Which providers offer eSIM in Australia? All three mobile networks do: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Apple lists all three for eSIM on iPhone, along with amaysim. Smaller brands such as Boost Mobile, ALDI Mobile and Belong sell eSIM too. If you're only visiting, a travel eSIM you install before you fly is usually the simplest option.
eSIM providers in Australia at a glance
Apple's list of carriers that offer eSIM on iPhone shows Optus, Telstra and Vodafone for eSIM Carrier Activation and eSIM Quick Transfer, which moves your number from an old iPhone to a new one. It lists amaysim, Optus, Telstra and Vodafone for activation by QR code or carrier app. Optus and Telstra are also listed for prepaid eSIM plans for international travelers. Here is how the options compare:
- Telstra: eSIM on all its plans, postpaid and prepaid, managed in the My Telstra app.
- Optus: eSIM on new and existing services, activated in the My Optus app or with a QR code.
- Vodafone: eSIM on plans and prepaid, for devices on Vodafone's approved list.
- Smaller brands: Boost Mobile, ALDI Mobile and Belong sell eSIM on their plans, and amaysim appears on Apple's list.
- Travel eSIMs: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, no Australian sign-up, ready before you leave.
Comparing travel plans by trip length? See our guide to the best eSIM for Australia.
Telstra eSIM
According to Telstra's eSIM page:
- Plans: all Telstra's Upfront Mobile Plans and Pre-Paid Mobile Plans work with eSIM. You need a compatible device.
- Activation: you can activate a new or additional eSIM, or switch a physical SIM to eSIM, without visiting a store. You connect and manage it in the My Telstra app.
- Switching: moving from a physical SIM to eSIM doesn't change your plan or number, and Pre-Paid customers keep their credit.
- Two numbers: depending on your device, you can combine a SIM card with an eSIM or use two eSIM profiles.
- Phones from overseas: Telstra warns that a device bought overseas may not be eSIM compatible in Australia.
Optus eSIM
According to Optus's eSIM page:
- Ordering: new customers choose "eSIM" as the SIM type at online checkout for a new postpaid service. Existing customers can switch through the My Optus app.
- Activation: download the eSIM profile in the My Optus app, or scan a QR card you pick up in an Optus store or get by post. Optus says you'll be connected within 15 minutes to 4 hours.
- Cost: Optus says there is no extra charge for an eSIM.
- Network: an Optus eSIM works on Optus 4G and 5G, with 5G only in areas that have it.
- New phone: you can transfer the eSIM in the My Optus app, or on iPhone with eSIM Quick Transfer.
Vodafone eSIM
Vodafone Australia is part of TPG Telecom. According to Vodafone's eSIM support page:
- Devices: your device must be on Vodafone's approved devices list.
- Your own phone: for prepaid, you activate through an online link. For a plan, you open the My Vodafone app and choose "Activate a new eSIM".
- New Vodafone phone: the plan can be set up during device setup or through a push notification afterwards.
- Existing customers: postpaid and prepaid customers swap their current SIM to move to eSIM.
Smaller brands with eSIM
Several smaller brands sell eSIM too. These are the ones whose eSIM pages we checked:
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile says all its prepaid plans are eSIM compatible and run on the Telstra Prepaid Mobile Network. You get an eSIM in the My Boost Mobile app or online by choosing eSIM as your SIM type. To switch from a physical SIM, use "Transfer or restore eSIM" in the app.
ALDI Mobile
ALDI Mobile says all its plans are available with eSIM, including its 5G options. You choose eSIM at sign-up and get your QR code by email, with no starter pack needed. ALDI points out that an eSIM is tied to one device, so you need an eSIM swap each time you change phones.
Belong
Belong is owned by Telstra and uses parts of Telstra's mobile network. Its mobile plans are eSIM ready, and you activate them in minutes on a compatible device.
amaysim
Apple's carrier list shows amaysim for eSIM activation by QR code or carrier app. Check amaysim's own site for current plans.
