Best eSIM Cards for Mobile Data in Australia

Introduction

Australia is a fascinating continent that attracts tourists with its natural beauty, modern cities, and unique culture. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come here every year to discover iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, or the red desert in the Outback.

When traveling to such a distant destination, reliable internet connection is absolutely essential. Standard roaming can be extremely expensive, and searching for a local SIM card after arrival often means losing valuable time. That's why more and more travelers are choosing eSIM – a digital solution that doesn't require physical card exchange.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to the most reliable eSIM providers for Australia, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll explore their most popular data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the optimal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you'll avoid the shock of high roaming charges and can conveniently arrange everything online before departure. In the following chapters, you'll find detailed information about installation, practical travel advice, and a detailed comparison of available plans, so you can fully enjoy your Australian journey – with constant internet access and without unpleasant surprises on your bill.

Best eSIM Providers for Australia

eSIM4Travel in Australia

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel uses the Vodafone network in Australia. This network provides quality coverage in all major Australian cities and tourist areas. For travelers seeking an economical yet reliable solution, eSIM4Travel represents an excellent choice. Their service is characterized by immediate functionality after activation, fast and accessible customer support where you communicate directly with real people. Price-wise, they are among the most affordable providers on the market. Their strengths include no speed limitations, no need to install additional apps, and the ability to flexibly purchase additional data on an already activated eSIM card.

Airalo eSIM in Australia

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo partners with the Optus network in Australia, which is the second largest Australian operator with excellent coverage. Travelers often praise Airalo for its trouble-free operation in many countries including New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and other destinations in Asia and the Pacific. The eSIM activation process is intuitive and takes approximately two minutes. The user-friendly Airalo app allows convenient monitoring of data usage and easy top-ups during your trip.

Holafly eSIM in Australia

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly uses Optus and Telstra networks in Australia. This ensures stable coverage in cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and other tourist areas of Australia. Holafly distinguishes itself from competitors by offering exclusively unlimited data packages, meaning you don't have to worry about running out of data during your trip. For visiting Australia, Holafly's unlimited data prices range between $19 and $99, depending on the validity period from 5 to 90 days.

It's important to mention that although the data is labeled as unlimited, with excessive usage (such as long-term high-definition streaming or downloading large files), temporary speed reduction may occur. According to user experiences, speed limitations may happen after using approximately 5 GB in a short time period.

Yesim eSIM in Australia

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim collaborates with Vodafone and Optus networks in Australia. Thanks to this combination, you can enjoy seamless mobile connectivity in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and other Australian cities. Comprehensive information about Yesim can be found in our detailed overview.

Jetpac eSIM in Australia

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac uses the Optus network in Australia. This network ensures reliable coverage in all major Australian cities and tourist destinations. More details about Jetpac services can be found in our comprehensive guide.

Best eSIM Plans for Australia

Here you'll find a comparison of the most popular eSIM data packages for Australia. For a complete overview of all available options, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool for Australia, where you can easily filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other criteria.

Free Data in Australia

If you only need minimal internet connection, for example to check emails, Roamless offers 500 MB of free data for Australia.

Alternatively, you can try GigSky, which provides a trial eSIM with 100 MB of free data without requiring credit card registration. This trial version is ideal for testing eSIM functionality before purchasing a paid package.

For more detailed information about options for obtaining free data, visit our article Free eSIM | How to get free data for the USA and abroad. A complete overview of all available offers including free options can be found in our eSIM comparison tool for Australia.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Australia

Purchasing and activating an eSIM for Australia is a straightforward process that will save you many complications during your trip. The main advantage is the ability to complete all preparations before leaving home, which eliminates the need to look for SIM card vendors after arrival or deal with potential language barriers.

• Complete guide for setting up eSIM on iPhone
• Clear installation procedure for eSIM on Samsung phones
• Overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, it's essential to verify whether your phone supports this technology. Most modern smartphones from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Google, and others are fully compatible with eSIM. To verify, you can use our updated list of phones with eSIM support or detailed overview of compatible devices for 2024.

2. Select the optimal provider: For Australia, you have several reputable providers available such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO or GigSky. When deciding on a data package, consider the length of stay and planned activities – for basic use of navigation and social media, 2 GB is usually sufficient, while for more demanding users we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For the most accurate comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Australia, which allows filtering offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you've only received an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection configuration will happen automatically after completing the installation. If not, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also, make sure that you have data roaming activated for the eSIM profile on your phone – don't worry, no additional charges will be applied.

