Telstra SIM Card and eSIM for Tourists – All You Need To Know

Telstra is Australia’s largest and most popular mobile network operator. As a tourist visiting Australia, getting a Telstra SIM card or eSIM can ensure you have reliable connectivity across the country. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using Telstra when traveling in Australia, including coverage, speed, connectivity options, where to buy a SIM card or eSIM, plans, call and data rates, how to activate and recharge, useful codes, and more.

I. Quick facts about Telstra

Here are some quick facts about this brand:

• Founded: 1901 as Australian Telecom, privatized in 1997 and became Telstra Corporation Limited.
• Full company name: Telstra Corporation Limited
• Services provided: Telstra provides comprehensive telecommunications services including mobile, internet, landline phone, pay TV, cyber security, cloud solutions etc. It is the largest telecommunications company in Australia.
• Number of subscribers: As of 2022, Telstra has over 16 million mobile customers which is the largest in Australia with over 50% market share. It also has millions of broadband and pay TV subscribers.
• Customer support: Telstra offers 24/7 phone support in English and some other languages through dedicated numbers. Customers can also chat online, book a call-back or lodge support requests via the Telstra 24×7 automated service channels.

II. Telstra Coverage and Speed in Australia

1. Telstra coverage in Australia

When it comes to coverage, Telstra has the most extensive network compared to its competitors. It operates over 17,000 mobile site towers across the nation, reaching over 99.5% of the Australian population. This expansive coverage allows Telstra to provide service to major cities as well as remote rural areas that competitors may not cover.

For Australians traveling in the bush, Telstra is often the only feasible option to stay connected. Their prevalence makes Telstra a popular choice even for customers who primarily use wireless services within cities, due to the peace of mind the expansive coverage provides when venturing beyond city limits.

2. Telstra speed

Telstra provides some of the fastest internet speeds in Australia, regularly ranking at the top for network performance and speed tests. According to the latest figures, Telstra’s median download speed for fixed broadband connections is around 180.1 Mbps. This lightning fast speed allows customers to take full advantage of high-bandwidth applications and experiences. You can download full HD movies in just minutes, stream and game online without the worry of buffering.

Telstra and Optus are two of the major mobile network providers in Australia. Based on recent speed test results, Optus recorded slightly faster average download speeds at 208.7 Mbps compared to Telstra’s 180.1 Mbps. For tourists visiting Australia who want fast, reliable internet access to fully explore and discover every part of the vast country, Optus’s network could be a better choice.

III. Telstra Connectivity Options for Travelers to Australia

Given its stellar network strength, Telstra is the go-to option for reliable connectivity across Australia. Here are the Telstra mobile connectivity choices available for travelers:

Connectivity Option	Pros	Cons
Telstra SIM Card	Easy setup and use	Works with your own device
	Works with your own device	Coverage limited to cellular network
	Works with your own device
Telstra Pocket Wifi	Works with any device via hotspot	Slightly more expensive than SIM
	No need to swap SIM cards between devices	Extra device to carry/charge
Roaming	Keep using your phone number	Often most expensive option
	No need to purchase additional options	Coverage limited to cellular network

Overall, a Telstra SIM card offers tremendous flexibility, affordability and compatibility, making it by far the best choice for travelers seeking reliable connectivity throughout their Australian adventure.

IV. Best Telstra SIM Card for Tourists & Cost

Let’s look at the best Telstra prepaid SIM options for tourists along with indicative pricing:

Plan	Recharge Amount	Data Allowance	Expiry Period	Additional Inclusions
$12 SIM Kit	$12	3GB	7 days	Unlimited calls and texts to Australian numbers, 100 texts to any country, carbon neutral
Save with Pre-Paid	$17 (usually $35)	35GB	28 days	Unlimited calls and texts to Australian numbers, international calls and texts, carbon neutral, continuous data rollover
$45 SIM Kit	$45	50GB	28 days	Unlimited calls and texts to Australian numbers, international calls and texts, carbon neutral, continuous data rollover
Pre-Paid Savings	$130 (usually $160)	110GB	6 months	Unlimited calls and texts to Australian numbers, international calls and texts, carbon neutral, continuous data rollover
$320 SIM Kit	$320	230GB	12 months	Unlimited calls and texts to Australian numbers, international calls and texts, carbon neutral, continuous data rollover

The Telstra Pre-Paid plan provides the best balance of flexibility, wide coverage, long validity and value for tourists planning an extensive trip around Australia. The extra customization makes it worth considering over the other options.

V. Does Telstra support eSIM?

Yes, Telstra offers eSIM profiles for both prepaid and postpaid mobile plans on devices like the iPhone, Pixel and Samsung devices.

Telstra prepaid plans provide a contract-free mobile service alternative for both local residents and international visitors traveling in Australia. This allows customers the flexibility to purchase a plan tailored to their expected data, call and text needs over the duration of their stay. Rather than being tied to long-term postpaid contracts, prepaid options from Telstra enable pay-as-you-go mobile connectivity. Plans start from as low as $8 for 3GB of data valid for 7 days, all the way up to 220GB for $205 with a 12 month validity period, although this highest value plan is exclusively available online.

