Best eSIM providers and plans for Australia in 2024

eSIM cards, the embedded chips in your phone, are transforming travel. No more fiddling with tiny trays or hunting for a store to buy a local SIM – eSIMs let you connect to mobile networks straight from your device. So if you’re heading to the land Down Under, eSIM is a great choice. Australia's international roaming charges are hefty and looking for prepaid SIM cards be time-consuming but eSIM removes the hassle.

With numerous eSIM providers offering different plans, picking the right one can become complex. We've been busy testing and evaluating all the options to help you find the best eSIM for your Aussie adventure. Whether you're after a quick stopover, a mid-term stay, or plan on using data heavily, this guide will sort you out. Keep reading to discover the 5 best Australian eSIM providers and plans for a connected time in the outback.

Top 5 eSIMs For Australia – shortlist

1. Saily – best all-around eSIM for Australia in 2024
2. Airalo – affordable eSIM plans in Australia
3. Nomad – most versatile eSIM provider for Australia with a great selection of plans
4. Jetpac – fast eSIM provider for Australia with plans starting at $1
5. aloSIM – reliable eSIM provider in Australia with an international phone number

Things to consider before choosing an eSIM for travel in Australia

eSIMs are a game-changer for travelers in Australia. But with a vast selection of plans, finding the perfect fit can feel complex and depends on factors like your destination in Australia, trip duration, and data needs. We overviewed some key points to consider so you select the best eSIM for your Aussie adventure. This list should give you a better clue on choosing the right eSIM plan for your travel needs in Australia and beyond. Explore all the tips below:

• Travel destination. Australia has excellent mobile network coverage, with three major providers offering near-nationwide service: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. These providers often partner with eSIM retailers, so our shortlist should give you a good starting point for choosing an eSIM plan that works best for your travel needs in Australia. However, remote areas can have limited service depending on the provider. Nobody wants sky-high phone bills (roaming charges can reach $30/day), so a strong signal across big cities and rural areas is key. Check out the network coverage map to compare providers.
• Phone calls or mobile data. Do you need to make calls or send messages? Some eSIMs offer data only, while others include a phone number (Holafly, aloSIM). Some providers offer fixed data plans, pay-as-you-go options, or top-ups for additional data if needed. Select the one that applies to you.
• Travel duration. eSIM plans come in various durations, from 1 day to longer-term plans for extended adventures. Choose a validity period that aligns with your trip to avoid running out of data.
• Tethering functionality. From personal experience and travels through Australia, we can safely say that not all cafes or hotels in Australia have stellar Wi-Fi. If you plan on using your phone as a mobile hotspot for other devices, make sure your eSIM plan includes tethering functionality. This can be a lifesaver, especially if you're traveling with multiple devices.
• Price. Price is a core factor, too. eSIM providers offer various pricing plans, so consider your budget and data usage needs to find the best value provider and plan for your trip.

The best eSIMs for Australia – our full list

We've tested and narrowed down the best eSIM providers in Australia to our top 5 picks. We considered features like strong and reliable network coverage throughout Australia, competitive prices and data plans for various budgets and travel styles, and more capabilities. Learn more about each provider below:

1. Saily – best Australia eSIM provider in 2024

Supported networks:	3G, 4G, 5G (Vodafone)
Country coverage:	150+
Starting price:	$3.99 (1GB for 7 days)

Visit Saily

Saily is currently the best Australia eSIM provider this year as it partners with Vodafone, a reputable Australian carrier, and provides reliable network coverage in major cities and regional areas.

Plan options. Saily offers data-only plans for Australia with 5 plans in total. Those start with 1GB for 7 days and go up to 20GB for 30 days.

Australia plans pricing. Saily’s plans for Australia cater to short and long-term stays with an option to top-up data. You can get 1GB for 7 days ($3.99) or 3G ($7.99), 5GB ($10.99), 10GB ($17.99), and 20GB ($29.99) for a month.

Network coverage. You get coverage of more than 150+ countries with varying speeds (3G, 4G, 5G) available. In Australia, depending on your location, you’ll have Vodafone’s service provider.

Activation process. Activating the Saily plan won’t take you longer than 10 minutes if you get the app. It offers a step-by-step guide, which automates most of the process.

