One of the first tasks to complete when you arrive in Auckland is to set up a mobile phone and Internet connection. These tools will be vital as you make calls to arrange other services, and use your Internet to research living in this new city. Fortunately, both tasks come with plenty of choices to meet your specific needs, and both are quick and easy to set up.

Read on to learn about your options for a mobile phone in Auckland, and how to get connected to the web when you arrive.

Mobile phones and plans in Auckland

Cell phones in Auckland are never ‘locked’ to one provider, so you can certainly bring your existing unlocked mobile across and simply sign up to any one of the suppliers in the country. Or, you can purchase a new phone when you arrive and start fresh. You will have the option of either a ‘prepay’ phone plan in Auckland or a monthly contract.

  • Prepay: A pre-paid mobile phone plan is a good choice for those who don’t know how long they will be in Auckland, as it is extremely flexible and you can stop the service at any time. This option requires you to top up your phone account ahead of time, then as each month rolls around, you will be charged a set fee for a package that usually includes texts, phone calls, and data. You can stop at any time, and service will be shut off if you do not have enough funds in your phone account when the new month starts. If you go over your limit of phone calls, texts or data, you will be charged immediately from your account.
     
  • Monthly contracts: A monthly contract option is a more traditional style of phone billing. In this case, you will sign up to a contract and be billed for services each month. Your contract may include a monthly payment for your mobile as well as phone calls, texts, and data, or if you already have your own phone, you will only pay for the services. If you go over your allotted data, texts, or calls, you will be charged extra – these costs will appear on your monthly bill. Note that there are usually fines should you break the contract early, so you will need to be sure you will remain in Auckland for the duration before signing.

Mobile service providers in Auckland

There are several options for a phone plan in Auckland, so be sure to shop around before making your decision. Also note that many mobile providers also offer Internet services, so you may be able to find a cheaper deal by bundling your phone and web connection.

Internet providers in Auckland

You have plenty of choices when it comes to Internet services in Auckland, so it’s important to shop around to find the right deal for your needs. It is often cheaper per month to sign up for a longer contract, so it will help if you know you are going to stay in Auckland for that time.

Take a look at the various options to find the best deal for you: