For most visitors, the best eSIM for Australia is a data-only eSIM that you install before you fly and that switches on when you land. Pick the data size by the days you stay, and check the coverage map if you're leaving the cities. This guide also answers the "best prepaid SIM" and "travel SIM" question for Australia. We only sell eSIMs, not physical SIM cards.
What makes a good eSIM for Australia?
Look at these five things before you buy:
- Your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. iPhones from the XS and XR onwards support eSIM (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Many recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones do too (Samsung: SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet). If you're not sure, read what an eSIM is and which phones support it.
- The right data size and days. Short trips need a few GB. Longer trips need a bigger plan with more days.
- Data only or with a number. Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Calls and texts then go through WhatsApp, FaceTime or your home SIM.
- The network behind it. In cities and along the coast, all three big Australian networks work fine for most visitors. In remote areas, they can differ a lot (see below).
- Top-ups. It helps if you can add data without installing a new eSIM.
Our eSIM plans for Australia
Our Australia eSIMs run on the Optus network, with 4G and 5G where your phone and the local network support it. They are data-only, so they don't come with an Australian phone number. You can top them up. A good rule: 5 GB for a few days of maps, messages and photos, 10 GB for a week of normal use, 20 GB or more for two weeks or lots of video.
These plans cover Australia only. The page eSIM for Australia lists the smaller and bigger plans too.
Visiting Australia and New Zealand?
If your trip includes both countries, a regional plan means one eSIM for the whole trip. Our Oceania plans list Australia and New Zealand together and last 30 days. They are 4G, not 5G.
For New Zealand on its own, see the best eSIM for New Zealand or all Oceania eSIMs.
Telstra, Optus or Vodafone: which coverage fits your trip?
Australia is huge and most people live near the coast. So "99% of the population" does not mean 99% of the map. If you stay in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or the Gold Coast, you will likely be fine with any of the three networks. If you drive through the outback, expect long stretches with no signal on every network.
- Telstra: says its network covers more of Australia than any other mobile network. Rivals have disputed how that is measured, so check its map for your route.
- Optus: publishes its coverage maps. This is the network behind our Australia eSIMs, so check this map before you go.
- Vodafone: states that its network covers 99% of the Australian population and around 1,200,000 square kilometres.
Before a road trip, check the map for each town and park on your route. Download offline maps and tell someone your plan. Do this whichever network you use.
Best prepaid SIM or travel SIM for Australia?
A physical prepaid SIM means finding a shop, standing in a queue and swapping your SIM. An eSIM does the same job without any of that. You buy it online, scan a QR code at home on Wi-Fi, and it connects when you land in Australia. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, a physical SIM from a local shop is your option. We don't sell those.
Want to compare value? Divide the price by the GB and the days, and make sure the plan matches your phone and network needs. Our guide to eSIM data plans explains how to pick a size. For other trips, see eSIMs for Asia or the USA and Canada.
Does EU roaming or a Europe eSIM work in Australia?
No. "Roam like at home" only covers the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Ukraine and Moldova (European Commission: Roaming). In Australia, your home carrier's roaming rates apply, which can be high. A Europe eSIM does not work there either. Read how to avoid roaming charges for the full picture.
How to set up your Australia eSIM
- Buy your plan on SimOptions. We email you a QR code.
- At home, connect to Wi-Fi and scan the QR code. Follow the steps in our eSIM install guide.
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line (see how to set up dual SIM).
- When you land in Australia, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line. The plan activates when it connects to a network in Australia.
If something goes wrong, here is how to fix an eSIM that won't activate.
Where will you need data in Australia?
Most visitors use data for maps, ride apps, booking tours and sharing photos. Here is where it helps most:
- Sydney: ferries, trains and the Opera House area. Maps and transit apps save time.
- Great Barrier Reef: tour boats and bookings. Signal can be limited out on the water, so download tickets first.
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: remote location. Check the map and download offline maps before you go.
- Canberra and the Gold Coast: city and beach areas where data works for maps, restaurants and bookings.
Planning the whole trip? Read our Australia holiday guide.
FAQ: eSIM for Australia
What is the best travel eSIM for visiting Australia from the US or UK?
Choose a data-only Australia eSIM with enough GB for your days. It works from any country, as long as your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked. Install it before you fly.
Does the eSIM come with an Australian phone number?
No. Our Australia and Oceania plans are data-only. You keep your home number for calls and texts, and use apps like WhatsApp for calls over data.
Which network do your Australia eSIMs use?
Our Australia plans run on Optus. You can see this on the Australia eSIM page. Check Optus's coverage map for the places you plan to visit.
Will my eSIM work in the outback?
Only where the network has signal. The outback has long areas without coverage on all networks. Check the map for your route and download offline maps before you leave town.
Can I top up my Australia eSIM?
Yes, top-ups are available for our Australia plans. This is useful if your trip gets longer.
When should I install the eSIM?
Before you travel, on Wi-Fi. The plan starts when it connects to a network in Australia. Read how to buy an eSIM online if it's your first time.
Can I use one eSIM for Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. Our Oceania plans list both countries. They are 4G.
