Sydney Airport has carrier kiosks in both T1 (international) and T2 (domestic) terminals. Optus and Telstra have the best coverage in Greater Sydney. Consider grabbing a SIM before taking the Airport Link train.
Phone & Internet
Updated 2026-Q1Getting a SIM card at the airport
Student SIM deals
Most carriers offer student-specific plans with extra data. Ask about student discounts — typically 10-20% off monthly plans. Some universities have partnerships with specific carriers.
Choosing a mobile plan
Australia has three major networks: Telstra (best coverage, especially rural), Optus (good urban coverage, competitive pricing), and Vodafone (budget-friendly, urban areas). MVNOs like Boost, Amaysim, and Woolworths Mobile offer cheaper plans on these networks. Prepaid plans range from $15-$60/month with 10-100GB data.
Home internet
Sydney's NBN rollout is largely complete. Some older buildings in the CBD and Eastern Suburbs may have HFC connections. Check with your building manager for available options — some apartments have building-wide deals.