Optus eSIM. How it works at home and abroad

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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What is an eSIM and how does it work?

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 eSIM plans

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.

Can you use Optus eSIM abroad?

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

Benefits of Optus eSIM

There are several benefits to pursuing an eSIM with Optus. These include⁴:

• Being able to set up multiple eSIMS depending on your mobile device, which allows you to use multiple numbers, such as business or personal on the same phone.
• Easier, faster connection to a mobile network, can be done online in as little as 15 minutes for new customers. Typically, no store visits or postal deliveries are necessary.
• Simplified changes or add-ons to plans through the My Optus app.
• Enhanced sustainability, with no packaging and less manufacturing involved eSIMS are more environmentally friendly.

How to get an eSIM with Optus

For existing Optus customers, obtaining an eSIM is achieved by doing one of the following⁵:

• Organising a new or replacement SIM card activation
• Accessing your My Account dashboard
• Visiting an Optus store or
• Messaging an Optus service expert via the Optus website

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

Cost and fees for eSIM and services with Optus

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.

How to install the eSIM on your device

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:

1. Select ‘Get Connected Now’ from the app home screen
2. Then select ‘Connect Digital eSIM’ from the menu
3. Follow the activation steps provided, you may need a photo ID and a debit or credit card to complete this
4. Once activation is complete and submitted, your eSIM will begin installing. Then simply follow the prompts as they appear to complete the installation.

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.

Which devices do Optus eSIMs support

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
Google	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

What to keep in mind when using Optus eSIMs abroad

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.

Contacting Optus

To speak with Optus regarding their eSIMs or any of their plans, you can do so via:

• 1800 508 000 within Australia during core business hours

Alternatively, you can speak with a customer care representative 24/7 through the chat service on the Optus website or in the app.

Give the Wise Account and Debit Card a try

If you're are planning on travelling abroad in the near future, or you want to hold and spend multiple currencies, you should check out the Wise Account and Debit Card.

With a Wise Account you can hold money in over 40 currencies and spend it in over 170 countries. Whenever you exchange currencies it’s done using the mid-market rate with a low conversion fee shown upfront.

To make everyday spending easier you can order a Wise Debit card for your Wise Account and generate virtual cards as needed. If you have the local currency in your Wise Account the Wise card will use it and charge no fees. If you don’t, it uses smart technology to auto-convert your money at the mid-market rate, for a low conversion fee.

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Sources:

1. Optus - Prepaid Plans
2. Optus - Post-paid Plans
3. Optus - Roaming
4. Optus - eSIM Benefits
5. Optus - Accessing an eSIM
6. Optus - Installing your eSIM
7. Optus - Supported Devices

Sources checked on: 27 March 2024