?
At the airport (convenient, but a little more expensive)
In supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi)
In the operators' stores
Online, with free delivery (in certain areas)
📝 Quick summary for backpackers in a hurry
Situation | Recommended operator |
|---|---|
You're taking a road trip in the bush | Boost Mobile (network Telstra) |
You mostly stay in the city | Amaysim or Kogan Mobile |
You want a fast eSIM | Optus, Vodafone, Boost |
You want to spend as little as possible | Kogan or Aldi Mobile |
📍 Conclusion
Getting an Australian number is the first thing you should do when you arrive with your WHV. Whether you're in the city or on the road, there are options for every budget, with or without an eSIM, and plans that are very easy to activate.
Take the time to compare offers, choose a prepaid plan with no commitment, and be connected from day one. It's a small step that will make everything that follows easier: job, housing, banking, official procedures, etc.
💭 Next step: Open a bank account in Australia
Having an Australian bank account is essential for receiving your salary, paying without fees, and accessing your superannuation. It's a quick step to take upon arrival to facilitate all your future administrative and professional procedures.
All the steps of the first steps:
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