How do I activate an eSIM on iOS?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or paste the activation code. Once added, make sure to enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only. If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and try again.

How do I activate an eSIM on Android?

On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Choose to scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. Once added, set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable Mobile Data. Some devices may require a restart for the eSIM to be fully activated.

Can I keep my physical SIM active while using an eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for mobile data. Most devices allow you to select which SIM handles data, calls, or texts separately.

What should I do if my eSIM does not activate?

If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation code. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi during activation. Restart your device, and if it still doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider for troubleshooting or request a replacement QR code.

Best eSIM for Australia (2025) | Sydney, Melbourne & Outback Coverage

Quick Answer: If you’re traveling to Australia in 2025 — whether exploring Sydney Opera House, Melbourne’s laneways, Great Barrier Reef, or the Outback — an eSIM is the fastest way to stay connected. Buy online, scan a QR code, and activate data instantly without hunting for a local SIM card. This guide reviews the best eSIM options for Australia with updated plans, coverage, and travel tips.

Why choose an eSIM in Australia?

Australia is vast — with long distances between cities — making connectivity essential. With an eSIM you can:

Activate before arrival at Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Brisbane (BNE) airports.
Roam seamlessly across states without buying multiple SIMs.
Keep your WhatsApp/phone number active while adding Aussie data.
Avoid high international roaming fees.

Top eSIM Providers (2025)

Airalo — affordable local and regional plans, 1–20 GB.
Holafly — unlimited-style plans, good for heavy data users.
Nomad — Asia-Pacific bundles (works in Australia, NZ, Singapore, more).

Australia eSIM Plans & Prices (2025)

Provider	Plan	Price (USD)	Validity	Best for
Airalo	1–3 GB	$5–$9	7–15 days	Short city trips
Airalo	10–20 GB	$18–$32	30 days	Road trips / 2 weeks+
Holafly	Unlimited-style	$29–$69	5–30 days	Streaming / remote work
Nomad	APAC 5–10 GB	$13–$27	7–30 days	Regional travel (AUS + NZ + Asia)

Coverage & Local Networks

Australia has three main carriers:

Telstra — widest coverage, especially in rural & Outback areas.
Optus — strong in cities and along coasts, slightly cheaper.
Vodafone AU — good urban coverage, weaker in remote areas.

Most travel eSIMs connect via Telstra or Optus, meaning strong service in cities and highways. If you’re going deep into the Outback, expect patchy 4G/5G and carry offline maps.

Setup Guide

Purchase your preferred eSIM (Airalo / Holafly / Nomad).
Receive QR code instantly by email.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Add eSIM.
Scan QR code, assign as “Mobile Data.”
Enable Data Roaming (for eSIM only).

Which plan is best?

5-day Sydney / Melbourne city break: Airalo 1–3 GB is enough.
2-week East Coast trip: Airalo 10–20 GB or Nomad APAC bundle.
1-month+ or remote work: Holafly unlimited-style plan.

Tips to Save Data

Download offline Google Maps before driving into Outback.
Use Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, cafés.
Stream at 480p/720p instead of 1080p+.

FAQs

Does Australia support 5G? Yes — major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) have 5G on Telstra & Optus.

Can I hotspot? Yes — Airalo & Nomad support tethering; Holafly may throttle on unlimited-style plans.

Do I get an Australian number? No — most travel eSIMs are data-only. WhatsApp/iMessage still works normally.

Internal Links

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate. Prices updated for 2025.