Mobile internet in Australia: eSIM, roaming or local SIM?
Updated October 30, 2026
Australia is huge: road trips along the coast, flights between cities and long stretches between towns. Maps, booking apps and staying in touch all run through your phone.
The networks
Our Australia eSIM connects to Telstra or Optus (5G). The internet exit is inside the country, so there is no detour via Hong Kong or another country.
Roaming, local SIM or eSIM?
- Roaming with your home plan: easy, but often expensive, and the data usually runs through your home country.
- Local SIM card: cheap, but you need to find a shop after arrival, often show your passport, and swap the SIM in your phone.
- eSIM: bought before the trip, QR code by email. Your home SIM stays in the phone, so your number stays reachable for calls and SMS.
How much data do you need?
Our plans run for 30 days with 5 GB, 10 GB or 20 GB for the whole period. 5 GB covers maps, rides and messaging on a short trip, 10 GB is the most popular choice, 20 GB is for long trips, lots of video or working on the road.
Away from towns, in the outback, coverage can be patchy on every network. Download offline maps before long drives.
Install at home, the plan starts on arrival
You can install the eSIM before your trip on your Wi-Fi at home. The plan starts once the eSIM connects to a local network. After arrival, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming.
- Data only, no local phone number. Call and text via WhatsApp or similar apps.
- Does your phone support eSIM? eSIM check.
- Step-by-step for iPhone and Android: installation guide.
- The QR code works only once, so do not delete the eSIM during your trip.