Get connected while living, working or studying in Australia

Coming to Australia for work, university study or even a short trip? 

Moving countries can be a stressful experience. To help you get settled we’ve put together this guide with the information you need to get connected and settled in fast.

Before you arrive

You can do a lot of online research to prepare you for your journey in Australia. All the information you’ll need should be available on the mobile and internet service providers’ (otherwise known as ‘telco’) websites. Optus is one of Australia’s telcos. Spend time reviewing your options so you can arrive with and get connected soon after landing.

If you know your new address in Australia jump on our network coverage map so you’ll have confidence knowing you’ll be covered in your new home if you choose Optus.

Need a new mobile phone?

First up, consider your mobile phone. Is it new or do you require an upgrade? That’ll help you decide what sort of mobile plan you need when you arrive in Australia. Of course, it depends on how long you’ll be in the country. If you have an older phone and are planning a long stay in Australia, you can look at plans that come with a handset that you can pay off over time. If your phone is still new and you want to keep using it, then a local SIM only plan is a great option. Just make sure your phone isn’t locked to your home network.

At the airport

After a long flight, you’ve finally landed in Australia. Fantastic. Welcome to Down Under, the home of unique animals, sunny summers, and Vegemite.

When you can switch your device on and if you still have your SIM in your phone, data roaming charges may apply immediately. So, to save money before you get a local SIM, turn off your mobile data and log in to the airport WiFi. We have an Optus store in most Australian international airports, so you won’t have to wait too long to get connected.

After you’ve cleared customs, you can visit one of our ‘Yes’ stores to get your SIM or an eSIM and connect to our world class network. Just make sure you have your identification documents and our staff can help set you up. They’ll also be able to activate your SIM – right there in the store. Our value packed Traveller SIM is a great first option to get you started. That way, you’ll be ready as soon as you head out of the airport to start your Australian adventure.

Getting settled in

After you’ve arrived at your new home or accommodation, you can start thinking about the right mobile service or home internet plan to set you up for success in your new country. To help, here’s a list of the types of plans on offer in Australia, along with some of the terminology that may be unfamiliar to you.

Mobile phone and SIM options

Here are some things to consider when choosing your Australian mobile service and some definitions:

• Prepaid plan: If you are only in Australia for a short period of time, a Prepaid SIM is a good option. Prepaid plans come in many different types, so you can choose between more data, a longer expiry period, international calling options, and 4G or 5G network access.
• Mobile SIM plan: Optus offers month-to-month plans, which means you’ll be able to change or cancel the plan at any time, and there are several plans to choose from with different inclusions to suit your needs. If you have a 5G device our current mobile SIM plans (called Optus Choice Plus plans) include access to our 5G network at no extra cost. Note that our 5G network is available in selected areas.
• Device payment plan: We also provide options so you can pay off a phone interest free over 12, 24, or 36 months when you take a mobile SIM plan with us. The price per month depends on the type of phone you choose and how long you want to take paying it off. We offer a great selection of mobile phones from brands like Apple, Samsung, Oppo, and Google.

Internet for your new home

Your Home internet options include nbn, 5G and 4G home internet plans (depending on coverage and serviceability).

The nbn^TM is Australia’s national broadband network, giving homes and businesses wired access to the internet. 5G and 4G home internet use the service provider’s networks. All of them are good options, with the difference being what kind of modem you’re using and which network you’re relying on.

Want to work or study on the go?

If you want something that’ll give you access to the internet while you’re outside of your home, travelling around Australia, or needing to work or study on the go, we have some great data only options and devices:

• Data SIM plan: This can either be used in a device that’s made for a SIM like a tablet, or portable modem that you can connect a few devices to. You can read more about our prepaid internet options that you can pick up at the airport and our postpaid data SIM plans you can get in store.
• Tablet or Modem payment plan: We also provide options so you can pay off your iPad, tablet or portable modem interest free over 12, 24, or 36 months when you take a data SIM plan with us. The price per month depends on the device you choose and how long you want to take paying it off. We offer a great selection of devices from brands like Apple and Samsung and a range of portable modems to suit your needs.

Coming for university study?

Budgeting as an international student can be hard, but student discounts are available for lots of things from public transport to entertainment, to phone and internet plans.

Optus Student Hub has details about our student discounts, available for eligible tertiary students with a valid student ID.

Once you have your student ID and official student email address, you can sign up for one of our plans with your student discount in three easy steps:

1. Enter your student email address in Optus Student Hub to get a one-time discount code
2. Choose from our Choice Plus mobile plan or Home Internet offers
3. Checkout and apply the discount code

Moving to a regional area?

If you’re going to be living in one of Australia’s beautiful regional areas, you’ll have access to regional networks. With the mobile networks constantly expanding to connect even remote areas you won’t be short of options for connectivity. 

Learn more about Optus Regional coverage.

Managing your new service is easy

Once you’ve chosen what plans you’ll be using while in Australia, the next step is managing them. This can either be done online for most of our plans or using an app like our My Optus app. You can see your usage, manage payments, and even check your network status, all in the palm of your hand.

Whether you’re coming to Australia for work or study, Optus has you covered with our great range of mobile and internet services.