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You may have noticed that sim cards have been consistently getting smaller over the last decade. Well now you may not even need a physical card if you have a device that is compatible with an eSIM. Telstra, one of the largest telecommunications companies in Australia is one provider adding eSIMs to their available service offers.
This article will explore the type of eSIMs you can use with Telstra at home and abroad.
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An embedded sim or eSIM as it is more known is a digitised sim that is pre-built into a mobile or portable device. An eSIM allows you to connect to a telecommunications network without having to have a physical SIM card.¹ On a compatible device, you can have multiple numbers connected to the eSIM at the same time. This is in comparison to a typical dual sim device which generally allows only 2 numbers attached with two separate SIM cards.
Telstra offers a few ways to get an eSIM. You can either¹:
We’ll go through what each of these options look like.
There are 6 different prepaid Telstra eSIM plans that are available when you have an eSIM compatible device. Here is a breakdown of what's available.²
Prepaid Plan | Cost | Expiry | Data Allowance | Australia calls and texts | Making international calls or texts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plan 1 | $12 | 7 days | 3 GB | Unlimited | Text only |
Plan 2* | $35 | 28 days | 35GB for first three recharges and 15GB thereafter | Unlimited | Calls and texts |
Plan 3* | $45 | 28 days | 50GB for first three recharges and 25GB thereafter | Unlimited | Calls and texts |
Plan 4* | $55 | 28 days | 70GB for first three recharges and 35GB thereafter | Unlimited | Calls and texts |
Plan 5* | $65 | 28 days | 105GB for first three recharges and 70GB thereafter | Unlimited | Calls and texts |
Plan 6* | $160 | 6 months | 110GB for first three recharges and 70GB thereafter | Unlimited | Calls and texts |
Plan 7* | $320 | 6 months | 230GB for first three recharges and 160GB thereafter | Unlimited | Calls and texts |
*Price and package listed for new customers only as of 3rd April 2024
Each of these offers are only for a limited time. They include continuous data rollover for leftover data if you recharge before the expiry date up to 200GB, excluding prepaid plan 6 and 7.³ To make international calls or texts using your eSIM, Telstra separates countries by zones which attract different call and text limits based on the above eSIM prepaid plans.
eSIMs are available for those who already have a postpaid plan or contract with Telstra. They are also available for those who are looking to port their number from their existing network to a plan with Telstra.¹
Read more: Telstra international roaming. The rates, fees & how it works |
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Unfortunately, Telstra eSIMs are targeted towards use in Australia, especially if you want to use your eSIM for mobile data.⁴ However, as you can see above, some prepaid offers will allow you to use your package to make international calls and texts.³
There are several benefits for using a Telstra eSIM which include¹:
The process to set up and activate an eSIM is generally faster than the process of organising a traditional physical SIM card.
You can get an eSIM with Telstra by accessing the My Telstra App. To switch from a physical Telstra sim to an eSIM, here are the steps.⁵
If you cannot see step 2, your plan may not be eligible or your device is not compatible.
Unfortunately, Telstra eSIMs are not able to be used abroad unless you only want to receive international calls or texts.⁴
To be able to purchase an international roaming day pass through the My Telstra app, you will need to be on a Telstra Upfront plan. You can choose between three day pass options on this plan.⁶
Zone countries | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Cost and feature | $5 per day for 1 GB data and unlimited calls and texts | $10 per day for 1GB and unlimited calls and texts | $10 a day for unlimited calls and texts |
Eligible countries | New Zealand only | 70 destinations | 7 destinations |
If you don’t have an eligible Telstra plan to access roaming but still want to use your device abroad, you can purchase and activate a local eSIM abroad on your device in your destination country. If you do this, it is recommended to disconnect your Telstra eSIM to avoid any extra charges.
To get and activate an eSIM on your device, you need to¹:
If you are porting your number from a different network, it could take a few hours to complete the process. For Telstra plans, it will only take a few minutes.
The most important thing to know when it comes to getting an eSIM is that you need to make sure you have a compatible device. Generally, most mobile phones manufactured after 2020 come with eSIM compatibility.
Nonetheless, here is a list of popular devices that support Telstra eSIMs.¹
Iphone | Samsung | Nokia | Oppo | Motorola | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
XR XS 11 12 13 14 15 SE (2020 & 2022) | s20 s21 s22 s23 s24 Galaxy z flip Galaxy z fold | Pixel 3a Pixel 4 Pixel 5 Pixel 6 Pixel 7 Pixel 8 | X30 5G | Find N2 Flip Find X3 Pro Find X5 Pro | Razr40 Ultra Razr40 |
If you have a device from overseas, it may not be compatible with a Telstra eSIM.
Unless you purchase an additional roaming package through the My Telstra App, it's recommended to disable roaming for each number you have linked with an eSIM on your device. If you don’t, you can incur high international data roaming charges unintentionally when travelling.⁴
If you need to contact Telstra, you can:
There are also several other ways to contact Telstra if you require specific or specialised support on their website.
Want to learn more? Here are some extra FAQs for Telstra eSIMs.
No, switching from a physical sim to an eSIM does not impact your plan. It also does not impact any prepaid account balances you have left or your actual phone number.¹
Yes, changing over to an eSIM is more environmentally friendly. This is by removing the CO2 emissions associated with manufacturing and logistical processes involved in getting a physical sim card to you.²
No, your old physical SIM card will be deactivated.⁷
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Sources:
Sources checked on: 3rd April 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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