One of the Australian establishments I am engaging with is implementing a two-factor authentication system, which mandates an Australian mobile number for registration.

The issue arises from my residence in Thailand, as the Australian establishment is unwilling to adapt the two-factor system to support an overseas mobile phone number.

I need a SIM card with an Australian mobile phone number that can be used and accessed in Thailand, allowing me to receive 'push notifications' or SMS messages from the Australian establishment. I can provide a dedicated smartphone for such a card.

The SIM card provider would have to mail the card to my address in Thailand and payment including top-up payments would be made by either AMEX, Bpay or 'Pay Anyone'.

Are there any SIM cards available that meet these requirements?

Not Oz, but I'm using Google Fi from the USA.  Not sure if it's available in Oz. 

 

But:

 

1) I had to sign up with a US address.  (OP may want to say whether he's got family back home that can receive the SIM and send it to him)

2) After a few months overseas, my plan no longer supports the data roaming feature.  Just phone and text.  Apparently, if I was military on a foreign assignment, int'l data roaming is available.  The messages say it'll work fine when I get back to the USA.

 

Works for phone and text in Thailand and China where I've been spending the last year.  I keep it as SIM1 in my 2 SIM phone, alternating between a China SIM and a Thai SIM (AIS) depending on where I land.  That gives me the data...

 

Edited April 19, 20242 yr by impulse

12 minutes ago, impulse said:

Not Oz, but I'm using Google Fi from the USA.  Not sure if it's available in Oz. 

 

But:

 

1) I had to sign up with a US address.  (OP may want to say whether he's got family back home that can receive the SIM and send it to him)

2) After a few months overseas, my plan no longer supports the data roaming feature.  Just phone and text.  Apparently, if I was military on a foreign assignment, int'l data roaming is available.  The messages say it'll work fine when I get back to the USA.

 

Works for phone and text in Thailand and China where I've been spending the last year.  I keep it as SIM1 in my 2 SIM phone, alternating between a China SIM and a Thai SIM (AIS) depending on where I land.  That gives me the data...

 

So very helpful for the OP's Australian topic🤔

5 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

So very helpful for the OP's Australian topic🤔

 

Google's international.  Fi is available in quite a few countries.  

 

https://au.pcmag.com/mobile-phones/93412/google-fis-unlimited-plans-are-getting-cheaper

 

 

Topic needs moving to; Thailand Extra Forums - Communication.

2 hours ago, StraightTalk said:

One of the Australian establishments I am engaging with is implementing a two-factor authentication system, which mandates an Australian mobile number for registration.

The issue arises from my residence in Thailand, as the Australian establishment is unwilling to adapt the two-factor system to support an overseas mobile phone number.

I need a SIM card with an Australian mobile phone number that can be used and accessed in Thailand, allowing me to receive 'push notifications' or SMS messages from the Australian establishment. I can provide a dedicated smartphone for such a card.

The SIM card provider would have to mail the card to my address in Thailand and payment including top-up payments would be made by either AMEX, Bpay or 'Pay Anyone'.

Are there any SIM cards available that meet these requirements?

There are many....Aldi mobile, Amaysim etc. This topic was discussed extensively.

2 hours ago, impulse said:

OP may want to say whether he's got family back home that can receive the SIM and send it to him

I no longer have any contacts in Australia. The SIM card provider would have to mail the card to my address in Thailand and payment including top-up payments would be made by either AMEX, Bpay or 'Pay Anyone'.

53 minutes ago, gearbox said:

There are many....Aldi mobile, Amaysim etc. This topic was discussed extensively.

Aldi and Amaysim do not deliver Sim cards overseas. The SIM card provider would have to mail the card to my address in Thailand and payment including top-up payments would be made by either AMEX, Bpay or 'Pay Anyone'.

