You’ll really need to research this one. A lot depends on how financial you are, what you want to be able to do on your phone and even where you live

I had no idea at first but with experience and various problems , it gets a bit easier. I would first decide what carrier you are happy with , then go to that shopfront . So if it is Telstra, then go to a Telstra shop. Have a browse at the different phones and plans . The phone is there so you can touch and the plan should be written on the counter. Virgin and Optus are the same . Also places like Kmart can buy phones outright . Look at the benefits such as free calls, texts etc and decide if its right for you . I am a minimum phone user so my plan is as low as you can get $30/mth .

Depends on what you want it for. Calls and texts you’ll only need a cheap basic one. And yes you can get pre paid, which I think are best as you won’t get any bill surprises

A pre paid phone is best

I am with Telstra, casual plan, $25 a month.
I was with Optus before, but the reception was really terrible. I had to go outside the house to answer the phone. It was cheaper but functioning so bad here in WA.

Buy a pre paid phone no hidden contracts or costs.Im with Optus,I find them very good.Don’t sign up to a 2 year plan or similar,they have hidden fees if you break contract.

I would get a prepaid sim, that way you can change how much you pay, by what you require. That way if one plan doesn’t suit you, you can change it

have a look round and make sure that you ask about it

get a prepaid. my m-i-l has a $20 phone from the post office that has large buttons and is very basic which is perfect for her to use and see

I still believe that plans are a little better value, you get a hanset supplied and they start as little as $60 a month with up to $500 worth of calls included, shop around!

a telstra shop have different phones with different plans

try going to somewhere like JB Hi Fi as they will be able to give lots of advice as well as show you different phone options

Telstra also has the best coverage, just remember you get what you pay for

you are better off on a capped plan that way you get to use a certain amount and overall it is cheaper than prepaid

be wary if you get a smart phone, I hate how my battery needs charging every single day, and that when I have data, it gets used up with apps in the background I have no idea how to stop this.

Depends on whether you just want it for phone calls, or if you will be using the internet. You can buy entry level smart phones outright for around $100 and there are plenty of pre-paid options out there. Google comparison sites for mobile pre-paid plans. It also depends on where you live as Telstra tend to have the best coverage, but are the most expensive. There are other networks (I think Aldi might be one) who use the Telstra network but are cheaper.

I think boost is the best value at the moment for pre paid mobile $40 a month unlimited talk and text and 2g of download. They use the Telstra network.

What did you end up choosing?

I love vodafone, I pay $30 a months and receive $450 worth of calls and sms plus internet, I know it will not cost any more.

Head into a telstra or Optus shop and have them show you your options. If you are not overly technologically savvy then it won’t overly matter what phone, but more so the benefits