Insider Guides International Student Guide to Melbourne | Page 23

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Firstly, make sure your mobile phone will work in Australia and that it isn’t locked to your
current provider (if you’re not sure, visit a Telstra store). The most flexible yet cost-effective
option is to select prepaid. With prepaid, like Telstra Pre-Paid Freedom, you get plenty of
calls, text and data while still choosing your recharge value. There is no need to lock into a
fixed term contract and you may be able to use your existing mobile phone. When you no
longer need to use the service, you simply stop recharge your credit. Easy.
www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/prepaid-mobile
BUYING A PHONE
Things to consider

Can I get a new mobile phone?

1

Your expected usage minutes, text and data

2

Do you need a handset?

3

If you don’t have a mobile phone, or your phone
doesn’t work in Australia, then you have a couple
of options: 1) Buy a new phone outright and
enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a month-tomonth contract or purchase a separate prepaid
SIM. 2) Buy a new mobile and pay it off over your
plan term, and enjoy great value and inclusions
by committing to a 24-month contract.
www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones

Difference between prepaid
and post-paid plans (See below)

What to bring (post-paid)
1

Proof of address

2

Proof of identity

3

Proof of income

Mobile Phones

Prepaid

Plan

How to pay

Recharge before usage

Fixed price per month (plus any excess charges)

Excess charges

No

Yes

Handset

Not usually included

Usually included

Flexibility

No exit costs

12 or 24 month plan, early exit fees apply

First Steps | insiderguides.com.au

First Steps

I’ve brought a mobile phone with me, how do I arrange a sim card?