Our recommended eSIMs for Australia
Roaming to Australia is expensive on most home plans, and an eSIM is the simple fix — buy online, install before you fly, and keep your home number for calls and codes while the travel plan carries your data.
Airalo
Best valueThe broadest coverage — 200+ countries — and strong value. Buy exactly the data you need.
Check Airalo plans →Yesim
Most flexiblePer-country, regional, pay-as-you-go and a global plan across 150+ destinations.
Check Yesim plans →Saily
NordVPN teamA reliable, security-minded eSIM from the team behind NordVPN, with a clean app.
Check Saily plans →Holiday.com
ExpressVPN teamA global travel eSIM for 150+ destinations from the team behind ExpressVPN — one eSIM you top up as you go, with a privacy focus.
Check Holiday.com plans →GigSky
Cruise & inflightTravel eSIM covering 190+ countries, plus cruise-ship and inflight data plans that most eSIM providers do not offer.
Check GigSky plans →Plans, prices and coverage change often — confirm the current plan on each provider's own page before buying. Links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Coverage in Australia
Coverage is strong along the populated east and south-east coasts and in the cities, as travel eSIMs use Australia's major networks. The Outback and remote interior have large gaps for every network, so plan offline maps and check coverage if you are heading inland.
How much data do you need?
- ◆Light use (maps, messaging): 1–3GB per week.
- ◆Normal use (social, navigation, photos): a 5–10GB plan.
- ◆Long road trips: a larger data allowance, plus offline maps for the interior.
Getting connected on arrival
- 1Buy your plan before you fly, while you still have your home connection.
- 2Install the eSIM when prompted (scan the QR code or tap install in the provider's app), and label the line so it is easy to find.
- 3On arrival, turn the travel eSIM's data on and enable data roaming for that line.
- 4Set your home line to 'data off' so you are never billed for roaming, and keep it active for calls, texts and two-factor codes.
Plan the rest of your Australia trip
Flights, a hire car and somewhere to stay — the essentials, in one place, from services we rate.
Compare flights to Australia across hundreds of airlines and travel agencies in one search — set a price alert and book when the fare is right.
Find flights to Australia →Compare car-hire deals across Australia from all the major rental companies in one search — most bookings come with free cancellation, and prices are usually lowest when you book ahead.
Compare car hire in Australia →Find somewhere to stay in Australia — from city hotels to coastal boltholes — with free cancellation on most rooms. Filter by area and read verified guest reviews before you book.
Where to stay in Australia →Great Barrier Reef trips, Sydney attractions and day tours.
Book Reef, Opera House & tours →Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work in Australia?
Yes. Travel eSIMs connect to Australia's major networks, with strong coverage along the coasts and in cities. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
Will I have signal in the Outback?
The remote interior has large coverage gaps for every network. Stick to main routes for connectivity and carry offline maps if you head inland.
Which is the best eSIM for Australia?
Airalo is the value default; for heavy use on long coastal drives, buy a larger plan.
