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Phone and internet services
Australia has extensive mobile network coverage and high-speed internet services in most metropolitan and regional centres. Find out how you can easily get connected once you've arrived.
Mobile phones
If you brought your mobile phone with you, check with the Australian Communications and Media Authority to see if it will work in Australia. Mobile phones from some countries (such as Japan and the USA) use mobile phone networks that are not available in Australia. If you need to, you can buy a mobile phone handset in Australia.
Post-paid plans
Many post-paid phone plans come with a 'free' handset which may be paid off in small monthly repayments. These plans often give you more included calls for your money, however you are usually locked into a two-year contract that you will have to pay out, even if you return home or lose or break your phone.
Make sure you carefully consider the plan and your responsibilities before signing a contract. To compare mobile phone plans in Australia visit the WhistleOut comparison website.
Pre-paid plans
Rather than signing up for a post-paid plan, pre-paid cards are a good way to keep your budget in line with many cards offering competitive international calling rates.
Cards come in a range of prices and can be purchased at most news agencies, post offices, and convenience stores.
Making phone calls
To make international phone calls within Australia:
- dial the international access code (0011)
- enter the country code (e.g. 86)
- dial the area code and phone number (e.g. 07 3244 5988).
Please note: you will need to remove the first 0 if the area code starts with zero when making international phone calls.
When making local calls within Australia you will need to dial the area code and phone number including the first zero. For example: 07 3244 5988.
Internet access
Most TAFE Queensland campuses have free WiFi for you to access. When you're off campus, you can often find free WiFi hotspots at libraries, cafes and shopping centres.
If you're living in student accommodation, homestay, or in a share house, chances are an internet connection will already be set up for you. If you need to set up an internet connection yourself, there are a range of different plans and options available. Visit the WhistleOut comparison site to compare broadband providers and plans.
While long term plans are often cheaper per month, you will either need to pay out the contract or pay a cancellation fee if you're moving and need to cancel your plan. It might be a good idea to go with a no lock-in contract so you're free to leave at any time.
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