Getting a SIM Card
You can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport on arrival or at any convenience store, supermarket, or phone retailer. The major networks are Telstra (best coverage, most expensive), Optus (good balance of coverage and price), and Vodafone (cheapest but weaker rural coverage). Budget MVNOs like Boost (Telstra network), Amaysim (Optus network), and Felix (Vodafone network) offer significantly cheaper plans.
For most new arrivals, a prepaid plan with 30-50GB of data for around $30-40/month is a good starting point. You will need your passport for ID verification when activating a SIM. Most plans include unlimited calls and texts within Australia.
Keeping Your Chinese Number
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or later, most recent Samsung and Google phones), you can keep your Chinese SIM as the physical card and use an Australian eSIM. This lets you receive WeChat verification codes and keep your Chinese banking apps working while using an Australian number for local calls. Alternatively, services like Google Voice or Skype can forward calls.
If your phone does not support eSIM, consider a dual-SIM phone or keep your Chinese SIM in an old phone at home connected to WiFi for receiving verification codes.
Home Internet (NBN)
NBN (National Broadband Network) is Australias main home internet infrastructure. When you rent a property, ask the real estate agent about NBN availability and technology type. Common speed tiers are NBN 25 ($50-60/month), NBN 50 ($60-70/month), and NBN 100 ($70-90/month). For most households, NBN 50 is sufficient for streaming, video calls, and general use.
Popular providers include Telstra, Optus, TPG, Aussie Broadband, and Superloop. Aussie Broadband consistently ranks highest for customer satisfaction. Setup typically takes 1-2 weeks from ordering, so arrange it early when moving into a new home.
VPN for Chinese Apps
Some Chinese streaming services and apps may have geo-restrictions when accessed from Australia. A VPN with servers in China or Hong Kong can help access content like Bilibili, iQiyi, and Youku. Popular VPN options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Note that using a VPN is legal in Australia but may violate terms of service for some streaming platforms.
Essential Apps to Download
- Google Maps — navigation and public transport directions
- Your city transport app (Opal Travel, PTV, TransLink)
- Banking apps (CommBank, ANZ, etc.) once you open an account
- Uber and DiDi for ride-sharing
- WhatsApp — widely used in Australia (alongside WeChat for Chinese community)
- Menulog or Uber Eats for food delivery