We strongly recommend installing and testing the eSIM before departure, ideally in an environment with reliable Wi-Fi connection. This will give you confidence that upon arrival in Australia, you'll be immediately connected without any complications. More detailed information about initial setup can be found in our comprehensive guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Australia

Australia offers visitors a diverse range of experiences from vibrant metropolises to pristine wilderness and beautiful beaches. Whether you're coming for relaxation, business, or as a digital nomad, reliable internet connection is a key element of a successful trip. Here are practical tips on how to maximize the use of your eSIM during your Australian stay:

Security and Data Protection

Using a VPN in Australia can be beneficial, although the country doesn't have as strict internet restrictions as some other destinations. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) will provide you with an additional layer of protection when using public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, and airports. It will also allow you access to American content that may be geographically blocked in Australia, such as streaming services or banking applications. We recommend installing and testing a VPN before departure.

Data Limit Management

Careful monitoring of data consumption is crucial for preventing unpleasant surprises. Most eSIM providers offer their own applications for monitoring data usage. You can also set limits and alerts directly on your phone. For effective data saving, we recommend studying our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks before your trip, where you'll find valuable tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps, tourist guides, and translators for offline use
• Optimizing quality settings for streamed content
• Deactivating automatic app updates and background synchronization
• Strategic use of Wi-Fi in accommodation facilities for data-intensive activities like photo backups

If you're unsure about how much data you'll need, visit our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the optimal package. For precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period exactly according to your requirements.

Communication with Home

Most eSIM packages for Australia provide only data services without traditional voice services and SMS. However, this doesn't present an obstacle for maintaining contact with loved ones. With a data connection, you can use communication apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free calls and messaging. If you need to call standard phone numbers, read our specialized article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Make Cheap Calls from Abroad, where you'll find comprehensive information about VoIP services and other options.

Financial Services and Payments

Digital banking and payment applications can significantly simplify your travel. Services like Revolut or Wise offer competitive exchange rates and the ability to pay in Australian dollars without unnecessary fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll have continuous access to your financial resources and the ability to flexibly respond to unplanned expenses.

Regional Travel

Planning to visit other countries in Oceania? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for Asia and the Pacific, which cover Australia as well as Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia, and other countries. These regional packages are often more economical than purchasing separate eSIMs for each destination. To find the optimal regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify exactly which countries you plan to visit. We also recommend studying our guides for Vietnam or Thailand if you're considering expanding your travel itinerary in the region.

✈️ Expert advice: Given Australia's extensive areas with limited coverage (especially in the Outback), we recommend downloading all necessary maps, reservations, and documents for offline use before traveling to more remote areas. Even with the highest quality data connection, you may find yourself in places without signal, and in such situations, offline information can be invaluable.

Alternative Internet Connections in Australia

eSIM technology represents an innovative and efficient way to ensure connectivity while traveling, but it's not the only option for staying online in Australia. If for any reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, you have several alternative solutions available:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Australian SIM cards are readily available at international airports, shopping centers, supermarkets, and specialized electronics stores. The main providers are Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, who offer special tourist packages including data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include relatively favorable prices (usually 20-50 AUD for a basic package) and the possibility of obtaining a local phone number for local communication. The disadvantage is the necessity of personally visiting a sales point after arrival, potential queues at airport stands, and in some cases, the requirement for registration with identification documents.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing only from official retailers or reputable stores. Make sure your phone is not locked to a specific carrier (simlock), and if you don't have a device with dual SIM support, be prepared to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices offer a practical alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create a private Wi-Fi network to which you can simultaneously connect several devices – smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart watches. They are ideal for families or groups of friends who want to share one internet connection.

Portable hotspots can either be rented in advance from specialized companies or purchased directly in Australia. Some models combine the hotspot function with a power bank, which is practical during long days away from electrical outlets. More detailed information about these devices can be found in our specialized guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is the need to carry and regularly charge an additional electronic device. Also, the acquisition costs or rental price tends to be higher compared to eSIM or local SIM cards.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your American operator represents the simplest but typically most expensive solution. Roaming works based on partnership agreements between your home operator and Australian providers, which allows you to use your existing phone number and plan even on the opposite side of the planet.

Prices for roaming in Australia can be extremely high – typically ranging between $9-18 per 1 GB of data. This means that even basic use of maps or social networks during a two-week vacation can lead to a bill in the hundreds of dollars. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for non-European destinations, which may be more price-acceptable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Australia has an extensive network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. Free Wi-Fi can be found in libraries, shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces. However, the quality and speed of these connections can vary significantly.

A fundamental security risk of public Wi-Fi networks is potential vulnerability to cyber attacks. Without adequate security, your personal data and online activities may be exposed to unauthorized access. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into internet banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be without internet connection whenever you move away from an available hotspot. This can be problematic when navigating in an unfamiliar environment, searching for transportation information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for internet connection.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Australia

Australia has a modern and reliable telecommunications infrastructure with several major operators providing quality services to both locals and tourists. Understanding the Australian telecommunications market will help you choose the most suitable eSIM or other connection option.

