Best eSIM for Australia travel in 2025

The best eSIM for Australia will not replace your existing phone plan, but rather it’ll add a new, secondary data plan that you can use in Australia. There are several top-tier eSIM providers for traveling to Australia, with prices ranging from $3.99 to $150 from Saily, Airalo, Jetpac, AloSIM, and Nomad. These providers offer between 1 GB and 200 GB data plans, and I’ve tested each of them thoroughly to help you make an informed decision on the best eSIM to choose for your travels down under.

Top 5 Australian eSIM providers: our shortlist

1. Saily

   Overall best eSIM for Australia
   9.6
2. Airalo

   Australian eSIM with inexpensive high-data plans
   9.3
3. Jetpac

   Prepaid eSIM for Australia travel with travel perks
   9.2
4. aloSIM

   Australia eSIM for tourists who need affordable plans
   8.8
5. Nomad

   Flexible Australia eSIM with simple activation
   8.4

Overview of best Australia eSIM plans

• You can choose from local Australia, regional Oceania, or even global plans from 1 GB to unlimited data in Australia.
• Australian eSIM providers offer prices from $1 to $139.90, depending on the duration of your trip and the data you require.
• JetPac offers the cheapest Australian data plan for only $1 for 1 GB, valid for 4 days. However, this deal is only available for new users.

You can get an eSIM for Australia before your trip by choosing, purchasing, and activating a plan ahead of time. Prices for Australian eSIMs vary not only by provider, but also by factors like the selected data plan, number of days, and inclusion of a phone number with calling functionality.

For a short-term trip to Australia lasting 7 days, I recommend a minimum of 1 to 2 GB data. This will allow you to use navigation apps, read messages, and browse social media. Jetpac’s $1/1 GB plan could be sufficient, though you may wish to consider a higher allowance. For longer trips lasting 2 weeks or more, I recommend choosing Saily eSIM for Australia – it’s the cheapest average provider and the only one using Vodafone’s fast 5G connections in the country.

Below, I compare the best eSIMs for Australia alongside their associated data, duration and price, helping you to make the best decision for your trip.

Saily is the best eSIM for Australia thanks to the lowest average prices and instant connectivity when you land in Australia. I also found its customer support to be the fastest during in-house tests with each provider. Its lowest price starts from just $3.79 and ranges up to $28.49. It’s not the cheapest eSIM for Australia – Jetpac beats it on price by a couple of dollars if you’re choosing the 20 GB/30 day plan. However, Saily’s connections are the only ones I’ve recommended that use the Vodafone network for lightning-fast 5G.

Best Australia eSIM providers: detailed guide

I tested more than 15 Australia eSIM providers and assessed them against criteria such as the variety of data plans offered, whether you can get an Australian phone number, and the cost of the overall service. Through these in-house tests, I’ve selected the top 5 best eSIMs for Australia.

1. Saily - overall best eSIM for Australia travel in 2025

Why I chose it

Saily is the overall best eSIM for Australia in 2025 for affordability and connectivity. With support for 190+ countries, it’s suitable as a one-stop Australia eSIM or for a multi-itinerary trip, covering neighboring New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, and many more destinations. Purchase a Saily Global eSIM to tag additional destinations onto your package without having to pay for additional plans.

My experience using Saily eSIM in Australia

Saily’s plans range between 7 and 30 days, with between 1 and 20 GB data allowances for anything beyond basic browsing. With the 20 GB plan, I could stream my UK Netflix account in Australia without getting blocked or running out of data. The main drawback is a lack of any phone number, but you can counteract this by simply making calls with WhatsApp, Zoom, and similar apps, or by using Wi-Fi calling features on your mobile phone.

Saily offers the lowest 7-day prices among the best Australian eSIMs, starting from $3.79 for 1 GB data. Even the most expensive Australian data plan runs at $28.49, making it over $10 cheaper than competing providers for a high-data plan. As Saily doesn’t support pay-as-you-go plans, you’ll have to purchase an additional eSIM if yours runs out – so be sure about how much data you’ll need.

