The plans shown in the comparison table offer the option for either a physical SIM card or an eSIM. You'll see this option during the checkout process.
eSIMs, short for embedded SIMs or electronic SIMs, are digitally embedded in your phone, tablet or other compatible technology.
It allows you to activate a mobile plan from your service provider without the need for a physical SIM card.
Instead you'll need to download a software SIM. In most cases this can be done via a QR code from your chosen mobile provider directly onto your phone.
eSIMs are becoming increasingly mainstream, with plenty of big and smaller mobile providers in Australia allowing you to access this feature.
Providers that offer eSIMs include Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, amaysim, Kogan, Lebara and Woolworths Mobile.
There are also a bunch of popular providers who have come out saying they will shortly include eSIMs such as Boost Mobile, Belong, ALDImobile, Coles Mobile, and TPG.
While none of the following providers have given a date as to when an eSIM will be available, they have mentioned that eSIMs might become part of their product offering in the future.
If you're travelling overseas, consider signing up to an international eSIM from providers such as Airalo, Holafly and SimsDirect. It makes getting a temporary SIM card very quick (sign up is only a few minutes with almost instant access) in case you didn't have time to grab a physical SIM before your flight.
If you're looking to set up an eSIM, you'll likely be presented with either of the 2 options from your chosen provider:
The big 3 telcos follow the smartphone route, but in either case you will need to follow the prompts to complete your sign up.
eSIMS certainly have some perks that a traditional SIM can't provide. But whether or not it's better for you is a different story.
eSIMs haven't been completely rolled out across every provider in Australia and won't work on every device.
To help you decide whether or not eSIMS are right for you, here are some of the pros and cons of an eSIM.
There's nothing wrong with sticking to a regular physical SIM card but eSIMs are a lot more convenient if your phone is compatible, with no need to head out to buy a physical SIM card or wait for it to arrive in the post. It makes it easier to switch providers with the added benefit that you won't lose your SIM card when travelling overseas.
Mariam Gabaji
Utilities editor
If you want to get an eSIM you'll need to have a phone that has eSIM capabilities.
Most flagship, newer phones will be eSIM compatible. You can find some of the eSIM compatible phones listed below:
Just like phones, you'll also need a newer laptop, tablet or smartwatch model if you're looking to use an eSIM on any of those devices.
You can compare eSIM-enabled phones in the table below.