Australia Your Way

Complete Guide to Australian Tourist Sim Card & Data Plans 2024

Choosing an Australian Tourist sim card can be confusing, to say the least. We have decided it was time to answer the questions we regularly get in our Facebook group. If you have any more questions, pop over to the group and let us know.

You want to stay in contact with the people you love when you’re travelling to Australia, and that usually means working out the best options for buying a sim card in Australia and discovering which data plan will suit you best. If you’re trying to decide between different travel sims in Australia, then here’s how to make the best choice for your trip.

Is your phone compatible with the Aussie network?

Buying a sim card in australia, mobile virtual network operators, essential card features, tips for phone use in regional areas of australia, pocket wi-fi australia.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy is here .

Using your phone in Australia

Before you choose a prepaid sim card in Australia, you need to know if your phone is compatible with Australia’s network.

Australian networks use the GSM standard, which is common in other countries as well. However, if you’re from Japan or the US, your phone may use the CDMA. If your phone is CDMA only, you won’t be able to talk or text on your phone; however, you may be able to use the 4G network to access data.

Australia has three mobile networks:

All other providers use these networks.

Before you leave home, make sure your phone is not locked to your provider. 

Your phone will also need to operate on the right frequencies to use Australia’s network. You will need to look at your phone’s specifications and match them to Australia’s frequencies to work this out.

Australia uses 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100Mhz for 3G networks and B1, B3, B5, B7, B7, and B28 for 4G bands. Different areas tend to use different frequencies too, especially rural areas. This is an important consideration if you want to travel outside of the major cities while you’re in Australia.

Before you choose your travel sims in Australia, make sure that your phone is compatible with all these requirements.

Once you’ve worked out if your phone is compatible, buying travel sims in Australia is easy. You can buy a sim card overseas before you leave and have it shipped to you , or buy one at the airport or at the provider’s stores. If you’re going to buy at the airport, spend some time looking at the options and chosen your sim card before you arrive to make the transaction quick and easy. You will need to pay for and register your sim card, but once that’s done, it should be activated in 10 minutes.

To activate your card, you’ll need:

  • Passport number
  • Australian address (you can use your hotel or hostel address)

For a long time, buying travel sims in Australia was very expensive. Fortunately, the growth of low-cost carriers has recently made it a lot cheaper.

Airport Sim Counters at Sydney Airport

Phone Networks in Australia

The three major networks in Australia are:

This company has the widest coverage and is probably the best choice if you’re planning to visit the outback and want to make sure that you have a signal. There are Telstra shops all over, including in most international airports.

The Optus network isn’t as large as Telstra, but if you’re staying near the cities or towns, it shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll find Optus stores in shopping centres and airports.

Vodafone is the smallest of the three major carriers and has a smaller network as well.

There are also lots of smaller sim providers known as Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNOs). These all use one of the three major networks but can provide cheaper sim plans with fewer extras.

Some of the most popular are:

  • Coles / Woolworths / Aldi (Supermarkets)
  • Boost mobile

How to choose travel sims – Australia

There are several things you should consider before buying your sim card, including:

  • How much money you’re willing to spend?
  • Where you want to travel in Australia, if you’re spending a lot of time in rural areas, you will need a sim card that operates on a network with comprehensive coverage (Telstra). 
  • How long you will be in Australia, most plans are for 30 days.
  • How you use your phone, which means assessing whether you intend to make phone calls back home, watch Netflix on long bus rides, or just use it for emergencies.

Australian Travel Sim Cards

There are three essential features to look at when you’re comparing travel sims in Australia. These are:

  • The network coverage, because this will help you stay in touch throughout your trip.  
  • Data limits, because this will determine how you can use your phone.
  • International calling options, just in case you get homesick and want to call home.

The offerings from each company are different. You can find data-only cards, which won’t allow you to make calls or texts but give you access to the internet to make bookings or look at maps. But if you want to make calls, you will need to get a prepaid sim card in Australia that offers a combination of features.  

Don’t always expect to connect to a network in the outback, as many isolated areas in Australia can be unpredictable for network coverage. Telstra has the biggest network, so if you’re planning on visiting rural areas, this is your best overall choice when buying travel sims in Australia.

If you spend time in really remote areas, you may not be able to get coverage no matter what network you go with. Australia is just too large and most of it is too isolated for complete coverage.

If you have long days or weeks in the outback, consider getting a sim only for your city days. You probably won’t be able to use it in the outback anyway, and most phones will allow you to call emergency numbers without being on a network. If you need emergency help at any time, just dial 000 or 112.

Free Wi-Fi can be hard to find in Australia, some travellers like the assurance provided by pocket Wi-Fi devices. The pros of using these devices are:

  • Always having coverage in your pocket.
  • Simple to use.
  • You can connect it to any device or multiple devices.
  • A range of plans and devices are available.

And the cons are:

  • They can be pricey if you go over your data limits.
  • The battery life doesn’t last long, so you can lose power quickly and suddenly.
  • Pocket devices only provide data, so you can’t make calls or send messages.
  • It means you need to carry around and care for another device.

This is a personal choice that can be a good option if you travel a lot and need to stay connected. It’s also an affordable choice for families which up to 4 devices being able to be used on some pocket wi-fi.

The Takeaway

Choosing the right Australian Tourist sim card is up to you. It depends on how you intend to use your phone, your budget, and how long your trip is. So, before you head to Australia, make sure you do your research and choose the option that works best for you. Then, you can have an amazing holiday!

Ready to plan your holiday, look at our 14-day itinerary for Australia

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.

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Best SIM cards for travellers and tourists in Australia

If you're planning to visit australia for work or play, you'll likely need a sim card to get you through the length of your trip. we’ve narrowed down prepaid sims suited to both short and longer trips starting at just $1.25 a day..

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In this guide

Looking for a versatile travel SIM card?

Best sim for short trips, best sim for longer visits, best sim card for coverage, how do i find the best sim card for travelling in australia, which australian network should i get a sim on, how much data do i need on my sim, do you need international call inclusions, how do i choose the right plan length for my trip, compare mobile plans.

Read our reviews of other brands

If you're looking for a convenient travel SIM to use in Australia, as well as other countries as part of your holiday, consider getting a travel eSIM before you arrive.

eSIMs allow for almost instant activation and you can find good value data packs that can be used in hundreds of countries and regions worldwide.

Just keep in mind that not all travel packs come with international calls included, if that's something you're after.

Airalo Travel eSIM

  • Available to use in over 200 countries, including Australia
  • Instantly activate your eSIM after purchase
  • Prices start from US $4.50
  • 24/7 customer support

Airlo International SIM logo

Best prepaid SIM cards for travellers in Australia

  • Best SIM for short trips : Lyca Small
  • Best SIM for longer visits : amaysim 32GB Plan
  • Best SIM card for coverage : Boost $35 SIM
  • Good to know: Before we dive into the best SIMs for you to consider, keep in mind that there are 3 mobile networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Smaller mobile providers operate on any 1 of the 3 networks and tend to offer cheaper plans that could be better suited to your budget as long as you're getting what you need in return.

Lyca Small logo

Why we like Lycamobile:

  • Runs on the wholesale Telstra 3G/4G network which covers 98.8% of the Australian population.
  • Comes with unlimited calls and texts in Australia, as well as unlimited minutes to 29 selected destinations .

If you're coming to Australia for a short visit, Lycamobile's Small plan lasts for a week and is great value at just $1 per 1GB.

It also has the added advantage of running on the Telstra network, just keep in mind it's not the full network access (which covers 99.5% of Aussies) but is still pretty good.

Can I get a Lycamobile SIM card at the airport?

Lycamobile is available to purchase in some Australian airports, but can also easily be picked up at many convenience store chains such as EzyMart.

amaysim 32GB Plan

amaysim 32GB Plan logo

Why we like amaysim:

  • Operates on the Optus 4G network so you get the same coverage as you would on a plan from Optus.
  • Unlimited international calls to 28 countries .
  • Unlimited data banking to save up unused data for your next month.
  • eSIM available for those with eSIM compatible phones so you can sign up to an amaysim plan before you even land in the country!

amaysim is Australia's fourth-biggest mobile provider and operates on the Optus 4G network. It gets access to the full network so you'll get the same coverage as if you're with Optus itself.

amaysim usually throws in extra data deals and price cuts on its plans, which bumps up what you're getting.

You'll also get international call inclusions with amaysim, which can make reaching home a lot easier.

  • Keep in mind that amaysim's plans last for 28 days. You'll need to recharge before the end of the month if you want to continue using the plan for the next 28 days.

Can I get an amaysim SIM card at the airport?

amaysim doesn't offer a standalone store, but you can pick it up from various stores and post offices. Check Australia Post, the airport supermarket or a general store at the international arrivals area to see if they have an amaysim plan for you to buy.

Boost $35 SIM

Boost $35 SIM logo

Why we like Boost:

  • Offers full Telstra 4G network coverage that reaches 99.5% of the Aussie population (without the premium Telstra price tag).
  • Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 countries .
  • Data rollover to use in your next recharge.

Telstra offers the widest network coverage in Australia but its own prices are set at a premium. If you're looking for excellent coverage but don't want to spend a lot of money, then Boost Mobile can sort you out.

It's great for travellers going around regional or rural Australia and want to continue getting strong signals wherever they end up.

  • Good to know: Boost is the only provider outside of Telstra itself that shares the same 4G coverage. Other smaller providers that run on the Telstra network only reach 98.8% of Australians, compared to Telstra's full umbrella coverage of 99.5%.

Boost is another provider that likes throwing in price and data promotions, making its value a lot better when you first sign up.

Can I get a Boost SIM card at the airport?

There's no specific Boost kiosk at Australian airports but you might be able to pick up a Boost SIM from the airport supermarket or newsagency. You can also get a Boost SIM from a bunch of locations such as Australia Post, Coles, Woolworths and Caltex.

Choosing the right SIM card for your visit to Australia means ticking off a few boxes other than price. These include:

map of australia

Where will you be visiting in Australia? Will you be travelling around or sticking to the main cities? Those looking to branch out should consider mobile plans on one of the larger mobile networks such as Telstra or Optus.

phone with 2 opposite arrows

Avoid having to recharge your plan before its time by choosing the right amount of data. Will you be streaming Spotify if you plan to take long road trips or stream Netflix on the bus? Or do you just need enough data to use Google Maps, social media and WhatsApp?

phone with callout and a globe inside

International calls

These could be important to you if calling friends and family back home isn't possible via WhatsApp, Zoom or a similar service.

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Plan length

Choose a plan that best suits your time in Australia. While most plans last about 28–30 days, you'll find some short-term mobile plans for 1–14 days too.

There are 3 mobile networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Smaller providers, also known as MVNOs , run on 1 of the 3 networks.

Here's an overview of what makes each one different.

Telstra network: The largest in Australia

Telstra offers the most extensive 4G network in Australia, covering 99.5% of the Aussie population. Its reputation for coverage makes it a strong bet if you plan to spend time in rural or regional Australia.

But if you don't want to splash some cash for its premium prices, then it's best to consider smaller providers that run on the Telstra network.

Telstra splits its network access into 2. It offers 99.5% coverage on its own plans and those from Boost Mobile while other smaller providers on its 4G network have 98.8% coverage.

See our top picks for the best mobile plans on the Telstra network

Optus network: The Goldilocks choice

Optus is a close runner-up to Telstra as its 4G network reaches 98.5% of Aussies. Its prices are slightly more favourable too.

You won't notice much difference between Optus and Telstra if you're only visiting large towns and cities, which makes it a solid choice for most travellers.

Optus also opens its full 4G network to the largest number of smaller providers. If price is an issue, you're bound to find a bargain from a smaller provider on the Optus network.

Alanna Glenn

When I arrived in Australia 8 years ago to travel, I signed up for an Optus SIM at the airport. It allowed for unlimited calls and texts to my friends and family overseas as well as plenty of data.

See our top picks for the best mobile plans on the Optus network

Vodafone network: For big-city travellers

Vodafone's network covers 96% of the Australian population and could be a strong option if you're sticking to populated towns and cities.