2 hours ago, impulse said:

Google's Fi

I believe these cards don't have an Australian number

22 minutes ago, StraightTalk said:

Aldi and Amaysim do not deliver Sim cards overseas. The SIM card provider would have to mail the card to my address in Thailand and payment including top-up payments would be made by either AMEX, Bpay or 'Pay Anyone'.

Try Amaysim esim, but I'm not sure if you can activate it in Thailand. I've heard people being able to activate dtac esims outside Thailand.

 

Of course your phone should must support esim.

24 minutes ago, gearbox said:

Try Amaysim esim, but I'm not sure if you can activate it in Thailand.

I e-mailed amaysim, they and will get back to me within 2 business days.

16 hours ago, StraightTalk said:

I e-mailed amaysim, they and will get back to me within 2 business days.

 

Response:

[quote]

maysim SIM cards can be deliver within Australia only. However, if your device is compatible to eSIM, you can purchase a plan to us and choose eSIM as your preferred type of SIM.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM you can download onto a compatible phone, tablet or watch.
Unlike a traditional plastic SIM that you physically insert into the SIM card slot on your device, an eSIM lets you quickly download, activate and connect your mobile phone number to a cellular network."

[\quote]

Not suitable for my requirements.

39 minutes ago, StraightTalk said:

 

Response:

[quote]

maysim SIM cards can be deliver within Australia only. However, if your device is compatible to eSIM, you can purchase a plan to us and choose eSIM as your preferred type of SIM.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM you can download onto a compatible phone, tablet or watch.
Unlike a traditional plastic SIM that you physically insert into the SIM card slot on your device, an eSIM lets you quickly download, activate and connect your mobile phone number to a cellular network."

[\quote]

Not suitable for my requirements.

Thanks for letting us know. My most recent mobile is an iPhone 8 Plus. Whilst 5th Generation isn't yet available either where I am or in my home town, I think it's time to embrace newer technology. eSIM's seem to be the way to go for a simpler life. 

Set up an Australian Pay As You Go mail forwarding account.  

 

Here's one from the first page of Google.  I can't recommend them.  Just found them on a Google search as an example to show. 

 

https://hotsnail.com.au

 

Go online and buy one of the sim cards mentioned.  I recommend Aldi Mobile.  $15 a year for 365 validity.  You use the Aussie address of the mail forwarding business.  That business then posts your mail to you in Thailand, or anywhere else in the world. 

 

You will have to email copies of ID, but it will get activated. 

 

Then, go online and enable roaming.  It's free to receive SMS when roaming. 

 

You should be right from then on, provided you recharge every year and don't let the sim drop off the network. 

Aldi mobile is best.

On 6/3/2024 at 3:01 AM, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Aldi mobile is best.

$15 for 365 days validity.  It's a good deal. 

 

https://www.aldimobile.com.au/collections/payg

 

As more and more Aussie companies move to 2FA, and Aussie mobile will be needed for accessing accounts back in Australia, both online, and through the call center. 

On 6/11/2024 at 6:08 PM, KhunHeineken said:

$15 for 365 days validity.  It's a good deal. 

 

https://www.aldimobile.com.au/collections/payg

 

As more and more Aussie companies move to 2FA, and Aussie mobile will be needed for accessing accounts back in Australia, both online, and through the call center. 

What are your thoughts on this $2 SIM from Aldi?

It has 365 day validity.

https://www.aldimobile.com.au/products/payg-prepaid-sim?srsltid=AfmBOoqjN-0uGBkqy_RvaGi87LK4pWiib8RGBvLumhtDMrrQsWAT-baR

5 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

What are your thoughts on this $2 SIM from Aldi?

It has 365 day validity.

https://www.aldimobile.com.au/products/payg-prepaid-sim?srsltid=AfmBOoqjN-0uGBkqy_RvaGi87LK4pWiib8RGBvLumhtDMrrQsWAT-baR

Its worth $2

2 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Its worth $2

Some say it's only worth a $1.95

10 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

What are your thoughts on this $2 SIM from Aldi?

