If you’re planning a trip to Australia as a tourist, getting an Optus SIM card or eSIM is essential for staying connected while traveling. This guide will explore Optus SIM cards and eSIM solutions, giving tourists an overview of the best cellular plans for their Australian adventure.
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about Optus
Optus is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Australia, offering mobile, broadband, and entertainment services. Here are some quick facts about Optus:
- Established: Optus was established in 1992 in Australia.
- Branding name: Optus is often referred to simply as “O” and uses the color orange in their branding.
- Services provided: Optus provides mobile, internet, entertainment and business communication services across Australia. This includes mobile plans, NBN internet, home phones and pay TV.
- Number of subscribers: Optus has over 10 million subscribers for its mobile services.
- Number of stores: There are over 400 Optus branded stores located nationwide to purchase plans and devices.
- Customer service: Optus provides customer support through site live chat, phone lines, social support and in-store assistance.
- Awards: Optus has consistently won awards for network coverage, speed and customer service from groups like umlaut, RootMetrics and Customer Service Institute of Australia. They have been rated #1 network multiple times by various independent tests.
II. Why Optus When You’re Exploring Australia – Coverage and Speed
Optus offers excellent coverage and fast speeds across Australia making it a great choice for tourists exploring the country.
Optus Coverage in Australia
Optus provides reliable 4GX and 5G coverage to most of the Australian population. Its mobile network reaches beyond major cities to cover over 1.6 million square kilometers of Australian landmass. According to Optus, its 4GX network is available to over 99% of the Australian population, covering most metropolitan areas, regional.
Coverage extends deep into rural townships as well, albeit at lower speeds. While remote wilderness regions may see more sporadic service, Optus has continuously improved its regional coverage through investments in towers and infrastructure. You can thus stay seamlessly connected using Optus’s extensive 4GX network throughout their Australian journey.
Optus Speed
In addition to coverage, Optus also offers high-speed data on its 4G and emerging 5G networks. According to the latest data from Opensignal, the median download speed on Optus’ 4G network nationwide is around 208.7 Mbps. This places Optus’ speeds on par with some of the fastest networks globally.
In major cities where 5G coverage is available, speeds can exceed 1 Gbps, allowing customers to do data-heavy tasks like streaming, gaming, and downloading large files in seconds. Even in regional towns, Optus customers are able to enjoy speeds far above the national average.
In summary, with excellent national coverage and fast mobile data speeds, Optus is a great operator for steady connectivity when exploring Australia. Their network strengths make them well suited for tourists.
III. Optus Connectivity Options for Travelers to Australia
There are a few different ways travelers to Australia can get Optus connectivity:
- Buying Optus SIM Card – Optus offers prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased in Australia. These provide local Aussie phone numbers, data, SMS, etc.
- Using Pocket Wifi – Portable WiFi hotspots can be rented with Optus SIMs inserted. These provide data for multiple devices.
- Roaming – If you have an existing cell provider, request an international roaming package from them to use Optus in Australia.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Buying SIM Card | Affordable price | Need unlocked phone |
| Local Aussie number | No multi-device support | |
| Easy to get | ||
| Pocket WiFi | Data for multiple devices | More expensive |
| No phone unlocking needed | Must return device | |
| Roaming | Use existing phone & number | Generally more expensive |
| Familiar carrier | Check roaming inclusions |
In summary, buying a local Optus SIM card is generally the most convenient and affordable option for single-device connectivity for short trips. For longer trips or multi-device use, pocket WiFi is a good alternative. Roaming can work for shorter trips but is typically more costly.
IV. Best Optus SIM Card for Tourists & Cost
Optus Flex Plus represents excellent value prepaid plans for both occasional visitors and local users on a budget in Australia. Here are some of the best Optus SIM card options for tourists to consider:
| Plan | Recharge Amount | Data Allowance | Expiry Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optus Flex Plus | $12 | 5GB first 3 recharges, then 3GB | 7 days |
| Optus Flex Plus | $12 | 60GB for first 28 days, then 40GB on 2nd/3rd recharge, then 20GB | 28 days |
| Optus Flex Plus | $17 | 80GB for first 28 days, then 60GB on 2nd/3rd recharge, then 30GB | 28 days |
| Optus Flex Plus | $25 | 80GB on first 3 recharges, then 40GB | 28 days |
So in summary, Optus plans are very competitively priced for the inclusion offered and flexibility of usage. They make for a top choice amongst various prepaid plan options in Australia.
V. Does Optus Support eSIM in Australia?
Yes, Optus supports eSIM in Australia. Optus was one of the first carriers in Australia to launch support for eSIM. Their eSIM capabilities allows users to easily activate a new digital SIM card on compatible eSIM devices without having to acquire a physical nano-SIM.
There are some key advantages of using Optus eSIM include:
- No need to go to an Optus store, eSIMs can be purchased online
- Quick and easy to set up on your device
- Dual SIM functionality – use local data + existing number
- More secure as profiles are embedded in device
australia-esim.com is a great option for travelers looking to utilize Optus’s robust eSIM capabilities during their Australian trip. By purchasing an eSIM plan from australia-esim.com, visitors can conveniently access Optus’s high-speed 4GX or 5G network without any wait times. With affordable plan bundles starting from just $6 for 3 days, australia-esim.com makes staying connected in Australia with Optus a breeze for international tourists.