I found activating Saily to be extremely straightforward. After purchasing my plan, I received an email with a QR code. Scanning this code with my camera took me through the rest of the setup process. This is the most common setup method for Australian eSIMs and streamlines your experience before you leave on your trip. My plan was activated instantly as soon as my device joined the Vodafone Australia carrier network. Bear in mind that as eKYC (Know Your Customer checks) are mandatory in Australia, you’ll need to provide ID.

Saily’s customer support is offered via live chat and email responses. I tested the live chat feature and was connected within minutes for a speedy resolution. Setting up your eSIM ahead of your trip means you’ll have the chance to quickly resolve any issues you have with support and ensure you have internet connectivity when you land.

Read more about this provider in our Saily eSIM review.

2. Airalo - best eSIM in Australia for affordable high data needs

Why I chose it

Airalo is the best eSIM for Australia travel if you need a solid spread of other countries to choose from. Its Australian eSIMs allow for 1 to 30 days of use, with between 1 GB and 20 GB data. Alternatively, you can register for a regional eSIM and enjoy support for countries like Fiji, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea if you're exploring, all under one plan.

My experience using Airalo eSIM in Australia

While Australia's eSIMs only support up to a month's usage, Airalo's global eSIMs are even more flexible. The largest plan lets you get 20 GB data that's valid for a year, including in Australian territories. When planning a multi-stop trip across numerous countries, this kind of eSIM ensures you’ll never be stuck without an internet connection.

Airalo's prices are competitive, though they aren't the service's main selling point. As with competitors, pricing starts at $4.50 for the shortest 1 GB plan and ranges up to $40.00 for 20 GB/30 days. Note that this doesn’t include a phone number, so you’ll need Wi-Fi calling. However, you can buy a data top up at any time if your plan runs out.

Activation was easy with Airalo; after choosing Australia and a 20 GB eSIM, I used the QR code that was sent to me to install the eSIM. Then, it was simply a case of activating the eSIM in the dedicated Airalo app. As soon as you join the Optus carrier network in Australia, your eSIM will ensure connectivity.

Airalo’s customer support is managed via live chat that’s available 24/7. After getting past the initial bot screening questions, I was connected to an agent within minutes. There’s a Help Center and FAQ too, plus you can get in contact through socials and WhatsApp. Ideally, I’d like to see support better signposted on the website, as I really had to dig to find all of this information out. However, I was pleased with the support I did receive.

For more information on this eSIM, read our Airalo review.

3. Jetpac - prepaid Australia eSIM for seamless connectivity

Why I chose it

Jetpac is the best eSIM for Australia thanks to a high degree of flexibility in its plans. Despite being a relatively new eSIM provider, it currently covers 150+ countries. Its most basic plan can even be used in 96 different countries for just a dollar!

My experience using Jetpac eSIM in Australia

Plans start with the 1 GB/4 days eSIM for Australia and up to 95 other locations – perfect if you're just passing through. You can also choose from 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 GB plans, for up to 30 days coverage. If you’re an avid streamer or like to make a lot of Wi-Fi calls and share pictures from your travels, I suggest considering the 40 GB data package.

Jetpac's prices are very competitive, with the 20 GB/30 day plan costing just $27.00. This makes it the cheapest provider for a 20 GB/30 day eSIM in Australia. However, larger data pools are available too. Prices range up to $48.00 for a 40 GB data plan that lasts a month.

Jetpac has a really easy to use and modern interface – I got the same vibe from their website, which tries to be approachable and fun. There are a couple of options when you’re ready to activate the Jetpac eSIM on your phone. You can either scan a QR code or use the native app to activate the plan. Personally, I found app activation to be simplest.

If you need support, you can get in touch with Jetpac via live chat or email. That said, I noticed that unlike some competitors, Jetpac's live chat is not 24/7 – it's typically available during business hours. Email responses came back to me after around 24 hours, too. Since this is a new service, I hope and expect that the support options will improve.

