Calling the outside world

Mobile phones

There are several mobile phone providers offering various deals on calls and text messages. The major providers are:

• Virgin Mobile
• Vodafone
• Telsta
• Optus

Australia is GSM so your UK mobile or New Zealand Vodafone mobile will work with an Australian SIM card.

Pre-pay plans are the simplest to initiate. You can simply go to a retailer and pick up a SIM card (if you already have a phone), or buy a phone and SIM card package. Credit can be loaded onto the card whenever necessary. You can purchase pre-pay cards from convenience stores, newsagents, supermarkets, and retail outlets.

If you know you will be in Australia for at least 12 months, signing on to a contract offers a more cost effective option. For those who are less certain of their intended length of stay, pre-pay gives greater flexibility.

There are always bargains to be found and it is definitely worth shopping around. If you buy a phone with a monthly fee you will be required to pay by direct debit – so you will need your bank account details.

Internet calls

Companies such as Skype allow you to talk over the Internet for free by simply downloading their software onto your computer. ‘Skype zones’ are becoming increasingly widespread where users can, for a small fee, use their laptop and headset to connect to the Skype network almost anywhere.

Phone cards

In Australia pre-paid phone cards or calling cards are a cheap way of calling overseas, interstate, or mobile phones. There are a huge variety of phone cards with different rates to different countries. Phone cards start from just AUD$10 and can be purchased from most convenience stores, newsagents, and supermarkets.

Useful phone numbers:

• Emergency Services - 000
• Directory Assistance - 1223
• International Enquires - 1225
• Yellow Pages - 12451
  
  

Getting on the Net

All of the major cities in Australia are littered with Internet cafes and other places to log-on. Touristy areas generally offer the most expensive and busiest cafes. Some Internet cafes charge as much as AUD$5 per hour. You can usually find Internet access for AUD$3 per hour or less, although prices depend on location and quality of equipment.

Free Internet

Some public libraries offer free Internet access to their members. There may be time restrictions and you sometimes have to wait, but if you become a member of your local library you could save a lot of money on Internet costs.

Home Internet

The traditional ‘dialup’ Internet connection uses a modem, and allows pay-as-you-go access from any location with a telephone line. In recent years the faster ‘broadband’ connection has become the principle method of personal PC Internet connection in Australia, which operates on a subscription basis. You can often pick up a package deal that includes your Internet connection, home phone, and TV.

There are a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from, such as Telstra and Optus.

To speak with one of our experienced Australian consultants, please contact us on aus@globalcareerlink.com.