Best travel eSIM for Australians (2026)

• Trip length first. Plans in our table last from 1 to 30 days, and a plan that expires mid-trip is no use. Every plan in our table starts its validity when the eSIM first connects, but check the provider's own rule before you buy.
• Data you need. Fixed plans run from 0.5 GB to 50 GB. How much you use depends on maps, video and tethering, so look at your usage on your current plan, add some margin, and only then compare cost per GB. The cheapest plan is cheap partly because it is small.
• Unlimited or fixed. Unlimited plans are compared on price per day and fixed plans on price per GB, so the two numbers are not directly comparable. Every one of our 276 unlimited plans states a fair-use rule or slowdown; each destination page prints it under the table.
• Hotspot. 554 of 638 plans allow a hotspot, 84 allow it with limits. Check this if you want to share data with a laptop or another phone.
• Network. Coverage, especially outside cities, depends on the local network your plan uses. Each destination page lists the carriers, and the Best network pick uses published network information, not our own speed tests. A regional plan such as Europe covers 32 to 41 countries and uses local networks that vary by country, so it has no Best network pick.
• Your phone. It must support eSIM and not be locked to an Australian carrier. See how to check before you buy.

Which eSIM is best for international travel from Australia?

It depends on the destination and the trip. Across our 15 destinations, Ubigi has the most picks (27 of 59), but the pick for your destination above is the one to look at first. Then check the rule for it against the full table on the destination page.

Is a global eSIM worth it?

We don't list global plans, so we can't compare their prices or say whether they are worth it. Apple notes that worldwide data-only plans exist; see its guide to travelling with eSIM. What we do list are single-country plans and, for Europe, a regional plan covering 32 to 41 countries. If your trip is in one country, compare that country's plans. If it crosses several countries in a region, check the regional plan's country list.

Do I need an unlocked phone?

Yes, to use another company's eSIM. Apple says an iPhone can't be locked to a service provider to use a travel eSIM, and you can check under Settings › General › About: "No SIM restrictions" next to Service Provider Lock (Carrier Lock on iPhones set to US English) means it is unlocked. For other phones, ask your carrier. Our compatibility guide has the steps.

Will my phone work with a travel eSIM?

It needs to support eSIM. Apple lists the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR and later, and the guide linked above names the iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy models. It also takes a minute to check your phone for an EID number.

Is a travel eSIM cheaper than roaming with my Australian carrier?

It depends on your carrier, your plan and the trip. Our roaming calculator compares the cheapest eSIM for your trip with the Telstra, Optus and Vodafone day passes. For the other choices, see travel SIM card or eSIM.

Can I keep my Australian number?

On most phones with eSIM, yes: the travel eSIM carries data and your Australian SIM stays on for texts. Roaming charges can still start on the Australian line, so read how to keep your number without roaming charges.

Do providers pay to be picked?

No. Providers can't pay to change a pick or the order of plans, and each pick prints the rule that chose it. No link earns us a commission yet; when one does, it won't cost you anything. How we make money lists each provider's status.

• Compare every plan by destination
• What is an eSIM and how does it work?
• How to set up a travel eSIM before you fly