Major Australian Mobile Operators

Telstra is the dominant operator in the country with the most extensive coverage. This company covers approximately 99.4% of the Australian population and has the best coverage in remote and rural areas. If you plan to travel outside major cities or to the Outback, Telstra will likely offer the most reliable connection, albeit at a higher price.

Optus represents the second largest operator with coverage of approximately 98.5% of the population. Their network is very high quality in cities and tourist areas, and also offers more competitive prices than Telstra. Optus is often the preferred choice for travelers due to its good price-to-quality ratio.

Vodafone, the third significant player in the market, covers approximately 96% of the Australian population. Their network is excellent in large cities and adjacent areas but may have more limited coverage in some rural regions. Vodafone typically offers the most accessible prices and attractive packages for tourists.

In addition to these three main operators, there are a number of virtual operators (MVNOs) in Australia that use the infrastructure of one of the main providers. These include Amaysim, Boost Mobile, Woolworths Mobile, and others. These companies often offer competitive prices, but may not always be the most accessible choice for short-term visitors.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Australia varies significantly by location. In large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G connection, in many areas already with 5G technology. Popular tourist destinations like the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, or Blue Mountains also have good coverage from all major operators.

In more remote areas, coverage can be significantly more limited, especially in the vast desert regions of central Australia or in some parts of the Northern Territory. In these locations, Telstra is usually the only option, and even then, the signal may be weak or unavailable. For trips to truly remote areas, consider satellite communication devices.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of Australia, we recommend using the interactive coverage maps offered by all major operators on their websites, or independent services like nPerf.com, which will help you determine which operator provides the best signal in places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local Australian operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Australian networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Uses the Optus network, which provides excellent coverage in cities and tourist areas
• Holafly: Collaborates with Optus and Telstra networks, ensuring maximum coverage including some more remote areas
• eSIM4Travel: Uses the Vodafone network, which is optimal for urban areas and main tourist destinations
• Yesim: Offers access to Vodafone and Optus networks with automatic switching for optimal signal
• Jetpac: Uses the Optus network for reliable coverage in urban and tourist areas
• GigSky: Collaborates with Telstra and Optus, providing extensive coverage across the continent

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. If you'll be primarily in cities and popular tourist destinations, any provider will likely offer sufficient coverage. For trips to more remote areas, we recommend choosing a service that uses the Telstra network for the most reliable coverage. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Australia, which will help you find the optimal solution exactly according to your needs.

How to Call from Australia

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important aspect of traveling. With an eSIM in Australia, you have several options for staying connected without having to pay exorbitant amounts for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

The vast majority of eSIM packages for Australia include exclusively mobile data, without traditional voice services. However, this doesn't present a problem because with a data connection, you can use a wide range of applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is the globally most widespread communication application for sending messages and calling over the internet. It's widely used in Australia as well and offers high-quality voice and video calls. Other popular alternatives include Facebook Messenger, which is practical for contacts from your Facebook list, and Skype, which allows calling standard phone numbers at favorable rates.

For communication with local residents or businesses in Australia, you can use applications like Viber or Signal, which are widely used in the country. These applications work similarly to WhatsApp and enable easy communication with local contacts.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or other countries, there are specialized services offering more advantageous rates than standard international calling.

Rebtel is among the most reliable services for international calling with competitive rates. It works via WiFi or mobile data and provides quality connections. Calls to the United States start at rates from $0.07 per minute, which is significantly less than regular international rates. Rebtel also offers the option to receive calls, which is useful during longer stays.

Google Voice represents another popular alternative that provides an American phone number usable for calls and SMS. Calls to many countries are free or at very low fees. The disadvantage is that for registration, you need an American phone number, although there are ways to bypass this limitation using online services.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM services are beginning to offer comprehensive packages that include traditional voice services and SMS in addition to data. These services operate through local networks and allow you to make calls just like with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in a growing number of destinations including Australia. You can activate this service as an extension to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Australia

Summary

Traveling around Australia with an eSIM is significantly more convenient and economical. There's no need to look for physical SIM cards, visit local operator stores, or pay excessive roaming fees. You can secure your internet connection in advance and be online immediately upon arrival.

In this guide, we've analyzed the most sought-after eSIM solutions and providers including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each of these providers has specific strengths, and the optimal choice depends on the length of stay, planned data usage, and individual preferences.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or unlimited plans for demanding users, digital nomads, or streaming enthusiasts.

For users seeking an economical and reliable solution, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel. Their service is characterized by immediate functionality after activation, accessible customer support, and competitive prices. The advantage is the absence of speed limitations, no need for additional applications, and the possibility of flexibly purchasing additional data on an already activated eSIM.

For those who prefer unlimited data, Holafly represents the optimal choice with their truly unlimited data packages for Australia.

We strongly recommend installing and testing the eSIM before departure. This will ensure a trouble-free start to your trip and immediate connection as soon as you arrive in Australia.

For the most accurate and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for Australia, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your individual requirements.