Time to stock on on cheap starter packs for the next 12 months or so. Seems woollies is clearing these for the new 28 day amaysim plans
These technically should activate on the new plans so you should get the extra data allowance
Proof: http://imgur.com/Fec9K10
Enjoy
Some would find it technically simpler to get a new number every month. But, think about how many parties might have your number. Banks, workplaces, friends, family, neighbours, schools, hospital/doctor, illegitimate child, babysitter, lover, etc etc…
Now, if you're happy about the prospect of notifying each and every one of those parties that you've got a new number every month, then you wouldn't need to worry about porting back and forth.
Most people would see the mass notifications as a bigger hurdle compared to porting to a $2 SIM every month.
@KaptnKaos: I'm not sure if I missed something but isn't buying 6 Amy and 7 Vodafone cheaper than buying 13 Amy and 13 $2 sims? (provided Amy and Voda have the same offers)
Given that both the $30 Vodafone starter pack and the $44.90 Amaysim starter pack is on sale for $10, and the Amaysim offering has slightly better inclusions, you'll actually make more of a saving buying the Amaysim packs.
But, add to that the $2 SIMs and you've got yourself a whole new ball game:
13 Amaysim packs + 13 $2 SIM cards:
($10 × 13) + ($2 × 13)
$130 + $26
= $156
6 Amaysim packs + 7 Vodafone packs
Or
6 Vodafone packs + 7 Amaysim packs
($10 × 6) + ($10 × 7)
$60 + $70
= $130
That's why I've been recommending buying 6 of one and 7 of the other, as opposed to 13 of one and 13 $2 SIM packs.
@KaptnKaos:
Yes, that makes sense hurrah! :)
Since you cleared that up, could you please also tell me:
What the basic different between the "starter pack" and "recharge pack" ?
I'm assuming "recharge pack" can be recharged.
Can we also "recharge" starter pack?
Basically, what I need is a sim that always(at least a year) works for "incoming" and "outgoing" whenever I need :D
The thing is, these starter packs are intended for new customers and can be recharged after the loaded entitlements expire (generally after 28 days). However, recharges cannot be used by new customers and can only be added to an existing mobile service. You can also recharge starter packs anytime you wish.
Chances are, the "recharge packs" that you mention are actually recharges, which can only be added to an existing service. This terminology is usually seen in the fine print of supermarket catalogues, and can be confusing to customers new to the prepaid realm.
If you need a SIM that lasts the whole year, you could try Amaysim's PAYG postpaid plan, or Vodafone's 365 day plan. I believe Aldi also has a plan that remains valid for the entire year, and a $60 Telstra recharge on their Long Life plan will also last one year.
The thing to remember is that validity is inversely proportional to low call charges. 28-day plans cost more and will include a lot of inclusions, whereas 365 day plans will only cost between $15 (Aldi)/$20 (Vodafone)/$60 (Telsra) per year but the call costs will be heavy.
Optus has a year long validity prepaid plan too, which IIRC is similar to Telstra's offering.
@KaptnKaos:
Great info mate.
So, starter pack after I recharge after 28 days will have validity for next 28 days or do I get a choice that last longer?
With these starter packs, any included value/entitlements remain valid for a maximum of 28 days. After 28 days, you will not be able to make any outgoing calls or messages, but incoming features and access to emergency services will be permitted for some months later.
If you wish to use your mobile for outgoing features, you must buy a recharge voucher and add this to your account, or top up online via the website directly with your credit or debit card. The maximum validity of subsequent recharges will be 28 days, this is set by the provider and cannot be changed.
Once you activate a new starter pack, you will get uninterrupted service for 28 days. On the 29th day, you'll either have to recharge your account or transfer your number over to another starter pack that is different to the one you are presently using.
Happy to help!
That's pretty much how the prepaid systems work in Australia, been involved with telcos at the consumer level for a long time now. There could be others here who know the same thing too…
I'm missing something … why would anyone want to stock 12/13 of these - it's only a $10 saving? Amaysim has had 1st month bonuses for as long as I can remember. They typically cost between $5/month - $20/month. Then there's the groupon deals which run pretty frequently too …
Doesn't seem to be much of deal.
13 starter packs at $10 ea = $130.
Equivalent value = $30/pack.
$30 × 13 = $390.
$390 - $130 = $260 saving per year
13 starter packs at $10 ea = $130.
Equivalent value = $44.90/pack.
$44.90 × 13 = $583.70
$583.70 - $130 = $453.70 saving per year
Where's the $10 saving that you mentioned?
I'm a bit blonde today what's the 13 hours represent?
Sorry, edited post.
That was from another comment.
