Great eSIM plans, activated in a snap

Most new phones are compatible with eSIM. Here is a snapshot of the main Australian devices:

• iPhone:
  iPhone’s from 11 and up, as well as the XS, XR and SE family. You can also get these iPhones from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, and use their eSIM support with those telcos.
• Samsung Galaxy:
  Samsung’s from S20 and up, and all Z Fold and Z Flip phones. You can get all of these Samsung eSIM-capable phones from Vodafone. Telstra and Optus also sell all of these Samsung eSIM phones
• Google Pixel:
  Pixel’s from 3a and up. You’ll find these eSIM phones on Telstra and Optus. You can also purchase them from other vendors and use a Vodafone eSIM plans.

While not all phone providers are ready for eSIM, there are enough coming on board that you can compare between big companies like Telstra and Vodafone and smaller providers like Kogan.

These providers have eSIM plans enabled:

	felix has a small but competitive range of prepaid plans starting from 25GB data. It often has great discounts, including 50% off for the first 6 months.
	amaysim’s prepaid plans offer extensive coverage, ranging from 10GB to 240GB of data, with options available for monthly as well as yearly plans.
	AGL’s mobile plans offer discounted rates for existing AGL energy customers, who enjoy a $5 monthly discount compared to non-AGL customers.
	Boost Mobile is a prepaid phone network brand available in multiple global markets. It provides diverse plans with attractive features such as international minutes, texts, and bonus data.
	Circles.Life exclusively provides a postpaid month-to-month plan.
	iiNet’s plans offer essential features at an attractive price point, making them ideal for those seeking standard calling and texting services.
	Southern Phone provides a comprehensive range of telecommunications plans and products, including both fixed and mobile services, as well as voice and data offerings.
	TPG’s mobile plans may not be extravagant, but they offer excellent value for those seeking basic calling and texting options within Australia.
	Kogan has prepaid plans ranging from month-to-month to 365 days. All its plans are eSIM compatible and often come with discounts for new customers.
	Telstra has postpaid and prepaid eSIM plans. You’ll find larger data limits with Telstra, starting from 35GB.
	Woolworth’s everyday mobile plans have eSIM compatibility across its SIM Only, prepaid and long-expiry plans.
	Tangerine uses the Telstra network. All its plans are eSIM-enabled and often come with sign-up discounts or extra data inclusions.

When you’re comparing eSIM plans, just remember that only a few providers have eSIM and you might find a better deal with a physical SIM until the technology is more widespread.

The process for activating an eSIM will differ between providers, but typically you’ll need to fill in a few personal details and answer some questions. You’ll likely be asked if you want to keep your current number. If you do, it may take a few hours for the transfer to be complete and your new plan to activate.

As an example, here’s what the process might look like if you’re an iPhone user:

• • 1. Note the IMEI number – Go to Settings > General > About > Scroll to Digital SIM and copy the IMEI number.

• • 3. Scan QR code – Open your email with the QR code on a separate device, then go to your iPhone’s Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan, and scan the QR code in your email with your iPhone’s camera.

• • 2. Contact your telco with a different phone and ask to switch your plan over to your eSIM. You’ll be asked for the IMEI number and an email address for a QR code to be sent to.

• • 4. Delete physical SIM card plan – Activation of eSIM might take a few minutes. If prompted to select your default line, choose Primary and label new cellular plan as Primary as well. Hit continue and test your eSIM by removing your physical SIM card from the device.

These steps vary from device to device. If you’re finding it difficult to switch with your eSIM, call your telco.

eSIMS are the way of the future for phone plans. They’re convenient, quick to set up and don’t require a trip to a store or waiting for a card in the mail.

If you find a plan you like from a new provider, you can switch telcos on the spot.

You can also use more than one phone number on the same device by having an active physical SIM and an eSIM as well. That means you could have a work number and a private number on one phone, and switch between them via Settings.

On the downside, there aren’t as many telcos offering eSIMs yet, which means you can’t shop around for the best plan. You might find you’re better off comparing all SIM only plans until eSIMs are more common.

• • Make sure your phone is unlocked before you buy a new SIM (if it’s the first time you’ve switched providers). Most new phones are; it’s only phones that are bought with a prepaid contract that can be locked to a network.

• • Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible. We’ve listed compatible phones above, and you can find out more on our eSIM comparison guide.

• • If you plan on using an eSIM overseas for roaming, make sure you find a provider who sells eSIM. It may change from country to country.