As the world has become increasingly interconnected, staying connected while traveling abroad has become an essential aspect of any journey. For those planning to visit Australia for either a work commitment or a holiday trip, seamless mobile communication and access to data is of great significance.
Traditional SIM cards are being rapidly replaced by their electronic counterparts, offering travelers flexibility, convenience, and affordability like never before. e-SIM cards for Australia can help visitors enjoy affordable mobile connectivity no matter where they go
In this article, we will discuss the best eSIMs tailored specifically for travelers heading to Australia for a holiday trip. Our mission is clear: to provide you with an in-depth analysis of various eSIM plans from popular mobile network providers, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your communication needs and budget.
From price comparisons to the latest SIM plans and activation processes, you will find everything you need to know about the best and cheapest eSIM cards in Australia. Read on to find out more on the topic.
Recommendations for the Best Tourist eSIM Cards in Australia
Below we have compiled a list of some of the best performing tourist e-SIM cards for Australia. Reliable mobile network providers power these SIMs and offer a convenient and budget-friendly option for savvy travelers to stay connected without breaking the bank.
Now without any further delay, let’s take a closer look at top Australian e-SIMs for tourists and travellers.
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Nomad e-SIM Card for Australia
Cost: $30 (AED110.18)
Specifications
- 20 GB data volume
- data only e-SIM
- Does not provide a phone number
- Incoming and outgoing local calls/texts are not supported
- Powered by Vodafone’s 4G/LTE network
- 45 days validity
- valid for use within Australia only
- Comes down to $1.50 (AED 5.51) per GB
To purchase this e-SIM card for Australia, you may click here.
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Three HK e-SIM Cards for Australia
Cost: $34.90 (AED 128.18)
Specifications
- 20 GB data volume
- data-only e-SIM
- does not provide a phone number
- Incoming and outgoing phone calls/text messages are not supported
- Offers 4G/LTE coverage
- 30 days validity
- valid for use in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, Canada, and Hong Kong
- It comes down to $1.75 per GB
To purchase this eSIM card by Three HK via SimOptions, click here
Nomad eSIM cards in Australia offer the best value for money and provide seamless mobile connectivity on the go. Their eSIM for $30 (AED 110.18) offers a generous amount of data which can be a suitable option for travelers visiting Australia for a short trip.
If you’re considering an alternative option, an eSIM card for Australia through Three Hong Kong could be a viable choice. Available for purchase via SimOptions, this international eSIM card extends its coverage to six countries, making it particularly appealing if your travels include destinations like New Zealand. It’s important to note that both eSIM cards discussed here are data-only options.
If your journey encompasses more than just Australia and New Zealand, exploring eSIM cards designed for global travelers might be a more suitable option. These versatile eSIM solutions cover multiple countries, offering seamless connectivity wherever your adventures take you.
Whether you’re traversing the Pacific or circumnavigating the globe, these multi-country eSIM cards could be the perfect companion for your journey. To find more information on international e-SIM cards for traveling abroad, check out this interesting article and get all your queries sorted.
Best eSIM Card Providers for Australia
Purchasing an e-SIM card for Australia upon arrival might not be a possible option as none of the International Airports in the country have such a facility for visitors. Major mobile service providers in Australia only offer physical prepaid SIM cards for tourists at Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney International Airport.
However various mobile phone stores sell eSIM cards with different plans and budgets to accommodate the visitors arriving into the country. But for that, you will need to do some legwork and locate nearby retail outlets and visit them in person to make a purchase. This might create a bit of hassle especially if you are arriving after a long-haul flight.
Fortunately, there are a lot of reputable eSIM providers selling e-SIM cards for Australia online. To avoid stress and hassle, you can choose to purchase eSIMs online from these vendors by visiting their official websites.
Purchasing eSIMs online is nothing short of a breeze. No ID verification or documentation is required. You just need to select a preferred plan, provide your email address, make payment online, and you are good to go.
Three major companies are selling budget-friendly eSIM cards in Australia. We will now take a look at eSIMs offered by each of these companies so that you get an idea of what you would be getting and for how much. You can then choose a suitable plan that aligns with your budget and personal preferences.
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Airalo eSIM Cards in Australia
Airalo stands out as a prominent choice among eSIM providers for travelers exploring Australia, offering unparalleled coverage and reliable service across the country. With Airalo eSIMs, adventurers can travel anywhere in Australia with confidence, knowing they’ll stay connected every step of the way.