I mis-read the original post - thought it was a $10 saving, rather than $10 cost.
problem is the amaysim/groupon ones you buy online come pre-activated.
the sim packs can be activated any time.
pre-activation isn't really a problem.
I've got a bunch of 'blank sims' sitting around (that I ordered with the 'replace my sim' function)
I create a new order, wait a few hours for it to be marked as shipped and then proceed with activating one of my blank sims. They also have free 3 hour delivery in Sydney CBD.
You're paying $10 a month if you stock up? Other wise feel free to pay $45 a month! Do the math 😊
I admit - I misread the original post. I thought the saving was $10/month … not $10/month total.
But even at $10/month, it doesn't seem to be good enough to warrant stocking up. My average over the past 12 months has been less than $10/month, with other amaysim deals, combined with other pre-paid starter kits.
I'm happy with these I've been paying $40 a month for far too long with boost I feel ripped off honestly lol
@Ronnie23: But you're getting Telstra network, though I can't say for sure about recent hiccups. But most of the time you are guaranteed coverage and speed.
Couldn't be bothered to do the port in and out every month. Coles was a much better deal with the aim + recharge voucher. Still using those, have about5 more to go through luckily.
yeah - easier to alternate providers every month
be sure to check when will the vouchers expire as mine will expire on the 31 of April. SO technically you need to recharge the last 4 of your vouchers at the same time for it to be useful.
Appreciating the reminder! Mine expire in April too,but i made sure to recharge all beforehand.
How much data comes with this starter pack?
As this will activate on the new plans, should be 6gb
6Gb, nice, thanks for posting.
Any idea on the Vodafone $10 data? It seems to be a only a measly 3Gb.
its actually 7GB
FYI, I activated a free days ago,5Gb data is included. Next month it will be 7Gb data.https://m.amaysim.com.au/mobile-plans/unlimited-5gb-plus this is the plan amaysim starts on.
Is this possible without the port in/out?
By this if you mean consecutively using the starter packs, then no. You must port out then in to use these starter packs. Easily done though, with either a $2 SIM every month or by porting directly to another provider's starter pack.
Is that if you want to keep your number? I have two phones so that won't be a problem. Can I still activate one each month and change payment to BPay/ voucher so that I won't be charged, then activate new sim?
If you're not interested in keeping your number, then you can activate as many packs as you'd like. You won't have to worry about porting in or out either.
@KaptnKaos:
So I can activate and automatically change from cc to BPay/voucher and use it for 28 days. Once this is over chuck the sim and activate a new pack?
Can you be referred using refer a friend when activating these starter sims? (to get your new account and referrer account the bonus $10 credit)
you could in the past…. but OMG!!!!!! They've removed the $10 refer a friend promo!!!!!!! devastated!!!!!!!
ah wow, you're right! lucky, cause i just activated a sim a couple days ago…must have just snuck in before they removed it!
that sucks tho…the refer a friend promo was the main reason i was using amaysim, so hopefully they replace it with a good new promo soon!
So, if I am currently on the Amaysim $40 plan, when is the optimal time to port out? Is there any easy way to find out the billing cycle so I don't waste days I have already paid for?
Also, don't forget to pick up your 5% off woolies voucher from cash rewards before you buy these so you get another 5% off your mobile bills!
My wife and I and 2 young-ish teenagers are all independently on Amaysim. How does one get around the stupid $100 a month with us all on a $25/month plan atm? $100/month is killing me! Just to send a few text messages and surf a bit of Fox Sports lol?! Is there a cheaper way?
Buy plenty of these, then port in and out every month to keep your numbers and you have got 4x unlimited for $40 a month. Solved.
$480 per year for all instead of $1200 a year (comparing like and like - I know it is a bit more due to the 28 days period but since this also applied to the $25 a month plan this is a fair comparison)
Cheers mate. I don't get the porting thing, seems a bit up & down, clearly just cos I don't get it though. Is it a hassle doing this for 4 different phones every month? And does it sometimes fail? Just wondered because if I did this, I'd be porting from Amaysim to Amaysim - would that be problematic, and would all our ph numbers change?
With porting your phone numbers don't change.
Porting never fails (never has for me, don't know anyone that it has failed for, never heard of it).
Doing this for four phones every month is not too bad in my opinion and the extra effort worth the money.
If you have some Vodafone kits and some Amaysim, port between them. Very straightforward.
If you only have either Vodafone or Amaysim, get $2 Telstra sims and port from Amaysim to Telstra and then Telstra to Amaysim. Extra step but still straightforward.
Personally I would do this because with four people the saving are quite big. The question is can you get 48 starter kits for $10 each. I could only get two.
