With the launch of the Nexus 4, I have finally had to start looking around at what I’m going to do in regards to my SIM card as the Nexus 4 takes a microSIM. A microSIM is a essentially a cut down Mini-SIM — anyone familiar with an iPhone 4(S), HTC One XL or Motorola RAZR M (for example) will have seen these before. Here is a comparison table to help you out if you’re not familiar with the SIM sizes:
Now there are various options around in regards to chopping down your mini-SIM to a micro-SIM however this can be a little dangerous. With the Nexus 4 being sold unlocked and plan free, the most obvious option for using the Nexus 4 is on pre-paid so how exactly can you get a pre-paid microSIM from the carrier you want? Most of the carriers will provide a micro-SIM card to you if you’re on a plan but if you’re looking at pre-paid then here’s what you need to know.
Optus
Optus offer this $2 micro-SIM pre-paid starter kit, I did have a little more trouble tracking down the micro-SIM kit as opposed to the miniSIM but they are around the place, I eventually found this one at Domayne but their shop fronts and kiosks also have the kits. You can see all the Optus Pre-Paid offers over on their website.
Vodafone
Vodafone offer a $2 pre-paid micro-SIM starter kit which you can purchase and get going relatively easily. The kits are available at places such as Coles, Woolworths, Domayne, Harvey Norman, Target in fact I’ve seen them just about everywhere so getting a hold of one of these kits is pretty easy and remember you can always just walk into their stores. You can check out all the pre-paid options for Vodafone on their website.
Telstra
Telstra has no option to just go and pick up a $2 micro-SIM pre-paid kit like the other major vendors, they instead offer a $30 micro-SIM pre-paid bundle which includes 3GB of data. These kits are available at places such as Dick Smith, The Good Guys and Telstra. You can check out all the different Telstra Pre-Paid plans on their pre-paid mobile webpage here.
Colloquially, if you have an existing Telstra mini-SIM and you want to use that in your new Nexus 4, you may want to try visiting your local Telstra shop to see if they can do a miniSIM to microSIM swap for you. Some stores will do this for free, or for a minimal cost. Warning though, your mileage may vary – not every store will do this in our experience.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile also offer a pre-paid micro-SIM starter kit, however this kit cost me $4 from Target. Dick Smith had mini-SIM kits but nothing in the micro-SIM kits but stock may vary. As usual you can try the shop fronts as well. You can check out the Virgin Mobile pre-paid offers on their website.
Amaysim
Last micro-SIM pre-paid kit I found was from Amaysim whilst I was at Target. The kit was $2 and actually includes a mini-SIM which has a micro-SIM that pops out. There are a variety of ways to use your Amaysim SIM so check out their website to find out what suits you.
If you aren’t sure which pre-paid plan is for you, then head over to the Whistleout website and check out the various pre-paid offerings according to your needs.
Now if you’re planning on getting a Nexus 4 and using it on a plan, then you’ll just have to head on in to your carrier’s store and chat with them about getting a microSIM activated for your plan, or getting a microSIM cut for your existing plan, as the case may be.
When I got my S3, I just went into the queen street telstra store in the Brisbane CBD and asked to change to a micro sim (I’m an existing prepaid customer), the guy simply got me one and transferred over my number to it in the system all for free, the whole process took about 5 minutes of my time.
Boost prepaid $40 gets unlimited text, calls and 3GB of data!
i just went into the telstra shop at forest hill and they cut it for me in about 10seconds. Piece of cake. Kept the outer part as the converter for the micro to mini sim (although i had bought a couple off ebay for $1 😀
Friend of mine is going to use it on liveconnected- $12 for $500 calls and 1.5gb data.. awesome… personally i go for telstra but this value is amazing
I went to my local Telstra shop, they didn’t help at all when I asked for a micro-sim, said they had none and sent me to JB HI-FI the girl there just punched on the spot no problems! Also on a side note the NextG sim works great on 4G!
Break it down.. eBay… micro sim cutter… bought mine for $4 with piggy backs… ?????….. profit!
I’m in the same boat. I free cut my wife’s sim into a micro sim and it worked for her Iphone 4. There are templates around on the internet. For myself, my local phone repair store will do it for free with a sim cutter. You can buy cutters for around $5-10 on ebay.
@Pete – I am with TPG, They offer micro sims but you have to pay $20 for each new sim. So I will have to pay $20 if I go from a sim to a micro sim
Just found this – http://www.thechinacellphone.com/micro_sim_template.pdf – looks simple enough 🙂
If you get Optus reception, Woolworths has a $29 pre paid plan where you get $500 call and text, as well as 5GB data. It’s certainly worth checking out
My favourite MVNO is Woolworths. 5GB of Optus data, $450 worth of calls & text, 45 days to use it. Only $29. Not sure if they have micro sims. It may have to be punched.
They do have MicroSims. I have one. $26.10 to top up every 45 days if you have a Woolies Rewards card.
I’m looking to move on to TPG mobile when my Vodafone contract ends next month. Anyone know if they offer micro sims?
They’re listed here – http://www.tpg.com.au/mobile/handsets – but not mention of price on that page. I have a standard Mini-SIM with TPG, wondering if I can just cut it down to size :-/
yes you can. easy to do. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hot-Sale-New-Micro-SIM-Full-SIM-to-Nano-SIM-Card-Cutter-For-Apple-Iphone-5-/190751472385?pt=AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item2c69ac7b01&_uhb=1
TPG offers microsims. It’s 20 dollars for the sim/microsim, 20 dollars deposit plus whatever plan you choose as your first month’s payment. After which, every month, you just pay for the plan you chose.