4. AloSIM - affordable option among the best eSIM providers in Australia

Why I chose it

AloSIM is the best eSIM for Australia thanks to powerful 5G connections from Optus and Telstra, 190+ supported countries, and no hidden fees. You can get an eSIM for Australia and neighbouring countries like New Zealand and Fiji if you’re on a multi-hop trip, or you can simply get a large 20 GB plan for Australia that lasts 30 days.

My experience using aloSIM in Australia

AloSIM's fixed plans include 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 GB for 7, 15, and 30 days. If selecting the two-week option, you can only choose between 1 GB and 2 GB, limiting you somewhat. However, the 3 GB plan lasts 30 days and is only a dollar more.

AloSIM's data plans start from $4.50 for a 1GB/7 day eSIM for Australia. You can also pay between $8 – 40.00 for between 2 GB and 20 GB, depending on your trip length. Topping up your plan is simple if you run out, with a dedicated option in the provider’s app for adding extra data or days to your eSIM.

Setup follows the most common process of emailing you a QR code that can be scanned to activate your Australia eSIM. Then, you’ll instantly be connected to the provider’s network upon arrival in the country – though it could take a few minutes in my experience. The app was very easy to navigate, with options like top ups simple to locate and use.

AloSIM's primary means of support is via email, with replies in around 24 to 48 hours – I got a reply within 24 hours. Live chat support is available, but it's less accessible than other providers. Your luck with a live chat session can heavily depend on your time zone and time of day. Still, there’s also a Help Center and FAQs to lean on if you’re stuck.

If you want to learn more about this provider, you can check out our thorough aloSIM review.

5. Nomad - flexible eSIM for tourists in Australia with easy activation

Why I chose it

Nomad is the best eSIM for Australia thanks to large data caps and a lot of flexibility. If you're going on a long trip, Nomad's higher-than-average data plans can help you stay connected. What's more, you can top up your plan an unlimited number of times, meaning you'll never run out of data.

My experience using Nomad eSIM in Australia

You can also choose 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 50 GB, with the latter two plans allowing 45-day usage instead of the usual 30 days. The 50 GB plan is an excellent choice for people who share a lot of media while abroad, or for simply keeping up to date on your favorite TV series.

Plans start at $4.50 for the 1 GB/7 day connection and range up to $55.00 for the 50 GB data plan. These are the fixed plans, but Day Plans are available too. This lets you choose the number of days you need, and a specific data package that includes unlimited reduced-speed internet if your data has run out. Your connection will simply be throttled instead, making it slower but a go-to lifeline for looking up directions or other key information.

Nomad's customer support was responsive in my experience, offering live chat during business hours that gets back to you within a few minutes. Outside of that, there's email support with an SLA of around 24-48 hours. Find yourself with an unanswered question, and there is a Help Center/FAQ and options to get in touch via WhatsApp.

Nomad can be activated very quickly. When you've purchased an Australia eSIM, you'll get an email with a QR code that you can scan to set it up right away. Nomad uses Telstra and Optus connections with fast 5G connections – but they can slow a little in rural areas based on my test results.

For a deeper investigation of Nomad, read our Nomad eSIM review.

How to set up eSIM in Australia?

All of the best eSIMs for Australia that I tested have simple activation processes. In most cases, all you need to do is scan a QR code. Here’s a brief guide to setting up your Saily eSIM for Australia:

1. Choose an Australian eSIM. Saily is the best eSIM for Australia and easily found in the iOS or Google Play store.
2. Install Saily on your mobile device. For an iPhone, use Add eSIM.
3. Install your preferred eSIM plan by scanning the QR code sent to you in an email.
4. Activate the eSIM in your mobile device’s settings.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, setting your SIM card as default line and your new Saily eSIM as Mobile Data.