Vodafone offers the cheapest prices of the lot, so if you're more comfortable signing up directly with a provider, you could do well with it.

  • Keep in mind: Those looking to travel to regional destinations should check whether Vodafone offers coverage in these areas. You may be better off with Telstra or Optus instead if you're going outside of major cities.

While having loads of data can be handy, it also usually means spending more on your mobile plan.

Consider whether you're happy to use free Wi-Fi for the time you're in Australia. This is available at most accommodations, some cafes and restaurants and even in shopping centres and outdoors in major cities.

If you're going down the free Wi-Fi route, it means you can save on your mobile plan by picking one with less data.

But if you plan on being on the road often, it's best to opt for a SIM card with plenty of data so you don't rack up any excess usage charges.

It can be easy to contact friends and family if they're used to WhatsApp calls or similar services.

But you might need to consider international call inclusions if your grandma needs to be called directly on her home phone or for instances of emergency. This can include contacting your embassy back home due to a lost passport, or the bank to address any credit card issues.

There are quite a few short-term plans for trips that last anywhere between 1 and 14 days, which can be convenient if you don't want a lot of data.

But if you're visiting Australia for longer and reckon you'll need a hefty amount of data to get by, then you're better off getting a monthly prepaid SIM. These often give you a better bang for your buck.

  • Watch out for autopay: We suggest not turning on autopay if you're on a short trip. You could easily forget to switch it off as you're leaving Australia. You may get charged for a plan you're no longer using, even when you're already back home. It can also be a pain to contact Australian providers from overseas to get the issue sorted.

Find more options for your trip down under in our comparison table.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

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Frequently asked questions, what is the best sim card to use in australia.

We recommend grabbing a prepaid SIM card for visitors to Australia. These are easy to buy from physical kiosks and stores. Our top picks for the best SIMs in Australia include:

  • Best SIM for short trips: Lycamobile Small 10GB $10 7 Days
  • Best SIM for longer visits: amaysim 32GB $30 28 Days
  • Best SIM card for coverage: Boost Mobile 25GB $35 28 Days

What documents do I need to buy a SIM card?

It's easy to buy a SIM card in Australia as long as you have a valid ID on you. Your passport should suffice.

Do I need to unlock my phone for international travel?

Yes, you do, especially if your phone is currently locked by your carrier (such as Verizon or AT&T if you're from the US) and you plan to use a local SIM overseas.

Make sure you do this before leaving your home country.

Is there free Wi-Fi in Australia?

Travellers coming into Australia will usually get access to free Wi-Fi at airports (at least the major ones), libraries, McDonald's, Starbucks and some hotels.

However, you shouldn't solely rely on Wi-Fi if you need to use your phone frequently when visiting Australia. It's always best to have at least a handful of data if you need Internet access for navigation or a quick Google search.

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  • amaysim plans page
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  • Boost Mobile plans page
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SIM cards from Boost and Optus, two of the providers I like in Australia

Australian SIM Cards: A Guide For Tourists, Students, and Visitors

Chris

For visitors arriving in Australia for 1 week to 1 year, this guide describes some of the best SIM cards available in Australia. In this guide I compare Australian SIM card providers based on their data, coverage, ability to make and receive phone calls, and convenience of purchase. I’ve written this guide for:

  • Tourists : Consider Optus (starting from $10 AUD) or Vodafone SIM card when arriving at an Australian airport, or Boost Mobile which is sold at convenience stores and petrol stations.
  • Students : Look for Boost Mobile as well, it includes lots of data and can be a cheap way to call back home.
  • Visitors in a rush , such as business travellers: Optus is available at every major international airport in Australia, it’s a safe bet.

Travellers who can leave the airport before buying a SIM card can often find better deals with Boost Mobile (from $10 AUD).

Prepaid SIM cards for travellers visiting Australia typically cost between $10 and $20 AUD, depending on the amount of data, calls, and validity included. These SIM cards can be topped up and expect to spend up $10 - $30 per month on prepaid plans for more data/calls, or for staying longer in Australia.

This guide to Australian prepaid SIM cards for tourists is separated into 3 parts:

  • Part 1: Tourists , staying 5 - 90 days
  • Part 2: Students , staying for a term or a year
  • Part 3: Visitors in a rush , such as business travellers and others interested in convenience

This guide below are my comprehensive recommendations for tourists , students , or visitors in a rush arriving in Australia. I’ve written separate guides for each of the major international airports detailing how to find a SIM card upon arrival. The airport guides can be found here: Sydney | Melbourne | Adelaide | Brisbane | Cairns | Darwin | Gold Coast | Perth .

Drawing of SIM card locations in Australia

Part 1: Tourists

This part of the guide is for tourists, people who visit Australia for a week, or for 3 months, mostly interested in seeing sights, experiencing the country, and staying in touch with people back home.

When I visit a country as a tourist, what I look for in buying a SIM card is convenience , I don’t want to spend previous time searching for a SIM; cost , since I’m paying better keep the cost down; and enough data/calls to stay in touch with friends and family or perhaps order the odd taxi.

Overall, I find Optus SIM Cards the best experience for tourists arriving in Australia . Optus SIM cards are sold at nearly every international airport in Australia and packages start form $10 AUD 1 .

Convenience for tourists: Where to buy a SIM card

At nearly all airports in Australia, Optus SIM cards are conveniently available soon after leaving customs. Optus SIM cards are competitively priced as well, starting from $10 AUD.

It’s also easy to use Optus SIM cards as they can be activated and set up at the shop they are purchased from. Some other SIM cards require a separate internet connection to be activated.

Alternatives that can also be convenient:

  • Vodafone is found at many airports in Australia, such as Melbourne and Sydney, often located next to Optus. Their SIM card packages can cost slightly more money, but tend to include more data or calls to compensate. I find Vodafone doesn’t offer as good coverage as Optus or Telstra.
  • Telstra , the largest of the mobile phone networks, is available at select airports, such as Adelaide and Melbourne .
  • Leaving the airport to buy a SIM card. Many providers (see costs below) are available after leaving the airport. I don’t like this option as it takes up valuable holiday time; there are some better deals available however, particularly if staying longer than a month.
  • Ordering online : SIM cards can also be ordered online for collection at some airports, such as Sydney.

Costs for tourists: Data and calls

Optus plans good for tourists visiting Australia include:

  • $10 AUD for 5GB of data and 100 mins of local calls - 5 day validity, can be extended
  • $30 AUD for 35GB of data, unlimited local calls, unlimited calls to select countries (e.g. UK, USA, China, Singapore) - 28 day validity, can be extended.

On the more expensive plans, Optus includes unlimited calls to select overseas destinations, such as those listed above, as well as France, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and many others. I find this a nice perk for calling friends and family back home.

Incoming calls are free with every prepaid plan I’ve ever seen in Australia.

For comparison: Vodafone offers 10GB of data for $30 2 ; Telstra offers 2GB of data for $10 3 ; other options near airports (such as Boost) are also available for $10 4 .

Part 2: Students

This part of the guide is for students, those who will be studying in Australia for a semester, a year, or even longer.

Students typically have more time available than tourists and can shop around to save the extra few dollars per month of a cheaper SIM card. Staying in contact with family back home is also likely more important, and the SIM cards listed below include generous amounts of data or international calls to stay in touch with family.

Overall, I found Boost Mobile to offer the best deals for students studying in Australia with its 12 month plan averaging out to a cost of $12.50 AUD per month. For students staying a shorter amount of time, Boost offer a comparable plan for $20 AUD per 28-days. Boost SIM cards can be purchased at 7-Eleven, petrol stations, and supermarkets.

The downside to Boost is that it does not really include roaming. Some students I know like to keep the same SIM card when travelling overseas or back home, and there is no real option to add this to Boost. I’ve included details of prepaid Australian SIM card roaming in the section below.

Costs for students: Data and calls

Good Boost Mobile plans for students staying in Australia to study include:

  • $20 AUD per 28-days for 5GB of data, unlimited local calls, and unlimited calls to select overseas destinations.
  • $12.50 AUD per month (charged as $150 AUD per year) for 80GB of data to use over the year, unlimited local calls, and unlimited calls to select overseas destinations

Countries included with Boost Mobile’s international calling include UK, USA, Malaysia, Singapore, China, much of Europe, and many others.

Alternatives include:

  • Coles Mobile, $20 AUD per 35-days (slightly cheaper than Boost!) including 3GB of data and unlimited local calls 5
  • Aldi Mobile, $15 AUD per 30-days, including 3GB of data and unlimited local calls 6
  • Woolworths Mobile, $10 AUD per 30-days, including 1GB of data and unlimited local calls 7

Out of these cheaper options, I consider Coles Mobile the better deal (better coverage than Woolworths and easier to find than Aldi).

Where to buy

Boost Mobile SIM cards can be purchased at 7-Eleven, petrol stations, and supermarkets (including Coles and Woolworths).

Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi SIM cards can be purchased at their respective supermarkets.

Boost uses the full Telstra network and should have the same excellent coverage the Telstra does.

Coles Mobile uses the full Optus network, it has excellent coverage as well but I find there are some parts of Australia where the Telstra network has better coverage.

Aldi Mobile and Woolworths Mobile use a reduced amount of the Telstra network. Coverage is not as widely available, or it may be slower, when compared to Boost or Telstra.

Part 3: Visitors in a Rush

This part of the guide is for business travellers and any other short-term visitors who are in a rush. The focus here is on convenience rather than cost.

Business travellers want a plan that works. I’m frequently a visitor in a rush, usually travelling for business; I don’t mind spending a few more dollars on something I know that will work all the time.

As it is easily available at airports and can be set up and working on the spot, I find Optus prepaid SIM cards to offer the best deal for business travellers and visitors in a rush.

Optus plans for business travellers include:

  • $10 AUD for 5 days, with 5GB of data and 100 mins of local calls
  • $20 AUD for 10 days, with 12GB of data and 200 mins of local calls
  • $30 AUD for 28 days, with 35GB of data, unlimited local calls, and unlimited calls to select overseas destinations

At $30 AUD and above, Optus includes calls to countries such as UK, US, Canada, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand. This makes it easy to stay in touch. For most countries I visit, I prefer Skype, though in Australia a local SIM card is a good option; I wrote a guide to all the different options available for staying in contact with family while travelling, check it out here: http://landinglastminute.com/calling-while-travelling-guide/

All prepaid SIM cards sold by local providers include an Australian phone number that other people can call to.

Convenience, where to buy

If arriving in:

  • Sydney : Optus, turn right after exiting customs (each door has an Optus shop to the right)
  • Melbourne : Optus, to the right after exiting customs
  • Adelaide : Proceed outside to WHSmith, any of the major providers are there
  • Brisbane : On the right hand side after exiting customs (Optus), behind the cafe
  • Darwin : SIM cards only available in the city centre or nearby towns
  • Perth : Directly in front after exiting customs

Click any of the cities above for my full guide on buying a SIM card when arriving at these airports. I also have airport guides available for Cairns and the Gold Coast if arriving there.

Staff at the SIM card store should be available to help set up the SIM and activate it. The SIM cards sold at the airport are easy to set up however if staff are not available to help.

Every airport listed above also has Wi-Fi available to update messages while waiting for luggage.

Alternative SIM cards for those in a rush:

  • Some airports listed above have alternatives, usually Vodafone or Telstra.
  • If travelling outside major cities and towns, look for a Telstra or Boost SIM card - they usually offer better coverage.
  • For more data, Optus has more expensive plans available such as $40 AUD for 45GB - Optus data can be shared with a laptop as far as I can tell, making it a good option for internet on the go.

Convenience stores and petrol stations around Australia sell other SIM cards such as Boost, which can offer good value. The major supermarket brands (Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi) have their own good value SIM cards as well. While they are cheaper than SIM cards sold at the airport, these shops can be harder to find.

Roaming an Australian prepaid SIM card to another country

Visitors to Australia can find value in roaming their prepaid SIM card to another country.

