The best AI girlfriend apps in Australia, and how eSafety rules affect them

eSafety codes and AI companion apps

Australia's online safety rules work through industry codes registered by the eSafety Commissioner. Six age-restricted material codes were registered on September 9, 2025 and came into effect on March 9, 2026, covering app stores, social media, messaging and other online services (eSafety).

eSafety's summary names AI companions directly: "AI companion chatbots capable of generating sexually explicit, high-impact violence or self-harm material, need to confirm someone is 18 or older before allowing them access to that material." The check can happen "either when a person logs onto the service or at the point of access or generation for that material." For pornography sites, "clicking a button that says 'I am 18 years or older' is no longer sufficient," and breaching a direction to comply with a code can cost up to $49.5 million per breach (eSafety). App stores must also stop under-18s buying or downloading R18+ apps.

This is separate from the social media minimum age of 16, in force since December 10, 2025, which targets platforms whose significant purpose is social interaction between users (eSafety). For adults, the codes do not ban AI girlfriend apps; they mean verifying your age before explicit content unlocks. See our guide to AI girlfriend laws by country for comparisons.

How each app checks your age

Most of these providers send the app only a pass or fail, and several apps say they never see your photo or document. A selfie estimate is usually the quickest route. Note that Selira AI says a failed check permanently restricts the account, so use good light and follow the prompts. Our guide to AI girlfriend age verification covers each method.

Prices in Australian dollars

Web apps bill in US dollars, so Candy AI's $3.99 a month yearly plan or Secrets AI's $9.17 is converted by your bank, and some cards add a foreign-transaction fee. Nomi's wiki notes that web billing in US dollars can work out cheaper than the App Store depending on exchange rates.

GST also applies. Since July 1, 2017, GST has applied to imported services and digital products sold to Australian consumers (Australian Taxation Office), at 10%, so some web apps add it at checkout on top of the dollar price shown.

See how much an AI girlfriend costs for every app's price in one table.

Paying from Australia

In the App Store, Apple accepts Apple Pay, most cards, PayPal and Apple Account balance in Australia (Apple Support). On the web:

• PayPal: GoLove AI and Kupid AI, and Replika on its website.
• Apple Pay and Google Pay: Candy AI, Secrets AI, Selira AI, Joi AI, GoLove AI and LusyChat.
• Bank transfer: Candy AI, through Volt.
• Crypto: Candy AI, OurDream, Lovescape, Swipey AI and others.

Our pages on AI girlfriend apps that take PayPal and discreet billing list statement names and payment options for every app.

Before you verify: privacy and VPNs

Age checks mean handing a selfie or document to a third party, so it is worth knowing where it goes. OurDream, Selira AI and TryNectar AI say they receive only a pass or fail, and Joi AI says it does not store ID documents. The providers, such as Go.cam, Didit and VerifyMyAge, handle the images under their own privacy policies.

Do not use a VPN to avoid a check. Apps use your location to decide who must verify, and hiding it can breach their terms and get the account closed without a refund. If you would rather not verify at all, Replika keeps chat SFW and needs nothing beyond your App Store account. For the wider privacy picture, see are AI girlfriend apps safe.

Which AI girlfriend app to use in Australia

• Best overall: Candy AI. Read our Candy AI review.
• Clearest Australian checks: OurDream, which names Australia in its age-verification rules.
• Pay in Australian dollars: Nomi AI through the App Store.
• Pay with PayPal: GoLove AI.
• No age check: Replika, which is SFW.