eSIMs in Australia: Compare plans and switch easily

What is an eSIM?

eSIMs, short for embedded SIMs or electronic SIMs, are digitally embedded in your phone, tablet or other compatible technology.

They let you activate a mobile plan without the hassle of purchasing a physical SIM card or waiting for one to be delivered.

Instead, you download a digital SIM, often by scanning a QR code from your mobile provider.

How does an eSIM work?

Setting up an eSIM is pretty simple. You'll either be asked to activate it by downloading the provider's smartphone app or through a QR code.

Depending on your device, you might be able to install multiple eSIMs.

For example, most newer iPhones can support 8 or more eSIMs, allowing you to use 2 phone numbers at the same time.

Which providers offer eSIM plans and eSIM support in Australia?

eSIMs are becoming increasingly mainstream, with plenty of big and small mobile providers in Australia making this feature available on their plans.

In fact, 38 out of 46 providers in our database offer eSIM plans:

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.

Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you suss it out.

Which phones are eSIM compatible in Australia?

This isn't an exhaustive list but we've tried our best to include as many phones as possible across Apple, Samsung, Google, OPPO and more.

eSIM plans from Optus, Telstra and Vodafone

You can get both prepaid and postpaid eSIM plans from the three telco giants both for your phone and your wearables.

Optus eSIM plans

Optus doesn't require a QR code for activation. The 2 types of plans available are:

1. "Number Share" for wearables
2. 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:

1. NumberSync for wearables on postpaid plans costs $5 a month and can be activated through the device's app.
2. Customers on postpaid and prepaid plans can request to switch to eSIM through the Vodafone app.

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.

Telstra eSIM plans

Telstra offers 2 different types of eSIM plans:

1. One for compatible phones and tablets (similar to a regular phone plan)
2. 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 $8 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.

Travelling 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

Finder crew member

Frequently asked questions

• Do eSIMs have better signal than a physical SIM?

  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.

• Are eSIMs free in Australia?

  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.

• Do eSIMs come with a phone number?

  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 one device if you have 2 eSIMs or 1 eSIM and a physical SIM loaded into your phone.

• Can I convert my current SIM card to an eSIM?

  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.

• How many eSIMs can be stored on an iPhone?

  An iPhone can store eight separate eSIM profiles, but only two can be active simultaneously. To use two different service providers, your iPhone must be unlocked. Otherwise, both plans must be from the same carrier.

• How many eSIMs can be stored on an Android?

  Most Android phones can store multiple eSIM profiles but the number depends on the phone model. For example, some Samsung Galaxy phones allow you to manage up to 20 eSIMs. This allows you to use multiple phone numbers or plans on a single device.

• Can eSIMs work without the internet?

  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.

• Will an eSIM drain my phone battery?

  No, an eSIM will not drain the battery of your device. It consumes the same as a physical SIM card.

• 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, the big 3 telcos (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone) allow you to add a smartwatch to your plans via an eSIM, plus 3 smaller providers, Tangerine, More and Everyday Mobile. Pricing varies by provider: Optus's Number Share and Vodafone's NumberSync both cost $5 a month, Telstra's One Number add-on costs $8 a month on eligible Upfront plans, and Tangerine, More and Everyday Mobile each charge an extra $10 a month on top of an eligible SIM-only plan.

• Will iPhone 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.

  We might get there eventually, but for now most iPhones still come with both a physical SIM slot and eSIM. The only exception is the new iPhone Air, which is eSIM-only - mostly because of its slimmer design.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

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Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

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