How to choose the right mobile plan in Australia (without overpaying in 2026)
Choosing a mobile plan in Australia can feel confusing, but it shouldn't be. When you focus on a few simple questions – how much data you really use, where you need coverage, and how much flexibility you want – it becomes much easier to avoid paying for things you don't need. This guide covers plan selection fundamentals. For specific plan comparisons, see our mobile plans page. ALDI Mobile's prepaid plans on the Telstra wholesale network offer one way to match your usage without the extras. See our Mobile Plans Step 1: Understand how you really use your phone Most Australians overpay for mobile data they never use because they guess their usage instead of checking it. Before you change plans, check what you actually use. Simple ways to check: Review your phone's built-in data usage for the last few months Look at past bills or usage summaries from your current provider If you're already with ALDI Mobile, log in to the app or self-care to see data and call history As a rough guide: Light users – mostly calls, texts and messaging on Wi-Fi – often use under 10 GB per month (or per 30-day period) Average users – social media, browsing, some streaming – might use around 20–40 GB per month (or per 30-day period) Heavy users – regular video streaming, hotspotting, gaming – may need 40 GB or more per month (or per 30-day period) If you're unsure, start with flexible prepaid and adjust as you learn your usage. Better than locking into an expensive 24-month contract. Check out our estimated data usage guide here. Everything you need to know about ALDI Mobile plans Step 2: Decide between prepaid and postpaid Once you know your usage, the next choice is plan type. Prepaid vs postpaid in plain language Prepaid plans You pay upfront for a set amount of data, calls and texts for a fixed period (e.g., 30 days) No bill shock No lock-in contracts It's easy to change plans or providers Postpaid plans You get billed after you use your service, often with handset repayments included Possible bill shock if you go over your inclusions Contract terms apply – you may need to commit to a contract term and may pay extra fees if you leave early ALDI Mobile uses a prepaid model across all products – mobile plans, family plans, data plans and long-life options – on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network. That means no lock-in contracts and no surprise bills, just straightforward pricing and true 30-day expiry periods on eligible plans. Explore SIM-only mobile plans Step 3: SIM-only, phone-on-a-plan or eSIM? The next decision is how you want to connect your phone. What is a SIM-only plan? A SIM-only plan means you bring your own unlocked device and just pay for service – your data, calls and texts. This often works out cheaper over a 24-month period because you're not paying off a $1,000+ handset through monthly repayments. All ALDI Mobile offers are SIM-only, so you can pair your existing phone with a plan that suits your budget and usage. Where does eSIM fit in? eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into compatible iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel devices. Instead of waiting for a physical SIM to arrive, you can download your eSIM and activate your service online. With ALDI Mobile you can: Choose eSIM on eligible devices and plans, across mobile, family, data and long life products Start a new service with a new number or bring your existing number over Switch from a physical SIM to eSIM without choosing a new plan – your existing number and credit move across Learn more about eSIM Step 4: Check coverage before you switch Price matters, but coverage matters just as much – especially in regional and remote Australia. Before you commit to any provider, check that the network works where you actually use your phone. Questions to ask: Do I get coverage at home, at work and where I travel regularly in Australia? How does coverage perform in regional areas if I drive or holiday outside the city? Do I need 5G access or is 4G coverage enough for what I do? ALDI Mobile uses the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, which provides 4G coverage to most Australians, with 5G also available in many locations on compatible plans and devices. Check coverage in your area Coverage maps are a guide only. Actual performance varies with device type, local terrain and building materials, so check the specific locations where you'll use your phone most. Step 5: Look beyond the advertised data allowance Two plans with similar data allowances and monthly prices can offer very different value when you factor in expiry periods, rollover and network access. When comparing plans, look at: Expiry periodSome providers use 28-day recharges, which means 13 recharges a year instead of 12. ALDI Mobile 30-day mobile plans give you a true 30-day recharge period. Data rolloverOn eligible plans, unused data can roll over when you recharge before expiry, helping you avoid waste and smoothing out months when you use less data. Speed caps and 5G