VI. Where Can you Buy a Telstra SIM Card and eSIM?

You can easily purchase a Telstra SIM card or eSIM both before arrival and once in Australia:

Where to buy Telstra SIM for Australia:

• Airport shops – Major international airports like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns will have Telstra kiosks or resellers inside the terminals
• Telstra stores – You can purchase SIM cards at Telstra branded retail stores located in most major cities and towns across Australia. Stores will have a range of prepaid options.
• Supermarkets – Woolworths, Coles often have Telstra SIM cards.
• Electronics shops – JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and other chains also often stock Telstra SIM cards.

If already in Australia, visiting any Telstra shop or authorized reseller is easiest. Ordering online for delivery also works well.

Where to buy Telstra eSIM

You can purchase and activate Telstra eSIM through these channels:

• Telstra website – Visit telstra.com.au. Create account, choose prepaid eSIM plan and download profile.
• Telstra app – iOS/Android app lets you buy and manage Telstra eSIM.
• Telstra stores – Staff can assist with new eSIM activation in-store.

For tourists, the self-service Telstra website or mobile apps offer the quickest eSIM activation. Visit a store if you need staff assistance.

VII. How to Activate Telstra SIM/eSIM

Activating a new Telstra SIM card or eSIM profile is quick and convenient:

How to use Telstra SIM card

1. Insert regular or Micro/Nano Telstra SIM in unlocked phone.
2. Power on phone and enable mobile data. SIM will auto-configure.
3. Dial *100# to check SIM number and balance.
4. Recharge SIM via voucher, credit/debit card to activate.

Once recharged, the prepaid SIM will be active for 365 days. Top-up as required during your travels.

How to activate Telstra eSIM

1. Purchase Telstra eSIM plan online and download eSIM profile.
2. On eSIM phone, scan QR code or tap link to install new Telstra eSIM.
3. Accept mobile data activation request on phone when prompted.
4. Telstra eSIM will instantly activate on phone dual SIM setup.

Both regular SIM and eSIM activation involve 3 simple steps of install, enable data, and recharge. Then you’re all set to use Telstra service during your Australia visit!

VIII. Telstra Call & SMS Rates

Here are the standard prepaid call and text rates when using Telstra SIM cards in Australia:

Call/SMS Type	Rate
Standard national call (per minute)	$1.00
Calls to standard Australian mobiles (per minute)	$1.50
Calls to Telstra mobiles (per minute)	$0.90
Standard national SMS (each)	$0.25
SMS to Telstra mobiles (each)	$0.15
International calls*	Rates for international calls are quoted on request depending on calling plan and destination
International SMS*	$0.80
Video call rates	Standard voice call rates apply
Excess data rates	$10 per 1GB

Zones for international calls are based on distance from Australia. Full rate list can be found on Telstra site. These per minute or per message rates apply after using any free included units in your recharge pack. Call rates drop after the first 10 minutes. Overall, Telstra prepaid rates for calls and texts are reasonable.

IX. How To Recharge My Telstra SIM

You can easily top up an existing Telstra prepaid SIM card balance online, via app or in-store. Here are the steps to top up a Telstra prepaid SIM card:

1. Sign in to My Telstra
2. If you have multiple pre-paid services, choose the one you want to recharge from the dropdown on the top left of the page
3. Click on Recharge
4. Select your preferred recharge amount
5. Select your preferred payment method
6. Follow the prompts to complete your Pre-Paid recharge.

X. Telstra and Optus – Which Is A Better Choice?

While Telstra has the broader network coverage across Australia given its larger scale, Optus has emerged as a better overall option for tourists visiting the country:

Criteria	Telstra	Optus
Network Coverage	Broader coverage reaching more remote areas. Covers 98% of population.	Strong coverage in major cities and tourist areas. Covers 93% of population.
Plan Options	More targeted towards local residents with postpaid plans. Prepaid options more expensive.	Competitive range of affordable prepaid plans ideal for tourists.
Activation Process	Can be more complex with documentation required.	Straightforward online activation of prepaid plans.
Speed	Around 180.2 Mbps	Wins the 5G Download Speed with a score of 208.7 Mbps
Price	Higher pricing overall.	More affordable options for occasional users.
Customer Experience	Focus on local consumer base.	Plans tailored to occasional/international visitors.
Recommendation for Tourists	Not the best value or most suitable given postpaid focus.	Superior choice with better balance of coverage, price and flexibility.

Given that most travelers concentrate activities in populated areas, Optus’ network suffices while offering a better balance of value, flexibility and customer experience. For these reasons, Optus prepaid mobile plans conclude as the recommended choice for international tourists exploring Australia over options from incumbent provider Telstra.

Discover a new affordable option for staying connected in Australia – australia-esim.com. Powered by Optus, australia-esim.com provides pre-paid eSIM plans exclusively for international travelers and tourists. Their versatile plans starting from just $6 for 3 days of service allow you to enjoy Optus’s high-speed 4GX network without the hassle of procuring a physical SIM card.

XI. FAQs about Telstra in Australia

XII. Final Words

In summary, Telstra is the top mobile network in Australia offering unrivaled coverage, fast speeds and reliable service. Telstra provides a variety of prepaid SIM card options that are very suitable for tourists visiting Australia.

However, an alternative worth considering is an Australia eSIM from GIGAGO, which offers flexibility of digital delivery and activation, avoiding the hassle of finding a physical SIM on arrival.