However, while Airalo’s eSIM plans provide top-notch performance and extensive coverage, it’s worth noting that their pricing tends to be slightly higher compared to competitors such as SimOptions and Nomad.
Despite this, many travelers prioritize Airalo for its reliability and comprehensive network coverage, making it a preferred option for those who value seamless connectivity and peace of mind when traveling abroad.
Airalo’s Latest eSIM Card Plans for Australia
Here are some of the best eSIM cards in Australia available at Airalo’s website:
- 1 GB data volume valid for 7 days = $4.5(AED16.50)
- 2 GB data volume valid for 15 days = $8(AED29.40)
- 3 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $9(AED33.10)
- 5 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $12.5(AED45.90)
- 10 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $20 (AED73.60)
- 20 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $40(AED147.20)
To purchase any of the above-mentioned eSIM cards in Australia, click here.
The Airalo eSIM cards in Australia are powered by Yes! Go! and operate on the robust 4G/LTE network infrastructure of Optus. However, it’s worth noting that these Airalo Yes! Go! eSIM cards in Australia are not 5G compatible, although this isn’t a significant setback given the limited availability of 5G networks across the country, particularly outside major urban centers.
As of 2024, 5G coverage in Australia remains predominantly concentrated in larger cities. Nevertheless, travelers will find reliable 4G/LTE signals in most of Australia’s renowned destinations, ensuring reasonably good data speeds for their connectivity needs.
All Airalo eSIM cards are exclusively data-only, devoid of any associated phone numbers, thus rendering phone call and SMS services unsupported. It’s important to install an Airalo eSIM card within one month of the purchase. After successful activation, the credit validity commences upon the first connection to a compatible network in Australia.
For further details and inquiries, you can visit Airalo’s official website.
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SimOptions eSIM Cards in Australia
SimOptions offers an appealing alternative for travelers seeking economical eSIMs for Australia, boasting competitive pricing and generous data volumes that outshine those of Airalo. Their straightforward and user-friendly platform enables customers to effortlessly purchase eSIMs with just a few clicks, providing a seamless experience from selection to activation.
What sets SimOptions apart is its provision of two distinct types of eSIMs for Australia: one under its own brand, offering data-only solutions tailored specifically for the Australian market, and another powered by Three HK, providing international e-SIMs with broader coverage across multiple countries.
With SimOptions, travelers can enjoy the convenience of choosing eSIMs that align perfectly with their connectivity needs and travel plans, all at a competitive price point and with ample data allowances.
SimOptions Latest eSIM Card Plans for Australia
Here are the latest eSIM plans for Australia powered by SimOptions:
- 1 GB data volume valid for 7 days = $9.90 (AED 36.40)
- 6 GB data volume valid for 10 days = $17.90 (AED 65.70)
Three HK International eSIM Carda for Australia
Here are the latest international eSIM plans for Australia powered by Three HK
- 10 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $24.90 (AED91.50)
- 20 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $34.90 (AED128.20)
To order any of the abovementioned eSIM cards in Australia through SimOptions, click here.
SimOptions does not provide explicit details regarding the specific mobile network operator they use in Australia to power their eSIMs. However, it’s important to note that their international eSIM cards are not 5G compatible, meaning the maximum data speed available is limited to 4G/LTE networks.
The Three HK eSIM cards available through SimOptions are international e-SIMs valid in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada, and Hong Kong. Being a Hong Kong-based eSIM card, it’s worth mentioning that TikTok access may be restricted. Nonetheless, one notable advantage of these Three HK e-SIM cards is the inclusion of a phone number starting with +852 which supports incoming calls and text messages.
Other SimOptions eSIM cards in Australia do not include a phone number and do not facilitate incoming or outgoing calls or SMS services. These eSIMs stay valid for one year, and the credit validity begins immediately upon installation, irrespective of the user’s location, even if outside Australia.
For further details and information, we recommend you visit the official website for SimOptions or contact their customer support team for assistance.
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Nomad Tourist eSIM Cards in Australia
Nomad eSIMs for Australia are another suitable option for travelers, offering some of the most budget-friendly plans compared to competitors like SimOptions and Airalo. Their eSIMs are by far the cheapest connections available for Australia.
Despite their economical pricing, Nomad doesn’t compromise on variety, providing a diverse range of eSIM options tailored for Australia, powered by different mobile network providers.
