Can I Use My NZ Mobile in Australia?

Can I use my mobile phone in Australia?

In most cases, yes, you can use your New Zealand phone in Australia. New Zealand and Australia both use the GSM mobile network standard, which means that most phones from New Zealand will be compatible with Australian networks.

Can I use my NZ SIM in Australia?

Good news! You don’t need to buy a new SIM card when travelling to Australia. However, you should note that you won’t be able to use your standard mobile plan. Instead you’ll need a roaming plan.

It’s important to note that unless you select a specific roaming plan, you’ll be charged casual rates while roaming. And those rates can be very high.

→Related article: Best Roaming Plans in NZ

What is mobile roaming?

Roaming (commonly referred to as global roaming, international roaming or data roaming) is when your phone uses another provider’s network to use functions such as calling, SMS, and mobile broadband (data) when your own network is unavailable. This is typically done when travelling overseas.

If you’re on holiday in Australia, your NZ Mobile plan won’t be of much use. However, with roaming, you can use an overseas carrier’s network to continue surfing the web, and texting/calling to your heart’s content, all from your own device, number and SIM.

The overseas carrier won’t charge you to use its network. Rather it will charge your local carrier, that will then charge you, in the form of casual rates or as part of your prepaid plan.

But be warned, roaming rates are not as kind as regular domestic charges.

→Related article: What is Mobile Roaming?

Should I buy a new SIM card?

If you don’t fancy purchasing a roaming pack or paying steep casual rates, purchasing a new SIM card could be a good option.

You have two options:

1. An Australian SIM
2. A travel or international SIM

Buying an Australian SIM card

Getting your hands on an Australian SIM card is pretty straightforward. You can buy a SIM card before you leave and have it shipped to you, or buy one at the airport or at the provider’s stores.

If you’re going to buy at the airport, spend some time looking at the options and chosen your sim card before you arrive to make the transaction quick and easy. You will need to pay for and register your sim card, but once that’s done, it should be activated within ten minutes.

To activate your card, you’ll need:

• Your name
• Passport number
• Australian address (you can use your hotel or hostel address)

Australia has three mobile networks, which all other providers use:

• Telstra – has the widest coverage and is the best choice if you’re planning to visit the outback and want to make sure that you have mobile signal
• Optus – isn’t as large as Telstra, but shouldn’t be a problem if you’re staying in or around urban areas
• Vodafone – the smallest of the three major carriers

Carefully consider how much you’re willing to pay and what features are important to you before making a decision.

Buying a travel/international SIM card

Some mobile providers offer SIM cards designed for global use. These cards allow you to use your phone in multiple countries without changing the SIM card. They often provide competitive rates for international calls, texts, and data.

Always check the features of a travel SIM card before purchasing it to make sure it works in multiple countries if you’re travelling. Also, some travel/international plans use eSIMs, rather than a physical card, so you’ll need to check that your phone is compatible with eSIMs and supports the technology.

→Related article: What Is an eSIM?

Like local SIM cards, you can purchase a travel SIM online before you travel, or pick one up at the airport.

Activating a SIM card

If you buy your sim instore, a staff member will likely register and activate it for you. This is the easiest way to set up your new SIM card.

If your purchase a SIM card online, or it isn’t already activated for you, you’ll need to activate it yourself. You’ll find the activation instructions on the SIM card’s packaging.

Most mobile providers have an app which you can use to activate your new SIM. Simply insert your new SIM, download and sign-up to the app and click the ‘Activate Your SIM’ button.

Please note that you’ll likely need a Wi-Fi connection to activate your new SIM.

If you have any trouble setting up your new SIM card, contact the mobile provider.

Remember to contact your mobile provider when you wish to cancel your SIM card or mobile plan, otherwise they may keep charging you.

Cheapest phone plans: Canstar can help!

And this is where Canstar comes in. As part of our mission to inform Kiwi consumers of the best deals on the market, we’re constantly assessing mobile phone providers and their plans.

Our annual Most Satisfied Customers | Mobile Prepaid Plans and Mobile Monthly Plans Awards reward the mobile providers that offer the best products, value for money and customer service. In our most recent award, Skinny took out top honours for Prepaid Plans, while 2degrees won our Monthly Plans Award.

About the author of this page

This page was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.