Where to Buy SIM Card at Auckland Airport (AKL) 2024

Auckland Airport (AKL) is New Zealand’s largest airport with more than 20 million passengers traveling through it annually. A lot of passengers arriving at Auckland Airport require SIM cards for their phones so that they can be connected throughout their journey. This article aims to offer a complete understanding of where one can purchase SIM cards from Auckland Airport and the best SIM card options that one can choose from.

I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Auckland Airport

There are several places to purchase SIM cards once you arrive at Auckland Airport, carrier stores such as Spark, and One NZ, or convenience stores such as Relay and PB Tech.

1. Spark Store

Auckland International Airport has the Spark Store and it is in the duty-free area away from security checks. It sells a variety of goods that include travel-specific goods and services.

There are very friendly staff at Spark Store who are always willing to guide you on the appropriate product or service to select. Spark Store is a reliable and convenient place to purchase a SIM card at Auckland Airport.

Opening hours: 4.30 AM – 2.30 AM, 7 days a week.
Detailed location: International Terminal – Ground Floor, before security, Duty-free area
Language Support: English
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit/Debit Card

2. One NZ Store

One NZ Store offers a wide range of products and services, including NZ Travel SIM and eSIM.

There are 3 One NZ locations in the airport terminal for international flights. Two small kiosk stores are located before passport control in the Aelia Duty-Free area. The third store is located on the arrivals side in the international terminal area after passport control.

Opening hours: 5.30 AM – 2 AM, 7 days a week
Detailed location: International Terminal – Ground Floor, before security
Language Support: English
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Eftpos, China Union Pay

3. Relay Store

If you arrive in New Zealand outside the Spark Store’s hours, you can simply just pick up a SIM card at the Relay Store. There is also a basic local SIM card and plan that is quite cheap as an option for budget travelers.

There are 5 Relay stores in Auckland Airport:
- Domestic Terminal (before security): 5 AM – 9 PM
- International Terminal (first floor, before security): 4 AM – 11 PM
- International Terminal (ground floor, before security): 24 hours (from 13 November)
- International Terminal (first floor, after security): 4.30 AM – 11 PM
- International Terminal (pier A, after security): 4.30 AM – 11 PM
Language Support: English
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit/Debit Card

4. PB Tech Store

Considering that you need lots of data you can also buy the SIM card from the PB Tech Store. For travelers looking for connectivity options on the go, the store has plans going up as high as 100GB of data.

Opening hours: 4.30 AM – 10 PM
Detailed location: International Terminal – First Floor, after security
Language Support: English
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit/debit card

Make sure that you carry with you your unlocked phone and a passport when going to buy your SIM regardless of where it is. They are also open in the morning to the late hours of the evening due to the flight schedules.

II. New Zealand Auckland Airport SIM Card Options and Costs

Three major telecom providers in New Zealand offer prepaid SIM cards:

Spark Travel Pack Plans

$17: 2GB, 200 mins (NZ), 100 mins (Int’l), 200 texts (NZ), 100 texts (Int’l), 3 months
$29: 10GB, 200 mins (NZ), 100 mins (Int’l), 200 texts (NZ), 100 texts (Int’l), 3 months
$46: 50GB, Unlimited mins (NZ), 200 mins (Int’l), Unlimited texts (NZ), 200 texts (Int’l), 3 months
$76: Unlimited data, Unlimited mins (NZ), 300 mins (Int’l), Unlimited texts (NZ), 300 texts (Int’l), 3 months

ONE NZ Travel SIM Plans

$17: 2GB, 200 mins, 200 SMS, 30 days
$28: 10GB, Unlimited mins (NZ), 200 SMS, 60 days
$40: 40GB, Unlimited mins (NZ), 200 SMS, 60 days

ONE NZ Prepay Popular Combos

$8: 1GB, 100 mins, Unlimited texts (NZ & Aus), 28 days
$11: 1.5GB, 200 mins, Unlimited texts (NZ & Aus), 28 days
$17: 3GB, 300 mins, Unlimited texts (NZ & Aus), 28 days
$23: 8GB, 100 mins, Unlimited texts (NZ & Aus), 28 days

When choosing your SIM, consider data needs and coverage for where you’ll travel. You can also purchase SIMs at downtown Auckland shops later.

III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Auckland Airport

Here are some tips on what to have ready when purchasing your prepaid SIM card after landing at Auckland Airport:

Get a passport and a visa. One needs this to open a mobile phone account in New Zealand.
Know your phone’s unlock status. In case your phone has a carrier lock, you have to unlock it for New Zealand SIM card usage.
Have a form of payment. Credit and debit cards are accepted alongside NZ cash at most SIM card retailers available at Auckland airport.
Time – Be prepared for signup process which can take 15-30 minutes depending on airport store wait times. Check the Auckland Airport official website to make sure your way to the store.

You should also consider noting down your phone’s IMEI number. The retailer will require this number to activate your sim card hence making it unique to your phone.

IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Auckland Airport

eSIM is digitally activated whereas many airports still use physical SIM cards. Here are some of the benefits of using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card at Auckland Airport:

Convenience: Luckily, eSIMs are preordered and pre-activated. This means that you won’t need to look for a SIM card retailer within the airport.
Choice: Unlike physical SIM cards, there is a wide variety of eSIM plans to choose from depending on your needs.
Flexibility: You will also be able to use eSIMs, which can be quickly switched from one operator to another should you find a better deal.
Sustainability: eSIMs are friendlier to the environment because they do not use any plastic or packaging like that of the physical SIMS.

Go to the New Zealand eSIM Compatible Devices List to find out if eSIMs are supported by your phone.

Get Connected in NZ with an esimnewzealand.com. 3GB data for $5. Instant activation on arrival. No SIM swapping needed. Reliable coverage nationwide on New Zealand’s fastest networks. Receive your digital eSIM today & scan on arrival for seamless connectivity throughout your trip.

Upgrade your travels: Choose esimnewzealand.com, choose beyond limits

Buy my eSIM

V. FAQs about SIM Card at Auckland Airport

Do I need to show my passport to get a SIM card at Auckland airport?

Yes, your passport will be required as proof of identity when purchasing and registering a prepaid SIM card in New Zealand.

Can I use my existing SIM card from home in New Zealand?

Most regular SIM cards are locked to a specific home network. You’ll want to purchase a local prepaid New Zealand SIM for cheaper rates. But check your provider’s roaming policies.

How can I set up an eSIM for New Zealand before arrival?

Some providers like esimnewzealand.com allow you to order an eSIM profile online in advance. No need to provide your passport details and we email a QR activation code to scan on landing.

Are there SIM vending machines at Auckland airport?

Currently, there are no SIM card vending machines, only staffed stores and shops. Automated options may be added in the future.

What if I run out of data on my prepaid SIM card?

Top-up vouchers can be purchased at many convenience stores and petrol stations around New Zealand to add more data or minutes to your SIM.

VI. Final words

Upon arrival in Auckland, get a prepaid SIM card at Auckland Airport from major providers. Research plans and prices in advance. Have an unlocked phone, passport, and payment ready. Determine data needs before traveling as eSIM options are still limited. Follow these steps to stay connected once in New Zealand.