Australia travel guide: mobile data, networks and what's on

What the network is actually like

The eastern seaboard and the capitals are very well covered by every network. Most of the interior has nothing at all: the Nullarbor, the Kimberley and most of the outback are blank on every map, and that's a safety consideration rather than an inconvenience. Rural coverage differs a lot between the Australian networks, so check which ones this eSIM uses before relying on it out of town.

This eSIM: up to 3G, 4G, 5G, onOptus, Telstra. Each plan on the Australia page says which of these it uses.

How much data you'll need

The east coast for a fortnight is around 10GB. Inland is a different question. Download everything first and assume no signal at all.

Recommended: 10GB → closest plan 10GB · 30 days, $9.40.

City guides

Where the signal actually drops, and how to get around.

Where people go

• Sydney

  The harbour is the city. Ferries are the best-value sightseeing anywhere.

• Melbourne

  Laneways, coffee and four seasons in an afternoon.

• Brisbane

  Warm year-round, with the Gold Coast an hour south and the Sunshine Coast an hour north.

• Perth

  One of the most isolated cities on earth. Adelaide, the nearest big city, is about 2,100 km away, and Bali is closer than Sydney.

What's on

Timings are month-level, because most of these move year to year.

• Australian Open

  January

  Melbourne

  Two weeks, and the city is at its busiest and hottest.

• Vivid Sydney

  May to June

  Sydney

  Light installations across the harbour. Crowds on the bridge are enormous.

• Melbourne Cup

  First Tuesday of November

  Melbourne

  A public holiday in Victoria, and the rest of the country stops for the race.

Quick answers

Which networks does a Talisim Australia eSIM use?

Our Australia plans run on Optus, Telstra, at up to 3G, 4G, 5G; a given plan may use only some of them. Each plan on the Australia page lists the networks it uses.

Can I top up a Australia eSIM?

Yes. Most Australia plans can be topped up with more data and days from your order page until they expire, on the same eSIM with no new QR code.

Does a Australia eSIM come with a phone number?

No. Data only: no phone number, calls or texts. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and iMessage work over data.

How much data do I need for Australia?

The east coast for a fortnight is around 10GB. Inland is a different question. Download everything first and assume no signal at all.

Regional plans that also cover Australia

Crossing a border on the same trip? One of these covers the whole route on one eSIM.