Sydney: signal, data and getting around
Australia, covered by 45 Australia plans from $0.60.
Talisim editorial team · Updated
Quick answer
A Talisim Australia eSIM works in Sydney: 45 plans from $0.60, 100MB–50GB, up to 3G, 4G, 5G, on Optus, Telstra. Top-ups: yes, on most plans. Data only: no phone number, calls or texts. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and iMessage work over data. Hotspot and tethering work, as far as your phone allows, and use the same data.
Where the signal goes
Strong across the city and on the ferries, which is where you'll want it. The older underground stations in the CBD are the weak points, and the Blue Mountains drop out within an hour of leaving.
Getting around
Opal or contactless on trains, buses and ferries. The Manly ferry is public transport that happens to be the best harbour tour available.
Neighbourhoods
Surry Hills
Terraces, small bars, and most of the good restaurants.
Newtown
Student end of town, with the music venues and the bookshops.
Bondi
The beach, and the coastal walk south to Coogee is the real draw.
What's on
Vivid Sydney
May to June
Harbour and CBD
Light shows across the harbour after dark. The best views are from the ferries, which run late.
Sydney Festival
January
Across the city
Three weeks of theatre and music, much of it outdoors and free.
Elsewhere in Australia
Installing for the first time? The FAQ has the four steps and the phones that support eSIM.