Optus eSIM. How it works at home and abroad

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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

As seen on 10 April 2026

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.

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🌏 Heading abroad? Compare the best travel cards in our guide for the smartest way to spend overseas.

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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.

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 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

Current as at 10 April 2026

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 (general sales contact number) within Australia during core business hours, or 1300 304 182 for eSIM-related enquiries

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 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 40+ currencies and spend it in 150+ countries. Whenever you exchange currencies it’s done using the mid-market rate with a transparent 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 conversion fee.

Join millions of customers currently using Wise. It’ll only take a few minutes to register and see what’s inside.

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Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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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: 10 April 2026