accessSome plans include speed caps or only offer 5G on higher tiers. Think about what you actually need for browsing, social media and streaming on your devices. International calls and roamingIf you regularly call overseas, check which destinations are included. For travel, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to use local SIMs or dedicated travel solutions rather than roaming alone. ALDI Mobile's plan pages clearly show data allowances, true 30-day expiry periods, unlimited data rollover eligibility and Telstra Wholesale 5G network access on compatible devices, so you can quickly compare what you're getting. Find the right ALDI Mobile plan for your usage This simplified table shows how different usage patterns match to plan types. Always check the latest inclusions on the plan detail pages. User type Typical usage What to look for Recommendations Price Range Light caller Mostly calls and texts, occasional browsing on the go Low data, long-expiry or lower-cost 30-day plan $23 Mobile Plan (12GB) or Long-expiry Varies Everyday user Social media, maps, some streaming, messaging Around 20–40 GB, 30-day expiry, data rollover $29 5G Mobile Plan (29GB) or $39 5G Mobile Plan (75GB) $29-$39 Heavy streamer Regular video streaming, hotspot, gaming Higher data allowance, higher speed or 5G access $49 5G Mobile Plan (120GB) or $59 5G Mobile Plan (175GB) $49-$59 Family Multiple phones in one household Mix of higher data for parents, lighter or long-expiry for kids Family Plans or Long-expiry Varies See all plans Step 6: Choose flexibility so you don't get stuck overpaying The right mobile plan should adapt as your life changes – whether that's moving house, changing jobs, travelling more or using more data. That's where prepaid SIM-only and eSIM options stand out. With ALDI Mobile you can: Bring your own unlocked 4G or 5G-compatible phone and avoid handset repayments Move between eligible ALDI Mobile plans from recharge to recharge as your needs change Roll over unlimited unused data on eligible plans when you recharge before expiry Switch from physical SIM to eSIM on compatible iPhone and Android devices without changing your number or plan A quick reminder every few months to review your usage in the ALDI Mobile app and compare it with your current plan can help make sure you stay on the right fit, rather than quietly overpaying. Find your perfect plan Frequently asked questions How much data do I really need? Most light users need under 10GB per month for calls, texts and Wi-Fi messaging. Everyday users streaming social media and browsing typically use 20-40GB, while heavy streamers and gamers need 40GB or more. Check your phone's built-in usage tracker or your current provider's app to see your actual usage over the last few months. Is ALDI Mobile on the Telstra network? Yes, ALDI Mobile operates on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, which provides 4G coverage to over 98.8% of the Australian population, with 5G available in selected areas on compatible devices and plans. For detailed coverage information and network performance, see our complete network coverage guide. Can I keep my phone number when switching to ALDI Mobile? Yes, you can bring your existing number to ALDI Mobile when you activate your service. The process is called porting and typically completes within a few hours during business days. You'll need your current account details and an active service to transfer from. What's the difference between eSIM and physical SIM? eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into compatible phones, while a physical SIM is a removable chip you insert into your device. eSIM activates instantly online without waiting for delivery, and you can switch between plans or carriers without handling physical cards. Learn more about how ALDI Mobile eSIM works. What's the difference between 28-day and 30-day plans? 28-day plans mean you recharge 13 times per year instead of 12, effectively adding an extra month of payments annually. ALDI Mobile's 30-day plans give you a true 30-day recharge period, which means 12 recharges per year and better value over time. Can I switch between ALDI Mobile plans? Yes, with ALDI Mobile's prepaid model you can move between eligible plans from recharge to recharge as your needs change. There are no lock-in contracts or exit fees. Simply choose a different plan when your current recharge period expires, or change earlier if needed. Choosing your next plan with confidence When you break down mobile plan selection into simple steps – actual usage, budget, prepaid vs postpaid, network coverage and plan features like data rollover – choosing becomes straightforward. By pairing a SIM-only or eSIM plan with strong coverage on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network and features like data rollover and true 30-day expiry, ALDI Mobile gives you what you need without paying for extras you won't use. If you're ready to compare plans, explore our current prepaid mobile plans, eSIM options and family plans on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network.