The big carriers offer better deals for roaming, and typical charges can be as little as:

  • Optus: $20 AUD for 10GB with 14 days expiry (that’s $1.43 per day!)
  • Vodafone: $5 AUD per day to use your included plan data and calls
  • Telstra: $10 AUD per day, including unlimited calls and 200mb of data ($5 for New Zealand)

Short roaming trips from Australia can be cost effective compared to the other options, such as local SIM cards. I wrote a guide on the other options available for making calls while travelling, check it out here: http://landinglastminute.com/calling-while-travelling-guide/

Some of the countries where it can be cheaper to roam with an Australian SIM include:

  • New Zealand (Telstra even offers its roaming cheaper to New Zealand)
  • Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore
  • China and Hong Kong
  • US, Canada, UK, and parts of Europe

A local SIM card is typically cheaper for visits of more than a few days to these countries.

Identification required for buying a SIM card

Identification is required for tourists, students, visitors, and anyone else buying a SIM card in Australia.

A passport is usually the best form of ID as it’s not expected that visitors have an Australian drivers license. An address may also be required, though a hotel should be sufficient. Details of an Australian visa are not required for activating a prepaid SIM card.

SIM cards purchased in Australia will need to be activated as part of the identification process. It’s often easiest to have this done at the shop where the SIM card was purchased. If the shop can’t help, detailed instructions are included with the SIM card and I’ve never found the process too onerous. An internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, may be required to activate SIMs of the smaller providers.

Other SIM cards Considered

There are a lot of SIM cards in Australia. I used to work for a small dial-up focussed internet provider; they now sell SIM cards. A lot of these SIM cards are not easily available to short term travellers - they often need to be purchased by post or as part of a bundle with another internet service.

Out of the SIM cards that are available to travellers, these are the other options I considered (and why I do and don’t usually recommend them):

  • Lycamobile : Available at newsagents and convenience stores. Lycamobile is a cheap way to call other countries (starting from $15 AUD), but it seems to lack the coverage of some of its competitors - competitors who only cost a few dollars more.
  • Lebara : Available at supermarkets and petrol stations. Lebara offers some great value, and includes international roaming. When I first heard of them I was under the impression the network wasn’t great, but it’s likely this has improved since then.
  • Amaysim : I used to use Amaysim when I lived in Australia, but I feel the best value here is focussed towards people who will be in Australia for more than a few months.

References:

Optus prepaid plans and prices

Vodafone prepaid plans and prices

Telstra prepaid plans and prices

Boost Mobile plans and prices

Coles Mobile plans and prices

Aldi Mobile plans and prices

Woolworths Mobile plans and prices

Tags: sim-card australia roaming

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Chris

Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.

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  • Works in over 200 countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

telstra australia travel sim

Find your SIM Card number on the back of the product package or if you no longer have the product package, you can also find the SIM Card phone number from the plastic card .

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telstra australia travel sim

Your Worry-Free Trip to Australia Starts With a TravelSim Prepaid SIM Card

Talk, text, data with australia prepaid sim card.

The Australia Prepaid SIM Card is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch while in Australia.

Chat to your friends and family back home by easily connecting to local Australian networks Telstra and Optus. Your SIM can also be used in over  205  countries  across  340 networks . Use your mobile as if you were home, saving you up to 85% on roaming charges. Free incoming calls .

Direct calls and 4G (LTE) available.

The one-size-fits-all Prepaid Australia SIM Card is suitable for use in any unlocked cell phone or wifi device. Simply add prepaid credit anytime online. We’ve got you covered across Australia + more.

Configure Your TravelSim

Universal SIM size — Mini, Macro & Nano Size

Choose credit for calls & texts

Unlimited USA calls voice package includes unlimited calls from USA to USA and European Union numbers. It does not include calls to voicemail and other TravelSim numbers. You can make unlimited calls from USA to following countries: USA, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech.Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Barthelemy / St. Martin Island, Sweden, United Kingdom.

  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo Democratic Republic
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Philippines
  • Russian Federation
  • South Korea
  • Cook Islands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Netherlands Antilles
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Bosnia And Herzegovina
  • Czech Republic
  • Faroe Islands
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Vatican City
  • Afghanistan
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Turkmenistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Puerto Rico
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • El Salvador
  • Falkland Islands
  • French Guiana

Add the best data plan to SIM card

Find your zone, add extra number.

Your SIM card phone number starts with +372 by default. In addition to that, you can choose to purchase a UK phone number (+44) or a US phone number (+1).

If you purchase a US number, it will become your primary phone number for outgoing calls. Your default +372 number will still work for incoming calls. Data usage is not affected by phone numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min. Incoming SMS is free. US numbers can only receive calls, no SMS service available for US numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min

Here are all the countries you can travel to when you select this data plan:

How to Choose an Australia eSIM for Travel

Australia is probably on your bucket list because of its beautiful sandy beaches, stunning arid landscapes, and laid-back culture... not to mention cute kangaroos and koalas.

If you’re visiting Australia from Asia, Europe, or North America, then chances are you'll want to use your fancy new smartphone on vacation. Think about all those priceless memories (and selfies) you’ll capture. And, of course, share jaw-dropping videos with friends and family back home. 

But what if you don’t have a local SIM card? How can you stay connected? No problem – just buy an eSIM for Australia, and you can get online without any hassles. eSIMs allow you to connect to the internet and make calls without fussing around with a local physical SIM card. 

These can be bought online before you leave home or even while you’re in Australia. But selecting the right one for you requires a little research. And cutting corners can end in a vacation disaster, rolled in a fetal position on the floor, cradling your device, gently sobbing.

Ok, that’s a bit dramatic.

Anyway… here’s everything you need to know about choosing and using an eSIM in Australia.

TL;DR : Just want a link to my recommended eSIM provider for Australia ? Ok, done.

telstra australia travel sim

Is eSIM Available in Australia?

Let’s start at the very beginning with a sensible question. Yes, eSIM is available in Australia and supported by major telecommunication providers. However, for decades Australia has been behind the technology curve, and when it comes to eSIMs, it’s no different. 

If you’re used to easy, affordable local plans with many options to choose from, then you might need to re-adjust your expectations in Australia. However, don’t worry, I have a solution for you later on. Keep reading.

telstra australia travel sim

What Phones Support eSIM?

This is the next smartest question. There’s no point comparing eSIM providers if your phone doesn’t support it. 

The first eSIM-compatible handset was released in 2017, and almost all new top-tier smartphone models released in 2020 (and later) supported eSIM. Here’s a summarised list of compatible phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Oppo:

  • Apple: iPhone XS / XR (and newer)
  • Samsung: Galaxy S20 (and newer), Galaxy Fold (and newer), Galaxy Z Flip (and newer)
  • Google: Pixel 3a (and newer)
  • OPPO: Find X3 Pro (and newer), Find X3 (and newer)

And for smartwatches:

  • Apple: Watch series 3 (and newer)
  • Samsung: Gear S2 (and newer), Galaxy Watch 4 (and newer)
  • Huawei Watch 2 Pro (and newer)

If in doubt, ask your phone provider or search online – “ Is (phone model) esim compatible? ” or check this comprehensive list .

telstra australia travel sim

Can You Buy an eSIM Online in Australia as a Tourist?

Now comes the juicy part. The short answer is “yes”, but it’s not so straightforward.

Buying an eSIM in Australia is a different game for locals versus tourists. Most local eSIM plans are designed for permanent Australian residents, with lock-in contracts for 12 to 24-month periods. Prepaid options are harder to find, although this is constantly evolving. And for some bizarre reason, the telcos focus on services that bundle standalone smartwatch Internet access with a phone. Unfortunately, that doesn’t suit most short-term travellers.

Since you’ll probably be in Australia for only a few weeks, then it’s unlikely one of the lengthy or bundled plans will suit you.

But don’t give up yet.

telstra australia travel sim

Australia eSIM Provider Options

The 3 major telecommunication networks in Australia are Telstra, Optus, Vodafone. Fortunately, they all support eSIM-compatible handsets .

You might come across the smaller resellers like Kogan, which uses the Vodafone network, Woolworths which uses Telstra, and Truphone which uses Optus.

But rather than any of these, you’re better off choosing an international provider that offers affordable, flexible prepaid plans designed especially for tourists. The other upside is that these providers often cover multiple countries, so you don’t have to waste time hunting down a new eSIM provider when you travel to another destination, such as Thailand or Singapore .

The best options for international tourists in Australia are eSIM providers like eSIM Australia by WHIZ. They offer prepaid country-wide data plans for just:

- US$12.99 for 4GB (valid for 8 days); or

- US$15.99 for 6GB (valid for 10 days)

After those full-speed data allowances are used up, you still get unlimited access, although at a slower speed, so you’re never stuck high and dry.

telstra australia travel sim

Mobile Network Coverage in Australia

Australia is a vast country, but around 64% of the 26 million-strong population is concentrated in the 5 largest cities, sprinkled on the coastline. This is the opposite of countries like the US, which have relatively dispersed populations. This dynamic affects mobile coverage as it’s more cost-effective to concentrate on larger cities, and the vast, thinly populated “Outback” has little-to-no coverage, except for regional towns.

telstra australia travel sim

The largest network, Telstra, tends to perform better in rural areas in terms of coverage, but for urban centres, all networks offer a strong signal wherever you go. If you plan to head out of the major cities, check this interactive map showing coverage by provider.

Tip: If you’re travelling into The Outback with a small group or on a road trip, I recommend buying an affordable mesh device, such as  goTenna Mesh , as a communication tool. It might just save the day.

telstra australia travel sim

Benefits of an eSIM in Australia for Travel

Paying expensive international data roaming fees in Australia is a complete waste of money and completely unnecessary. That cash could instead be spent on once-in-a-lifetime adventures such as camel riding around Uluru.

telstra australia travel sim

A travel-friendly Australia eSIM offers these perks: 

Instant delivery  – there’s no waiting for an old-fashioned SIM card or portable hotspot device in the mail, and zero shipping charges.

Super-fast data speeds  - you’re not a second-class citizen using an eSIM. Use all the same 4G and 5G networks when you hop around Australia.

Peace of mind  - the most important aspect when travelling… you can focus on enjoying your much-needed vacation rather than searching for a SIM card seller at the airport when you land.   

Keep your original physical SIM card  - it might be useful for roaming calls and/or texts from your home provider, and you can switch back to it when you get home without reaching for that flimsy, bent-out-of-shape paperclip. Remember to turn off data roaming on that SIM, as most traditional providers charge like a wounded bull for international data roaming.

Dual SIM - if your phone supports 2 eSIMs or 1 eSIM plus 1 physical SIM card, it’s easier to keep work and personal calls separate - potentially turning off work calls after business hours. Now you can really enjoy your holiday in Australia!

telstra australia travel sim

Easy top-up  - no need to go to a provider’s physical store or a minimart to add more phone credit. Just tap a few buttons on the eSIM provider’s app or website.

Fast, easy switching  – Found a better deal? Jump between service providers in seconds, without removing or adding a physical SIM card.

Only pay for what you need  - most travel-friendly Australia eSIM providers offer shorter periods like 1 week, 2 weeks, or a month. Much better than paying for a local SIM card upfront for a whole month when you only need a portion of that. 

No bill shocks  - You’ve heard the gut-wrenching stories from travellers. eSIM prepaid data plans give you control over how much you spend, so there are no unpleasant surprises when you get home.

Keep your existing WhatsApp number  - you don’t have to worry about missing important text messages from loved ones or work colleagues. Other IM apps like Telegram, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger work perfectly fine too, as they just use the Internet.

No losing SIM cards  - yes, those fiddly little pieces of plastic can get dropped or misplaced easily when doing a switch. True story.

Improved security  - no need to rely on risky insecure public wifi networks at airports, malls, and restaurants. These are common targets for hackers.

telstra australia travel sim

Limitations of an eSIM in Australia for Travel

There are bound to be a couple of drawbacks to eSIMs in general, and specifically in Australia. 

Expensive - Australia’s major telcos charge a premium for the privilege of using eSIM. The easy solution is to use an international provider instead.