Go Beyond Borders with Australia-esim.com
VI. Where can You Buy a Optus SIM and eSIM?
Where to Buy Optus SIM card
Optus prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at several locations:
- Optus Stores: Optus has their own retail stores located in major cities and airports across Australia. Stores offer SIM starter kits with plans.
- Airports: Major airports like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports have Optus kiosks issuing SIMs.
- Supermarkets: Check supermarket electronics sections like Coles or Woolworths for Optus SIM sale.
- Online: Order an Optus SIM card kit directly from their website optus.com.au and have it shipped for free Australia-wide.
For tourists, airports and partner stores near major attractions are most convenient for plug-n-play Optus SIM activation. Service stations are good for road trips in regional Australia. Online is best if needing the SIM sent to your address.
Note: When purchasing, you'll need to show ID such as a passport. Optus has detailed store listings on their website. Major cities offer the most choice in SIM purchase locations.
Where to Buy Optus eSIM in Australia
For purchasing Optus prepaid eSIM, you can now install an eSIM via My Optus app when you sign up for an Optus Flex Plus plan. This allows digital activation without needing a physical SIM card. Other Optus Prepaid plans can be activated with eSIM when purchased in-store at Optus shops. However, you need to provide a valid form of identification for verification.
Another better and more convenient option for travelers who don’t want to prepare identification documents is purchasing an Optus prepaid eSIM plan from Australia-esim.com. It provides all the benefits of Optus connectivity without the hassles of in-store or over the phone activation. You can purchase their eSIM before arriving in Australia and have it ready to use as soon as they land. It’s definitely the most hassle-free way to enjoy Optus prepaid eSIM connectivity while visiting.
VII. How to Activate Optus SIM/eSIM in Australia
How to Use Optus SIM Card in Australia
Activating an Optus SIM card is very easy:
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked device
- Turn on your device and wait for the SIM to be detected
- The SIM will automatically activate in most cases
- Configure the APN settings if required
- Check you have signal and can browse data
With 4G compatibility and a prepaid SIM, you’ll have fast data immediately in Australia. Top up/recharge as needed based on your selected prepaid package.
How to Activate Optus eSIM
To begin using an Optus eSIM, follow these steps:
- Purchase an Optus eSIM profile online
- Receive the eSIM activation details via email or QR code
- Install the eSIM profile on your phone using setup app or scans
- Follow activation steps prompted on your device
- Configure eSIM data settings and reboots if required
- Connect to the Optus network and start browsing!
Correctly installing and activating the eSIM profile ensures you can connect seamlessly to the Optus network.
VIII. Australia Optus Call & SMS Rates
When using an Optus Prepaid SIM, here are the typical call and SMS rates:
| Call/SMS Type | Rate |
| Calls to Optus mobiles | $0.99/min |
| Calls to other Australian mobiles | $1.00/min |
| Calls to Optus landlines | $0.60/call + $0.40 flagfall |
| Calls to other Australian landlines | $0.99/min |
| Calls to international numbers | From $0.99/min to select countries, up to $3/min elsewhere |
| SMS to Optus mobiles | $0.25/SMS |
| SMS to other Australian mobiles | $0.30/SMS |
| SMS to international mobiles | $0.50/SMS |
Many Optus prepaid packs include an allowance of minutes and texts, so additional charges may not apply. But if exceeding the inclusion, the above rates are typical.
Calling or texting international numbers is more expensive. Budget prepaid packs often exclude international communication. But higher-end prepaid packs may bundle some international minutes and texts.
IX. How to Top-up Optus SIM Card/eSIM?
To add more credit or data to an Optus SIM card or eSIM, you can:
- My Optus App: Top up directly from your phone
- Online: Recharge online with your Paypal account, debit or credit card.
- Recharge via IVR: Call 555 & select option 2.
- Recharge via SMS: Text ‘MENU’ and send to 9999, follow the prompts
You can also set up Autopay to automatically top-up your account when your credit reaches a minimum amount.
X. FAQs about Optus in Australia
Does Optus have good coverage outside major cities?
Yes, Optus has over 99% population coverage across Australia including major regional and rural areas. However, in very remote locations coverage may be limited to 3G or non-existent.
Can I use Optus SIM card in my home country?
No, Optus prepaid SIMs only provide service within Australia. Outside the country they will be unable to connect to a network.
What speeds does Optus 5G offer?
Optus 5G uses the 3500 MHz band and offers peak download speeds up to 400Mbps in enabled areas. Real-world speeds average 100-150Mbps for most users.
Does Optus throttle speeds after a data limit?
On some legacy plans speeds were throttled. But on current prepaid plans, speeds remain at 4G LTE levels after using up included high-speed data.
Can I use an Optus eSIM in multiple devices?
No, an Optus eSIM profile can only be actively used in one device at a time. Switching devices requires uninstalling and re-activating the profile.
XI. Final Words
In summary, Optus provides excellent connectivity in Australia with great coverage, speeds, and prepaid options. SIM cards are easy to find and activate. With ample data packs, affordable rates, and hassle-free activation, Optus is a top choice for exploring Australia with steady connectivity. Consider Australia-eSIM for both budget-conscious and tech-savvy travel alike looking to stay connected throughout their Australian trip.
