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Will my phone work in Australia?

Yes, your phone will likely work in Australia. First, you’ll have to make sure your phone is unlocked. Here’s what else you need to know to stay connected.

One thing to consider when planning your trip is: “Will my phone work in Australia?” While your phone will definitely work in Australia, there are a few things you can do to make your experience as stress-free as possible and avoid a large phone bill.

This guide covers everything you need to know about using your phone in Australia, from confirming whether it will work to various ways to stay connected — including an unlimited-data travel eSIM from Holafly.

In this article

Can I use my cell phone in Australia?

Yes, you can use your phone in Australia. Be prepared to see the most unique natural beauty, wildlife, and biodiversity. Australia also includes some of the world’s most relaxing cities, Sydney and Melbourne. That said, there are two crucial things to consider first before your trip:

1. Unlock your phone

When your phone is locked, this means it is tied to your original provider and will not accept Australian networks. This is regardless of whether you have a local SIM card, a pocket WiFi, or an eSIM. Unlock your phone to ensure you have full international use.

Here’s how to unlock and use your iPhone in Australia:

iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → Scroll down until you find Carrier Lock → If you see “SIM Locked” your iPhone is locked. If you see “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked and ready to use an eSIM.

To unlock and use your Android in Australia:

Android: Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network Operators → Turn off Select automatically to view available operators. If you only see your carrier name, your phone is locked, but if you see names of several providers different from yours, your Android is unlocked.

2. Check frequency band compatibility

Ensure your phone is compatible with Australia’s frequency bands to enjoy reliable coverage. Here are some of Australia’s network bands:

2G and 3G: 2G services have been switched off completely with 3G being phased out.
4G: B7 (2600MHz), B40 (2300 MHz), B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz), B8 (900 MHz), B5 and B26 (850 MHz), B28 (700 MHz)
5G: n258 (26GHz), n78 (3500 MHz), n7 (2600 MHz), n40 (2300 MHz), n1 (2100 MHz), n3 (1800 MHz)

UK phones typically support most 4G and 5G bands in Australia. When it comes to GSM standards, UK phones use the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands. As such, most UK phones will be fully compatible with Australian cell networks.

The majority of modern US phones are compatible with Australian frequency bands, especially B28 (700 MHz). Older CDMA phones from carriers like Sprint and Verizon will not work in Australia.

Similar guidelines apply to Canada phones as well. Older phones may not be compatible in Australia. Ensure your Canada phone supports bands like B1, B3, B5, B7, and B28 to be able to use 4G.

Home country	Carrier	Will my phone work in Australia?
United States	AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon	Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models checked for frequency bands.
United Kingdom	EE, O2, Three, Vodafone UK	Yes, it will work on Australian networks, and all models sold after 2021 are carrier-unlocked.
Canada	Bell, Telus, and Rogers	Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models checked for frequency bands.

Once you’ve ensured your phone is unlocked and compatible with Australian frequency bands, you’ll need an international plan to stay connected and roam in Australia. An unlimited data travel eSIM is one way to do this.

Holafly’s eSIM for Australia: Stay connected with unlimited data

An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your phone. With this, you don’t have to worry about swapping physical SIM cards every time you travel or budget time for lengthy SIM registration processes.

You can also save money by avoiding pricey roaming options and get unlimited data as you travel. Holafly’s travel eSIMs are available in over 200 destinations with unlimited data plans, and the eSIM for Australia offers flexible eSIM plans that you can customise according to your trip dates. Manage your plan from the dedicated Holafly app and reach out to our 24/7 customer team if you require support.

What makes Holafly eSIMs truly stand out is the easy, five-minute activation process. Check out our eSIM store to buy one (no need to make an account), scan the QR code sent to your email, and download your eSIM! Activate it before you land to begin using unlimited data right away.

Other ways to use your phone in Australia

Besides an eSIM, there are other ways to use your phone in Australia. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your data usage needs, budget, and the number of people you’re travelling with.

Roaming in Australia

Many tourists and travellers opt to roam internationally with home providers. If you’re already on a roaming-inclusive monthly plan, check to see if Australia is an eligible destination. If it is, you’re already covered, and you’ll be able to use your phone in Australia.

Otherwise, mobile carriers offer roaming add-ons and passes for users who aren’t on international roaming plans. These passes/add-ons typically include fixed data, text, and voice minute allowances. If you exceed these, you may be charged extra or subject to standard roaming rates. While roaming with your home provider is a safe option for quick international trips, it isn’t the most feasible option for longer stays.

Check out our telecom-specific articles below to learn more about roaming with your provider.

For the US:

For the UK:

For Canada:

Physical Australian SIM card

Getting a local Australian SIM card is also another way to use your phone in Australia. Some popular Australian mobile providers are TPG Telecom, Superloop, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone AU.

While local prepaid SIM cards are a safer and more affordable option, you’ll have to comply with the SIM registration process, strict tourist requirements, and swap your original SIM card (lose access to your number temporarily for phone calls or messages).

Pocket WiFi for Australia

Pocket WiFi devices are ideal for groups with multiple travellers, including digital nomads, remote workers, and families. It’s also handy to have, especially if you tend to use data-heavy apps. You can connect multiple devices to the small, portable hotspot that emits a WiFi signal.

However, a pocket WiFi for Australia does have some downsides, like carrying an extra device and charging it consistently. Plus, pocket WiFi devices aren’t exactly cheap. You’ll have to pay rental fees, a deposit, and insurance, which often stretches beyond $200+ USD.

Holafly offers the digital version of a pocket WiFi in the form of Holafly Plans. Get all the benefits of a pocket WiFi and avoid the hassle. Connect multiple devices to a rolling eSIM subscription and get unlimited data + unlimited hotspot for only $64.90 USD per month.

Will your phone work in Australia? The verdict

Yes, your phone will work in Australia, and you can stay connected through local SIM cards, roaming plans with your home provider or pocket WiFi devices.

If you want to experience true peace of mind on your travels, however, Holafly’s eSIM for Australia is the ideal choice. Enjoy unlimited data on your trip, and never worry about running out.

Want to know more about using your phone in other countries? Check out our blogs on:

Will my phone work in Australia? FAQs

Will a US phone work in Australia?

Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models checked for frequency bands.

Which phones are not working in Australia?

Older CDMA phones or phones that are 2G/3G only will not work in Australia.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of November 13, 2025, and is subject to change.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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