Best way to use an iPhone in Australia for 2 weeks?

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stuffed

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#105284 1-Jul-2012 10:13

Ok this has obviously been discussed before but what is the best way to use an iPhone in Australia for a couple of weeks? Mainly data, some txt but hopefully not many phone callsCurrent NZ plan is Vodafone Smart 45.

Why work on Wednesday and stuff up 2 good long weekends

freitasm

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#648907 1-Jul-2012 10:19

Get a Virgin Mobile SIM, load $29 and get 1GB plus a $500 credit in your account.

Or get an Optus SIM in the $2 /day unlimited plan, load enough money for the number of days you are planning to stay there.

Most of all DO NOT ROAM. Avoid all the nasty prices of roaming.

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sbiddle

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#648909 1-Jul-2012 10:20

I like amaysim, $2 for a SIM and 1GB data will cost you $9.90 they are a MVNO on the Optus network.

Kiwi1971

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#648910 1-Jul-2012 10:21

stuffed: Ok this has obviously been discussed before but what is the best way to use an iPhone in Australia for a couple of weeks? Mainly data, some txt but hopefully not many phone callsCurrent NZ plan is Vodafone Smart 45.

I recently bought a Vodafone SIM from the Airport convenience store, well the SIM was free but for $30 top up I got 500MB data and $450 worth of credit which can be used for calls etc. Great for using GPS with Google maps and checking email etc. I was asked if I needed for iPhone or normal SIM.

Not sure if there is any way to use your NZ VF SIM cheaply in AUS if that's what you mean. My phone is an unlocked Android so I can chop and change.

freitasm

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#648911 1-Jul-2012 10:22

The thing is DO NOT ROAM. Telcos charge a lot for roaming and they only do it because people keep roaming. \

Use a local SIM, do not pay those roaming fees.

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SteveON

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#648912 1-Jul-2012 10:22

freitasm: Get a Virgin Mobile SIM, load $29 and get 1GB plus a $500 credit in your account.

Or get an Optus SIM in the $2 /day unlimited plan, load enough money for the number of days you are planning to stay there.

Most of all DO NOT ROAM. Avoid all the nasty prices of roaming.

+1

So annoying that we live right next to one of the most competitive mobile markets in the world.

quickymart

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#648918 1-Jul-2012 10:34

I roamed on T-Mobile and AT&T last time I was in America and it wasn't to too bad (admittedly not using any data)...but if I was using a data device, I would definitely get a local SIM.

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stuffed

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#648930 1-Jul-2012 10:51

Thanks for suggestions but would like to keep our NZ numbers (both wife and myself iPhones and Vodafone)

Why work on Wednesday and stuff up 2 good long weekends

johnr

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#648939 1-Jul-2012 10:57

Turn data off and on as required on the handset

mjb

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#648944 1-Jul-2012 11:02

stuffed: Thanks for suggestions but would like to keep our NZ numbers (both wife and myself iPhones and Vodafone)

If you don't want to use data, then just roam using your VFNZ SIM. As long as your txt/call volume is low, you'll be ok.

There's not really an easy option if you want to use data, or expect to be on the phone a lot.

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khull

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#648955 1-Jul-2012 11:28

I yanked my microsim the minute I landed in OZ and went straight to the Lebara mobile booth. 5 cents a MB was all I needed for the 2 weeks I was there - top up from any Coles/convenience store or online

If you want to be reached on your same NZ mobile number, you are probably asking too much - my recommendation is to start giving out a forwarding number like google phone (for US numbers) or 2talk

mjb

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#648956 1-Jul-2012 11:33

khull: If you want to be reached on your same NZ mobile number, you are probably asking too much - my recommendation is to start giving out a forwarding number like google phone (for US numbers) or 2talk

I suspect that the main wish for most people is to be able to continue using their NZ number for SMS. I believe there are no forwarding systems that cover SMS.

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Elpie

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#649314 2-Jul-2012 00:09

I grabbed an Optus Turbo Cap Plus a couple of years ago & found it really good. Currently, the AUD$30 offer includes $270 credit towards international calls & SMS, plus 500MB data (https://www.optus.com.au/shop/prepaidmobile/turbocapplus)
On returning to NZ I had enough of the "free" credits left that I stayed on Optus and roamed till the balance came down then went online & switched the prepay plan over to "Long Expiry". Since I'm in Australia reasonably regularly having an active SIM and only needing to top-up every 186 days works well. Just before flying out I go online and add $10 to get 1Gb data and I'm away.

This has been working out perfectly for me as everyone who needs to get hold of me knows what number I am on when in NZ and my alternative Australian number.

On my last trip, last month, I found 1Gb was too much & I could have easily gone for the $5, 500MB option. Optus give free access to so many features, including Twitter, facebook, news, etc that it got annoying to see high data use going through zero-rated while data I paid for was sitting unused. Not that I am complaining as I would give anything to be able to have the same plans offered here.