• expired

Lebara 30-Day Prepaid Mobile Sim Starter Pack: 8GB $4, 25GB $6, 100GB $12 @ Coles in-Store

740

It has been a disaster for sim hopping ozbargainers since this new financial year.
Kogan 1c sim is gone
Boost free/profit sim is gone
and I've just found out today Amaysim no longer gives out cashback from CR & SB.

So we've to start hunting for cheap sims again.
Looks like the cheapest sim currently is Lebara (Vodafone network) for $6/30days.
This deal is not in Coles' catalog this week. But it runs frequently between Coles/WW.
Plan Info: https://www.lebara.com.au/
You may use Coles digital gift card to purchase sim cards @ Coles, but you can't use WW's gift card to purchase sim cards @ WW.
Update: As per Neoika's comment, there is a $4 pack, depending on your local store, which gives you 8GB and limited intl calls.

2nd cheapest would be Catch (optus network) $21/90 days, that's equivalent to $7/30 days
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/790093
https://catchconnect.com.au/home/left-image/product/63
It also runs frequently. but it doesn't come with free intl minutes, I don't like that.
You may get 3.5% cashback from CR, or I think you may use catch gift card (exchange from Prezzee) to pay for it, although I haven't tried that.

3rd option would be Belong (Telstra network) $45 100GB Starter Pack, that's $24 for 3 months, equivalent to $8/month
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/790418
it also doesn't come with free intl minutes

Mate is running a $1/first month promo, but their billing system is a bit funny and the website is like a Year10 student homework.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/781255

I am using my very last Boost profit sim now, just bought a Lebara for August, we will see how it goes next month. :(

Related Stores

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closed Comments

  • +1

    If you still have Lyca sims, they are still the best value, and you could continue using them for another 2 months after activation month.

    The new financial year has hit them all hard, and my prediction of Boost free cashback sims being cancelled this year seems to have come true.
    Heck I only started real sim hoping last financial year.

    Good thing at least that during zip boost hacks, I didnt buy $2 sims instead $30 starter kits, (but no other sims I got that could make easy sim porting)

    Mate Promo mentioned would certainly do Credit checks (hence may not be worth it for a lot of people)

    • Current cheapest offer from Lyca is $7/28 days, not as cheap as Lebara/Catch.
      Also it's contradicting with itself

      Save $13 For First 3 purchases

      Vs

      $7 price offer is for new online customers for first month of purchase,2nd Month onwards will be charged at full price at $20/28 days. Offer ends on 31st July 2023.

      • No I am referring to Lyca sim offer that expired on 30th June

        which was
        $1 Cost for 3 months ($1 each month)
        and
        $3 cost for 3 months ($3 each month for higher data)

        They can continue to be used for 3 months full (you might need to tinker in settings of your lyca account though)

        • +1

          I see, so it is not the best value since the offer has already expired.
          And it was not the best value neither because there was Boost profit sim. :)

          • +1

            @TanedaR: Boost sim profit ON first month only,
            hence if you want sim for 2nd and 3rd month , It costs you more to port sim,
            Whereas with lyca it became slightly easier that 1 sim could continue for 3 months. (hence very convenient)

            Dont think profits gonna come back, at best 100% back I think (but if you care about profits, then Zip-Boost was real instant profit deal)

    • Good thing at least that during zip boost hacks, I didnt buy $2 sims instead $30 starter kits

      Or you could be me who bought a ton of $2 sims and only one $30 sim from Zip… then accidentally activated it along with all my Cashrewards $30 sims.

      • Haha yeah lucky me that time I stopped CR ordering. So i 100% knew which ones were from Zip (and not needing 30 day activation)

    • +1

      For almost a year, I used the free boost service. I got the online rep for a sim replacement. They happily activated a new sim with the old number. Cashback on all purchases received.

      • Oh nice, didn’t know that would work, I should have tried. Well hope there a next time for us

        • It is up to the operator who you chat with. You can always come up with excuses like SIM faulty, lost, etc. BS.

          • +1

            @Neoika: They have stopped online sim replacement at all since July. You will need to call them. It's not quite easy to request them to sim replace every now and then. Grabbed a $200 sim for a year now.

      • I still have about 20 cashback-all-paid Boost SIMs to activate in a year time. Since the deal may be gone forever, it does no harm to any parties to say now, right?

        • I hadn't been shouting that little loophole from the rooftops either. :)

          I've got a dozen yet to be activated, with cashback received on all but one (my last purchase, about a month ago). The expiry date on the last one is 14/4/25. If I'd known that they'd moved beyond the batches with expiry dates of 4/5/24, 11/5/24 and 29/6/24 then I would've grabbed some more whilst the going was good. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

          • @Colin2905: I made hundreds of dollars and had unlimited internet I didn't have to pay a dime for. Sure, I'm sad the gravy train has ended but I'm not too bothered to now have to throw down a few dollars a month again.

