How do SIM only plans work?
A SIM only plan is a postpaid mobile service where you pay a monthly fee to access the provider’s network, but you don’t pay off a new phone handset. The plan includes an allowance for calls, texts/MMS, and data.
You pay a fixed cost to make calls, send messages, and use a set number of gigabytes (GB) over the course of a month. As long as you continue to pay the bill, the service remains active until you decide to cancel it.
When you order a SIM only plan from your selected provider, you will receive a SIM card to insert into your existing mobile phone. The SIM card connects you to the network and holds your plan details.
How do I find the best SIM only plan for me?
Compare providers’ network coverage in your area
To use your SIM only plan effectively, the provider must offer reliable coverage where you live, work, or use your mobile the most. Australia is a vast country, and coverage can vary between the major networks (Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone). Most providers offer a coverage map on their website where you can enter your postcode to check the signal strength in your area.
Buy data that matches your usage
The amount of data offered varies significantly between different providers. Start by matching your own needs with what is on offer. Since many SIM only plans are flexible, it is often easy to upgrade or downgrade your plan if you find your data usage habits change over time.
Ensure the provider offers the support you need
If you have specific preferences regarding customer service, check that the provider can match your needs. For example, smaller providers (MVNOs) might offer cheaper prices but may only provide support via online chat or email, rather than a phone helpline.
Choose the plan that offers you the best value for money
Prices for SIM only plans vary depending on the provider, the data allowance, and extra features like international calls or data banking. You can make significant savings by comparing offers rather than just going with the first one you find. Use the table at the top of the page to quickly and easily find the provider that matches both your price range and preferences.
Which is the cheapest SIM only plan?
CMobile C Red 0.5 GB is the cheapest SIM only plan right now (checked on 22/10/26). The cost is $10.90/month when you sign a 0-month contract.
How to order a SIM only plan
- Compare offers in the table on this page and choose the one that suits you best.
- Visit the provider’s website to order the SIM only plan.
- Choose your SIM type: In most cases, you can choose between a regular physical SIM card and an eSIM (digital SIM).
- Enter your details: You will need to provide your personal information and address.
- ID Check: By law in Australia, you must verify your identity when purchasing a SIM plan. You will usually need a driver’s licence, Medicare card, or passport to complete the order.
- Credit Check: For postpaid SIM only plans, the provider usually conducts a credit check on you.
- If you chose an eSIM, you will receive a QR code via email to activate it on your mobile instantly. If you chose a physical SIM, the provider will send the SIM card to your home via mail. Once it arrives, insert it into your phone to activate it.
- Everything is now set up. If the provider has its own app, download it to easily manage your bills and data usage.
Are there SIM only plans with unlimited data?
Yes, several providers offer SIM only plans with “unlimited” or “endless” data. However, it is important to understand how these work.
Most “unlimited” plans give you a set amount of data at full 4G or 5G speed (e.g., 60 GB). Once you have used that allowance, you can continue using data indefinitely, but the speed is capped (often to 1.5 Mbps or 2 Mbps). This “capped speed” is enough for browsing and music streaming, but may be too slow for HD video or large downloads.
Always check the provider’s “Fair Usage Policy” and the specific speed terms to understand what applies to your plan.
Tethering and Hotspot limits
Some plans with unlimited data may have restrictions on tethering (using your mobile as a hotspot for a laptop or tablet). Check your provider’s Critical Information Summary (CIS) to see if such limits apply.
Can you get a SIM only plan with no contract?
Yes. In fact, most SIM only plans in Australia are now “month-to-month” plans, meaning there is no long-term lock-in contract.
The biggest advantage of a month-to-month plan is flexibility, allowing you to change plans or leave the provider whenever you wish without paying a cancellation fee. Some providers still offer 12-month contracts, which usually come with a discount or more data in exchange for committing to the full year.
Cancellation notice
Even on a no-contract plan, you usually need to pay until the end of your current billing cycle when you cancel. Check the specific cancellation terms with your provider.
Can I use my SIM only plan abroad?
Yes, you can use your SIM only plan overseas, but it usually costs extra. Check the international roaming rates before you travel. Using your data or making calls abroad without a specific travel add-on can be extremely expensive.
What are the rules for roaming overseas?
Since Australian plans do not have “roam like at home” benefits, you generally have two options when travelling:
- International Roaming Packs: Many major providers (like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone) offer a daily roaming add-on (e.g., $5 per day) that lets you use your Australian data and call inclusions while overseas in eligible countries.
- Pay As You Go (PAYG): If your provider does not offer a roaming pack, you will be charged per minute for calls and per megabyte (MB) for data. These rates are often very high, so it is usually safer to turn off data roaming or buy a local SIM card at your destination.
Always check your provider’s website or app to see if roaming is enabled on your account before you leave Australia.
How do you switch SIM only plan and provider?
Switching providers is simple. If you want to keep your current mobile number, do not cancel your current service yourself.
- Sign up with the new provider and select “keep my existing number” (porting) during the checkout process.
- The new provider will contact your old provider to move the number over.
- You will typically receive an SMS to verify the transfer.
- Once the new SIM is active, your old plan will be cancelled automatically.
Note! If you are on a fixed-term contract (e.g., a 12-month plan), you may need to pay an early termination fee if you leave early. If you are on a month-to-month plan, you will simply pay out the final bill.
Frequently asked questions about SIM only plans
While 5G was once a premium feature, in 2026, most budget-friendly phone plans include 5G access as standard. However, be aware that many cheap plans come with “speed caps” (often limited to 100 Mbps or 150 Mbps). This is still plenty fast for streaming Netflix or scrolling TikTok on the go, but power users might prefer an uncapped plan.
The choice between prepaid and postpaid (month-to-month) has narrowed recently. Prepaid is great if you want to avoid “bill shock” and don’t want a credit check. Postpaid plans usually offer more data and the convenience of “set and forget” billing. Both options are now largely “no lock-in,” meaning you can switch your card to another provider whenever a better deal pops up.
Choosing between these plans depends on your budget and how much data you need. A month-to-month SIM only plan is the best choice if you want a low upfront cost and the flexibility to change your phone plan at any time. However, if you’re looking for the cheapest possible rate over the long term, a 365-day prepaid plan can offer significant savings. You pay more upfront, but the effective monthly cost is usually much lower than a standard 28 or 30-day recharge. Both options allow you to keep your existing mobile number and swap your SIM card easily if your needs change.
Data banking allows you to roll over any unused gigabytes at the end of your billing cycle into a “bank” for future use. Some telcos let you grow this bank up to 500 GB or even 1 TB. It’s a great way to ensure you’re getting exactly what you paid for, especially during months when you’re relying more on Wi-Fi.
Yes, absolutely. Under Australian law, you can “port” your existing mobile number to any new provider for free. The process is usually handled entirely by your new telco and typically takes anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Just make sure your current phone service remains active until the transfer is complete.
