Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - obtaining a cell phone to use in Australia?

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obtaining a cell phone to use in Australia?

We'd like to rent/buy a cell phone to use while our family is in Australia for three weeks and are wondering the best way to arrange that. The point of the phone is not to call home to the U.S. but so that at the times our family splits up to do different things, it is easy to stay in touch with each other via local calls. For instance, we plan to have our teenager babysit our younger kids a couple of times while we go out and it would be great to have a cell phone so we could immediately be contacted in an emergency. Anyone know the easiest way to arrange for a short term cell phone? I'm pretty sure our American cell phones won't work.

You can rent one at Sydney Airport when you arrive.

I'd check with your cell phone provider re being able to use it in Australia. I can use my Aust phone anywhere in the world with global roaming- so maybe you can too!

Miranda- Unless your phone is a tri-band (most US phones aren't) you won't be able to use it in Australia. I would actually suggest a slightly different route than renting at the airport, as my understanding is that it's very expensive to do so (and the call rates are quite high). Instead, you can get a pre-paid mobile service from either Optus,Vodafone or Virgin for about $100 AUD...that includes the handset and about $50 in calls, and you get to keep the handset. If you plan on any return trips to Australia or Europe (the handset will be able to be used in Europe) then it's useful to have the phone. It might even be cheaper than renting whether or not you get to keep the phone. Okay, out of curiosity I just checked the Sydney Airport website (here's the address: http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/Sydn...one+Rental.htm) and I gave them a call (+61-2-9700-7788). They have 2 options: $6AUD per day or $8AUD per day, the cheaper option being for an older phone. In both cases, call rates are $0.39AUD per minute off-peak, and $0.79AUD peak. So, for 3 weeks, you'd end up with a cost of $126AUD for phone rental alone (for the cheaper option) and then pay call charges. If you buy a prepaid, check out this website (http://www.optus.com.au/Vign/ViewMgm...ew_203,00.html) for Optus. It's the best deal at $99AUD for the phone plus $10 in calls included. So I guess I've talked myself into now thinking the rental at the airport, although marginally cheaper, might actually be the easiest option...plus the per minute rates (if you go over the $10 free calls for optus) is really good for the rental, and lower than you'd pay for any other service. Phew!

PS...I'd call Vodarent at the airport and reserve one, just to be sure you get it. They will make a reservation for you.

G'day Miranda, have found the following for you: http://www.mountaincommunications.com.au/communic8.html communic8 Handset Packages Siemens A40, AU$ 129 with $ 100 of included calls. Telco's frequently announce new plans and deals. I suggest you check them out closer to the time of your trip. Have a good one, Mike.

Lots of great ideas here! Thanks to everyone who posted. I'm now confident I'll find a good solution without too much hassle.

Hi Miranda when you are in Australia you can purchase a phone easily - but have a look at this link for Telstra pre-paid phones: http://www.communic8.com.au/connecte...hone_packs.asp

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