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Switching to ALDI Mobile made easy
A step-by-step guide to seamlessly transitioning to ALDI Mobile and enjoying hassle-free service. Making the switch to a new mobile provider might seem daunting, but with ALDI Mobile, the process is straightforward and hassle-free. Whether you're looking to save money, get better value, or simply try something different, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about switching to ALDI Mobile. Check your device compatibility Before making the switch, ensure your phone is compatible with the ALDI Mobile network. Most unlocked 4G and 5G phones will work perfectly, but it's worth confirming first. Your device needs to support VoLTE for calls, including emergency calls, as the 3G network is no longer available. If you're unsure about your phone's compatibility, check your device specifications or contact our customer service team. Choose the right plan ALDI Mobile offers a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Take a moment to consider your typical usage: How much data do you use each month? Do you make international calls? Are you looking for a plan just for yourself, or for your family too? Our Mobile Plans include unlimited standard calls and SMS to Australian numbers, plus unlimited calls and SMS to 20 popular international destinations. The main difference between plans is the data allowance, so focus on finding one that matches your typical usage. Remember, all our plans run on a true 30-day cycle (not 28 days like many competitors), giving you better value throughout the year. Purchase your ALDI Mobile SIM You can purchase an ALDI Mobile SIM card in several ways: In-store at any ALDI supermarket Online through the ALDI Mobile website SIM cards are available in standard, micro, and nano sizes, or as a trio-cut SIM that can be adjusted to fit any phone. If purchasing in-store, you can pick up a SIM kit along with your regular shopping. Activate your SIM Once you have your ALDI Mobile SIM card, activation is simple: Visit the ALDI Mobile website or download the ALDI Mobile app Select "Activate SIM" and follow the prompts Enter your SIM card number (found on the SIM card packaging) Choose your preferred plan Complete the payment process During activation, you'll need to provide some personal information for identity verification purposes, as required by Australian law. Have your ID ready to make this process smooth. Keep your existing number If you want to keep your current phone number (known as "porting"), you can request this during the activation process. You'll need: Your current phone number Account details from your current provider for post-paid Date of birth registered with your current provider for pre-paid services The porting process typically takes between a few minutes and one business day to complete. During this time, you might experience a brief service interruption when the number is being transferred. For security reasons, you'll receive a verification code to confirm it's really you requesting the transfer. This protects your account from unauthorized transfers. Set up your phone Once your SIM is activated and your number has been ported (if applicable), it's time to set up your phone: Insert your ALDI Mobile SIM card into your phone Restart your device Your phone should automatically connect to the network If prompted, enter the PIN for your SIM (usually provided in the packaging) You might need to manually configure your APN settings if your phone doesn't automatically connect to data services. The ALDI Mobile website and app provide step-by-step instructions for different phone models. Download the ALDI Mobile app For the best experience, download the ALDI Mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. The app allows you to: Check your balance and usage Recharge your service Set up auto recharge Add data top-ups if needed Manage your account details The app makes it easy to stay on top of your usage and ensure you never unexpectedly run out of service. Set up Auto Recharge (optional) To ensure uninterrupted service, consider setting up Auto Recharge. This feature automatically renews your plan when it expires, so you don't have to remember to manually recharge. Auto recharge also helps you maintain your data rollover benefits by ensuring you recharge within the required timeframe. You can easily set this up through the ALDI Mobile app or website. Enjoy your ALDI Mobile service That's it! You're now set up with ALDI Mobile and can enjoy: Reliable coverage on the Telstra Wholesale Network No bill shock with our prepaid model No lock-in contracts Unlimited data rollover on eligible plans True 30-day expiry periods Competitive pricing If you ever need assistance, ALDI Mobile's customer service team is available to help with any questions or issues you might encounter. Common questions about switching Will I lose service during the switch?You might experience a brief service interruption when your number is being ported, but this typically lasts only a short time. Can I switch if I'm still in a contract with another provider?Yes, but you may need to pay out any remaining contract fees with your current provider. ALDI Mobile doesn't cover these costs. What happens to my current plan's inclusions?Any unused inclusions from your previous provider won't transfer to ALDI Mobile. Consider using these up before switching. Can I try ALDI Mobile without changing my number?Yes, you can activate an ALDI Mobile SIM with a new number to try the service before deciding whether to port your existing number to a new SIM. Switching to ALDI Mobile is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. With our competitive pricing, reliable network, and customer-friendly features like unlimited data rollover, you'll wonder why you didn't make the switch sooner. Get started with ALDI Mobile today
How do I enable VoLTE (4G voice calling) on my device?
To continue accessing the network and being able to make voice calls after 3G shut down on 28 October 2024, devices need to support VoLTE (Voice over LTE/4G voice calling/HD calls). Here are the steps to enable it: Check for software updates First, ensure your device is running the latest software version from the manufacturer. Software updates often enable new features like VoLTE. Android: Open Settings > System > Software update (path may vary) Check for updates and install any available iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update Enable VoLTE in settings Once updated, you'll need to turn on VoLTE in your mobile network settings. The path differs by manufacturer: Android: Open Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network Look for an option like "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" or "VoLTE" and turn it on iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options Tap "Voice & Data" and select the VoLTE enabled option (e.g. 4G, VoLTE On) Samsung: Tap Settings > Connections > Mobile networks Toggle VoLTE calls Huawei: Tap Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network Toggle VoLTE calls OPPO: Tap Settings > Dual SIM (or 'SIM card and mobile data' on single SIM models) & Cellular Network Choose SIM 1 or SIM 2 (just SIM on single SIM phones) Nokia: Tap Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced Toggle Enhanced 4G LTE Mode Motorola: Settings > Mobile network > Mobile data Toggle VoLTE calls Reboot your device After enabling VoLTE, restart your phone to ensure the new settings take effect. If you don't see VoLTE options or have trouble, check your device manufacturer's support for model-specific instructions. Enabling VoLTE will allow you to continue voice calling over 4G after the 3G shutdown, while also accessing data simultaneously, as long as your device supports it. If your device does not have VoLTE capability then it will need to be replaced in order to be able to continue using the service after 3G was switched off.
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