It has 365 day validity.

https://www.aldimobile.com.au/products/payg-prepaid-sim?srsltid=AfmBOoqjN-0uGBkqy_RvaGi87LK4pWiib8RGBvLumhtDMrrQsWAT-baR

I've already posted my thoughts. I'll repeat them.

In my opinion, in the near future, most Aussie expats will need access to an Australian mobile phone number for the purpose of Two Factor Authentication. (2FA) It was a choice, but many companies in Australia are taking that choice away and making it a requirement.

It's free to accept incoming SMS anywhere in the world, so a cheap long validity (365 days) sim is the best choice for this purpose.

So, at $2, I would buy a few and have then sent over and keep a couple in a cupboard, just in case something happens to the main one.

10 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Its worth $2

Could end up being the best $2 ever spent. 🙂

8 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Some say it's only worth a $1.95

If $2 stretches you budget, perhaps you could ask for one as a birthday or Christmas gift. 😄

On 1/11/2026 at 6:22 PM, KhunHeineken said:

just in case something happens to the main one.

Aldi has e-Sim now and can convert their Sim card to e-Sim now too.

14 hours ago, Youbloodybeauty said:

Aldi has e-Sim now and can convert their Sim card to e-Sim now too.

One's phone has to have e-sim capability.

In the near future, all phones will have e-sim capability, but a lot of the older expats are happy to stay with their older phones, so e-sim is not an option for many here.

On 2/24/2026 at 2:52 AM, KhunHeineken said:

One's phone has to have e-sim capability.

Strewth, good on ya for speakin’ up, mate.
Though I reckon Aldi would’ve given the old non-tech-savvy codgers a heads-up if ya hadn’t.

• Here’s why an eSim is a good idea mate:

  • Can’t be yanked out or nicked on its own – it’s proper soldered/embedded in the bloody phone.

  • Drops the risk of SIM theft heaps if ya phone gets pinched or goes walkabout.

  • Makes it a right pain for thieving bastards to nick ya number and chuck it in another handset – no popping the SIM out like a loose tooth.

  • Knocks the legs out from under heaps of those dodgy SIM-swap jobs that rely on gettin’ hold of a physical card or easy portin’.

  • Locked down tight by ya phone’s screen lock, Face ID, fingerprint or PIN – no mucking about with a separate SIM PIN like the old days.

  • Stashed in a tough-as-nails secure chip inside the phone with proper strong encryption – way harder to clone or rip out.

  • Not as easy to knick, lose or get messed with in the supply chain – no loose little card floatin’ around for some grub to pinch.

  • Makes trackin’ a stolen phone a doddle ‘cause the SIM (and ya number) stays glued to the device.

On 2/26/2026 at 4:27 AM, Youbloodybeauty said:

Strewth, good on ya for speakin’ up, mate.
Though I reckon Aldi would’ve given the old non-tech-savvy codgers a heads-up if ya hadn’t.

• Here’s why an eSim is a good idea mate:

  • Can’t be yanked out or nicked on its own – it’s proper soldered/embedded in the bloody phone.

  • Drops the risk of SIM theft heaps if ya phone gets pinched or goes walkabout.

  • Makes it a right pain for thieving bastards to nick ya number and chuck it in another handset – no popping the SIM out like a loose tooth.

  • Knocks the legs out from under heaps of those dodgy SIM-swap jobs that rely on gettin’ hold of a physical card or easy portin’.

  • Locked down tight by ya phone’s screen lock, Face ID, fingerprint or PIN – no mucking about with a separate SIM PIN like the old days.

  • Stashed in a tough-as-nails secure chip inside the phone with proper strong encryption – way harder to clone or rip out.

  • Not as easy to knick, lose or get messed with in the supply chain – no loose little card floatin’ around for some grub to pinch.

  • Makes trackin’ a stolen phone a doddle ‘cause the SIM (and ya number) stays glued to the device.

There are some eSim apps that can be installed.

https://www.techradar.com/pro/best-esims-for-international-travel