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, TPG, Vodafone, amaysim, Kogan, Lebara, Boost Mobile and Woolworths Everyday Mobile.
You can always check for a provider's eSIM availability directly on their website. Or, you can see our table to compare plans that come with an eSIM.
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.
During my recent travels, I visited the airport to acquire a physical SIM card and was taken aback by the exorbitant prices for data. Opting for an eSIM through Airalo, I secured a Europe-wide plan at nearly one-fifth of the cost, offering both savings and convenience.— Harrison Khannah, software engineer
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.
In a survey of 1,110 Australians, 45% of respondents found switching mobile plans to be either difficult or somewhat difficult. eSIMs should simplify this process, being an instantaneous way to sign up to a new phone plan.
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Easy | 52.97% |
| Somewhat difficult | 38.2% |
| Very difficult | 7.66% |
| I don't have a mobile phone/mobile phone plan | 1.17% |
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.
While nothing has been confirmed in Australia just yet, mobile makers seem to be moving away from traditional physical SIMs.
Since the iPhone 14 launch, Apple has only sold smartphones with eSIM support in the US. This means the phone is not compatible with SIM cards.
Some analysts expect this to extend across Europe and Asia in 2024, but Apple has not confirmed this.
You can use an eSIM for your smartwatch but there's a limited selection of providers in Australia offering this feature.
As it currently stands, only the big 3 telcos (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone) allow you to add a smartwatch to your plans via an eSIM, but it will usually cost $5 or so extra a month as a second device on your phone plan.
Telstra offers 2 different types of eSIM plans:
From here you will need to download the MyTelstra app and follow the prompts. If this doesn't show, it's likely your device is not eSIM compatible.
Optus doesn't require a QR code for activation. The 2 types of plans available are:
Optus's Number Share is the same as Telstra's One Number, in that you need to be on a postpaid plan, activate it in the app for your device and then chat to Optus to confirm it. It also costs $5 per month.
Vodafone has similar options to the other 2 bigger providers. Its options are:
If you're looking to sign up you can go through your settings and select a mobile plan. From there you'll need to follow the prompts in order to activate your eSIM. It might take up to 15 minutes to transfer across.
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Is it possible to get a one-month eSIM for use whilst travelling to Australia? With calls and texts included and plenty of data, for a one-off fee.
Hi Rory,
You might be able to get eSIMs for use while travelling in Australia, but you’d have to check with individual local providers to see if they are available to non-Australian residents and also if you can buy as a one-off, as some might be on a contract for longer than a month.
Hope this helps.