No fail-safe - if your phone is damaged, a physical SIM can be quickly pulled out and installed into a secondary phone or backup device. An eSIM… not so much. But the chances of that are pretty slim. Just make sure you’ve got a sturdy phone cover .

Handsets - currently, eSIM-compatible phones tend to be the more expensive high-end models, while cheaper models still have physical SIM slots.

Not all devices support eSIM - even some newer iPhones that you expect to offer support, such as those purchased in China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Check with your phone seller if in doubt.

Still rolling out – while it’s fine in Australia, you might not be able to use eSIM in other countries where carriers don’t support it yet, and telecommunication network growth is lagging.

Data only  – most international eSIM providers do not include a local phone number on data-only plans. That may or may not be important to you. If you need to make calls or send texts, I recommend using WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or Facebook Messenger.

Take your turn  - most compatible handsets allow you to download more than 1 eSIM, but may use only 1 at a time. Apple fans will be happy to know the  iPhone 13  (and newer) supports 2 active eSIMs simultaneously.   

Take it easy  - data limits might be lower than what you’re used to at home, so use your data carefully.

telstra australia travel sim

How to Choose an Australia eSIM Plan and Get Started

Firstly ask yourself often you use your phone (a light, moderate, or heavy user). Then consider how long is your trip to Australia. Now you’ve got a starting point to compare eSIM providers and plans.  

1)  Check if voice/text is included (if that matters to you), and most importantly, how much data allowance is included. If the provider offers additional data, look for the upgrade prices. If you’re unsure how much data you need, try this free calculator .

2)  Not all telco networks are the same. So, check your eSIM provider’s website if they clarify which networks are used in Australia.

3)  Look for customer reviews on Trustpilot – with an emphasis on network coverage and customer support (just in case you need a little help).

Tip: Even if the sticker price looks good, don’t just choose the cheapest eSIM plan. Reliability and ease of use is far more important in a travel-friendly eSIM.

Still unsure? If you need an eSIM recommendation, I suggest eSIM Australia by WHIZ.

telstra australia travel sim

How to Install and Activate an eSIM

Once you’ve checked that your device is compatible, simply follow the checkout steps on the eSIM provider’s website or mobile app. These tend to be pretty typical – provide contact details, phone, and email, followed by payment details. Within a few minutes, you’ll receive an email that contains a unique QR code.

Scan the QR code or follow the next steps in your provider’s app to download your eSIM to your device instantly. Some eSIMs will ask you to enter a confirmation code (which is provided to you at the same time as the QR code). 

This is the location on your smartphone where a new eSIM is installed:

-  iOS:  Settings > Cellular/mobile data > Data plans

-  Android:  Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Carrier > Add Carrier

Tip:  To avoid wastage, only complete the QR code scan when you’re ready to start using your plan. I suggest doing this the day before you depart on your trip. Remember you’ll need an internet connection (like wifi or 4G) to do this.

Tip:  Never delete your eSIM before your plan is finished – this cannot be undone. While your data plan may expire, your eSIM never will, so there’s no need to delete it (unless your eSIM provider instructs you to).

telstra australia travel sim

The Bottom Line

Now you are ready to explore Australia. A well-chosen eSIM will become completely invisible – you will forget all about it because you’re focused and immersed in the sights and experiences… rather than crying over your wretched smartphone with no 4G reception. 

Your long-awaited Australian vacation is far too important to scrimp on mobile data. And your precious travel memories will last a lifetime… especially the koala cuddles.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...

  • How to Choose an International eSIM for Travel
  • What is the Best eSIM for Europe?
  • What is the Best eSIM for USA?
  • 9 Cutest Australian Animals: Can You Eat Them?

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Home » Mobile

Guide to international and travel SIMs

Tempted by an international or travel SIM? Here's everything you need to know to stay connected when overseas.

Fergus Halliday

We may earn money when you click our links.

Travel SIMs explained

  • Travel SIM vs Local SIM
  • Travel SIM vs Public WiFi

Best Travel SIM for Australians

How to use your phone internationally.

Man and woman inside plane smiling wearing hats

While there are plenty of great international roaming plans available to Aussies, it can sometimes be cheaper and easier to opt for an international or travel SIM. There are pros and cons to consider for both, but only one option lets you trot across the globe with near-total confidence that you'll stay connected to your friends and family back home.

If you're not sure where to start, here's a quick explanation of what international and travel SIMs are, what providers are available to Aussies and what the best value options and alternatives look like.

International travel SIM cards

OneSimCard Universal

OneSimCard Universal E 3-in-1 Travel SIM Card for over 200 Countries

From $39.95

*Pricing and deals only accurate as of last page update. 

An international or travel SIM is a SIM card that you can take with you when you go overseas. It's not built for any particular region or country but is designed to work in multiple or as many as possible. The upshot of this is that an international or travel SIM can save you the trouble of having to worry about expensive global roaming charges or the physical hassle of picking up a local SIM card.

The only catch is that international and travel SIM cards can sometimes get quite expensive. Convenience is rarely cheap but compared to the likes of a postpaid local SIM or the international roaming packages available through Australian mobile providers , the value proposition involved isn't always a great one.

That said, an international or travel SIM can be a particularly good fit for those who plan to visit multiple countries over the course of a trip. It'll cost you, but there is real convenience in having one SIM work across the entirety of your journey rather than having to worry about swapping between them or topping up your roaming data between each destination can sometimes be worth it.

Fortunately, there are a few alternatives available for those looking to stay connected overseas on a budget.

Alternative #1 - Buy a local SIM

As mentioned, a cheap local SIM or long expiry prepaid plan is a solid alternative to an expensive international one. However, your mileage may vary here depending on your destination.

If you're a frequent visitor to a given country, you probably already have a good idea of what brands are available and where the easiest place to pick up a local prepaid SIM is. For everyone else, there's the airport.

In any case, the advantages of a local SIM card over a travel one are that it's usually cheaper and has better value. The main disadvantages are that you might have to do some research and make time to secure your SIM either in advance or soon after your flight touches down.

Check out our country-specific travel guides for information on buying a local SIM in popular destinations:

  • The best SIM cards and phone plans for travelling to New Zealand

Alternative #2 - Free Public Wi-Fi

If you're looking to breeze around abroad on a budget but stay connected when you need it, then bouncing between free public WiFi networks might be your best bet.

As with Australia, you should be able to find a fair few free WiFi networks scattered throughout the public libraries, hotels, cafes, attractions and city centres. If you're not sure where to start, there are also apps like InstaBridge and SpeedSpot that can help highlight free WiFi networks near your location.

Staying connected this way isn't super convenient, but it might not cost you a cent and it can be a viable alternative to travel SIMs if you don't mind relying on messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Vibr rather than traditional calls and texts.

If you're going away on a holiday and are happy to for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you'll be connected throughout your whole trip, an international or travel SIM can be a solid way to go.

Here's a quick rundown of a few providers you might want to consider.

Flexiroam isn't like other travel SIM providers. Rather than ask you to swap over your Australian SIM card for an international one designed for global roaming, this take on a travel SIM relies on a thin microchip that attaches to your existing SIM.

Clip that chip to your current SIM card, activate it via the Flexiroam mobile app and you'll be able to swap to and stay connected through the Flexiroam network in more than 150 countries.

While Flexiroam is compatible with both (almost all) Android and iOS devices, there are a few catches to this setup. For instance, you'll only get 4G in around 70 of those destinations. In the other 80 or so, you'll have to rely on 3G.

The other caveat here is that international texting isn't supported, though calls are available through both the Flexiroam app and messaging services like WeChat and WhatsApp.

At the time of writing, the most popular Flexiroam travel SIM plans are priced as follows:

  • 10GB for USD$269.99 for 360 days
  • 5GB for USD$149.99 for 360 days
  • 7GB for USD$199.99 for 360 days

GigSky is another travel SIM provider that Aussies might want to consider. It offers both country and region-specific prepaid plans, as well as a global one. This provider's big selling point is that you can sign up and set up a GigSkyu travel plan without even leaving your home.

So long as you're running an Android 10 (or more recent device) or iOS 13 (and above), all you need to do is download the GigSky app and add a travel plan using that.

Pricing for GigSky's World Plan is as follows:

  • 5GB for $59.99 for 30 days

Other travel SIMs

Usa, canada, mexico prepaid travel sim cards.

T-mobile USA-Canada-Mexico Prepaid Travel SIM Card

T-mobile USA, Canada and Mexico Prepaid Travel SIM Card

From $47.95

AT&T USA-Canada-Mexico Prepaid Travel SIM Card

AT&T USA, Canada and Mexico Prepaid Travel SIM Card

From $55.95

USA Lycamobile Prepaid SIM Card

Lycamobile USA Prepaid SIM Card

From $59.98

Europe travel SIM cards

Europe (UK Three) Prepaid sim Card

Europe (UK Three) Prepaid Sim Card

From $29.99

Europe UK Travel SIM Card

Europe UK Travel SIM Card

From $38.99

SMARTY SIM

From $10.78

China-Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan All-in-1 Travel SIM Card

China/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan All-in-1 Travel SIM Card

From $34.90

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand Data Roaming SIM

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand Travel SIM Card

From $39.90

Nippon SIM for Japan 180days

Nippon SIM for Japan Prepaid Data SIM Card

telstra australia travel sim

Vodafone Data SIM Card w/Unlimited Minutes to NZ Landlines/Numbers

From $78.27

telstra australia travel sim

2-in-1 Travel SIM Card w/Unlimited Data for Australia & New Zealand

From $26.90

While it's a lot easier to use your phone overseas than it used to be, there are a few things you might want to double-check before you disembark.

Is your phone unlocked?

Most devices should work overseas, but you'll need to ensure it's unlocked as this can sometimes result in issues with foreign networks.

If you bought your phone on a plan or outright, it will be unlocked. But if you bought it with a prepaid SIM, it might be locked to a specific network. If this is the case, you may need to speak to your provider about unlocking your device. For help unlocking a Telstra phone, check out this guide.

Is your device GSM or CDMA capable?

In addition to making sure your device isn't locked to a specific Australian network, you'll also need to make sure that it meets the frequency specifications required to play nice with the mobile networks of your destination.

Australia uses the GSM standard for mobile devices, as do many other countries. However, that standard isn't universal and there are exceptions. For instance, the US, Japan and South Korea use a combination of GSM and CDMA technologies. 

The short version is that Australian-bought devices should work on GSM networks overseas, provided your phone is compatible with your destination's available frequencies. Newer flagship phones, such as the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy range, should support just about any frequency you encounter out of the box. Older devices may run into problems so if you're worried then be sure to do your research well before you head to the airport.

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Canstar Blue

Travel SIMs & Roaming Packs

Compare Mobile Plans

Compare Phone on a plan, Sim only Pre or Post-Paid Mobile Plans.

See Our Ratings Methodology .

telstra australia travel sim

Most Satisfied Customers | SIM Corner

SIM Corner took out top spot in Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings with an impressive five-star result across almost all categories, including overall satisfaction, and three stars for its app or website.

telstra australia travel sim

How we rate Travel phone plan providers

Our travel phone plan provider ratings are based on customer satisfaction across multiple purchase factors. It’s like asking more than 1,000 Aussies what they think of their travel phone service!

How many Australians do we survey for our ratings?

Canstar Blue surveyed 1,194 Australians for their feedback on travel phone plan providers they’ve been used. Respondents had to have used a SIM card or roaming pack for overseas travel in the past three years, not including SIM cards for use in Australia or purchased overseas.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics .

What criteria are used to rate travel phone plan providers?

Survey respondents are asked to rate their satisfaction with their travel phone plan provider from zero to 10 , with zero meaning extremely dissatisfied and 10 meaning extremely satisfied. Travel mobile plan provider satisfaction is rated on the following criteria:

  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a travel phone plan provider as an individual score, NOT the combined total of all criteria.
  • Value for money: the price paid for the travel or roaming pack was reasonable for the inclusions.
  • Sign-up and activation: the plan was easy to sign up to and activate.
  • Customer service: the provider was easy to get in touch with and offered good customer support.
  • Network coverage: there was good mobile network coverage and reception in the country/countries travelled in.
  • App or website: the provider offered an app or website that was easy to understand and use.
  • Ease of recharge: it was easy to recharge the travel phone plan when needed.

