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Travel SIM card or eSIM? What to use overseas from Australia

You can roam on your Australian plan, swap in a physical travel SIM card, or add a travel eSIM. Each suits a different phone and trip.

Updated 1 Nov 2026 · 5 min read · Menus vary by phone model and software version

There are three common ways to stay connected overseas. This guide sets out what each involves, what you give up with it and when it is the better choice. We don't sell any of them. No link earns us a commission yet; when one does, it won't cost you anything. See how we make money for each provider's status.

The three options

1. Roam on your Australian plan

You keep your own number and plan, and your Australian provider charges you for using it overseas. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) warns that international roaming for calls, texts and data can cost a lot, and says to plan ahead rather than pay as you go.

  • Ask your provider about a roaming bundle, which may be called a travel pack, roaming pass or international day pass, for the countries you are visiting.
  • Providers must send you a notification about roaming costs when you arrive overseas, send alerts as you use a roaming value pack, and let you decline roaming at any time.
  • Apple says roaming with an eSIM works the same way as roaming with a physical SIM, so this option doesn't depend on your phone's SIM type.

Our roaming calculator compares the day passes of Telstra, Optus and Vodafone with the cheapest eSIM for your trip.

2. A physical travel SIM card

This is a local prepaid SIM bought at your destination, or an international SIM card bought before you go. ACMA suggests a local prepaid SIM if you can change the SIM in your phone, and notes it will have a data limit and its own phone number.

  • A different number. ACMA notes a local prepaid SIM has its own phone number, which suits calls to local businesses or a hostel. Apple says the same of many local eSIM plans, and that depending on local rules you may be asked for ID such as a passport when you buy.
  • A card to handle. Apple points out that physical SIM cards can be lost and may take time to arrive by post. If your phone has one SIM tray, the travel SIM takes the place of your Australian SIM while it is in. A phone with a SIM tray and eSIM can use a physical SIM and an eSIM together, according to Apple.
  • Works on more phones. It doesn't need an eSIM-capable phone. Apple says an iPhone locked to one service provider can't be used with another provider while you travel, so check yours is unlocked first.

3. A travel eSIM

You buy the plan online, usually before you fly, and install it over Wi-Fi at home. See what an eSIM is and how it works.

  • Nothing to swap. Apple notes there is no card to obtain, carry or swap, and no waiting for one in the post.
  • Your Australian SIM stays in. Many phones can use your Australian line and the travel eSIM together, so you can keep your number for texts. See how to keep your Australian number.
  • Mostly data. None of the plans we list includes a local phone number, so calls and texts go through messaging apps or your Australian line. Check each provider's plan page.
  • It needs a compatible, unlocked phone. Check yours first.
  • Many choices. Apple notes that prepaid plans are offered by local providers in many countries and by worldwide providers, with different data amounts, lengths and coverage. Our destination pages compare them in Australian dollars.

How to choose

  • Your phone doesn't support eSIM, or is locked. Roaming, or a physical SIM once the phone is unlocked. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
  • A short trip, mostly data, a phone with eSIM. A travel eSIM is usually the simplest. See the best travel eSIM for each destination.
  • You need a local number for calls and texts. A physical SIM, or an eSIM plan that includes a number if the provider offers one.
  • A weekend trip with a cheap day pass. Run the numbers in the roaming calculator, which shows whether your carrier's pass or an eSIM costs less for your trip.
  • Several countries in one trip. Check each plan's list of countries, or whether you would need a new SIM in each. A regional eSIM plan covers one set of countries; compare the Europe plans.

Sources

Next: set up a travel eSIM before you fly, or see the best travel eSIM for Japan, Bali or Thailand.