Get Saily: best overall eSIM for Australia

What you need to know before buying an Australian eSIM for tourists

If you’re heading to Australia, an Australian eSIM can save you money on extortionate data roaming costs, while ensuring you’re ready to start using your device the moment you land. However, before you buy a data-only eSIM for Australia, you should consider the following points.

Compare prepaid eSIM plans in Australia for affordable data

The cheapest eSIM plan for Australia comes from JetPac at $1, though it only gives you 1 GB data for 4 days and it’s an exclusive offer only available to new users. For most travelers, 4 days won’t be enough, so the best-value eSIM plan for Australia is actually Saily’s $3.79 plan, offering 1 GB for 7 days. It’s the cheapest of the overall best Australian week-long eSIM plans available, too; other providers start from $4.50. However, Jetpac also has the cheapest 20 GB/30 day plan.

However, if you're looking for a plan that covers a longer trip, AloSIM offers plans of up to 45 days. Its data allowances also stretch to 50 GB in case you expect to do a lot of streaming or other high-data activities. Alternatively, Jetpac is the only other worthy eSIM for Australia provider offering plans beyond 20 GB. I really liked that this provider also gives you unique travel perks, such as lounge passes.

Check if your phone support eSIMs

Before you commit to an Australian eSIM, first make sure that your mobile phone supports eSIMs. Older models past a certain point do not have the technology required. Here’s how to check if your phone supports eSIMs on both iPhone and Android:

On an iPhone:

iPhone XR or later models can support an eSIM line, which includes iPhone SE 2nd generation models, the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Older models before the iPhone 8 and iPhone X cannot. Here’s how to check your iPhone if still unsure:

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Tap on Mobile Service.
3. Look for the option to Add eSIM.

On an Android:

On Android phones, eSIM support is typically available on flagship models. This means the Samsung S22/S23/S24, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. However, since there are more variations on Android devices, use the steps below to check your device:

1. Go to Settings > About phone or System.
2. Look for Status, SIM status, or IMEI information. If your phone allows for eSIMs, you will see it alongside your physical SIM card info.

Activate your eSIM on time

You should check how long your Australian eSIM takes to activate and make sure that it’s ready for when you land. Otherwise, you could face expensive data roaming charges on your everyday SIM plan. When I tested the best Australian eSIMs, they all activated instantly or within a few minutes after picking up the carrier’s network in Australia. However, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve gone through the installation and activation process before you leave for your trip – don’t wait until you arrive.

Learn how to make calls with a data-only Australia eSIM

Since the best Australian eSIMs don't provide a phone number, you should educate yourself on the other options for making a phone call. The methods I found easiest were to either use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime, or to connect to a Wi-Fi network and use Wi-Fi calling. Just be wary that making any phone call with the internet will eat into your data allowance. If you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, I also strongly recommend choosing a reliable VPN to guard against the risks of unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Can I use 5G on an Australia eSIM?

Yes, you can use 5G on an Australian eSIM, which will normally be provided by Australian carriers Vodafone and Optus. The best overall Australian eSIM, Saily uses the Vodafone network, providing the fastest eSIM carrier speeds that I saw while testing these providers.

Get instant activation with Saily eSIM for Australia

Is it better to use eSIM or physical SIM in Australia?

Unless you’re a permanent resident living in Australia, it’s better to use an eSIM for travel and visitation purposes. This is largely due to a simpler activation process and the ability to easily swap between plans, making it less likely you’ll arrive and be stuck without a connection. If you instead opt for a physical SIM card, you may not receive it in time or you might have to contact support to get help if it doesn’t work properly.

Costs for the best Australian eSIMs to choose run very cheap, starting at between $1 and $4.50, depending on the length of your trip. This is another win for eSIMs, as using a physical SIM can cost you both time and money. There are often costs involved in delivering the SIM to you, and if you have problems, you’ll have to figure out where to go and who to speak to. Conversely, eSIM support is all handled remotely.

