An Opal card can be obtained from various places in Australia, primarily in Sydney and surrounding areas. They are available for purchase or order online through these options:
- Retail outlets such as convenience stores, newsagents, supermarkets (e.g., 7-Eleven, Woolworths with Opal sticker).
- Opal card ticket machines at most train stations, light rail stops, and ferry wharves (note: machines at train stations and ferry wharves mainly sell single-use tickets or top-ups, but the two airport stations allow purchase of Opal cards).
- Specific locations in the city like Circular Quay transport shop, Woolworths Town Hall, Central Station NewsLink kiosks, Wynyard Station NewsLink, and airport terminals (NewsLink and WH Smith bookshops).
- Selected Transport Customer Service Centres and Service NSW locations.
- The official Opal website for online ordering with home or hotel delivery.
The Opal card itself is free, but you need to add value before traveling. Concession and special cards may require online applications with proof of eligibility. For tourists and short visits, contactless payment via credit/debit cards or smartphones may be an alternative, but an Opal card offers fare discounts and benefits for regular travelers or longer stays.
