Mobile Phones

Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 July 2009 04:15 Written by Ricardo Wednesday, 15 April 2009 23:52

Mobile phones are issued* to you when you arrive Australia as a means of security and communication. They have a $10 credit on the phone for you to call home. Talk Down Under is the mobile phone provider and will present you with your mobile phone contract options, if you prefer to source your own phone/Sim card you are free to do so.

Talk Down Under provides IFSA-Butler Australia with a very competitive contract, please email us for more details.

Mobile phone charges in Australia vs USA

• Concept 1 - The mobile phone industry is incredibly competitive in USA, leading to lower charges
• Concept 2 - Fixed costs of establishing the mobile phone network is much cheaper per capita in USA, leading to higher costs in Australia
• Concept 3 - Call rates for prepaid phones are more expensive than a 12 or 24 month contract
• Concept 4 - Call rates for prepaid phones are more expensive when you buy them separately (ie when compared to a bundle eg. homephone internet and mobile phone)

General tips on mobile phone usage in Australia

Before you sign up to ANY mobile phone contract:

• Estimate how long you will be on the phone and use this figure to calculate your approximate bill.
• Check for these charges: Handset fee, call connection fee, international calling, voicemail access and cost.

After you have signed up for ANY contract:

• Monitor your phone usage, weekly
• Recheck your charges for calling international numbers
• Pre-arrange meetings
• Make a short call rather than 6 text messages
• Have your friends and family call you back - Arrange regular times to speak with US friends and family
• Lock your phone to avoid pocket phone calls

*Mobile Phones are provided to you as an option. They are not compulsory and if you choose not to use the phones from Talk Down Under you can keep the handset and arrange for your own call plan, We only ask that you provide us with your mobile phone number.