Best eSIM Options for Travelling to Australia: Everything you need to know

Why Use a Travel eSIM in Australia?

Let’s explain what an eSIM is

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone, meaning no more tiny plastic SIMs when you land in a new country. Instead of swapping out a physical SIM, you can activate a travel eSIM for Australia online in minutes. This is a game-changer for international travellers—no hunting down a local SIM, no dodgy airport kiosks, and no delays in getting connected. With an Australia travel eSIM, you can simply download your plan, switch to the local network, and start using data as soon as you touch down.

Benefits of Using an eSIM for Travel to Australia

Travelling should be about exploring, not stressing over how you’ll stay connected. A travel eSIM for Australia makes things easy: activate it before you leave, land in Australia, and start using data instantly! No dealing with expensive roaming charges, and no need to find a SIM store. If you need to switch between your home SIM and travel eSIM, it’s just a quick setting change—perfect if you want to keep your home number active for calls while using local data.

Best eSIM Options for Australia Travel

Key Features to Consider in an Australia Travel eSIM

When choosing the best eSIM for Australia travel, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. The three major networks in Australia are Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus. Telstra offers the widest coverage, reaching 99.7% of the population, while Vodafone and Optus both cover around 98.4% thanks to a recent network-sharing agreement.

So if you’re planning to go way way out into the remote areas Telstra may be your best bet. Most travel eSIMs for Australia are data-only, which works perfectly since messaging apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime replace the need for traditional calls and texts so that’s not an issue. Otherwise the primary (and obvious) features to consider is price and data.

Recommended eSIM Providers for Australia

Several eSIM providers offer international eSIMs for Australia, but they’re not all created equal. Here’s a quick comparison:

• ZenSim - Competitive pricing, great customer service, and coverage on major Australian networks – travel eSIMs use Optus. For comparison the ZenSim 30 day 20GB plan is A$55 (U$33). Note we also provide an Asia (including Australia and New Zealand) eSIM if you’re planning to travel around.
• Airalo - One of the biggest eSIM brands in the market. Airalo offer an Australian 20GB 30 day plan for A$65 (U$40).
• Telstra - The largest local mobile provider in Australia. They have a 25GB plan for A$49 but you may need to purchase a recurring plan and ensure you cancel it before the next billing date as these are not travel plans – also an ID check is likely required.
• Sims Direct – Sims Direct offer Australian travel plans, for comparison their 20GB 30 day plan is A$59 (U$38).

Each provider has its strengths, so the best eSIM for travel to Australia will depend on how much data you need and how long you’re staying.

Types of eSIM Plans for Australia

Monthly Plans with Calls, Texts, and Data

Some eSIM providers offer full mobile plans that include an Australian phone number along with unlimited calls and texts within Australia. These are a great option for long-term travellers, expats, or anyone needing full mobile functionality. While they typically offer better value for money, they also require a few extra steps—such as an online ID check—before activation.

Another key thing to remember is that these plans auto-renew, so if you only need one month, you’ll have to cancel before the next billing cycle to avoid extra charges. At ZenSim, we offer flexible monthly plans, and if you only need it for one month, you’re free to cancel after that but for trips under 30 days we recommend using our travel eSIMs.

Data-Only Travel eSIMs

For most short-term travellers, a data-only travel eSIM is the way to go. These eSIMs don’t come with a local phone number or SMS services, but that’s rarely an issue since apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger handle most communication needs. One big advantage? No ID checks are required to purchase a travel eSIM in Australia, and they’re not subscription-based—once your plan runs out, you won’t be charged again. Personally, I think these are the best option for travel. They’re simple to activate, easy to manage, and most importantly, there’s zero risk of forgetting to cancel a subscription (we’ve all been there).

Regional eSIMs

There are some regional plans which can be super helpful for people who are travelling around to a few countries in the region. As well as providing plans for Australia only you can also get an Asia travel plan which covers Asia, New Zealand AND Australia or we also provide an Oceania travel plan which is for Australia and New Zealand only.

How to Purchase and Activate an eSIM for Australia

Step-by-Step Activation Guide

Purchasing and setting up an eSIM for Australia is quick and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your eSIM Provider – Compare plans and purchase your eSIM online. After checkout, you’ll receive a QR code via email, along with setup instructions.
2. Scan the QR Code – Open your phone’s camera or go to your settings to add a new mobile plan. Scan the QR code and follow the prompts.
3. Install via an App (if available) – Some providers, like ZenSim, allow activation directly through an app (see our ZenSim app). iPhone users can even install an eSIM with a single tap from the app if you prefer this over using a QR code.
4. Activate and Connect – Once installed, enable the eSIM, switch to the Australian network, and make sure mobile data is turned on.

For the best experience, activate your eSIM before arriving in Australia so you’re connected the moment you land.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into problems during activation, try these fixes:

• eSIM connection troubleshooting guide If you like you can check out our eSIM troubleshooting guide to make sure everything is setup properly but we will summarise the points below.
• QR Code Not Scanning? Make sure your camera is clean and well-lit. If that doesn’t work, you can use our ZenSim app to install the eSIM, this is also super easy.
• No Network Connection? Double-check that your eSIM is set as the active data plan and that mobile data and roaming are enabled in your mobile setting.
• eSIM Not Showing Up? Restart your phone, as sometimes a reboot is needed for the eSIM to register properly (this is often the issue)
• Still Stuck? Contact customer support for assistance—most providers offer chat or email support to help with setup issues, you can contact ZenSim via WhatsApp or Messenger for the fastest response.

Following these steps should get you up and running smoothly with your travel eSIM in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Calls and Send SMS with a Travel eSIM?

Most Australia travel eSIMs are data-only, meaning they do not come with a local phone number or SMS capabilities. This is fine for most travellers since apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, and Messenger allow you to make calls and send texts using mobile data or Wi-Fi. If you need an Australian phone number for local calls and SMS, you’ll need a monthly plan rather than a short-term travel eSIM. Some providers (like us) offer these options, but they usually require ID verification and are designed for longer stays.

Conclusion

A travel eSIM is the easiest and most cost-effective way to stay connected while visiting Australia. Instead of dealing with expensive roaming fees or hunting down a local SIM, you can activate your eSIM before you arrive and start using data the moment you land. With flexible plans, wide network coverage, and no long-term commitments, eSIMs give you total control over your connectivity. Whether you're a short-term visitor or a digital nomad, a travel eSIM for Australia ensures you get reliable, high-speed data without the hassle. Choose the right plan for your trip, activate in minutes, and focus on enjoying your time in Australia.