Customer support. With this provider, you can get help via a help center, email ticket, FAQs, or a live chat in the app. The support is timely and professional.

2. Airalo – popular eSIM choice for Australia and New Zealand

Supported networks:	LTE (Optus)
Country coverage:	200+
Starting price:	$4.50 (1GB for 7 days)

Visit Airalo

Airalo is an excellent Australia eSIM choice if you’re looking for affordable plans, broad coverage, and reliability of the service.

Plan options. Airalo comes with 6 convenient local plans for Australia, ranging from 1GB to 20GB. The duration you can select also ranges from 7 to 30 days.

Australia plans pricing. The cheapest plan for Australia starts at $4.50 for 1GB and 7 days. Other plans include 2GB for 15 days ($8), then 3GB ($9), 5GB ($12.50), 10GB ($20), and 20GB ($40) for 30 days.

Network coverage. Airalo has one of the broadest coverage and spans 200+ countries with regional and global plans. In Australia, you should have LTE speeds with Optus network provider.

Activation process. As noted in the Airalo review, it walks you through the whole process in its app or the web – it’s easy, intuitive, and doesn’t take long. We were impressed by how quickly the purchasing and setting up of the plan was.

Customer support. Bot chat, help center, FAQ, email – you have all the options to reach out to Airalo. We tested it and got timely and informative responses.

3. Nomad – most all-around eSIM for Australia with numerous plans available

Supported networks:	5G (Optus)
Country coverage:	170+
Starting price:	$2.50 (500MB for 1 day)

Visit Nomad

Nomad is the all-around eSIM for Australia that offers the biggest number of plans of different durations and data allowances, which gives you a massive selection for your travels in Australia.

Plan options. Nomad offers day and regular plans for Australia – you can customize the plan and choose the duration from 1 day to 10 days for day plans and up to 45 days for regular plans. You can also select the wanted data allowance starting from 500MB + unlimited 512Kbps up to 50GB.

Australia plans pricing. The cheapest plan for Australia is a 1-day plan with 500MB – it costs $2.5. The regular plans start at 1GB for 7 days ($4.50). The most expensive plan is 50GB for $125 for 30 days.

Network coverage. Nomad has excellent coverage of 170+ countries and it will offer you 5G speeds, where possible, with Optus being the local network provider.

Activation process. Nomad provides extensive information on how to install and set up the eSIM before traveling. It’s very similar to Saily and Airalo and takes up to total of 10-15 minutes.

Customer support. Nomad offers email tickets, a help center, and FAQs, which are very informative and consist of all possible information needed.

4. Jetpac – flexible Australia eSIM with plans starting at $1

Supported networks:	3G, 4G (Telstra)
Country coverage:	100+
Starting price:	$1 (1GB for 4 days)

Visit Jetpac

Jetpac eSIM offers incredibly low price point starting plans for Australia. So, if you’re seeking a speedy and cost-effective eSIM solution in Australia, Jetpac is a compelling choice.

Plan options. Jetpac offers local regional and global plans. You can purchase a local Australian plan or get it within the Asia-Pacific regional package. You can choose the duration between 4 and 30 days and purchase 1GB-40GB.

Australia plans pricing. The cheapest Jetpac plan is 1GB for $1, which you can use for 4 days. Alternatively, choose 3GB for 7 days ($11), 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, or 40GB for 30 days.

Network coverage. Jetpac has coverage of over 100+ countries. In Australia, it provides speeds of 3G and 4G with one of the most popular Australian network providers – Telstra.

Activation process. As we overviewed in the Jetpac guide, you can simply scan the QR code and be connected within minutes.

Customer support. This provider has bot chat, email tickets, and FAQs to help with any issues you have.

5. aloSIM – reliable Australian eSIM with 5G speeds and phone number included

Supported networks:	LTE, 5G (Optus)
Country coverage:	175+
Starting price:	$4.50 (1GB for 7 days)

Visit aloSIM

If you want a reliable Australian eSIM with the added benefit of an international phone number in Australia, aloSIM is a strong contender.

Plan options. aloSIM has 6 plans for Australia. There are also regional plans available. The Australian plans are for 7, 15, or 30 days and range from 1GB to 2GB.