Sorry for discussing the other (Vodafone) offer here but it says in the fine print:
"6GB data offer valid for activations 29/2/16 to 30/4/16. Only applicable for new customers to Woolworths Pre-paid Mobile when you buy and activate a $30 starter pack or activate on a $2 sim with a $30 or $45 recharge. …'
I guess the first sentence suggests we will not be able to get 6GB for 12 months, although I am not 100% sure what is meant by activation.
I am not sure how the second sentence applies? Only applicable for new customers to Woolworths Pre-paid Mobile? What's that got to do with the Vodafone plan?
Thanks for any enligtenment :-)
Cheers,
Ashley.
Enwhitenment?
Are there any restrictions in buying 12 starter packs in one transaction? In the past when I used to buy a new prepaid phone or sim card I had to provide ID which is cool but I am not sure how that works for a bulk purchase. Can anyone help here?
Depending on who is serving you at the time, the attendant may rightfully limit the number of starter packs that you can purchase in a single transaction.
I reckon you can buy them via self serve terminal and you get an activation slip along with the receipt.
Possibly, self-serve should technically work now that both Amaysim and Vodafone starter packs are kept with all the other SIM cards on the publicly accessible shelves.
You might need attendant approval though, as is the case with some recharge purchases.
@KaptnKaos: I bought Vodafone starter packs from woollies last week via self serve terminals, no approval needed.
UPDATE: Coles has restriction of 5 starter packs per transaction.
Coles? Wasn't this only available at Woolworths?
Coles Vodafone $30 Starter packs
does anyone know if these would be good for travel overseas? just to use the data?
Prepaid services are never good for international roaming use. Your best bet would be to seek out a short-term postpaid month to month plan if you are looking for overseas usage.
I'm new to this switching method so noob question: on AMAYSIM website the $44.90 plan say "auto-renew every 30 days (soon to change to 28 days)". Is this the same case with these "Starter Packs"? What happens if I forgot to switch at the end of the 28-day period?
just change the auto renew to Bpay/vouchers on the amaysim app. =) that simple
Thank you
so will you be buying the vodafone starter kit as well if you are doing the switcheroo every month?
@angelkulit025: I just signed up for the OPTUS 12-month $60 SIM only for $30 deal so I'm just looking into this "switcheroo" thing for my sister.
@sky blu: how did you bring it down to 30? i was about to sign up for the student sim only plan for optus because of the hassle of porting in/out if i buy this starter packs. But I guess you need to work for it if you want a huge savings.
@angelkulit025: It's time to switch to NBN so we signed up an broadband plan which entitles a $10 discount on a mobile service. I'd totally try this switcheroo thing. Perhaps try for a couple months and see how you go first!? You just gotta ozb-face!
Given that both the $30 Vodafone starter pack and the $44.90 Amaysim starter pack are on sale for $10, and that the Amaysim offering has slightly better inclusions, you'll actually make more of a saving buying the Amaysim packs.
But, add to that the $2 SIMs and you've got yourself a whole new ball game:
13 Amaysim packs + 13 $2 SIM cards
Or
13 Vodafone packs + 13 $2 SIM cards:
($10 × 13) + ($2 × 13)
$130 + $26
= $156
6 Amaysim packs + 7 Vodafone packs
Or
6 Vodafone packs + 7 Amaysim packs:
($10 × 6) + ($10 × 7)
$60 + $70
= $130
The $26 annual saving is why I'd recommend buying 6 of one and 7 of the other, as opposed to 13 of one and 13 $2 SIM packs.
With these starter packs, any included value/entitlements remain valid for a maximum of 28 days after activation.
After 28 days, you will not be able to make any outgoing calls or messages, but incoming features and access to emergency services will be permitted for some months later.
If you wish to use your mobile for outgoing features, you must buy a recharge voucher and add this to your account, or top up online via the website directly with your credit or debit card.
Once you activate a new starter pack, you will get uninterrupted service for 28 days. On the 29th day, you'll either have to recharge your account or transfer your number over to another starter pack that is different to the one you are presently using.
As this is a prepaid offering, nothing will happen if you don't do anything. Amaysim cannot bill you automatically unless you have given your CC details and expressly gave a direct debit authority at the time of activation.
Hey another noob question: in the event that I forget to switch at end of the month, will I still be able to use the active SIM? Maybe but no credit at all?? How many days usually a starter pack expires?
With these starter packs, any included value/entitlements remain valid for a maximum of 28 days after activation. These starter packs remain valid indefinitely prior to activation.
After 28 days, you will not be able to make any outgoing calls or messages, but incoming features and access to emergency services will be permitted for some months later.
If you wish to use your mobile for outgoing features, you must buy a recharge voucher and add this to your account, or top up online via the website directly with your credit or debit card. The maximum validity of subsequent recharges will be 28 days, this is set by the provider and cannot be changed.
