This is the cheapest possible way to get a number, park a number, use for OTP or sign up to marketing spam in Australia for a whole year. Free incoming texts when roaming in the countries listed in the CIS.
The total cost of $7 in the first year consists of the $2 SIM (eSIM available) and the first $5 activation credit valid for the first 365 days. Subsequent recharges are $10 and last for 365 days. It has cheaper calls to 13/1300 numbers, cheaper data and generally cheaper international rates (e.g. same SMS price for national and international numbers) compared to amaysim's $10 option.
Lebara PAYG Standard plan uses Vodafone 4G network.
Rates:
- Standard national calls: 15c/min
- 1800 numbers: Unlimited
- Standard national and international text: 15c
- Data: 3c/MB
- Standard national and international MMS: 25c
- 13/1300 numbers: 15c/min
- Lebara to Lebara standard national calls: Free
- Incoming texts when roaming: Free in permitted roaming countries
I think I've just discovered the next level of this deal… how to get a SIM/number active for just the $2 initial purchase, without the $5 top-up.
Here's what I did:
- Purchased the eSim for $2 from the Lebara site
- Went through activation journey. Because I failed the credit card verification checks, it asked me to upload a copy of ID. I did.
- Gave me a long alphanumeric code, and "verification pending" message
- Called up Lebara customer support
- Gave them that long code.
- They activated my account immediately within seconds.
- I then added the eSim to my Samsung phone using the QR code in the email.
- Connected to network immediately.
- I then logged onto my Lebara account on the web (phone number + PIN they text you once you add your eSim to your phone).
- Went into some settings part of the menu, where it said to "activate" you need to get a 6-digit code sent to your Lebara number. This was quick and easy.
- On my dashboard, my expiry date is now 1 year later, despite having not bought the $5 top-up. Just the initial $2 SIM.
IMO exactly what I wanted, as I need a number just to receive calls, texts, OTP, etc.