Best Australian mobile data operator to choose for 10 days in NZ?

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Best Australian mobile data operator to choose for 10 days in NZ?

nickb99

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#115601 1-Apr-2013 08:15

Thanks for the other useful posts on here about not using roaming while overseas (like this one).
Will be in Oz for ten days soon, want to avoid high hotel wifi costs and use data on my HTC Android phone freely. Anyone been there recently and can suggest the best PAYG Sim to grab at the airport? I expect to use mostly data (emails & web), just a few texts and voice calls.

Martynnz

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#790114 1-Apr-2013 08:22

Last time I was there I used Optus. $2 a day for unlimited data (no tethering allowed supposedly though was able to without a problem) with unlimited calls and txts in Australia. Txts outside Oz cost 35c, call rates out of Oz appalling esp back to NZ.

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nickb99

128 posts

Master Geek

#790116 1-Apr-2013 08:31

Thanks, appreciated. Connection speeds OK when you tethered? I guess it depends on the area but I will be in central Melbourne and Sydney so expect it to be clear. Did you try Skype voice or just stick to web?

sbiddle

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#790117 1-Apr-2013 08:44

I've always used Amaysim who are an Optus MVNO and was a fan until I discovered the realities of their their 1MB data session rounding (a polocyu that exists on Optus as well and every MVNO who uses the Optus network)- with an Android device that's always on you can easily chew through way more data than your actual data usage. I went through just over 400MB one day and would estimate my actual usage at probably 60MB - 100MB for the day.

billgates

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#790119 1-Apr-2013 08:52

Another vote for Optus $2/day deal. Unlimited data + unlimited national SMS + unlimited calling. Data speeds were good too.

Do whatever you want to do man.

nickb99

128 posts

Master Geek

#790122 1-Apr-2013 08:59

Great, sounds like Optus $2/day is the deal to go for. I fly into Melbourne late evening so not sure if stores will be open then. Can I grab a SIM at a electronics store or a dairy and then configure it on the phone or online? Or do I need to find an Optus store? Sorry to grind so small but if you happen to know...

Looking enviously at the 4G offerings in OZ online...wish I had a phone to support that and try it.

Cheers N

nickb99

128 posts

Master Geek

#790124 1-Apr-2013 09:03

Answered my own question - according to the Melbourne Airport website there is an Optus store in the terminal open until 10.30pm....sweet! Thanks again guys.

Batman

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#790133 1-Apr-2013 09:59

If u get Virgin sim and 29 prepay it will cost u 27aud

1gb data and nearly unlimited calls and texts to anywhere in the world

Batman

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#790134 1-Apr-2013 09:59

For one month

sbiddle

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#790176 1-Apr-2013 12:24

Try and get the Optus store to register the SIM for you. You need your ID to purchase and register the SIM before use.

nickb99

128 posts

Master Geek

#790177 1-Apr-2013 12:26

sbiddle: Try and get the Optus store to register the SIM for you. You need your ID to purchase and register the SIM before use.

Ok, thanks for the tip.

nickb99

128 posts

Master Geek

#799605 15-Apr-2013 12:58

To complete this thread; found the Optus store at Melbourne airport easily, it was indeed open until late in the evening. The guy there sold me a unlimited data/calls SIM for AUD$59.95. Not cheap but he registered it on the spot and it worked seamlessly. Within 30 mins of landing I was on a shuttle bus to the city with working phone, email etc. Great for the convenience.
Good speeds all around Melbourne and Sydney. As I was not paying the bill no complaints. Thanks for the advice guys.

ajobbins

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#799616 15-Apr-2013 13:13

$2/day prepaid would have been a better deal, but you should get 4G on the $59 plan if you phone supports it (Only 3G on $2/day plan).

For anyone else who stumbles across this thread in future looking for the same thing, it's very easy to buy SIM cards from places like 7-Eleven (Which are EVERYWHERE) or gas stations for $2 a piece. You will need a credit card or passport number and an Australian address to register tho.

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nickb99

128 posts

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#799638 15-Apr-2013 13:40

Ok, thanks for the clarification. I asked for the $2/day deal and you see what he sold me. The shop only offered two options, this was the better. I assumed as it was a 30 day deal at $2/day was how it got to almost $60. Your way sounds definitely cheaper then, but I appreciated the convenience so don't feel too bad :)