GPRS and 3G wireless Internet connections are available through all cellular phone networks. Australia has cellular networks operated by Telstra , Optus and Vodafone , and each of the networks have several resellers with different price plans.
If you have a 3G/UMTS-enabled phone, make sure it supports the appropriate frequencies: 850/2100 MHz for Telstra, and 900/2100 MHz for Optus and Vodafone. Also check your with your home carrier for data roaming fees (likely quite expensive).
Several carriers offer prepaid 3G access with no contract from around $30 per month with various bundles and inclusions. For around $50 you can get a USB modem or WiFi dongle.
There are no restrictions on overseas residents getting a Australian prepaid SIM card. In fact, it is extremely easy to go into Woolworths/Safeway (Australia's largest grocery chain) and buy a $2 SIM card over the counter (though no calls are included). Take your passport for identification in case it is required.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Australia
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Australia - updated Apr 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Australia hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Australia Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
