Guide · Phones and data ·
eSIM for travel: how Australians can set one up
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eSIM for travel means using a digital SIM built into your phone, so you can add a mobile plan without swapping a plastic card. Apple describes an eSIM as a digital SIM that lets you use a plan from your provider without a physical nano-SIM. For a trip, that means you can set up data before you land.
This guide explains what an eSIM is, how to check that your phone supports one, and how an eSIM differs from roaming and from a local SIM card.
Sources for this section: Apple Support, Using Dual SIM with an eSIM.
What an eSIM is
A normal SIM is a small card you slide into a tray. An eSIM does the same job, but it is built into the phone. You do not hold anything. Your provider sends the plan to your phone over the internet.
The industry body for mobile networks, the GSMA, publishes the global eSIM specification. It lets a provider add a plan to a device remotely. The GSMA says a person can store more than one provider's profile on a device and switch between them remotely.
In Australia, eSIM is not new. The tech site EFTM reported in September 2019 that Vodafone, Optus and Telstra all offered eSIM on phones, after earlier support on smart watches. EFTM described an eSIM pack with a QR code inside, which the customer scans with a compatible phone to switch on a service.
Sources for this section: Apple Support, Using Dual SIM with an eSIM; GSMA, eSIM; EFTM, Telstra joins Vodafone and Optus offering eSIM for iPhone 11 and other compatible devices.
Check your phone supports an eSIM
Not every phone has an eSIM. Check before you buy a plan, because a plan cannot be added to a phone that lacks the feature.
- iPhone: Apple says you need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later, running iOS 12.1 or later.
- Android and other brands: support varies by model. Optus tells shoppers to look for the eSIM symbol next to a device when they browse phones. Your provider's website also lists the models it supports.
- A supported carrier: Apple says you also need a wireless carrier that supports eSIM.
- An unlocked phone: to use two different carriers, Apple says your iPhone must be unlocked. If it is not, both plans must come from the same carrier.
If you bought your phone on a contract, ask your provider whether it is unlocked before you rely on a travel plan from someone else.
Sources for this section: Apple Support, Using Dual SIM with an eSIM; Optus, eSIM.
How an eSIM differs from roaming and a local SIM
There are three common ways to get data abroad. They solve different problems.
| Option | What it is | Main point to check |
|---|---|---|
| Roaming | You use your home plan on a foreign network | Your provider sets the roaming rules and rates |
| Local SIM | A plastic card bought in the country you visit | You must swap cards and keep your home SIM safe |
| Travel eSIM | A digital plan for the country you visit, added to your phone | Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked |
Apple lists this travel use as a reason for Dual SIM. Its guide says you can add a local data plan when you are travelling outside your country or region. You keep your home number on your first SIM and use the eSIM for data.
Roaming keeps things simple because nothing changes on your phone. The cost depends on your provider and your plan, so read your provider's current roaming terms before you go.
Sources for this section: Apple Support, Using Dual SIM with an eSIM.
How to set up an eSIM
The steps differ a little between providers, but the pattern is the same.
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- Choose a plan from your own provider or from a travel eSIM seller, and pick the eSIM option at checkout.
- Get the QR code. It usually arrives by email or in the provider's app. iTnews reported that Telstra's eSIM for iPhones was activated using a QR code.
- Scan the code with the phone camera or through the phone's mobile settings, then follow the prompts.
- Label your plans. Apple suggests labelling each plan, with Business and Personal as its examples. Labels such as Home and Travel work the same way and help you pick the right number for calls and messages.
Do the set-up on home Wi-Fi where you can. Optus says you need an internet connection, Wi-Fi or mobile data, to set up an eSIM profile.
Sources for this section: Apple Support, Using Dual SIM with an eSIM; Optus, eSIM; iTnews, Telstra to support eSIMs for new iPhones.
Things to watch before you fly
- An eSIM stays with one phone. Optus says an eSIM cannot be moved to another device. To change phones, you transfer your service to a new eSIM or a plastic SIM.
- Only one network carries your data at a time. Apple says an iPhone can use one cellular data network at a time, so choose which plan handles mobile data.
- Keep your home SIM on. Apple says both numbers can make and receive calls and messages, so you can stay reachable on your Australian number.
- Know your options before you land. Setting up at home means you can test the connection while you still have Wi-Fi to fall back on.
Rules, prices and phone lists change. Check your provider's page for the latest before you buy.
Sources for this section: Optus, eSIM; Apple Support, Using Dual SIM with an eSIM.
Sources
- Apple Support, Using Dual SIM with an eSIM: support.apple.com
- GSMA, eSIM: gsma.com
- Optus, eSIM: optus.com.au
- iTnews, Telstra to support eSIMs for new iPhones: itnews.com.au
- EFTM, Telstra joins Vodafone and Optus offering eSIM for iPhone 11 and other compatible devices: eftm.com