BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS TOUR | AUSTRALIA 2025

IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRE-TRAVEL

Staying connected with your mobile device

We have all heard of the horror stories.  

A great holiday then ruined by a huge phone bill because of local roaming charges.  

But don’t worry. We are here to get you up to speed with how you can stay connected with family, friends and fellow tourists in Australia so you avoid any nasty surprises when you return home.  

KNOW YOUR CONNECTION OPTIONS

There are several ways to stay connected whilst in Australia. Please click on the below tiles for more information.

As many of you may be new to eSIMs and find the process a bit daunting, we’ve outlined the steps below to guide you through it. If your device is compatible, we suggest using an eSIM, as it enables you to stay connected with a local data plan while keeping your UK number active.

Although we’re providing this information now, there’s no need to take any action until closer to your departure date. Please note that eSIM plans are typically time-based, meaning the validity period begins as soon as the plan is activated.

KEY Messages:

eSIM = they’re easy, cost effective, and importantly you keep your UK number

Physical SIM = can only be arranged in Australia, and you MUST update us with your new number

Wi-Fi = simple, no fuss, but only works in Wi-Fi hotspot areas

 Before committing to any option, ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible to use an eSIM. And only begin the installation and activation process just before or after arrival.

OPTION ONE: talk to your provider

If you’re travelling abroad, many mobile providers offer special plans or add-ons that let you use your phone in other countries while still using your current data package.


Arranging a data plan in advance is usually a more cost-effective option for using your phone overseas. It helps you keep your current number and can significantly lower your overall costs compared to not setting up anything beforehand.

OPTION TWO: ESIMS

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to stay connected whilst down under is by using an eSIM
ESIMs are a virtual SIM which allows you to use a local mobile data plan without removing your UK Sim Card.

That means no fiddling with tiny trays, no risk of losing your original SIM.
By using an eSIM you keep your UK mobile number.

Your mobile number is important to us at LRT, as this how you will receive your match tickets and Lions updates.

An eSIM also prevents you from being subject to any roaming charges.

OPTION THREE: PHYSICAL SIM CARD

Another option, is to use a local SIM card that gives you a new phone number.

Important to note, for this you need an unlocked phone.
If you aren’t sure whether your phone is unlocked, you can do the below:

1)Open your Device Settings

2)Find the section labelled Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock

3)If it says: No SIM restrictions , your phone is unlocked.

Alternatively, contact your current carrier’s customer service, who can confirm whether your phone is locked or unlocked.

For further information on where you can purchase physical SIM cards in Australia, please click here.

• Important: If you choose this option, you MUST update us with your new Australian mobile number by contacting us via email or Whatsapp. This is essential, as otherwise you will NOT receive your match tickets, event tickets or any important information. You may be required to uninstall the AU2025 ticketing app and re-register with the new mobile number.

A locked phone is a device that can only be used with a specific carrier’s SIM card, meaning it won’t work with SIMs from other networks. This is often done when a phone is bought through a carrier on a contract or payment plan. If your phone is unlocked, it can accept SIM cards from any compatible carrier, offering more flexibility. To note, as of December 2021 new phones are generally sold unlocked, however phones can usually be unlocked by the original carrier once certain conditions are met, such as completing payments or finishing a contract.

OPTION FOUR: WIFI ONLY

You can opt to use free or paid Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, cafes, etc.

This way there is no SIM swap required, and no mobile data costs.

Though, this is reliant upon Wi-Fi being available to you with a steady connection. You may miss important updates if you are not connected.

Additionally, we do not suggest completing sensitive activities, such as accessing your Banking Apps, when connected to a public Wi-Fi for your own safety.

For full flexibility and reliability, we would suggest choosing an eSIM so that you are able to get online easily when out and about.

STEP 1: CHECK IF YOUR PHONE SUPPORTS eSIM

Not all phones are able to support eSIMs and so it is important to check whether your phone is compatible. 

Please check if an E-SIM is compatible here.   

