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eSIMs in Australia
An increasing number of mobile providers are offering eSIMs in Australia, allowing you to easily sign up to their service without the need for a physical SIM card.
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.
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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.
Which providers offer eSIM in Australia?
eSIMs are becoming increasingly mainstream, with plenty of big and smaller mobile providers in Australia allowing you to access this feature.
Here's the latest list of providers offering eSIMs in Australia:
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.
If you're looking to set up an eSIM, you'll likely be presented with either of the 2 options from your chosen provider:
By activating it via their smartphone app.
Through a QR code which should be available on the provider's website or in-store (if they have one).
The big 3 telcos follow the smartphone route, but in either case you will need to follow the prompts to complete your sign up.
Good to know: Depending on your device, you might be able to install multiple eSIMs. You can usually install between 5 to 7 eSIMS on a device, depending on your smartphone's make and model. For example, most newer iPhones can support 8 or more eSIMS, allowing you to use 2 phone numbers at the same time.
Finder survey: How difficult do people find it to switch mobile plans?
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%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1110 Australians, December 2023
eSIM vs physical SIM: Which is better?
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.
Pros
Quicker to change mobile providers
More environmentally friendly as there's less wastage compared to a normal SIM
Can have 2 plans in the 1 phone at the same time (1 eSIM, 1 regular), including phones and wearable devices
Great for travellers
Cons
Not all providers are offering eSIMs in Australia at the moment meaning you might not be able to get the plan you want if you were to get an eSIM
There is a more limited range of phones compatible with the technology (and it's generally saved for premium flagship phones)
Which phones are eSIM compatible?
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:
OPPO: Find N2 Flip, Find X3 Pro, Find X5 range, and more
Motorola: Motorola Razr
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.
Will iPhones eventually be eSIM only?
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.
Can I use eSIMs for smartwatches?
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.
One for compatible phones and tablets (similar to a regular phone plan)
And a "One Number" plan which allows you to share the same number between your phone and a wearable (such as an Apple watch). This option is only available as an add-on on Telstra's Upfront mobile plans for an additional $5 a month.
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 eSIM plans
Optus doesn't require a QR code for activation. The 2 types of plans available are:
"Number Share" for wearables
eSIM prepaid Flex and postpaid plans for eSIM-compatible phones
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 eSIM plans
Vodafone has similar options to the other 2 bigger providers. Its options are:
NumberSync for wearables on postpaid plans costs $5 a month and can be activated through the device's app.
Customers on postpaid plans can request to switch to eSIM through the Vodafone app.
eSIM is available for prepaid plans, but you still have to buy and activate a physical SIM first.
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.
Frequently asked questions
No, there is actually no difference in signal strengths between an eSIM and physical SIM card. Instead the strength of your signal will depend on factors such as network coverage, quality of the device's antenna, others on the network and what is in the way of the signal path.
It doesn't cost you any extra to select the option of an eSIM in Australia. Just make sure your device is eSIM compatible before you sign up.
Some eSIMs come with a phone number, but it may not be instantly available when you activate it. This means you're able to have 2 phone numbers working on the on device if you have 2 eSIMs or 1 eSIM and a physical SIM loaded into your phone.
Yes, you should be able to convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM so long as your mobile provider offers an eSIM option.
When it comes to your initial activation, you will be required to download your carrier's profile, meaning you will need an internet connection. But after the eSIM has been activated, it acts in the same way as a physical SIM card.
No, an eSIM will not drain the battery of your device. It consumes the same as a physical SIM card.
Why compare mobile phone plans with Finder?
We know our stuff. We pour over hundreds of mobile plans every month. It's exhausting. But worth it.
You can rely on us. We're constantly updating and fact-checking our data on dozens of Aussie telcos.
We're here to help. We've helped millions of Aussies find better mobile phone plan. And we'll keep doing it.
Cameron Micallef was a utilities writer for Finder. He previously worked on titles including Smart Property Investment, nestegg and Investor Daily, reporting across superannuation, property and investments. Cameron has a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies/ Commerce from the University of Wollongong. Outside of work Cameron is passionate about all things sports and travel. See full bio
Cameron's expertise
Cameron has written 177 Finder guides across topics including:
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio
Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 251 Finder guides across topics including:
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.
Finder
MarkSeptember 29, 2023Finder
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.
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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.