          • +1

            @Colin2905: So you were receiving the cashback even without activating them within 30 days? That's nice. If I was sure that was going work I would have stockpiled a few more!

            • @Charlie Dont Surf: People mentioning it would have been PMed to unpublish it and keep silent on it. You can imagine that it only does slight harm to CR and Boost's standing and future marketing.

              • @Neoika: Yes, that's fair. Cashrewards has been great for me. I wouldn't want to push the limits with them.

    • care to elaborate on 'continue using them for another 2 months after activation month'?

      • That was an expired offer in June, $1/m for 3 months. He took up that offer, it's July now so he still has 2 months to go.

        Which is completely irrelevant to us because that offer is no longer available.

        While my post is to discuss what are the best offer for us FROM NOW, since there is no exciting offer in July,
        his entire comment above is boasting about what he got in June.

        • cheers mate

  • +1

    Bummer I was wondering what was happening to boost offers! Thanks for the post , will help find an alternative!

  • is this a catalogue sale ?

  • What are the expiry on these plans? Possible to buy a few to last a few months?

    • +1

      Should be 30 days as per OP's photo.

      Possible to buy a few to last a few months?

      Depends, if you want same number active on some sim plan, then you would need another sim offer to port over. This is at max going to last you 30 days at discounted rate. after which you would need to find another sim deal then come back to this one (or another one).

      That is why I think if these sim slutting offer do not come COLES MOBILE $99 sim could be best option for a lot of people for whole year.

    • +4

      The plan itself is 30 days.
      There is an exp date printed at the back of lebara pack. Mine is 10/01/2025.
      However, it's better to activate the sim within 12 months of purchase date.
      So if you like to keep your number and sim hopping, yes you may purchase 3-4 packs of lebara.

      For example if you activate a lebara in Aug then hop to Lyca $7/28days in Sep then hop back to Lebara in Oct,
      that's approximately $13/2 months, = around $80/year.
      Given there is sometimes $1/m promotion, your real yearly cost would be less than $50.
      It's the same gaming style for NBN, electricity and gas, check the price every 6 months or so and you will save a lot.
      Loyalty doesn't pay.

      • Thanks for that. Was referring more to the actual expiry of the sim itself.

        Planning to use these for mobile hotspots so a new number everytime is not an issue.

        • +1

          In that case, depends on how much data you use in a month, Felix can be a cheaper option.
          https://felixmobile.com.au/plan
          It's $17.50/m for unlimited data for the first 3 months, then $35/m after, however speed is 20Mbps, which is still fast enough for daily use.

          • +1

            @TanedaR: Yeah have seen that before. Probably don’t need that much data. 20-30gb a month works fine. The discontinued boost 100%+ CB plan was the best

      • There is an exp date printed at the back of lebara pack. Mine is 10/01/2025.

        Most of the ones that I've seen hanging on the shelves at Coles Chisholm and Tuggeranong (ACT), and Woolworths Tuggeranong too, have already expired. Some have pre-assigned numbers, so I can understand that, but others don't. There are also packs that don't seem to have an expiry date printed on them, so I'm guessing 12 months from date of purchase???

  • How to ported out number to a new service provider if existing Sim expired with no credit?

    • from memory, Voda (and other VMNO that use the Voda network) needs one to send an SMS from the number one wishes to port from, so if the existing sim has expired then you need to either online chat or call them and do it manually.

      don't think Optus and Telstra (and other VMNO that use the Optus and Telstra network) needs an SMS sent.

      • Yes, you need to send an SMS from Vodafone and their MVNO's, but it'll let you do it without any credit in this instance.

  • I am currently on Boost 200 1yr Sim which expires 29 Sep 2023 and already bought another Boost Sim 200 last month. I might try and call Boost customer service to use the new sim to recharge, but if that fail, I need to port out and port back in. So I understand that Mate for $1 would be the best option, is that right and is it 30 days or calendar month? Cheers.

    • Mate works on a calendar month basis, but see the lengthy discussions on the previous Mate deals about potential gotchas. Opinions vary, but I chose to play it safe; order it about 3 to 5 business days (depending on how long you think it'll take to arrive) before you intend to activate it, and port out at least a couple of business days before your billing cycle day. You billing cycle day will be the day of the month that you sign up.

      • Yeah I just ported out of Mate after 2.5 months on their $1/month for 3 months deal. Super smooth and excellent service.

        Main thing most people have an issue with is it being postpaid and the attendant credit check @huntabargain

  • From memory normally it takes a couple of weeks for Amaysim to reappear in Cashrewards and Shopback. But this time it could be different.