Using another brand? Plans change often, so check the brand's own eSIM page before you sign up.
Postpaid or prepaid eSIM?
You can get either. Here is what the providers say:
- Postpaid: Telstra offers eSIM on its Upfront Mobile Plans, Optus on new postpaid services ordered online, and Vodafone on its plans.
- Prepaid: Telstra Pre-Paid, Vodafone prepaid, Boost Mobile and ALDI Mobile all sell prepaid eSIM.
Prices and inclusions change often, so compare them on each provider's site.
A local plan and a travel eSIM on one phone
Telstra says that, depending on your device, you can pair a SIM card with an eSIM or run two eSIM profiles. Optus says you can use two numbers on the same phone at the same time, one on eSIM and one on a physical SIM.
That's handy when you travel overseas from Australia. Keep your Australian plan for calls and texts, and add a travel eSIM for data at your destination. Find your country on our destinations page, then see how to set up a dual eSIM and how many eSIMs your iPhone can hold.
Visiting Australia: data without a local sign-up
A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You get a QR code by email, install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, and it connects when you arrive. Here is what the SimOptions Australia plans include, according to their plan details on our Australia eSIM page:
- Plans: from 1 GB for 3 days up to 100 GB for 180 days.
- Speed: 4G and 5G.
- Data only: no Australian number, calls or SMS.
- Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach Australia. Top-ups are available.
For a week of maps, messages and photos in Sydney or Melbourne, 10 GB is a good start. For two weeks or a month on the road, look at 20 GB or 50 GB. Driving long distances? Download offline maps before you head out.
See all plans on our Australia eSIM page or browse all destinations. Going on to New Zealand? See our New Zealand eSIM page and our guide to eSIM providers in New Zealand.
Data only means no phone number, but you can still call and text with apps. See how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.
How to set up an eSIM for Australia
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. See our guide to checking eSIM compatibility and our list of eSIM supported devices.
- Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. On iPhone, follow Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone. Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
- Label the line "Australia" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
- When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it. More in our guide to roaming settings for an eSIM.
Not connecting after you land? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.
Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?
A Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or smaller brand eSIM fits if
- You live in Australia or stay for months.
- You need an Australian number for calls, banking or local services.
- You're fine with the provider's sign-up and your phone is eSIM compatible in Australia.
A travel eSIM fits if
- You're visiting and want data the moment you land.
- You'd rather sort it out at home and skip the local sign-up.
- You want to keep your home number active on the same phone.
New to eSIM? Read what an eSIM is first.
FAQs
Which providers offer eSIM in Australia?
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer eSIM, and Apple lists them for eSIM on iPhone along with amaysim. Boost Mobile, ALDI Mobile and Belong sell eSIM too.
Do all Australian providers support eSIM?
The three networks and many smaller brands do, but not every plan or device is covered. Check the provider's eSIM page and its list of compatible devices before you sign up.
Can I get a postpaid eSIM in Australia?
Yes. Telstra offers eSIM on its Upfront Mobile Plans, Optus when you order a new postpaid service online, and Vodafone on its plans.
Can tourists get a local eSIM in Australia?
Apple lists Optus and Telstra for prepaid eSIM plans for international travelers. Check the provider's sign-up steps before you count on it. A travel eSIM works without any Australian sign-up.
Will my phone from overseas work with an Australian eSIM?
It may not. Telstra says some devices bought overseas aren't eSIM compatible in Australia, and Vodafone only supports devices on its approved list. Check with the provider first.
Do I keep my number if I switch to eSIM?
Yes, with Telstra switching from a physical SIM to eSIM doesn't change your plan or number. Optus, Vodafone and Boost Mobile also let you move an existing service to eSIM.
Does an Optus eSIM cost extra?
No. Optus says there is no extra charge for an eSIM.
Can I install an Australia travel eSIM before I fly?
Yes. Install the QR code on Wi-Fi at home. A SimOptions Australia eSIM then activates automatically when you arrive.
