eSIM or physical SIM?
If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones since XS and recent Androids), an eSIM is the easy win — buy it before you fly, scan a QR code, and you're connected the second you land. No shop queues, no swapping tiny cards. Prefer a physical SIM? You'll find them at the airport and in every supermarket.
Roughly what you'll pay
Short trip
Starter
10 GB
- ~2–3 weeks
- Calls & texts in AU
- Good for maps + socials
Most backpackers
Working holiday
30–50 GB
- ~1 month, top up anytime
- Hotspot for your laptop
- Best value per GB
Long haul
Unlimited-ish
100 GB+
- Months on the road
- Streaming + video calls home
- Nationwide coverage
Indicative data tiers to help you choose — prices vary by provider. Australia's main networks are Telstra (best remote/outback coverage), Optus and Vodafone (great value in cities and along the coast).
Backpacker tips
- Buy before you land so you have maps and rideshare working at the airport.
- Heading outback or up the coast? Telstra reaches furthest — worth it for farm work and remote drives.
- Keep your home SIM in a safe spot for the number and any 2FA codes.
- Top-ups are online — no need to commit to a big plan up front.
🔌 Booking partners are on the way. We're lining up eSIM deals for AusTrip travellers. In the meantime, any major Australian eSIM works great with this guide — and everything you book through AusTrip earns you Roo Points.