Ultimately, the biggest reason to choose an eSIM over a physical SIM as a tourist or traveler is because it’ll reduce the chance of encountering issues. As long as you set up your eSIM ahead of your trip, you’re less likely to encounter problems getting a SIM, setting it up, and getting connected. In my experience and from in-house testing, using an eSIM like Saily for Australian travel is the best option and the least likely to interrupt your trip.

Get Saily for peace of mind traveling to Australia

Alternative ways to stay connected in Australia

If for any reason you can’t or don’t want to use an eSIM, you can keep in touch with friends and family in other ways. The most common methods include:

• Traditional SIM cards: While they come with drawbacks, you’ll typically encounter kiosks within Australian airports for the most common mobile carriers, such as Vodafone, Optus, and Telstra. These will allow you to agree a plan for internet access during your trip.
• Global data roaming: Most carriers at home offer global data roaming, though costs can vary widely. Vodafone UK, for example, groups parts of the world into categories, with costs varying. If I use my current SIM in Australia, it’ll cost me £7.39/day, costing more per-day than the best Australian eSIMs.
• Portable Wi-Fi devices: In Australia and many other countries, you can rent a portable hotspot. This is useful if you have more than one device. However, drawbacks include the need for constant charging, as well as the risk of losing – and having to pay to replace – a device that isn’t yours.
• Public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi hotspots are a reliable fallback when you need connectivity, but since they’re tied to a physical location, they are one of the least reliable options to stay connected. They also come with inherent cybersecurity risks so using a VPN is essential.

Get Saily for hassle-free Australian internet access

Conclusion: Which eSIM is best for travel to Australia?

The best eSIM for travel to Australia is Saily, with competitive, affordable pricing and Vodafone-supported 5G connections. It’s the only provider among my recommended Australia eSIMs that uses Vodafone to connect to the mobile internet.

Outside of that, you can also get larger data allowances for longer trips from Jetpac and AloSIM. These 40 and 50 GB data plans are perfect for avid social media travel junkies and streamers who want to keep up with their favorite shows.

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FAQ

Can I get an eSIM for Australia?

Yes, you can get an eSIM for Australia from top providers including Saily, Airalo, Jetpac, AloSIM, and Nomad. My in-house tests determined these providers to be the best for data, connectivity, flexibility, and affordability. However, Saily was the all-round best provider, with a broad range of 1–20 GB plans starting from $3.99.

Can I buy an eSIM at Sydney airport?

Yes, you can buy an eSIM at Sydney Airport from a kiosk, but you'll often pay more and face a longer setup process than if you buy an Australia eSIM online before you travel. I recommend that you choose an eSIM for Australia before you leave for your trip. Saily is currently the best eSIM for Australia and offers simple QR code activation so that you’re connected as soon as you land.

How much is eSIM in Australia?

The cost of an Australian eSIM is around $4.50 for a basic plan, though plans range from $1 to $48.00 when you choose one of the best Australian eSIMs from Saily, Airalo, Jetpac, AloSIM, or Nomad. Choosing a longer stay duration or higher data allowance increases your costs accordingly.

What is the cheapest eSIM plan for Australia?

The cheapest eSIM plan for Australia right now is $1 for 1 GB/4 days from Jetpac. Jetpac’s 20 GB/30 day plan is also the cheapest among the best Australian eSIMs I’ve recommended. Plus, this provider offers unique travel perks like lounge passes on some of its plans!

What is the best eSIM for Australia?

Saily is the best eSIM for Australia with the cheapest average costs and fastest connections. As one of few Australian eSIM providers to partner with Vodafone, you can access countrywide 5G connections with powerful speeds and robust coverage.

Can you get an Australian number with eSIM?

Yes, you can get an Australian phone number with an eSIM by choosing an in-country provider like Telstra or Optus. Alternatively, you can get one of the best Australian eSIMs like Saily and set it up before you leave, avoiding any hassle on arrival. While you won’t get a phone number, it’s cheaper and you can simply make calls with Wi-Fi calling or through VoIP apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.