  • +1

    When kogan stopped their cheap/free sims, I thought my sim hopping days were over but then boost came along and actually made it profitable. Unless boost or an alternative reappears, this really may be the end.

    Keeping my number is a must, so the hassle of sim hopping at around the $7pm mark becomes no longer worth the hassle. Looks like for me, it's time to look into a yearly deal and jumping on the next 1/2 price amaysim+CR or kogan long expiry deal. Without boost regular deals or an alternative, we're in for a bumpy ride.

  • Apparently $5 Aldi SIMs have been patched and don't last 1 year anymore without recharge so wondering what's the best burner phone option for just receiving texts and calls on an extended period of time without topping up

    • +1

      Amaysim As You Go $10 sim 365 days. Make sure you turn off data.

      • +1

        Not sure if the Amaysim $10 Starter Pack can be activated on that plan, it's currently $5 @OW.
        Maybe @Neoika or @djoz knows?

        • +2

          I haven't explored on it as I am happy with the 6 mths grace period after the expiry of most first recharge usable SIMs.

        • Probably not as it's a 7 days starter pack.
          Better just get a $2 sim and buy $10 credit online.

    • how does the aldi one works now? website says '$5 credit included
      60 day expiry

      365 day expiry
      On PAYG Top Ups

      PAYG Top Up
      Add $15, $25 or $35 as you need

      Or add a plan'

      so initial $5 last you 60 days, then recharge $15 or more to get another 365 days?

  • Is this available nationwide or in specific Coles stores? Can anyone confirm?

    • +4

      Coles App shows the prices in your local store.

      Just to add, the cheapest is actually Lebara 30 Day XS plan for $4 (was $14.90).

      • +1

        Bonus 4GB data on the XS plan at the moment gives you a total of 8GB for anyone wondering.

        • Not really, on the leaflet mentioned "Activate by 31.05.23 to receive Bonus data" I port in yesterday, no extra 4GB bonus data only the base 4GB data.

          • @dlovep: Says 30.09.23 on the lebara website.

            • @wavesgreen: that's dodgy !

              • +1

                @dlovep: Give CS a call and ask to have it applied to your account. If they say something about that bonus only being valid for sims ordered through their website, let them know that when you click on the T&C for the 4GB bonus, in the pop-up window it literally displays the logos of the stores who stock their sims, Coles, Woolworths, BigW, etc.

                • +1

                  @wavesgreen: Will give them a call tomorrow, thanks !

                  • +1

                    @dlovep: I wouldn't imagine it being a problem. Lebara are pretty great when it comes to CS, at least that's been my experience. And 4GB of data is like chickenfeed to mobile providers these days.

                    • @wavesgreen: @dlovep did you end up calling? I read this and still bought the same pack thinking it was 8GB -_-

      • Thanks, have updated the posted

  • for how long can you still receive text and calls after credit expire?

    • https://www.lebara.com.au/about/terms-and-conditions/

      I am not sure but T&C:

      3.3 Where You do not recharge for a continuous period of 120 days following Your activation (for SIM’s with preloaded credit) or last recharge of the services; or 60 days following activation of SIM’s with preloaded plans the Agreement will terminate automatically and shall be deemed to be terminated by You.

  • 3rd option would be Belong (Telstra network) $45 100GB Starter Pack, that's $24 for 3 months, equivalent to $8/month

    Option 3.1: For anyone still sitting on a stash of Telstra Plus points (or accumulating them via random promotions), an $80 Belong starter pack when they're next on special, which seems to be 5,000 points these days. (Used to be 2,000 points on special.) With the plan price increases ($29 for first month, then $19) you can't get as long out of them as you once could ($25 for first month, then $15), but could still be an option for some.

  • $4 Lebara SIMs at my local Coles mostly had expiry dates of December 2023 and January 2024.

    Worthwhile checking expiry dates on these packs.

  • Can you self-cancel Lebara without contacting customer care?

    • +1

      There is a auto-recharge button during the activation stage which you can toggle off. No credit card details have been collected from me.

    • Easy only give them card details of a one time use only (single time use card only)

  • -1

    It has been a disaster for sim hopping ozbargainers since this new financial year. Kogan 1c sim is gone Boost free/profit sim is gone and I've just found out today Amaysim no longer gives out cashback from CR & SB.

    When Amaysim had their 1/2 price sale people still think its too much… (SERIOUSLY $5)😓😓. Now who is laughing…..

    Although Amaysim network is really crap but I am happy I don't have to SIM hopping for 12 months on my speat number.

    I think the Boost deal will eventually comes back, if not then I can see poeple start stocking up on sim kits on sale in the future.

  • -2

    $4 per month is expensive in the context of $1 or $0 sim offers. It's all accounting tricks, more people are likley to get sucked into paying 2nd or more renewals, or buy a new "deal" off the shelf with shiny special sticker at the supermarket than finding on ozbargain.