Australia plans pricing. The most affordable aloSIM Australia plan is 1GB for 7 days ($4.50) and goes up to 20GB for 30 days ($40).

Network coverage. Spanning 175+ countries, aloSIM offers great coverage in Australia, too. You should have LTE or 5G speeds with Optus. Plus, aloSIM gives you a free international number for calls and SMS.

Activation process. aloSIM has in-depth guides on the web and in-app for multiple phone models, so you’ll be guided through the setup and activation processes and should be good to go in no time.

Customer support. Like most providers on this list, aloSIM offers bot chat, technical support, and FAQ help if you encounter any hurdles.

Comparison of the best eSIM providers for Australia

In the table below, we've compared the top eSIM providers for Australia, shining the light on their plans, network coverage, and other features for you to make an informed decision and find the perfect eSIM for your Aussie adventure:

Brand	Plan duration	Data sharing	Unlimited data	Calls	GB per plan	Customer support	Price
Saily	7 and 30 days	❌	❌	❌	1GB, 3GB, 5GB 10GB, and 20GB	Help center, FAQ, live chat	$3.99-$29.99
Airalo	7, 15, and 30 days	✅	❌	❌	1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB	Bot chat, help center, FAQ, email	$4.50-$40
Nomad	1, 3, 5, 7, 10 30, and 45 days	✅	❌ (throttled speed of 512kbps after you've used up your daily allocation)	❌	500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, and 50GB	Email tickets, help center, and FAQs	$2.5-$125
Jetpac	4,7, and 30 days	✅	❌	❌	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB	Bot chat, email tickets, FAQs	$1-$65
aloSIM	7, 15, and 30 days	✅	❌	✅	1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB and 20GB	Bot chat, technical support, FAQ	$4.50-$40

How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for Australia

Our team thoroughly tested and ranked the top eSIM for Australia contenders. To guarantee we delivered the best options for you, each eSIM provider was evaluated based on a set of key criteria:

Coverage:	Strong, reliable network coverage across Australia and worldwide
Network connection:	3G, 4G, 5G, LTE
Compatibility:	Compatible with a wide range of iOS and Android devices
Value for money:	Competitive pricing and data plans
Ease of use:	Easy activation, scheduled activation method, user-focused app
Features:	Free phone number included, top-up option, mobile hotspot, and more extras

• Coverage. We purchased eSIMs from various providers and tested them in diverse locations across Australia, from cities to outback regions. In this way, we could filter the most reliable eSIMs and recommend providers with reliable network coverage throughout the country. We also prioritized providers with a wide global range, also global and regional plans.
• Network connection. We checked if the eSIMs supported LTE, 3G, 4G, and, ideally, 5G networks for the best possible speeds. We checked which network providers (like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and other major network providers in Australia) each eSIM provider partnered with to assure coverage across the country.
• Compatibility. We checked if the eSIMs were compatible with various iOS and Android models, and whether they allowed for Dual SIM functionality (using the eSIM alongside a physical SIM card). This means you can use eSIM Australia alongside your physical SIM card from your home country. This can be really handy if you encounter any issues with your eSIM – in this case, you will have the backup. Also, you can use your home SIM card for calls and texts, and leverage the eSIM data plan for internet access in Australia.
• Value for money. We compared the pricing and data allowances that each eSIM brand offered. The Australia eSIMs we picked offer plans that fit different budgets and travel durations and styles.
• Ease of use. The last thing you want to do upon landing in the land Down Under is to fiddle with complex eSIM apps and uncertain activation. We evaluated and tried the activation process for each eSIM, looking for clear instructions and readily available customer support in case of any issues.
• Features and add-ons. We checked if the eSIM plans included features like tethering functionality (mobile hotspot), a top-up option, and various extras to suit different travel durations.

