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SIM only is a type of mobile plan where you pay for calls, texts and data. The SIM usually comes included with the plan and you don't get a phone with the SIM, which is why it's known as "SIM only" or a BYO phone plan.
A SIM only plan can traditionally be categorised as one of 2 types: prepaid or postpaid.
The main difference between them is when you pay for your mobile plan. With prepaid, you'll pay upfront at the start of the month before you start using your plan, whereas on postpaid it's normally at the end of the month.
In some instances, providers such as Telstra will make you pay at the start of the month even on a postpaid plan so keep an eye out for this to avoid any surprises.
I've been using SIM only plans for years now. It's got to be one of the easiest things to switch so I change providers every year. There's always a different deal worth snapping up.— Gary Ross Hunter, Finder's editor
In Australia, it's still common to get a SIM card with your mobile plan. You will usually need to buy a SIM card from the store or order it online. The SIM will then need to be inserted into your phone so you can activate your plan.
Some providers also offer the option to sign up with an eSIM, which is a newer technology rolling out in Australia.
An eSIM allows you to set up your mobile plan digitally without the need of a physical SIM card, meaning you don't have to wait for your SIM to arrive by post. This can be especially useful when you're travelling overseas.
Some of the cheapest SIM only plans on Finder come from providers such as E.Tel, Flip, ALDImobile, CMobile, Lebara and Catch Connect.
However, the cheapest option won't always mean you're going to get the best value for your money. Plans might cost less but do they offer enough data and features to match your requirements?
A good rule of thumb is to look out for deals and use the benchmark of $1 per GB to compare plans. All you need to do is divide the monthly cost by the monthly data allowance the provider is offering on its plans to find out how much each gigabyte of data will cost you.