SIM for NZ with data

[kpc]

Next month I'l be in Auckland for 3 nights. Can someone recommend a prepaid sim card with data for my smartphone? I was planning to visit the Vodafone and Telecom NZ shop when I get there but thought I should do some research before hand to save some time. Also, if you know, let me know if the sim is available at AKL airport. Thanks

 

[wingspan]

There is a Vodafone on the Ground Floor in the arrivals area. I ended up roaming for my recent, short trip to NZ as VodafoneAU had a great deal at the time and I ended up paying my usual rates for calls and data. Unfortunately it was only a short-lived deal I believe. Still VodafoneNZ seemed to have good data & voice SIMs available at the time too.

 

[drewbles]

Vodafone NZ:

SIM and Call costs for Pre-Pay:
Supa Prepay Value $29.95 for the SIM, $0.89/minute and $0.20 per SMS. Includes top-up bonus every time you add $20 or more

Simply Prepay $29.95 for the SIM, $0.49/minute and $0.12 per SMS, $1 recharge fee applies for voucher topups (other recharges are free)

Info on both plans (including more info) at:
Get the best supa prepay phone plan with sim card for you. Call minutes & txt - Vodafone NZ


Internet add-on for Pre-Pay:
$6.00 for 50mb
$10 for 100mb
Excess data charged at $0.20 per mb.

Info at:
Internet on your mobile - the mobile web - Mobile Data - Vodafone NZ

(note you need Supa Prepay to add the data).

TNZ:
One Rate Prepaid SIM Pack is $29.95

$0.89/minute, $0.20 per SMS. $6 for 50mb or $12 for 120mb (called Data Extra).

(It also says you need to be living in NZ but i'm sure a trip to a Telecom NZ store will get you one).
SIM and MicroSIM Cards: Telecom Mobile

As for coverage, i'm not sure. TNZ has only just gone 3G in the past few years, they were all CDMA prior. If they've used existing towers and coverage is the same as their CDMA network, it'll be good, else Voda may be a better bet.

They're pretty much the same price, so take your pick. I'm 99% sure there's a Vodafone Store at AKL, so you could pickup on arrival.

 

[kpc]

Thanks so much! If Vodafone have a shop at AKL arrivals, that seems to be the best bet.

 

[iqis60]

I've purchased pre paid sims from Telecom in the past. They come with 500meg of data pre loaded. Maybe $20, I can't remember.

If you need to buy a dongle, it's not a bad deal, as they are using the same frequency as Telstra and the dongle is unlocked. I think a dongle with 500meg pre loaded on the sim was NZ$99, so $75AUD for a dongle + data isn't bad if you are in the market.

 

[simongr]

I ordered an iPad sim online from Vodafone and had it delivered to the hotel...

 

[Mal]

I've used Voda prepaid before for dongle usage. No dramas, although expensive compared to Australia for data.

Voda at the airport was closed, but simple enough to go to one of the *many* voda stores and get the card... although two stores were "out".

 

[Joshua]

I first joined voda when they were offering a free 1GB for the first few months on pre-paid... that worked well. Lengthy expiry works well for us less frequent visitors.

One hint: If you need a little more credit as a disposable SIM or plan to go back later & need to extend the expiry then setup online access to your account and they'll give you an additional $10 credit for filling in your details. Their account website isn't too shabby either.

Definitely a Voda outlet at AKL, just to the right as you exit biosec. Last time I was there I still had $15 credit with ~8 months to use it so signed up for a data pack. Made a stack of calls over voip on my iphone using my home phone account. Worked great.

 

[Andyzx]

There are plenty of Vodaphone shops around. If using Telecom just check that you phone is compatable -CMDA??? network

 

[futaris]

I've used Vodafone in the past previously... Usually Supa Prepay with the 100MB or 512MB pack. Remember to deactivate any extra Add-ons online once you leave the country. NB, credit lasts 12 months, so I've had the same NZ Vodafone SIM for 2 and a bit years.

Nobody has mentioned 2 Degrees Mobile, yet. Their text rates are a lot cheaper, and data packs are:

1GB $20
3GB $50
12GB $150

 

[serfty]

Note that one can us NZ Voda to call any OZ Landline at NZ89¢ per minute, capped at NZ$2 for the first 60 minutes.

Currently the NZ peso is worth approx AU74¢.

 

[drewbles]

There are plenty of Vodaphone shops around. If using Telecom just check that you phone is compatable -CMDA??? network

Vodafone

The new Telecom network is 850mHz 3G UMTS/HSDPA. They do have a CDMA network as well, but the 3G network is based on the same frequency as Telstra Next G (so iPhones/iPads will work, but check with other handsets and also any USB dongles as not all support UMTS 850).

 

[kpc]

Vodafone NZ:

SIM and Call costs for Pre-Pay:
Supa Prepay Value $29.95 for the SIM, $0.89/minute and $0.20 per SMS. Includes top-up bonus every time you add $20 or more

Internet add-on for Pre-Pay:
$6.00 for 50mb
$10 for 100mb
Excess data charged at $0.20 per mb.

The Supa Prepay option now comes with 50mb free. Do you think that's enough for checking emails, 2 or 3 Skype calls, reading SMH and AFF for 3 days? Stupid Q but couldn't find the answer. Does the SIM card come loaded with any value? ?$29.95

I ordered an iPad sim online from Vodafone and had it delivered to the hotel...

Hmm...good idea. I could order it online and get it delivered to my hotel...I see there's also free postage. Saves wasting time on arrival at AKL.

Note that one can us NZ Voda to call any OZ Landline at NZ89¢ per minute, capped at NZ$2 for the first 60 minutes.

Currently the NZ peso is worth approx AU74¢.

That's a great deal!

 

[RB]

Nobody has mentioned 2 Degrees Mobile, yet. Their text rates are a lot cheaper, and data packs are:

1GB $20
3GB $50
12GB $150

Used 2 Degrees last year for just mobile calls. Purchased from a supermarket, phone support was excellent, call rates cheap & good coverage on Nth Island