Connectivity by country
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all sell international day passes at $5 to $10 a day. On a two-week trip that is $70 to $140 for data you could usually buy for $10 to $25 from a travel eSIM. The exception is a trip of three days or less, where a roaming pass is often the cheaper and simpler answer. Pick your destination to see what data actually costs there.
Connectivity in 36 destinations
Prices are indicative, shown in AUD and refreshed from provider APIs where available. Always confirm the final price on the provider's site - it is the price that applies. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never changes what you pay. Partners are listed before providers who pay us nothing, as our terms set out; sorting by price ignores all of that and orders on the number alone. How we make money.
How these comparisons are made
Every plan listed can be bought with an Australian account and is priced in AUD, with a per-GB column so a 1GB and a 20GB plan can be compared honestly. Jamie has personally bought and used eSIMs from the providers in these tables on real trips - being usable by an actual Australian traveller, not just cheap on paper, is the bar for inclusion. Prices are indicative and re-checked against provider pricing; the provider's checkout is always authoritative. Read the full editorial policy.
Not sure how much data you need? The travel data calculator estimates it from how long you are away and what you actually do on your phone.
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Frequently asked questions
Will an eSIM work on my phone?
Every iPhone from the XS onward, and most Android flagships from 2020 onward, support eSIM. The phone also has to be carrier-unlocked. Most Australian phones bought outright are; phones on a carrier plan sometimes are not, so check before you fly.
Do I keep my Australian number on an eSIM?
Yes. A travel eSIM is a second line, so your Australian number stays active for calls and SMS, including bank verification codes. You turn data roaming off on the Australian line and use the eSIM for data.
Is a travel eSIM cheaper than roaming?
Almost always for trips longer than about four days. Below that, an Australian day pass can work out cheaper once you count the effort of setting up a new line.
What is actually worth booking.
New destination guides and side-by-side comparisons for Australian travellers - which eSIM, which travel card, which insurance is worth paying for, and what to sort before you go. Prices in Australian dollars, a few emails a year.