Once you activate a new starter pack, you will get uninterrupted service for 28 days. On the 29th day, you'll either have to recharge your account or transfer your number over to another starter pack that is different to the one you are presently using.
Many thanks for your clear explanations, Captain Chaos! Do you know if the VODAFONE "$1 SIM Starter Pack" would work with this AMAYSIM Starter packs deal. I found the $1 SIM option on Vodafone website but everyone seems to mention the $2 SIM with other providers only.
Say 13 Amaysim packs + 13 $1 Vodafone SIM:
(13 x $10) + (13 x $1)
$130 + $13
=$143
Possible?
Optus SIM cards are for $0.50 @ Kmart[https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/234498]
was $0.5 last week at Kmart, Ahfield, NSW
(13X$10)+(13X$0.5) = 130 + 6.5 = $136.5
@spk: Okei but AMAYSIM uses Optus network so that's a no go because it'd take ages for porting in/out. Not sure if i'm correct though…
Most definitely! Any non-Optus SIM is what you'd be looking out for, so if you can grab yourself a $1 SIM instead of a $2 SIM that's great! If porting to or from Amaysim, just avoid SIM cards from Virgin and Optus.
Any non-Optus SIM is what you'd be looking out for, so if you can grab yourself a $1 SIM instead of a $2 SIM that's great!
If porting to or from Amaysim, just avoid SIM cards from Virgin and Optus.
can anybody give me a knowledge on what the heck is "starter pack"?
Can I recharge it? Is it any different than "recharge pack"?
Finally, is there any "cheap" prepaid sim that last longer than a month without having to recharge?
Basically I just want "incoming" call all the time and "outgoing" whenever I require :D
Isn't there something going on with Amaysim where they might not be using the Optus network anymore after a couple of months? If so, wouldn't stocking up on these be a bad idea as they might not work anymore?
Sure they'll work!
Although the rumours about Amaysim defecting from Optus are long gone, you'd still be entitled to the value of the starter packs that you've already purchased.
All that would be required is for Amaysim to confirm at their end that you legitimately purchased the old starter packs, and to give you SIM cards that operate on the new network with equivalent entitlements.
Thanks for all your help! These starter packs don't expire either do they?
No, not at all. Vodafone and Amaysim starter packs do not have expiry dates.
Conversely though, Failstra and Optus starter packs do.
Hey bud. You're efforts in providing help and advice in this deal has been outstanding. A big thank you from me
0 @ Blackburn, Forest Hill and Brentford Square, VIC. None would raincheck but said they'd attempt to order more in if the line wasn't discontinued with the supplier. They also commented that they are not told ahead of time that such items are in the catalogue, otherwise they'd stock up to avoid disappointment/ill feeling.
Trust me, they definitely know what's in the upcoming catalogues because they have to print and tag the upcoming week's specials accordingly. They would've said that to prevent customers from commenting on their stock control.
But nonetheless, thank you for the update there. It'll save quite a few people from unnecessary trips.
Yeah, can we update here about the stock levels per store we're visiting. Thanks guys!
Woolworths Ashfield, 2 more left
Grabbed a few around early morning before work, not much stock at the shelf but scanned them at self-check out no problems.
where is this?
i went to Woolies Newmarket VIC yesterday to buy some voda sims and i searched for some amaysim starter packs as well but they only have the $2 sim cards. i don't know if they have the other 44.90 starter packs hidden behind the cigarette counter but definitely not in the sim card section.
Some available at KARINGAL.
Quite a few available in Burwood NSW (Plaza)
bought 12 this morning, easy. $10 for 5GB of data and $40 call credit is worth the monthly ports.
It will actually be 7GB data from March 31st and 28 day cycle
link https://www.amaysim.com.au/unlimited-plan-changes
so $10 for 7GB is pretty awesome :)
Did you buy in multiple batches? They had a quantity limit of 10 where I went.
quantity limit is 5 per customer but you can checkout and go back again. Self checkout will do as well.
What do these look like? I went to sydney town hall woolies, and they only had ,$2 amaysim packs. I didn't see anything that looked like the image in the post
i bought 12 in one go, the girl at the check out let me have 'em
which woolies did you go to? are there still some left?
Was on LiveChat with Amaysim today and they said these $44.90 SIMs discounted to $10 expire on 29/3/16. Convo:
ME: I just bought a $44.90 starter pack from Woolworths. Does it have an expiry date?
SUPPORT: Was this a promotional starter pack?
ME: Today, they had these on sale for $10.00.
SUPPORT: Ok. that one expires on 29/3/16 if not redeemed. The promotion runs until the 29/3/16
If mininal spending if your thing, grab 13 of these Amaysim packs and 13 Telstra/Voda/Optus $2 SIMs. That way your experience in using the Amaysim starter packs will be seamless.