The eSIM is here to stay
We’ve published several articles on eSIM technology because of the benefits this innovation provides. While eSIMs are finally becoming popular, many aren’t aware of how much the technology can change their SIM plans for the better.
We’ve reported on how eSIMs allow dual phone numbers simultaneously. We’ve also discussed how eSIMs offer users the opportunity to subscribe to multiple telcos simultaneously in a matter of minutes, allowing the ability to always shop around for the best available phone plan.
But this article discusses yet another benefit of the eSIM – precisely, how an eSIM can help you save money while roaming. Read on to find out.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM functions similarly to your physical SIM card but is a digital SIM embedded into the device. The eSIM eliminates the need to order or purchase physical SIMs from telcos and install them on your device. Instead, the eSIM virtually identifies your device and downloads your telco’s software or profile to enable you to connect to their network.
Australia first saw the eSIM in 2017, primarily deployed in wearables like smartwatches. For several years after that, telcos displayed a silent reluctance to offer eSIM plans for more essential devices like smartphones. The newfound ability to switch telcos easily was likely a threat to the industry’s bottom line.
Regardless of the reasons behind Australia’s slow eSIM adoption, we now have a bouquet of eSIM plans and eSIM phones to choose from, so Aussies can reap the benefits of this industry-changing technology. In this post, we’ll cover the telcos offering eSIM plans to Australians later.
How the eSIM can save you money while roaming
Traveling overseas is usually exciting until you consider the costs of making phone calls and using data while roaming in another country. Fortunately, roaming charges have declined over the years, and some SIM plans offer bundles and add-ons to reduce roaming costs even more. However, despite these positive developments, roaming is still quite expensive, especially for travelers who spend extended periods overseas.
We’ve written several articles on roaming and saving money when you travel to another country. We’ve also listed the best phone plans for roaming and traveling overseas. But with the eSIM now becoming mainstream, Australians have an even easier way to save money while roaming.
One of the best ways to save money while roaming is by purchasing a SIM plan from your destination country. In previous articles, we advised readers to purchase SIM cards to be delivered by post prior to traveling, purchase them at the departure airport if available, or buy a SIM plan upon arrival at the destination airport.
Wherever and however you choose to purchase your SIM plan, it could save you a ton of money as long as it is local to the country you are traveling to. That’s because having a local SIM card means you’re no longer roaming in your destination country.
However, purchasing overseas SIM plans has become even easier with an eSIM device. Rather than jump through the hoops of acquiring another country’s physical SIM card via post or at an airport, eSIMs allow users to make such purchases over the phone. It is as easy as browsing the Internet for your preferred SIM plan in the destination country, buying it, and downloading the profile to your device’s eSIM.
Of course, only some countries offer eSIM plans, and some telcos’ onboarding processes cannot be completed entirely online. But if you are traveling to a country with fully eSIM-compliant telcos, purchasing an eSIM plan from that country is the best move. If you own an iPhone, Apple’s list of telcos offering eSIM plans worldwide is a great place to start.
Also, some telcos offer roaming packs and plans to Australian travelers. Because eSIM devices offer dual phone number capabilities, you can purchase a roaming plan on one eSIM slot, while keeping your Australian SIM plan on another eSIM slot or your physical SIM card. Note that some devices, like the iPhone 14 models offer multiple eSIM slots so you can purchase and store several SIM plans while switching from plan to plan, telco to telco, whenever necessary.
Which Australian telcos offer eSIM plans?
eSIM devices have now flooded the Australian market. Aussies can choose from high-end to budget devices from various major manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, Motorola, and more.
Telcos offering eSIM plans have also increased. A few years ago, the major telcos were guarding eSIM plans for themselves, keeping the technology away from Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs, the smaller phone companies). The ACCC eventually expressed concerns over the matter, and now there are more eSIM plans to choose from.
First, note that the three major telcos offer eSIM plans – Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Further, some MVNOs reselling these telcos’ networks now offer eSIM plans as well.
Here’s a table breaking down which Australian telcos offer postpaid and/or prepaid eSIM plans.
| Postpaid eSIM Plans | Prepaid eSIM Plans | |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | Yes | Yes |
| Optus | Yes | Yes |
| Vodafone | Yes | Yes |
| Woolworths (Telstra Network) | Yes | Yes |
| Kogan Mobile (Vodafone Network) | Yes | Yes |
| Lebara (Vodafone Network) | No | Yes |
| Amaysim (Optus Network) | No | Yes |
| Gomo (Optus Network) | No | Yes |
| Felix (Vodafone Network) | No | Yes |
Final words
While eSIM devices offer exciting benefits, it’s important to note the drawbacks. Because eSIMs function digitally, this opens up the door to some unpleasant possibilities.
First, many third-party and MVNO providers worldwide who offer eSIMs also offer management apps that track and collect your data. Avoiding this is easy for Apple users, who can click “Ask app not to track” when they initially launch the app. For Android users, this option doesn’t exist. Such users should purchase their eSIM plans directly from the telco’s website and complete the setup process without downloading any app at all.
Finally, setting up the eSIM might be challenging if you’re not tech-savvy. This is especially true for senior citizens looking for a more straightforward option like physical SIM cards. But for Aussies who are traveling out and want to save money while roaming, eSIM plans present one of the easiest ways to do so.