How do we determine the winner?

The winning brand is the brand that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating after scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.

  • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and therefore win the award. If a clear leading brand still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Which travel phone plan providers do we rate?

To qualify in the ratings results, providers must have received a minimum of 30 responses to be included . Therefore, not all travel phone plan providers are in this survey. Providers rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Woolworths Mobile
  • Australia Post TravelSIM

Find more information on our Most Satisfied Customers ratings .

Best travel phone plan providers in Australia

1. sim corner, ratings result.

SIM Corner took out top spot with a near-perfect result, scoring five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, sign up and activation, customer service, network coverage and ease of recharge. It scored its only three-star result for the app or website category.

Editor’s notes

SIM Corner is an Australian-owned and operated provider offering a range of prepaid travel SIM packs. Most plans require the purchase of a physical SIM card that’s shipped to you, however eSIM packs are also available. Travel packs include destinations in Europe, the US, Asia, the UK, South America, New Zealand and more, with different inclusions and expiry dates available.

In second place was GoSim with four stars for overall satisfaction, along with value for money, app or website and ease of recharge. It scored three stars for sign-up and activation, customer service and network coverage.

GoSim offers a range of physical international SIM cards, including Europe, Asia and USA-specific packs, plus standard international SIM card and data-only SIM packs. You can also top up your plan if you need more data, call and SMS inclusions.

Telstra took third place with four stars for overall satisfaction, sign-up and activation, customer service, network coverage and app or website. It scored five stars for ease of recharge and three stars for value for money.

Telstra offers its travel plans in the form of international roaming add-ons for existing Telstra customers. This means you’re able to keep your Telstra SIM in your phone (and still have access to your Australian phone number) and add on a Day Pass. Inclusions, prices and eligible destinations vary between the plans.

4. Vodafone

Taking out fourth spot was Vodafone, with four stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, sign-up and activation, and app or website. It scored five stars for ease of recharge and three stars for customer service and network coverage.

Vodafone’s $5-per-day roaming has been a stand out offer for several years now. Rather than offering a roaming SIM or add-on packs, Vodafone customers on eligible plans can pay $5 per day of roaming to access their phone plan’s inclusions while overseas. While access to some inclusions (such as unlimited capped-speed data) are excluded, it offers a convenient way to access your phone plan when travelling.

5. Woolworths Mobile

Woolworths Mobile was in fifth place with four stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and ease of recharge. It scored three stars for sign-up and activation, customer service and network coverage, and was the only provider to score five stars for the app or website category.

Like Telstra and Vodafone, Woolworths Mobile offers international roaming as an add-on to an existing phone plan. There are several roaming add-ons to choose from, with varying prices, inclusions and expiry periods, however it’s only available to use in select countries.

6. Australia Post TravelSIM

Australia Post took out sixth place with three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, sign-up and activation, customer service and network coverage. It scored five stars for ease of recharge and four stars for app or website.

Although Australia Post offers a selection of SIM-only phone plans, it has one, separate international roaming plan. The simple roaming plan can be used in more than 90 countries and inclusions topped up as required.

Rounding out our ratings was Optus with three stars for overall satisfaction. It scored three stars in most other categories, but five stars for ease of recharge and four stars for app or website.

Optus offers a $5-per-day roaming add-on to eligible customers. Unlike Vodafone’s offering that allows access to existing domestic inclusions, Optus’ version comes with its own set of inclusions, which can be used in more than 100 destinations.

Other travel phone plan providers

Whether you’re looking for an international roaming add-on, or you want a separate SIM with a specific travel plan, there are plenty of providers offering a range of travel phone plans. While not all providers (or telcos offering international roaming on plans) are covered in our ratings, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a good-value travel plan to suit your needs. Some other travel phone plan providers include:

  • Cover-More Global SIM
  • Tripsim (by Sydney Airport)

Phone plans with roaming features

  • Postpaid plans
  • Prepaid plans

To give you an idea of the plans available with international roaming features, the table below lists a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of advertised cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.

To give you an idea of the plans available with international roaming features, the table below lists a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of advertised cost, lowest cost first, then by data allowance. Use our comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.

Compare more products featured in our Most Satisfied Customers Awards

  • Prepaid SIM-only providers
  • Postpaid SIM-only providers
  • Phone on a plan providers
  • Smartphones

How to choose a good travel phone plan

Having access to our mobile phones and phone service overseas is an essential for many of us, for keeping in touch with friends and family back home, sharing our journey on social media, using maps and browsing great places to visit.

Of those we surveyed, 39% used their travel SIM more for data than calls and texts and 38% chose a travel SIM because roaming on their regular plan was too expensive. Although 39% said that they’d recommend their travel SIM to friends and family or other travellers, there are a few things to consider when choosing a travel phone plan.

First up, you’ll need to decide what type of travel plan you’ll need — for light data users or if you’re with a telco that offers a good international roaming plan, you might prefer to just switch roaming on.

However, if roaming is too expensive, there are plenty of travel plans available so you don’t need to stress about finding a SIM card when you reach your destination. Some of these might include calls, texts and data allowance, while some might be data-only. If you choose a data-only plan, you may need to set up a messaging app that uses mobile data, such as Messenger or WhatsApp, so you can still make calls and send messages.

SIM card or eSIM?

Some plans might also be available with an eSIM. The advantage to using eSIM is that there’s no need to switch out your Australian SIM for a physical SIM card  so you’ll be able to get text messages to your Aussie number while travelling — very important for receiving verification codes from your bank and other services. You can also set up your eSIM before you hop on your flight. Keep in mind that eSIM is not available with every phone, so you’ll need to check if your mobile phone offers eSIM compatibility . Some phones might have dual-SIM capability so you’ll be able to have your Aussie SIM and a physical travel SIM in your phone at the same time.

Destinations available

The most popular travel destinations in Europe, Asia, Oceania and North and South America are covered by many travel phone plans, but it’s important to check the destinations a plan has included before signing up. Likewise, if you’re travelling to multiple destinations, you may prefer to find a travel phone plan that will cover all of those destinations on the one plan.

Inclusions, cost and plan length

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, you’ll need to consider how long the travel plan is active. Some plans might have limited expiry periods, so you might need to recharge your plan when still travelling. If that’s the case, make sure you know how to recharge, have any required  app installed and your payment details already connected to the account (if possible).

Also consider what inclusions you need, such as how much data you’ll likely use each day, and how much the plan will cost. Travel phone plans are often expensive and data inclusions can be small so it’s a good idea to make use of secure WiFi networks when available. It’s also a good idea to download all your favourite movies, shows, music, podcasts and audiobooks before you travel so you’re not draining your data by streaming.

About our telco experts

Emma bradstock: senior telco specialist.

Emma-Circle

Emma Bradstock has been an authority on consumer phone, internet, technology and streaming markets in Australia for the last 4 years, with a dedication to providing Aussies with all the information they need to make better purchasing decisions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University and has a decade of professional writing experience in print and digital media.

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

About this research.

Canstar Blue surveyed 12,200 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have used a SIM Card or roaming pack for overseas travel in the last 2 years (not including for use in Australia or SIM cards purchased overseas)– in this case, 1,194 people.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.

Past ratings

Here are past winners of Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers – Travel phone plan ratings:

  • 2022: Vodafone
  • 2021: Telstra
  • 2019: SIM Corner

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**Max. Data/Billing Period

The amount of data the provider has advertised for the billing period of their plan.

Billing periods usually range from 28 to 31 days, but can vary - contact the provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.

Actual product inclusions can be found on the provider’s website.

^^Advertised Cost/Billing Period

The advertised cost the provider has advertised for the billing period of the plan.

  • The search results do not include all providers or products, and may not compare all features relevant to you.
  • Advertised data (per billing, and monthly cost as shown in the table may not be the same as the amounts per billing period). Contact Provider for the billing period costs and inclusions.
  • Some plans may apply additional charges where you exceed usage limits. Check the product provider's plan information.
  • Products displayed by our referral partner will be the closest available match to your search inputs. If no reasonable match is available, no results will be displayed.
  • Proof of identity may be required
  • Canstar Blue’s  Terms and Conditions  and  Privacy Policy  apply.

Unlimited Data

  • Some providers may cap the provision of unlimited data at maximum speed. Once this cap is reached the provider will then revert you to a slower speed. See providers website for more details.

Referral Partners

By clicking on a brand, ' go to site ', ' shop online ', ' get quotes now ', or ' see offer ' button, you will leave Canstar Blue and be taken to our referral partner to compare. Canstar Blue may be paid for this referral. You agree that Canstar Blue’s terms and conditions  apply to this referral.

Canstar Blue may earn a fee for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship fees may be higher than referral fees. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as such on website pages. They may appear in a number of areas of the website such as in comparison tables, on hub pages and in articles. Sponsored products may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The table position of a Sponsored product does not indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. The table position of a Sponsored product does not change when a consumer changes the sort order of the table.  For more information please see  How Are We Funded .

Traveltomtom<span>.</span>

Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Australia in 2024

telstra australia travel sim

Are you planning your trip to Australia and thinking about staying connected with an e-sim card? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an e-sim card when traveling to Australia including a comparison of the best Australia e-sim cards for 2024. 

Don’t waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an e-sim card for Australia on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2024, including all specifications per tourist e-sim card.

This guide will show you where and when to order an e-sim card for Australia, answer all your FAQ’s about e-sim cards, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Australia and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Australia online. 

Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger . That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In 2022 I visited 62 different countries and in 2023 I visited 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used in the last two years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trips to Australia I tested the below recommended Australia e-sim cards for tourists.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Of course Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024  as well as a guide for buying a tourist sim card at Sydney Airport , Brisbane Airport and Melbourne Airport .

you may also like...

Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Australia in 2024

Recently Traveltomtom also started writing specific and in-depth guides for buying e-sim cards: New Zealand ,  USA , Canada , Turkey , Egypt , Dubai , Asia , China , Hong Kong , Singapore ,  Indonesia , Thailand , Europe , United Kingdom , Italy , France , Spain , international e-sim cards and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

After my e-sim card comparison I will explain how e-sim cards work, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, some FAQ about e-sim cards, the difference between e-sim cards for tourists and local prepaid sim cards in Australia and everything else you need to know about using e-sim cards when traveling to Australia.

Let me start with giving you my e-sim card recommendation for Australia. These are my favorite e-sim cards for traveling to Australia in 2024.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends the following two e-sim cards for traveling to Australia in 2024: 

1. Nomad e-sim card for $30 USD

  • 20 GB data-only e-sim
  • Valid in Australia only
  • Valid for 45 days
  • Operates on the Vodafone 4G/LTE network
  • Only $1.50 USD per Gigabyte

2. Three HK e-sim card from SimOptions for $34.90 USD

  • Valid in Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada and Hong Kong 
  • Valid for 30 days
  • Comes with a +852 phone number
  • Incoming calls and sms are supported
  • Tiktok is blocked
  • $1.75 USD per Gigabyte

The best value tourist e-sim card for Australia is an Australia e-sim cards from Nomad . These e-sim cards operate on the 4G/LTE Optus mobile data in Australia. Nomad has more e-sim card offers for Australia, some good, some bad. But you can’t beat only $1.50 USD per Gigabyte on this 20 GB data plan.

A good second best is an e-sim card for Australia via Three Hong Kong. You can order this international e-sim card via SimOptions and it is valid in 6 countries. It is perfect if you combine your trip to Australia with visiting New Zealand as well. This e-sim card is more expensive. Traveltomtom has always had very good experiences with e-sim cards from SimOptions.

Both e-sim cards are data-only e-sim cards. On the Nomad e-sim card incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported, but the Three HK e-sim card that you can order via SimOptions comes with a Hong Kong based phone number that starts with +852. It supports incoming calls and sms.

Is Australia one of your stops on a trip to the Pacific or around the world then you can also look into getting an e-sim card for world travelers . There are a bunch of e-sim cards that cover multiple countries.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Australia or in general before using an e-sim card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards for tourists only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: e-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly.