How to activate an eSIM card in 5 different ways

Activating your Australia eSIM is generally a quick and easy process, but the exact steps depend on your chosen provider. We broke down the 5 most common activation methods for you:

• Scan the QR code. Most eSIM companies will send you a QR code during the checkout. Open your phone's camera app, scan the code, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation. Double-check the QR code for any damage before scanning.
• Enter manually. Some providers offer manual activation details, including an SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) address and activation code. Locate the eSIM activation menu on your phone. Look for an option to "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Plan." Then, choose "Enter Details Manually" from the available options. You'll be prompted to enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by your eSIM provider. You can learn more about this in the full guide on how to activate eSIM on an iOS device.
• Activate via the provider's app. Most of the Australian eSIM providers have dedicated apps for managing eSIMs. Download and launch the app, locate the activation section, and follow the in-app instructions to activate your eSIM.
• Activate via the provider's website. Some providers allow activation directly through their website. Log in to your account, navigate to the eSIM management section, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the activation process. Having your account details readily available will ease the activation process.
• Activate via the provider's retail store. If you prefer in-person assistance, you can visit a physical store of your chosen eSIM provider (if there is one). A store representative can guide you through the activation process and guarantee everything is set up correctly. Be sure to bring your phone and any relevant purchase confirmation details to the store.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Before purchasing an eSIM plan, find out whether your phone is compatible with eSIM technology. You can benefit from eSIMs and have access to international plans that can reduce roaming costs, but such advantages won't be available to you if your phone isn’t compatible. Check your phone models' eSIM compatibility below:

eSIM compatability on iPhone

iPhones have embraced eSIM technology in recent years, but it's important to note that not all iPhones support it. Here's a quick guide to see if your iPhone is compatible:

• iPhone XR and later. If you have an iPhone XR, XS Max, or any iPhone model from the 11 series onwards (including the latest iPhone 14 series and iPhone 15 series), you're in luck. These models all support eSIM functionality.

Note that iPhone models from mainland China and those from Hong Kong and Macao (with a few exceptions) don’t support eSIM functionality.

eSIM compatability on Samsung

To check if the Samsung model supports eSIM connectivity, check the "Status" or "IMEI information" options in the "About Phone" or "Settings" menu. For example, the Samsung S20 is eSIM compatible. Later models can also support eSIMs.

Since there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for Samsung phones, check your phone's user manual or contact your device manufacturer directly to confirm Samsung and eSIM compatibility for your model.

Benefits of using an eSIM in Australia

eSIM offers a range of benefits for travelers venturing Down Under:

• Flexibility. Australian landscapes can be vast, and network reception can vary depending on location. eSIMs allows you to switch between network providers on the fly, without physically swapping SIM cards. This guarantees you stay connected and can choose the provider with the strongest signal in any region you explore.
• Convenience. You can purchase and configure your Australian eSIM plan before you even leave home. Avoid searching for a local SIM vendor upon arrival, saving you precious time and frustration. Land in Australia, activate your eSIM, and get connected instantly.
• Security. Unlike traditional SIM cards that can be lost, eSIMs are securely embedded within your device. This reduces the risk of compromising your personal information.
• Compact design. Having ditched the need for a physical SIM card slot, eSIM technology brings thinner and sleeker phone designs. This frees up space for manufacturers to integrate more features or larger batteries in your device.
• Sustainability. eSIMs contribute to sustainability by minimizing electronic waste. Since they're virtual, there's no need for the plastic SIM cards traditionally used in mobile phones.

How to make calls with eSIM in Australia

While many eSIM providers offer data-only plans for Australia, here are some options for making calls during your Aussie adventure:

• Check if the eSIM provider allows calls and SMS. Several eSIMs offer plans include a phone number for making calls. For example, aloSIM plans for Australia allow receiving international calls and SMS, letting you stay connected.
• Use a domestic SIM card. You can still use your physical SIM card for making calls while using your eSIM for data. International roaming charges apply for calls made with your physical SIM, so check with your carrier beforehand.
• Try VoIP apps. Using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice eSIMs is the best way to use your data to make calls over the internet. This is an affordable alternative to traditional cellular networks.

Final thoughts on eSIMs for Australia

Ultimately, eSIMs offer a good alternative to traditional SIM cards if you’re planning on venturing into Australia. Their flexibility, convenience, and security make them an attractive choice for staying online throughout the Australian quest.

eSIMs do provide the convenience of having data upon landing. The best recommendations for eSIM for Australia from our analysis and evaluations are Saily and Airalo, followed by a few others. These offer flexible data allowances for Australia. However, consider other providers to find the best fit for your needs.

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