If you have an Apple or Samsung device, please click the links below for further information.

Apple (eSIM Guide)

Samsung Devices (eSIM Guide)

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR ESIM PROVIDER

There are plenty of eSIM providers to choose from, and we have listed below some of the most popular eSIM providers for Australia:

Airalo
Revolut
TelSIM

We suggest doing a bit of research before you commit and purchase your eSIM. Majority of eSIMs provide a range of packages, of varying data allowance and duration, so you should be able to find the best plan for your needs whilst in Australia.

STEP 3: INSTALL AND ACTIVATE YOUR ESIM

Typically your eSIM will have its own provider app in which you can select and purchase your ESIM. All eSIMs have their own installation process, and within the app you will receive step by step instructions required to set up and activiate the eSIM on your device.

As once your eSIM is activated your eSIM plan will begin, so please ensure you activate close to your departure to maximise your plan’s duration.

 
General Steps as below:

1. Purchase the eSIM via the provider’s app or website.

2. Ensure connected to a stable Wi-Fi connection during setup

3. Follow the in-app instructions to install it.

4. Activate your eSIM.

Step 4: A Reminder To Make Sure We Have the Correct Mobile Number

Your mobile number is important to us!
All important communications, including match tickets, hospitality tickets, Lions Den & Theatre access and tour updates will be sent to your registered mobile number as previously advised via the following newsletter: Important Information – Lions Tour.

Should you choose to stick to the free Wi-Fi or decide to use an eSIM, your UK mobile number will be unchanged and should match the mobile number we have for yourself.

Should you use a physical SIM, you must provide your new Australian number, as soon as possible, so we can update your records and ensure you smoothly receive all tickets and updates.

Day Trip to Adelaide

Wednesday 30 July - Departs 9:30 AM / Returns 17:00 PM

The Barossa is in South Australia, about 70km north-east of Adelaide, the state’s capital city.   Your trip will include a visit of the city centre, The State Library of South Australia and lunch at a local wine bar and kitchen. 

The State Library is the information heart of South Australia, located in the North Terrace Cultural Precinct.  You will have the opportunity to explore all three buildings: the award-winning contemporary Catherine Helen Spence Wing with its iconic glass foyer, the Mortlock Wing with its 19th century Victorian splendour, and the 1861 heritage listed Institute Building.

Sweeping stadium views, stylish bar and lounge, premium menu and extensive wine list.  Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen is one of Adelaide’s most impressive dining experiences.

Extending across level three of Oval Hotel and into the iconic Adelaide Oval, Bespoke’s unique setting makes a stunning backdrop lunch.

Executive Chef Daniel Simpson’s modern Australian menu brings bold flavours to life through fresh, seasonal produce.  Two drinks are included, and you may choose from house wine, beer or a soft drink.

After lunch you will be transferred to the North Terrace, Adelaide city where you can choose to spend your time either at Rundle Mall, The Art Gallery of South Australia or South Australian Museum.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  We have been advised that the carpet is being replaced in the Mortlock Chamber (section of the library) and we are now unable to conduct tours through this section during July so we will amend the Private tour of the State Library slightly and now include access to the basement (old & rare artifacts storage) which is an area of the library usually inaccessible to the public. 

 

Private 60 minute tour of State Library of South Australia | 30 July 2025 – 11:00am

Guests will have the opportunity to explore one of South Australia’s great institutions and take a look behind the shelves. An expert librarian will take you on a walk sharing stories of how the State Library began. Your experience starts at the historic Adelaide Circulating Library to learn the history of the building. By 1861, the collection of books held there was to became the first public library in South Australia. The Adelaide Circulating Library has been used in the past as a backdrop to several movies including Shine and Gallipoli. Continue your way to the basement to see some of the interesting old & rare artifacts housed in the library. Discover how the state’s most important treasures are maintained in the state-of-the-art storage and how the preservations team cares for the collection. 

Legends that have joined us on previous experiences