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Australia.

However, you can still order a sim card for Australia on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024  or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Comparison of the best e-sim cards for Australia

Buying an e-sim card on arrival in Australia is still not possible at international airports. As per January 2024 Vodafone, Optus and Telstra only provide physical prepaid sim cards at Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane Airport.

However, if you go to an official phone store in the city center of any tourist destination in Australia you can opt for an e-sim card instead of a physical prepaid sim card.

Luckily there are multiple e-sim providers on the internet that sell Australia e-sim cards for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Australia from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators. 

These are the 3 big e-sim card providers and they sell great e-sim card plans for Australia. They are tested and reviewed multiple times by Traveltomtom:

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions is the only e-sim provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for Australia . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your home address before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Australia. 

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Australia. 

Airalo is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an e-sim card.

Normally Airalo is always one of my top recommendations but the Airalo e-sim card plans for Australia are more expensive compared to SimOptions and Nomad.

airalo esim card plans for australia 2024

Here are the Airalo data-only e-sim card plans for Australia for 2024:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $12.5 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Australia from Airalo .

The Airalo e-sim cards for Australia are from Yes! Go! and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Optus. Unfortunately the Airalo Yes! Go! e-sim cards for Australia are not 5G ready. Side note, there isn’t much 5G yet in Australia. Even as of 2024 there is pretty much only 5G in the big cities.

In most of the amazing places to visit in Australia you will find a 4G/LTE signal tho and the data speed is reasonably good these days.

In some other Australia travel blogs I named Down Under a third world country for WiFi and mobile data, because it can be terribly disappointing and slow sometimes.

For more info about the best 4G/5G network in Australia check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024 , including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

All the Airalo e-sim cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

SimOptions is another very reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist e-sim card for Australia through SimOptions is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using SimOptions? When it comes to Australia e-sim cards SimOptions has better e-sim card plans than Airalo and is therefore also recommended as one of the best e-sim cards for Australia.

SimOptions offers two types of e-sim cards for Australia. Their own brand data-only sim cards and international e-sim cards from Three HK.

simoptions esim card plans for australia 2024

Here are the e-sim card plans from SimOptions for 2024: 

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $9.90 USD
  • 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD

three hk esim card plans for australia 2024

The e-sim cards that you order through SimOptions are international e-sim cards that are valid in up to 26 countries.

  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Australia via SimOptions .

Unfortunately SimOptions doesn’t specify exactly which mobile network operator in Australia they use. The international e-sim cards are not 5G ready, so the max data speed on the e-sim cards from SimOptions is 4G/LTE.

The Three HK e-sim cards that you can order through SimOptions are international e-sim cards that are valid in: Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada and Hong Kong.

Since it is a Hong Kong based e-sim card it has been reported that TikTok is blocked on this e-sim card. The advantage of these Three HK e-sim cards are that they come with a phone number that starts with +852. Incoming phone calls and sms are supported.

The other SimOptions e-sim cards for Australia do not come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.

The validity of these e-sim cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Australia. For more info check the SimOptions website .

Last but not least there is Nomad and actually Nomad has some of the cheapest Australia e-sim card plans. The Nomad e-sim cards for Australia are from various operators. Below I listed the cheapest plans.

nomad esim card plans for australia 2024

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Australia:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
  • 15 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $80 USD*
  • 40 GB data for 30 days = $110 USD*
  • 50 GB data for 30 days = $125 USD*

Click here to order an e-sim card for Australia from Nomad .

*The last three e-sim card plans are 5G ready.

The Nomad website is a bit messy for finding the best e-sim card for traveling to Australia and it is not as easy to spot the amazing e-sim card deals.

Most of the the Nomad e-sim cards are from SingTel, only the last three plans are from JoyTel. The Joytel e-sim cards operate on the Optus 5G/4G/LTE network and are 5G ready, the other plans from SingTel only support 4G/LTE. But as said there is not much 5G in Australia apart from the big cities.

Traveltomtom does not directly recommend the Joytel e-sim cards from Nomad as they are literally more than 2x the price of the SingTel e-sim cards from Nomad.

nomad australia esim card specifications

All the Nomad e-sim cards are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported.

But as I mentioned before some of the Nomad e-sim cards for Australia have exceptional good value and they go as low as $1.50 USD per Gigabyte. Therefore Traveltomtom rates a Nomad e-sim the best e-sim card for traveling to Australia in 2024.

The Nomad Australia e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Australia. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website .

Besides all the above e-sim cards that you can order on the internet you can also opt to go to an official phone store of one of the mobile internet operators in Australia and buy an e-sim card directly from the provider.

Reminder that you can only buy the following e-sim cards on arrival in Australia, you can NOT order them on the internet. 

Optus offers physical as well as e-sim cards for tourists in Optus stores all around Australia and they have 3 standard tourist plans:

  • 5 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 7 days = $12 AUD - $7.6 USD
  • 40 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $35 AUD - $22 USD
  • 60 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $45 AUD - $29 USD

In Vodafone stores in Australia tourists can also get an e-sim card and the following plans are available:

  • 40 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $30 AUD - $19 USD
  • 50 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $40 AUD - $25 USD
  • 60 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $50 AUD - $32 USD

Telstra is the mobile internet that has by far the best mobile 4G/5G network coverage in Australia:

  • 3 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 7 days = $12 AUD - $7.6 USD
  • 35 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $35 AUD - $35 USD
  • 45 GB data + unlimited calls/sms + international calls for 28 days = $45 AUD - $45 USD

In Traveltomtom’s comparison of the Australia prepaid sim cards Telstra came out as the best buy, simply because it has the strongest mobile internet network and the widest 4G/5G coverage in Australia compared to Vodafone and Optus. 

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Australia?

cheapest esim card plans for australia 2024

The cheapest e-sim card for Australia is an e-sim card from Airalo for just $4.5 USD , it will give you 1 GB data for 7 days. This e-sim is only valid in Australia and does not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Australia

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Australia in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Australia without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Australia with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Australia, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Australia so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty  much every amazing tourist destinations in Australia there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how cheap the e-sim cards for Australia are.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: “Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Australia. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an e-sim card for Australia? 

You can only buy an e-sim card for Australia on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Australia. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions , Airalo and Nomad ) are the best e-sim card providers in 2024.

When buying an e-sim card for Australia through one of the above recommended e-sim providers you only need your email address and the e-sim card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed. 

On arrival in Australia

There are 3 main mobile internet provider in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Unfortunately none of the operators sell e-sim cards at the international airports. You can only get an e-sim card for tourists in the official phone stores around Australia. 

When you arrive in Australia and you buy a local prepaid sim card for tourists in an official mobile operator store from either Telstra, Optus or Vodafone you can choose to get a physical prepaid sim card or an e-sim card. 

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Australia in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Australia, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. 

Flying into Australia and landing in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Cairns or Perth then you can buy a tourist sim card for Australia on arrival at the airport. Although you will find sim card shops from Vodafone, Optus and Telstra you can only buy a physical prepaid sim card, tourist e-sim cards are not available at airports in Australia.

When to order/activate an e-sim card for Australia?

You can order an e-sim card for Australia pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time. 

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Australia or before. When in Australia you will need an internet connection to instal your e-sim card. Pretty much every international airport in Australia has free WiFi so you could use that to install your e-sim card. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your e-sim card in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist e-sim card for Australia before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.

How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Australia almost 10 times and traveled all around the country for 8 months in total. In 2023 I visited Brisbane and Sydney on two different trips. 

For more info about my experiences buying a sim card at Sydney Airport check out my blog about it or check out my vlog on YouTube . 

I also wrote a blog about buying a sim card at Melbourne Airport and there is also a vlog on my YouTube channel about my arrival at Melbourne Airport and buying a prepaid sim card for traveling in Australia .

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an e-sim card plan for Australia you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Australia e-sim card. 

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your Australia e-sim card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed. 

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur. 

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation. 

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Australia

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Australia e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Australia. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone. 

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Australia or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Australia and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support e-sim cards.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Australia recommended above ( SimOptions , Airalo and Nomad ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Australia.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Australia e-sim cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use e-sim cards for traveling to Australia.

Can I keep my phone number from home with an Australia e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Australia. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Australia e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with an Australia e-sim card?

No, unfortunately all the tourist e-sim cards for Australia available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting. The e-sim cards from Nomad, Airalo and SimOptions are data-only e-sim cards and outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

If you buy a prepaid e-sim card on arrival in Australia in a store then you get unlimited calling and texting included.

Does an Australia e-sim card come with a phone number?

Yes, there are e-sim cards for Australia that come with a phone number. These are the international e-sim cards from Three HK that you can order via SimOptions . They come with a Hong Kong based phone number that starts with +852. This means these e-sims can receive calls and sms.

All other Australia e-sim cards that you can buy on the internet do not come with a phone number which also means these e-sims can not receive any phone calls or sms. 

In the above Australia e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card. 

Can I use 5G on an Australia e-sim card?

Unfortunately most of the Australia e-sim cards for tourists are not 5G ready yet as of January 2024. Which means the max data speed is 4G/LTE. That said, there is also still not much 5G available in Australia, although 4G/LTE is widespread in most tourist destinations in Australia.

5g ready esim card plans for australia 2024

But for those who are ready to pay extra there is now also 5G e-sim cards plans available. Nomad offers JoyTel e-sim cards that operate on the 5G network of Optus.

  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $80 USD
  • 40 GB data for 30 days = $110 USD
  • 50 GB data for 30 days = $125 USD

Click here to order a 5G ready e-sim card for Australia via Nomad .

Are there e-sim cards for Australia with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

Even if you would come across e-sim card providers on the internet that sell e-sim cards for Australia with unlimited data then make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed, mostly the data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes.

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data for Australia, but does NOT specify what is the exact Fair Use Policy (FUP). 

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Australia e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not loading! 

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for Australia with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card.

The  Nomad e-sim card for $30 USD  give you 20 GB data. There is no real need for an e-sim card with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to a Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Australia in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are e-sim cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Australia?

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Australia, but what is the best way? 

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Australia: 

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards.

  • E-sim cards 

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected. 

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards for Australia are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Australia prepaid sim cards offer bigger data plans than tourist e-sim cards you order online and on top of that local prepaid sim cards come with unlimited local calls and sms.

The big difference is that a local Australia prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Australia in a phone store and NOT on the internet.

More info about the best Australia sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Australia in 2024 .

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Australia. Some of them are great for Australia as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Australia you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024 .

international sim card plans for australia 2024

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play! 

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Australia directly online .

E-sim cards

As explained throughout the article there are two different e-sim cards:

  • E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
  • E-sim cards that you buy in Australia in a mobile internet provider store

As shown in the comparison of the best e-sim cards for Australia, all of the mobile internet providers in Australia offer e-sim cards. A prepaid sim card plan can be bought as an e-sim card or as a physical prepaid sim card.

Traveltomtom personally shopped around in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to obtain all the vital information for getting a prepaid sim card in Australia as a tourist.

On arrival at the international airports in Australia they only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists which is a bit of a bummer. 

Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Melbourne Airport , Sydney Airport or Brisbane Airport . 

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards 

Getting an e-sim card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Australia, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Australia. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Australia.

As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

Price difference

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare Australia e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Australia, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable as you get many more Gigabytes for the same price.

But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Australia in a sim card shop and a tourist e-sim card can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet. 

That said, e-sim cards that you buy on the internet are in fact cheaper as they start from already $4 USD and local prepaid Australia tourists sim cards start from around $8 USD.

Australia has cheap prepaid sim card plans, especially since Australia is an expensive country to travel. But 40 GB data for just $19 USD is pretty cheap compared to other countries in the world.

Keep in mind that the best value e-sim card from Nomad gives you 50 GB data for just $25 USD as well! So tourist e-sim cards for Australia that you order on the internet are very good deals as well.

For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for Australia in 2024 .

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With e-sim cards you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands. For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best e-sim cards for Australia in the comparison above.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Australia. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth. 