This diversity allows travelers to select the eSIM that best suits their connectivity needs and preferences. With Nomad, affordability meets versatility, ensuring travelers can stay connected without breaking the bank during their Australian adventures.
Nomad’s Latest e-SIM Cards for Australia
Here are some of the best eSIM cards in Australia available at Nomad’s website:
- 1 GB data volume valid for 7 days = $5 (AED 18.40)
- 3 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $10 (AED 36.70)
- 5 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $12 (AED 44.10)
- 10 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $19 (AED 69.80)
- 15 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $25 (AED 91.90)
- 20 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $30 (AED 110.40)
- 30 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $80 (AED 294.40)
- 40 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $110 (AED 404.20)
- 50 GB data volume valid for 30 days = $125 (AED 459.60)
To purchase any of the above-mentioned eSIM plans for Australia, click here
The majority of the Nomad eSIM cards are powered by Singtel and only a few are supported by Joytel. Joytel e-SIMs commonly operate on Optus’s 5G/4G/LTE network and offer 5G coverage. On the other hand, eSIMs powered by Singtel do not support 5G coverage and only offer 4G/LTE coverage.
However as the 5G network isn’t fully developed in Australia, some areas may not provide powerful signals. But if you plan on visiting major urban cities only then Singtel eSIMs will do the job.
Joytel eSIMs by Nomad are also more expensive than Singtel eSIM cards, so it’s better to opt for cheaper options to save money on your trip.
All Nomad eSIM cards exclusively offer data-only services, with no provision for incoming or outgoing calls and SMS. However, it’s worth noting that certain Nomad eSIM cards in Australia provide exceptional value, with prices plummeting as low as $1.50 (AED 5.50) per gigabyte. Given this remarkable affordability, Nomad e-SIM cards are considered the top choice for traveling to Australia in 2024.
To activate Nomad Australia eSIM cards, they must be installed on your device within 30 days of purchase. Once installed, their validity period commences upon connecting to a supported network in Australia, typically upon arrival.
For further details and inquiries, we recommend you visit Nomad’s official website or contact their customer support team for assistance.
Cheap Tourist eSIM Cards in Australia Available in Stores
Besides the online vendors mentioned above for purchasing eSIM cards in Australia, there are mobile phone stores located across the country that offer cheap eSIM cards for tourists. These e-SIMs are powered by local mobile network providers and offer economical plans for travelers arriving in the country.
Here are the details:
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Optus eSIM Cards in Australia
Optus provides both physical and eSIM cards designed for tourists, available at Official Optus stores across Australia. They offer three standard tourist plans for 2024 mentioned below:
- 5 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS for 7 days = AUD 12 (approximately AED44 AED)
- 40 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS and international calls for 28 days = AUD 35 (approximately AED 128 AED)
- 60 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS and international calls for 28 days = AUD 45 (approximately AED 165 AED)
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Vodafone eSIM Cards in Australia
Vodafone also has some attractive eSIM plans for tourists arriving in Australia. Details are as follows:
- 40 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS and international calls for 28 days costs AUD 30 (approximately USD 19 or 70 AED)
- 50 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS and international calls for 28 days costs AUD 40 (approximately USD 25 or 93 AED)
- 60 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS and international calls for 28 days costs AUD 50 (approximately USD 32 or 116 AED).
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Telstra eSIM Cards in Australia
Telstra is offering the best affordable eSIM cards in Australia at the moment. They provide extensive 4G/5G coverage all across the country allowing users to enjoy fast speed internet browsing on their mobile devices. Following are some of the best eSIM plans offered by the company:
- 3 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS for 7 days costs AUD 12 (approximately USD 7.6 or 28 AED).
- 35 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS and international calls for 28 days costs AUD 35 (approximately USD 35 or 128 AED).
- 45 GB data with unlimited calls/SMS and international calls for 28 days costs AUD 45 (approximately USD 45 or 165 AED).
What is the Cheapest Tourist e-SIM for Australia?
The cheapest eSIM for Australia is offered by Airalo for just $4.5 (AED 16.53) with 1 GB of data valid for 7 days. Airalo eSIMs provide only data connectivity and do not support incoming and outgoing phone calls/text messages.
Nomad also has some affordable mobile connection plans for Australia suitable for savvy travellers. You can choose the eSIM plan that aligns best with your budget and personal preferences.
Read more about SIM Cards for Germany, US, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Dubai, New Zealand or global eSIMs.