    • If you don't call, you can port to Amaysim's $10 pay as you go, last a whole year.

  • Gah went by yesterday didn't see the $4. Thought all was RRP so didn't buy any. Will go back today before the change over on Wednesday. Thanks OP.

  • Once a SIM starter kit is purchased how much time until it has to be activated ? I read on their website 60 days but a rep on the phone said 120 days. Can anyone confirm the correct answer?

  • Is Lebara identical to Vodafone with volte etc? Voda is passable where I am but only just, I don't think I could go any lower in terms of coverage.

  • If I buy a $2 sim from lebara

    Then top up with a $5/1gb a month

    And auto recharge

    Will this work you reckon?

    I want to put in a merchant card machine.. seems the cheapest Option around to do this!

    They use minimal data

    • why not amaysim $5 365days?

      works out to be 200MB data for $10 for 365 days. As long as it last more than 1 month it would give you better value than this.

      And I don't think you can buy data pack without a plan, I could be wrong though.

  • make sure there's good coverage in your areas before jumping in this. Lebara has been worse than abysmal in NQ in my experience. I've had better coverage in other states. i guess in and around metros it should be fine

  • Would you know if any of these support eSims? Makes SIM swapping/hopping easy.

  • I've just found out today Amaysim no longer gives out cashback from CR & SB.

    So are the cashbacks posted here in the last few months still valid/incoming? Or did Amaysim just decide those of us who bought deals with a couple of dollars back, don't get it now?

  • Does anyone know whether the Lebara sim starter packs can be activated on like a $10 for 365 days 'pay as you go' plan please?

  • I bought this from Coles 2 days ago and it says SIM not found when I try to activate it online. Has anyone encountered this?

    • I bought mine yesterday. Upon checking today I see the expiry date is Nov last year! Didn't try to activate. Planning to go back for an exchange. Maybe check that

      • Why not try to activate it first?

        • Didnt want to open the packaging. Feel this way they will more likely exchange for me. I am passing by today anyway so not a big extra effort

      • +2

        I was told by a rep on the phone that the date on the pack doesn't matter. As long as it went through the checkout without any errors then it's all good.

    • Was this resolved? Same issue here with sim expiry in 2025

      • I called Lebara and they told me that the cashier didn’t unlock it at the time of purchase and I had to email them with a picture of the SIM and also my receipt. It’s been 24 hours I haven’t heard anything back yet…

  • Lycamobile refused to register a sim on my name even though I have only ported the same number over and over again but to them its 5 different accounts under my name with same phone number. They've declined to help me remove or sort the duplicate issue at their end. Anybody else experienced this or has a hack to go around this issue? Thanks

  • Picked up 6 from the shelf this morning and went to self-checkout.
    First 3 went through ok.
    4th and 5th had to get assistance and she scanned her barcode.
    Reached maximum and 6th didn't go through.

    • Two separate transactions. No point to hoard these.

      • Same as karmduit below, we simply hotspot for home internet (4 phones + 2 tablets, WFH stuck in those Teams meetings), can burn through these easily.

  • Could only buy 5 at a time at Coles too! But nothing stops you turning around and going in to buy another 5?

    • What are you going to do with that many?

      • Need some for home internet. 1 a month $6/month. Need another for dedicated ioT so got the $4/month. I only wanted 6 and didnt go back for the 6th. But its a good buffer for now and luck it to see if a better deal comes along? Better than committing to a 12 month deal imo. But i am tight…

    • No point to hoard these at all. They are always on sale somewhere. Sometimes Vodafone $30 (for $8-10) may be the better option as it offers unlimited data @ 1.5Mbps after 40GB runs out.

      • Not to forget vodafone comes with 5G too (given you are using 5G capable device). But vodafone 5G speeds are not comparable to other provider's 5G speeds IMO still ever so slightly better than 4G

  • Thanks so much. I'm completely invested in sim slutting. Scored 2 x $6 cards!!!

  • I bought it from Coles last week. I tried activate last night and came back with error Sim card not found. Sim expired is on 2025. What should I do now?😔

    • Same problem here.
      Online chat yet to reply after 20 mins waiting.

      • How you fix it at last?

        • +1

          Online chat never replied.
          Called 1300 number and they said to email [email protected] with photos of receipt and starter pack.
          Still waiting for resolution.

          I bought 2 packs and both have this error.

          • @dubcmj: Yes they said on the phone that if I go back to Coles they won’t be able to unlock it anymore so it seems that their email support is the only solution but it’s been over 24 hours already…

            • @spast1ka: I went to Coles asked for help. Coles manager refused to help. He said not refundable or exchange for Sim card,! WTH..

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