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid Australia sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to Australia were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card for Australia right away.

If you still have any questions about e-sim cards then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Australia!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Australia are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

Best eSim For Australia in 2023 (Cheaper Mobile Internet)

Traveling to Australia and you need an eSim while you’re in the country? You’ve come to the right place then because this detailed guide will help you find the best eSim for Australia!

At A Glance: Our Top Esims For Australia

  • OUR FAVORITE Airalo - Yes Go!
  • VERY AFFORDABLE PLANS Nomad Australia

I’ve covered both local and  international eSim providers  and compared all the most popular options among travelers. There’s a perfect Australian eSim for you and you will undoubtedly find it in this guide.

ESIM Product Comparison

Airalo - yes go.

If you don’t need ridiculous amounts of data – and I won’t judge you if you do –  Airalo is a great eSim option , especially for travelers on a budget. Their eSim packages start at $4.50 for 1 GB of data valid for a week and go up to $20 for an eSim with 10 GB of data that you can use for a whole month on the Optus network.

Here are some of the great options I have been using:

  • 1 GB / 7 Days – US$4.5
  • 3 GB / 30 Days – US$9
  • 5 GB / 30 Days – US$12.5
  • 1 0 GB / 30 Days – US$20

Buying and activating an Airalo eSim is super easy and can be done in just a couple of minutes. I used them for a few months during my last trip to Australia, and can’t only say great things about them.

The simplest way to work with an Airalo eSim is to download the Airalo app, select the country (Australia) andthen  eSim plan you want, and purchase it. Then scan the QR code displayed in the app to download your eSim, click on the notification and follow the on-screen instructions to activate it. Voila – your eSim is active and ready to use!

The main downside of Airalo is that they don’t offer any data packages larger than 10 GB, but I found that most of the time I was on wifi in accommodation, so only need a few Gigs a month for when I was moving around (maps, internet, email). Plus, once you run out, it is easy to renew it.

In my experience in Australia with eSims, I also found that Airalo sends you great reminders when your data or eSim validity is running out. That way, you won’t get caught without data!

  • Great prices
  • Lots of package options (Local, Regional, Global)
  • Great mobile networks
  • Helpful Customer Service
  • No unlimited Data

Holafly Australia

Holafly is a reliable eSim provider  that operates in many worldwide countries, including The Land Down Under. They offer two plans for Australia (Optus network)

  • 5 Days: $19 USD
  • 7 Days: $27 USD
  • 10 Days: $34 USD
  • 15 Days: $47 USD
  • 20 Days: $54 USD

You can purchase the eSIM online, and as soon as you pay for it you’ll get a QR code that lets you install the card. Setting up the eSim is easy and simple, and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

The main benefit of Holafly eSIMs is that they deliver instantaneously. If you’re in a pinch and you need an eSim like right now, this is the best option.

The main downside of Holafly is that their plans are pretty expensive, especially when compared to the Airalo plans. Also, they don’t allow data sharing, so you won’t be able to set up a mobile hotspot or tether with their eSim.

  • Two options for Australia
  • Good customer service
  • No Hotspot possible
  • Not the cheapest

Nomad Australia

Nomad eSim is a popular  option among frequent travelers and digital nomads. They operate in many countries all over the world, and they’re known for fair prices and fast internet.

Nomad offers three basic plans, which you can then upgrade with as much data as you want. Their basic plans include very little data, so they’re absolutely perfect for travelers who want to have internet access mostly to check map directions. On the other hand, Nomad allows you to purchase as much data as you like at good prices, so their plans can be perfectly suitable for people who need a bigger data package.

The basic plans they offer are

  • 1GB/7 days for $3
  • 3GB/5 days for $8
  • 5GB/10 days for $12
  • 10GB/30 days for $10  (yes, cheaper than 5 GB!)

They also offer 15GB, 20GB, 30GB,  40GB, 50GB and 100 GB plans, with the 20GB being the cheapest at $ 0 .75 per GB with Vodaphone. The rest are usually with Optus which in my experience offer great coverage and service. I can’t comment on Vodaphone, but they are likely to be worse outside major metro areas.

You can purchase just one of these plans, or you can add on more data – it ranges from $5 for 1 GB to $22 for 20 GB.

After you purchase any one of the plans, Nomad provides you with detailed instructions on how to set up your new eSim.

  • 100 countries
  • Regional & Global Plans
  • Quite affordable
  • No local plans available
  • Plan length limit - 30 days

Au by KDDI is a Japanese mobile operator that offers eSims for global use. They have Australian eSims but keep in mind that this company is primarily intended for Japanese travelers abroad. Their plans are very expensive, especially considering the amount of data they offer, and I don’t recommend them to anyone who has at least one other option.

This provider offers only two plans – 5GB/30 days for $53.84 and 8GB/30 days for $82.62. That’s almost as expensive as using data roaming, so it makes no sense for international travelers in Australia.

However, their eSims are not valid only in Australia. Instead, one plan offers eSim coverage for dozens of countries in the world, which makes them a decent option for Japanese travelers who will be hopping to a few different countries during the month.

  • Two plans available for Australia
  • Ideal for Japanese visitors
  • Very Expensive

Ubigi is a global provider that offers eSims for Australia and New Zealand . Just like the Asian providers, Ubigi doesn’t let you buy an eSim only for Australia. Instead, you can choose if you want a plan that covers Australia and New Zealand, Oceania, or the entire globe. It’s a good option for tourists who will visit multiple countries in a month, but not for those who will spend all their time in Australia.

Ubigi’s eSim plans are also quite pricey for the amount of data they offer. They’re selling 1GB of data for $50 – at that point, you’re better off just turning data roaming on your phone.

They offer one-off and monthly plans, which range from 500 MB for a day to 5 GB for a month. The prices range from $12 to $68, and it’s important to note that these eSims offer global coverage.

Ubigi has just one plan for Australia and New Zealand specifically, and it’s 3GB/30 days for $39.

  • Specific Australia plans
  • Some more general plans

TravelSim is a good option  for travelers who rarely stay put in one place. They offer physical sim cards and eSim that are compatible with network carriers all over the world, so you can use just one eSim and have internet access in multiple countries.

To have internet with their eSim in Australia, you must choose either the International or the Asia plan. The Asia package is generally cheaper, so it’s the better option if you’re not going to leave the APAC region.

The good thing about TravelSim is that you can configure the eSim to fit your needs best. There’s a flat 5-Euro fee for the embedded sim, and then you can add up to credits for texts and data. Currently, you can add up to 25 Euros of credit for texts and calls, and up to 5 GB of data. That plan is 84 Euros, but it’s 59 Euros if you just buy the data. It’s pricey, but it works.

  • Very configurable
  • ESim & SIM options
  • Text & Calls available

MTX Connect

MTX Connect is a global provider that offers both physical and eSIM cards that work in many worldwide countries. They’re a good option for people who travel frequently and need internet access in different countries. MTX Connect sim cards don’t have a phone number, but you can get an SMS number with their SMS subscription service.

This provider offers several different eSim plans, one of which should be good enough for you. So far they’re the only provider I’ve come across that offers a Pay as You Go Plan, which charges you only for the mobile data you’ve actually used. This is a good option if you rarely use the internet while you’re traveling, but not if you use mobile data frequently.

Their other plans include an optimal plan with 350 MB for 24 hours, 24-hour unlimited data plans, weekly, and monthly plans. The prices range from 3,49 Euros for a limited daily plan to 60 Euros for a limited monthly plan, so they’re fairly priced but certainly not the cheapest option.

  • Pay as you go
  • Unlimited Data options
  • A little confusing to choose an optoin

Benefits of Getting An eSim in Australia

I find that there are countless benefits to getting an eSim in Australia, especially for travelers and digital nomads who are staying in the country for a while. The main benefit is that you don’t have to buy a physical card, which can save you both time and money. Instead of having to walk around looking for a card with a good enough data plan, you can set up everything online.

I travel to Australia a lot to visit family and friends and often data is not available, or is not cheap, with my foreign plan. America, Canada, and Europe don’t seem to be a problem, but Australia is always excluded. So, getting an eSim before I land is a lifesaver. Especially since you need maps, Uber and Airbnb access once you arrive.

Reliable 4G Data (Not horrible Wifi)

Perhaps the key benefit of having an eSim in Australia (if you have a foreign sim) is easy access to an internet connection. It’s an Australian sim so you can use mobile data whenever you like, which is crucial for travel. The amount of mobile data you get depends on the eSim provider, and I’ll tell you about the best (and worst) ones a little later.

Access to the internet is particularly important if you still have to deal with data roaming when traveling. Data roaming charges are still as bad as they were a decade ago, and for most people, turning on data roaming is simply not an option.

I also find, even as an Australian, visiting Australia and dealing with unreliable internet is a big hassle. Not all Airbnbs or hotels have wifi. Or, if they do, it often sucks or costs you a fortune. It still blows my mind. And in many out-of-the-way places (which Australia has a lot of), it is even worse. However, 4G is usually great, and I have been using an eSim for the last month all over the country with very few issues.

There’s also less waste with eSims, or no waste to be precise. You just need to scan a QR code and it’s all set up. Compare that to the often ridiculous packaging of physical sim cards – all that paper and plastic waste can’t be good for the environment.

This is where an Australia eSim card comes in – instead of overpaying your provider at home for crumbs of data, you can get unlimited internet access for a month for as little as $20.

Devices Compatible with an eSim in Australia

Is your smartphone compatible with an eSim? If you bought a flagship in the last 2-3 years, then it probably is. Compatibility with eSims is a feature reserved mostly for high-end phones, so if you’ve got a mid-range or budget smartphone, you’ll most likely need to look for a physical sim card.

For iPhones, anything manufactured after 2018 supports an eSim. This includes the Apple iPhone SE 2020, as well as the mini versions of the later iPhones.

But just because you have a flagship doesn’t guarantee you’re holding one of the eSim-compatible phones, especially in Australia. It depends on where your phone was produced – some smartphones produced in China, Hong Kong, and the USA are not at all compatible with eSims.

The easiest way of checking whether your personal phone has eSim technology enabled is to  dial *#06# . This will bring up a menu with your phone’s unique identifiers and if you can see an  EID ((Embedded Identity Document) number , it means your phone is compatible with eSims.

You can also go to Settings – About – Status Information to see if your phone has an EID number. This should work on both iPhone and Android phones.

Also, it’s important that your cell phone is unlocked, if you want to use it with an eSim. This means that any phones purchased through a mobile carrier are likely not compatible with eSims, because they are locked to sim cards from that carrier only.

Local Mobile Operators Offering eSims in Australia

Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the three mobile operators that offer eSims in Australia. These are the only three operators that offer network coverage in the country, and all the other providers use their network.

Choosing the right network operator is essential for a smooth experience with an eSim in Australia. Telstra is the largest carrier in the country, mostly because it’s the only carrier that covers rural areas. If you’re planning to travel in the outback, Telstra – or an eSim that uses their network – is by far the best option.

On the other hand, if you will spend most of your time traveling in big cities and populated areas, either one of these three is good enough. Optus and Vodafone are not too far behind Telstra, especially in the bigger cities. But for rural areas deep inside the country, there’s only one good network provider.

Data Needed When Traveling to Australia

The best eSim for you is the one that includes a data plan that can last your entire trip. For some people, that can be as little as 5 GB, while others might consider only unlimited data options.

It depends on how much you use the internet while traveling and what you use it for. If it’s just to look at directions on Google Maps and check your social media every now and then, you should be fine with one of the smaller data plans. But, it also depends on how long you’re staying – 5 GBs might be fine for a week, but if you’re staying for a month you’ll probably need more data.

If you’re going to use the mobile data to play games, watch Netflix and Youtube, or work, look for providers that offer bigger data plans.

When choosing a mobile provider for an eSim, it’s also important to consider internet speed. While it won’t matter too much if you just use the internet for directions, people who plan to use mobile data for work will need a fast and reliable internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i activate my australia esim.

