The quick verdict
An eSIM is the simplest way to skip roaming fees and land connected.
Get an eSIM for Australia ↗
Airalo sells a local Australia eSIM — pick it on their store. Some links here are partner links: if you buy through them, Diaries of Travels may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only point to a service when it matches the advice on the page, and a commission never changes what we recommend. Disclosure →
What to expect
- Coverage
- Australia has good coverage in cities and along the populated coast, and vast dead zones in the Outback.
- Networks
- Runs on Telstra (widest reach), Optus or Vodafone.
- Data for a week
- 5–10 GB for a week, more for long coastal road trips.
- Good to know
- Only Telstra reaches much of the Outback, and even then patchily. For remote drives, offline maps are essential, not optional.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming?
For most trips to Australia, an eSIM is the simplest choice: you buy and install it before you fly, then land already online. A local SIM can be cheaper for very long stays, but means queuing at the airport and sometimes registering ID. Your home carrier's roaming is the most expensive option and worth avoiding unless your plan already includes Australia.
How to set up your Australia eSIM
- Check your phone. It needs to be eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. Most phones from the last few years qualify.
- Buy the Australia eSIM before you fly, while you still have Wi-Fi at home.
- Install it over Wi-Fi. A one-tap install or a QR code adds it as a second line — your home SIM stays in place.
- Land and switch on. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only. It connects to a local network automatically.
- Keep your number. Leave your home SIM active for calls and texts, and use the eSIM for data.
One honest caveat
Coverage, plans and prices change, and networks vary by region within Australia. Always download offline maps for anywhere remote, and check your phone supports eSIM before you buy.