Cheapest cellphone option for 3 months duration in Sydney?

Question

I will be visiting Australia for 3 months. I will be in Sydney most of the time doing short duration trips to other cities. What is the cheapest cellphone option? I will be carrying my 3G phone with me. Most of the time I want to receive long duration calls from US and sometimes make some local calls. Also what is the best/cheapest option to have data connectivity on go?

Answer 1

I'm not sure about the US but I know some other country's phones (e.g. Hong Kong, New Zealand) have sim cards that match the ones in Australia. So you are able to bring your phone over and then just buy a sim card and however much prepaid credit from one of the companies you want (Optus, Telstra, Vodaphone, 3, Virgin are probably the main companies). This is probably the cheapest option if you already have a phone. However, I'm not sure if US phones would work...

Otherwise, I'd recommend checking out the above companies websites to find a deal.

The third option would be to go for international roaming. It is fairly expensive though as any call you make in Australia is made as though it is going through the US (even if it's a local call).

Answer 2

If you were only receiving calls, with very few calls made, I would suggest the Vodafone Sim card.  Normally $2 for the card.

Then put a $20 or $30 credit on it with the 365 Days plan.  If that credit will last you the 3 months, then your total cost is $22 or $32.

http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal/plan...

Anything more complex than that, then I have no idea ;)

Answer 3

It is ALWAYS cheaper to use networks in the country you're in. Vodafone offers the cheapest deals but their coverage isn't as strong compared to other networks but you're fine if you're not travelling to the bushes. Grab a Red SIM for $2 and add $20 or so credit, then choose the 365 Day plan.