Activating your eSim in Australia depends on the provider. Some will email you a QR code that you need to scan to activate your eSim, while others might require you to visit a physical store to scan that QR code. For maximum convenience, stick with providers that make it easy to activate your eSim without having to move from your couch.

When you buy an eSim, you should get an email with a QR code. Go to Settings and find the Add a Cellular Plan / Add an eSim option, and scan that QR code. You’ll just need to set up a few different options for the eSim and then it’s ready for use.

How can I buy an eSim in Australia?

You can buy eSims in Australia in both physical stores and online. You can also activate most eSims without having to visit a physical store, so setting up an eSim in Australia is super simple and can be done in just a few minutes.

Can I tether using my Australia eSim?

You can tether with most eSim cards purchased in Australia. The eSim should function just as a regular sim card, so setting up tethering or a mobile hotspot should be just as easy and simple as doing it with a physical card.

If this is very important to you, be sure to check whether the eSim provider allows tethering and mobile hotspot. Not all providers allow data sharing, and this is indicated in the technical specs of each eSim card.

Do eSim cards expire?

Yes, eSims usually expire after a specific period of time, like a month once they are activated. Although technically the eSim won’t expire, but the data plan will and you will lose access to your eSim, or you will have to add more data. You can just repurchase the same data plan if you want to use your eSim for more than a month – as long as you keep paying for the data, your eSim won’t expire.

Most providers in Australia offer month-long data plans. Some offer annual plans, but that only makes sense if you’re certain you’ll be staying down under for a long time.

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Get 5% off unlimted data  , code: "expertworldtravel", new customer 15% off with code: " dec15 ".

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Connect quicker

telstra australia travel sim

What is eSIM?

eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that’s already built into your device. eSIM allows you to connect to the Telstra network in minutes as you don't need a physical SIM card. You can have multiple phone numbers connected to your device’s eSIM by using a digital eSIM profile.

Faster connection

Buy, activate, and manage eSIM without visiting a store or waiting for delivery.

Multiple numbers

No need to carry multiple devices so you can juggle work and personal life.

Do it all in the app

Manage, purchase and activate an eSIM in the My Telstra  app.

Caring for the planet

eSIM eliminates plastic, packaging and the transport of a physical SIM card.

Compatible devices

Most phones produced post 2020 are eSIM compatible (or dual SIM). Devices purchased overseas may not be eSIM compatible.

Device not eSIM compatible? See our  Pre-Paid  and  post-paid  plans that include a physical SIM.

eSIM Pre-Paid offers

We've got great value Pre-Paid eSIM plans for those who want to connect quickly. eSIM-compatible device required. Devices purchased overseas may not be eSIM compatible.

telstra australia travel sim

Switch to eSIM in the My Telstra app

You can purchase, activate and manage your Pre-Paid eSIM in the My Telstra app. Customers with a post-paid service can switch from a physical SIM and manage their eSIM profile also in app.

What types of devices use eSIM?

eSIM is supported in a range of wearables, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Please check compatibility on your device manufacturer’s website or view the list here. 

View compatible eSIM-enabled phones .

Do I need to change my plan, my mobile number, or lose my credit if I switch to eSIM?

No. Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM doesn’t impact your plan, mobile number or Pre-Paid credit. 

Can I access Telstra’s 5G network on eSIM?

Yes. If your Telstra plan includes 5G network access and your device is 5G compatible, you can access Telstra's 5G network when you’re in  Telstra 5G coverage areas .   

What is an eSIM profile?

Your eSIM Profile enables your device to connect to the Telstra network without the need for a physical SIM card. You can set up an eligible Telstra mobile or mobile data service on a compatible eSIM-enabled device via the My Telstra app.  

What is dual SIM? 

Dual SIM is a capability your device may support, allowing it to support up to two mobile services. eSIM is an embedded SIM that’s built into a compatible device. Your unique eSIM profile can be digitally downloaded using the My Telstra app or an eSIM Card. 

If your device has a physical SIM and eSIM, or multiple eSIM profiles, it can use up to two mobile services at the same time. By purchasing multiple Telstra services, you can make and receive calls and texts with two different mobile numbers and use mobile data, with two separate plans on the same device. The plans do not need to be identical and can be a combination of Pre-Paid and Upfront if you choose.  

Dual SIM requirements, functionality and operation may differ between device models. Check with the device manufacturer for details.  

Find the answers you're looking for on our Device Security support page.

My Telstra app

View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via messaging and much more.

Have a question you need answered? See our contact and help options.

Find a store

Find your nearest Telstra Store.

Compatible eSIM devices

Compatible devices by brand.

Devices purchased overseas may not be eSIM compatible.

Device not listed?

See our  Pre-Paid  or  post-paid  plans that include a physical SIM.

At Telstra we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia .

COMMENTS

  1. International roaming on Telstra Prepaid Plans

    Learn about Telstra's prepaid plans with international call minutes and texts from Australia to 88 destinations. Choose a prepaid SIM and active your plan. ... Activate your SIM card on Pre-Paid Complete plan and get 17GB bonus data on your first three recharges. 35GB = 18GB + 17 GB bonus data. Activation or first recharge by 1 February 2021 ...

  2. International Roaming

    We'll let you know when you've used 50%, 85% and 100% of your included allowance. We'll also send you SMS alerts for every $100 of pay-as-you-go roaming outside of your included allowance. SMS alerts are free of charge. International Roaming means you can travel abroad while continuing to use your mobile service in eligible destinations.

  3. Prepaid Plans and Prepaid SIM Cards from Telstra

    Pre-Paid Plans and Pre-Paid SIM Cards. Amazing deal. Was $35, now $15. Save $20 when you buy a $35 Pre-Paid SIM or eSIM on Australia's best mobile network. Offer ends 28 March 2024. New customers only. Limit two per customer. Future recharges will be full price. Online only.

  4. Best prepaid SIM cards for Australian tourists

    In Australia, most telcos, with the exception of Telstra, will unlock phones for free. But the process for unlocking phones from other countries might be different. Is it possible to switch to a different prepaid SIM card plan while in Australia as a tourist? Yes. If you're a tourist visiting Australia, you can change SIM plans while you're here.

  5. Complete Guide to Australian Tourist Sim Card & Data Plans 2024

    You will need to pay for and register your sim card, but once that's done, it should be activated in 10 minutes. To activate your card, you'll need: Your name. Passport number. Australian address (you can use your hotel or hostel address) For a long time, buying travel sims in Australia was very expensive.

  6. SIM Cards in Australia: The Best Prepaid Plans

    SIM Card Price - Telstra. You can get a Telstra SIM card for 2 AUD or between 10 AUD and 300 AUD with starter plans in Telstra stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Data-only SIM cards (Mobile Broadband) are sold for 30 AUD, 150 AUD & 300 AUD.

  7. Best prepaid SIM card for tourists (February 2024)

    These are the best prepaid SIM cards for tourists on the eve of their next Aussie sojourn. Best SIM card for travellers. Boost Mobile $35 Prepaid Plan. 3.5. Starts at. $35. Network. Telstra (full) Data.

  8. Best SIM cards for travellers and tourists in Australia

    We recommend grabbing a prepaid SIM card for visitors to Australia. These are easy to buy from physical kiosks and stores. Our top picks for the best SIMs in Australia include: Best SIM for short ...

  9. Australian SIM Cards: A Guide For Tourists, Students, and Visitors

    This guide to Australian prepaid SIM cards for tourists is separated into 3 parts: Part 1: Tourists, staying 5 - 90 days. Part 2: Students, staying for a term or a year. Part 3: Visitors in a rush, such as business travellers and others interested in convenience. This guide below are my comprehensive recommendations for tourists, students, or ...

  10. Best international roaming plans 2024: Telstra, Optus & more

    In Australia, Belong is powered by the Telstra network. Abroad, it offers roaming in over 30 destinations. You can find the full list on the Belong website. ... China/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan All-in-1 Travel SIM Card. From $34.90. See it at Amazon. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand Travel SIM Card. From $39.90.

  11. Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Australia in 2024

    Here are the Nomad 4G/LTE e-sim card plans for 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD. 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD. 15 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD. 20 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD. Nomad also offers 5G ready e-sim cards for Australia.

  12. Telstra Australia Review: The Best in Class (+5G Speedtests)

    Telstra is regarded by Speedtest as the fastest mobile operator in Australia in Q1-Q2 of 2022. Source. With a median download speed of 81.57 Mbps, ahead of Optus (75.27 Mbps) and Vodafone Australia (59.15 Mbps). When I arrived in Australia, 5G NR was still restricted to postpaid customers (like in most countries).

  13. Buying a Sim Card at Sydney Airport in 2024

    Here are the international e-sim card plans from SimOptions for 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $9.90 USD. 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD. SimOptions also sells the e-sim cards from Three HK that are valid in Australia as well. 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD. 20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD.

  14. Prepaid International SIM Cards For Australia

    The Australia Prepaid SIM Card is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch while in Australia. Chat to your friends and family back home by easily connecting to local Australian networks Telstra and Optus. Your SIM can also be used in over 205 countries across 340 networks. Use your mobile as if you were home, saving you ...

  15. How to Choose an Australia eSIM for Travel

    Australia eSIM Provider Options. The 3 major telecommunication networks in Australia are Telstra, Optus, Vodafone. Fortunately, they all support eSIM-compatible handsets.. You might come across the smaller resellers like Kogan, which uses the Vodafone network, Woolworths which uses Telstra, and Truphone which uses Optus.. But rather than any of these, you're better off choosing an ...

  16. The Australian guide to International Travel SIMs

    The other caveat here is that international texting isn't supported, though calls are available through both the Flexiroam app and messaging services like WeChat and WhatsApp. At the time of writing, the most popular Flexiroam travel SIM plans are priced as follows: 10GB for USD$269.99 for 360 days. 5GB for USD$149.99 for 360 days.

  17. Travel SIMs & Roaming Packs Compared

    Like Telstra and Vodafone, Woolworths Mobile offers international roaming as an add-on to an existing phone plan. There are several roaming add-ons to choose from, with varying prices, inclusions and expiry periods, however it's only available to use in select countries. 6. Australia Post TravelSIM.

  18. Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Australia in 2024

    Here are the e-sim card plans from SimOptions for 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $9.90 USD. 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD. The e-sim cards that you order through SimOptions are international e-sim cards that are valid in up to 26 countries. 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD.

  19. 8 Best eSIM in Australia for Travelers

    POPULAR: 4G Australia eSIM with Phone Number by Airhub (Powered by Optus) BEST: 4G/5G Australia eSIM by BNESIM (Powered by Telstra) UNLIMITED DATA: 4G Australia eSIM by Frewie. FREE DATA PLAN: 4G Australia eSIM by GigSky. FOR AIRALO USERS: 4G Australia eSIM by Airalo. 2-IN-1 ESIM: 4G Australia & New Zealand eSIM by Frewie.

  20. Save up to $20/month on SIM Only Plans from Telstra

    Essential. 180GB $72/mth. Price may increase annually in July by CPI. More on CPI. No lock-in contract. Switch plans up to once a month if needs change. 5G access on Australia's best mobile network. Enjoy uncapped download speeds. More on uncapped speeds.

  21. Travel eSIM for Australia

    Step 1. Go to Settings > Cellular and Turn this line on. Step 2. Make sure "Data Roaming" is toggled on and you are selecting the Nomad eSIM for "Cellular Data". Step 3. The eSIM will automatically find and connect to the best local network for you. Learn more about installing an eSIM.

  22. Best eSim For Australia in 2023 (Cheaper Mobile Internet)

    Their eSim packages start at $4.50 for 1 GB of data valid for a week and go up to $20 for an eSim with 10 GB of data that you can use for a whole month on the Optus network. Here are some of the great options I have been using: 1 GB / 7 Days - US$4.5. 3 GB / 30 Days - US$9. 5 GB / 30 Days - US$12.5.

  23. eSIM

    If your device has a physical SIM and eSIM, or multiple eSIM profiles, it can use up to two mobile services at the same time. By purchasing multiple Telstra services, you can make and receive calls and texts with two different mobile numbers and use mobile data, with two separate plans on the same device.