Complete Guide to Last-Minute Travel Deals for Australians
Discover how to snag amazing last-minute travel deals from Australia. Explore flights, hotels, car hire & packages with Last Minute.
There’s no denying that ongoing tech developments have made travelling abroad much easier than it was in decades past.
Access to the internet and the ability to use our phones overseas as easily as we do at home has greatly contributed to this.
One area that has seen continued advancement is international SIM cards, in particular, the introduction of eSIMs.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at what an eSIM is and how they work as well as compare some available ESIM plans with Optus so you can decide if this option is suited to your needs when travelling.
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An eSIM is an embedded, digital SIM that comes inbuilt in most modern phones. This permits downloadable eSIM software to be installed on your device for easy connection to a local phone network without the need for a physical SIM card.
They perform the same function as a physical SIM, working to provide access to the cellular network in your location for easy access to Wi-Fi, SMS or calls whether at home in Australia or while abroad.
Optus currently offers eSIM capabilities on all their plans, so long as your device is eSIM capable, you can use an eSIM.
Below is a brief look at some eSIM-enabled pre-paid and post-paid options available with Optus. These are SIM-only plans and do not include the provision of a mobile device.¹
Pre-Paid Plans¹ | Data | Cost | Duration | Roaming | Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Optus Flex Plus 80GB | 80GB | AUD$55 | 28 Days | Available as a paid add-on | - Unlimited standard talk and text in Australia - 1200 minutes of international calls to select destinations |
Optus Flex Plus 120 GB | 120GB | AUD$160 | 186 Days | Available as a paid add-on | - Unlimited standard talk and text in Australia - No international calls |
Optus Flex Plus 260 GB | 260GB | AUD$320 | 365 Days | Available as a paid add-on | -Unlimited standard talk and text in Australia -No international calls |
Post-Paid Plans² | Data | Cost | Duration | Roaming | Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium Optus Choice Plus Plan | 100GB | AUD$59 per month | Month-to-month | Available as a paid add-on | -Unlimited standard talk and text in Australia - Unlimited standard international talk and text |
Optus Plus Promo Plan | 500GB | AUD$69 monthly for the first 12 months, AUD$89 per month thereafter | Month-to-month | Available as a paid add-on | -Unlimited standard talk and text in Australia - Unlimited standard international talk and text |
As seen on 27 March 2024
If you are already an Optus customer and desire to transfer your existing plan that is linked to a physical SIM over to an eSIM, we will cover how to do this further on.
Yes, as Optus eSIMS are not specific to any one plan, so long as you have roaming enabled on your plan and have set up an eSIM on your device, you can use your eSIM while travelling.
As noted in the above table, Optus does not offer international roaming as a standard inclusion on their pre or post-paid mobile plans.²
However, it can be added on as a paid extra.³ The cost for this and how it can be set up and paid for will differ depending on your chosen plan.
Read more: Optus international roaming. The rates, fees & how it works |
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There are several benefits to pursuing an eSIM with Optus. These include⁴:
For existing Optus customers, obtaining an eSIM is achieved by doing one of the following⁵:
NB. This does not indicate a change of plan, only that you are now accessing service via an eSIM rather than a physical SIM.
For new Optus Customers, simply select eSIM as your preferred connection method when purchasing your pre-paid or month-to-month plan. This can be done online, in-store, over the phone or via the My Optus App.⁵
There are no additional costs associated with setting up an eSIM with Optus or for accessing their services via one.
Your service costs will be wholly determined by the plan you choose, how you use your phone regarding this plan and whether you opt for any paid add-on services such as roaming.
Once you have purchased your preferred plan with eSIM selected as your preferred connection method, you will receive an eSIM installation link by email.
This link will direct you to download the My Optus App and sign-in.
New Customers should then follow these steps⁶:
If you're an existing Optus customer, first select the ‘More’ tab from the My Optus app home screen, followed by ‘Get New service.’ Then follow steps 2 to 4 as above to complete.
As this is a relatively new and emerging technology, not all devices offer eSIM compatibility at this time.
If unsure, we recommend speaking with Optus directly, or your phone manufacturer to determine whether an eSIM can be used with your device.
The following is a brief list of some of the most common mobile devices in use in Australia that are listed by Optus as being eSIM compatible.⁷
Brand | Model |
---|---|
Apple | iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 14 and later |
Pixel 4 and later (some earlier overseas models may also support eSIM) | |
Samsung | Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra, Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra, Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra, Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold4 / Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold3 / Flip3, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold |
Oppo | Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Reno 5A, Oppo Find X5, Oppo Find X5 Pro, Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Find X5, Oppo Find X5 Pro, Oppo A55s 5G, Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G, Oppo Find N2 Flip |
Current as at 27 March 2024
While both eSIMs and standard SIMS work the same in terms of accessing mobile services both within Australia and abroad, they do have their downsides.
The biggest of these is that as your eSIM is embedded into your phone's software as a digital download, it is not easily transferable to a new device.
This means that should your phone malfunction during your travels, you cannot simply swap your SIM into a new one.
This typically involves calls to your Australian provider and even then, transferring your eSIM to a new device may not be possible. Making it challenging to restore access to your mobile plan when travelling.
To speak with Optus regarding their eSIMs or any of their plans, you can do so via:
Alternatively, you can speak with a customer care representative 24/7 through the chat service on the Optus website or in the app.
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Sources:
Sources checked on: 27 March 2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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