How to Stay Connected in Australia: WiFi, Roaming & eSIM

Travelling to Australia is an unforgettable experience, from iconic cities like Sydney and Melbourne to vast coastlines and remote natural landscapes. But staying connected while you travel is essential for navigation, transport, bookings and keeping in touch.

In this guide, we break down the most common ways travellers try to stay online in Australia and explain why a Sim Local Australia eSIM is the easiest, most affordable and most reliable option.

Before choosing how to stay connected, it’s important to understand why many traditional options fall short such as Public WiFi, International Roaming, Pocket WiFi and Local physical SIM card. Here we breakdown why each one of these options is not ideal.

Public WiFi is available in airports, hotels and cafés, but it comes with major drawbacks:

• Slow or unreliable speeds
• Limited coverage outside city centres
• Security risks on open networks
• Login systems that may require a local number

Public WiFi is helpful occasionally, but it’s not dependable enough to rely on throughout your trip.

International roaming may seem convenient, but it is often the most expensive option.

• Daily roaming fees can add up quickly
• Data allowances are usually limited
• Speeds may be throttled
• Costs are often unclear until you receive your bill

Many travellers are shocked by their roaming charges after returning home.

Pocket WiFi was once popular, but it is now far less practical.

• Another device to carry and charge
• Extra cost for longer trips
• Shared speeds across multiple devices
• Less reliable coverage in regional areas

For most travellers, an eSIM provides a better experience with far less hassle.

Buying a physical SIM in Australia is possible, but inconvenient.

• Queues at airport shops
• You must remove your home SIM
• Temporary loss of access to your usual number

An eSIM avoids all of these issues entirely.

A Sim Local Australia eSIM gives you fast, reliable mobile data without roaming charges or physical SIM cards.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that installs directly on your phone. You can set it up before you travel and activate it as soon as you land, so you’re connected instantly.

✔ Instant connectivity on arrival
✔ No daily roaming fees
✔ Local-grade data speeds
✔ Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts
✔ No physical SIM swapping
✔ Clear, upfront pricing with one-off cost (no subscriptions)

Whether you’re travelling through cities or venturing further afield, Sim Local keeps you connected across Australia.

Let’s look at the cost.

We calculated the total price of Sim Local’s most popular Australia eSIM plans compared to a standard international roaming pass, which averages around US$12 per day for many travellers from around the world with more of a focus on long-haul travellers.

These prices are calculated in US Dollars and are accurate on the date of publish (13/06/2026)

Even on a short 7-day trip, a Sim Local Australia eSIM is over 60% cheaper than roaming.

On a 30-day stay, travellers can save over US$330 compared to paying daily roaming fees which is money far better spent on experiences, food or accommodation while in Australia.

You arrive in Australia and immediately need to:

• Book transport from the airport
• Use maps for directions
• Access accommodation details
• Message friends or family

With a Sim Local eSIM, you’re connected instantly. No searching for WiFi, no roaming alerts and no SIM card queues.

Getting started is simple:

1. Check your phone supports eSIM
2. Purchase your Australia eSIM from Sim Local before travel
3. Install the eSIM plan just before you travel
4. Switch on the Australia eSIM line when you land

Your Australia eSIM setup takes just a few minutes and can be done before departure and switched on when you land. Click here to find our eSIM activation guides.

Sim Local offers flexible Australia plans to suit different travel styles:

20 GB eSIM

Australia

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

US$26.75

More Info

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Top Seller

Unlimited eSIM

Australia

Smartroam

Duration

7 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

US$30.75

More Info

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Best Value

18 GB eSIM

Australia

+Roaming

Three UK

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G

Price

US$26.75

More Info

Buy Now

UK's Fastest 5G Network

Best Value

10 GB eSIM

Australia

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

US$17.50

More Info

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Top Seller

Q: Will my current phone work with an eSIM in Australia?

A: Most likely, yes. If you have an iPhone XR or newer, a Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, or a Google Pixel 3 or newer, your device should support eSIM technology. As long as your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, it will work with a Sim Local Australia eSIM. Check if your phone is eSIM compatible by reading our list of eSIM compatible devices and read our guide to find out how to check if your phone is unlocked from a network.

Q: Should I install the eSIM before I fly or when I land in Australia?

A: We recommend installing your eSIM before you fly, ideally at home or in the airport while connected to stable WiFi. Once installed, keep the eSIM line switched off. When you arrive in Australia, simply turn it on and you’ll connect straight away. Your plan’s validity period only begins once the eSIM connects to the Australian network.

Q: Can I keep my home number active for texts and emergency calls?

A: Yes. This is one of the biggest benefits of using an eSIM. If you purchase a data only eSIM plan, you can keep your home SIM active to receive SMS verification codes or important calls, while your Sim Local Australia eSIM handles all mobile data. Just remember to turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid any roaming charges.

Q: Can I share my internet connection with my laptop or travel companion?

A: Yes. Sim Local’s Australia eSIMs support tethering and hotspot use. You can share your data with a laptop, tablet or another traveller, making it ideal for work, planning routes or helping a travel companion get online when needed.