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eSIM is exciting new tech gunning for the humble SIM card. Short for electronic SIM or embedded SIM, eSIM is a rewritable SIM card built right into your smartphone. An eSIM never leaves your phone, so there’s no need to pop open a SIM tray or remove your case. Instead, you simply download a “software SIM” from the provider of your choice.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of eSIM are travellers. Instead of hunting around an airport looking for a local SIM, you can just use an app to add a new plan to your phone. You can even purchase your eSIM before you leave for your destination; if you’re prepared, there’s no need to screw around with airport WiFi on arrival.

If you have an eSIM-enabled device, all you’ll need to do to enable a new phone plan is download an app or scan a QR code. In the event you don’t have a way to scan a QR code (as in, if you’re purchasing your SIM on the same device you want to use it in on), you can also manually enter SIM details on both iOS and Android. Alternatively, if you’re travelling with friends or family, you can get someone else to take a photo of your QR code, and then scan the code from the photo. We’ve tested this, and it definitely works.

eSIM-enabled phones

The vast majority of high-end phones from the last few years have supported eSIM. eSIM support is still absent in most more affordable phones, however. Here are the main devices with eSIM support that have been available in Australia:

• Apple iPhone 13 family, iPhone 12 family, iPhone 11 family, iPhone XS family, iPhone XR, iPhone SE
• Samsung Galaxy S21 family, Galaxy S20 family
• All Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices
• Google Pixel 6 family, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a family, Pixel 4 family, Pixel 3
• OPPO Find X3 Pro
• Motorola RAZR 5G and RAZR

How to add an eSIM on your iPhone

If you have a QR code for your eSIM phone plan, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app
• Tap Mobile
• Tap Add Mobile Plan
• Scan your QR code (or tap Enter Details Manually if need be) and follow the prompts

You’ll be asked to select your default number, and choose which number is used for data. In some cases you’ll need to change your APN settings to work with the new plan. If this is the case, your new provider should give you instructions.

You’ll also probably want to disable your local number to ensure you’re not charged for roaming overseas. The most foolproof way is to remove your Australian SIM from your phone, but you can also disable under the Mobile menu in the Settings app.

How to add an eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy

If you have a QR code for your eSIM phone plan, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app
• Tap Connections and then SIM card manager
• Under eSIMs, tap Add mobile plan
• When prompted, tap Add using QR code
• Scan your QR code and follow the prompts

In some cases, you’ll need to change your APN settings to work with the new plan. If this is the case, your new provider should give you instructions.

You’ll also probably want to disable your local number to ensure you’re not charged for roaming overseas. The most foolproof way is to remove your Australian SIM from your phone, but you can also disable your plan under SIM card manager. Tap on your physical SIM – which should be identified as SIM 1 – and then toggle it to off.

How to add an eSIM on your Google Pixel

If you have a QR code for your eSIM plan, follow these steps to add it to your Google Pixel.

• Open the Settings app
• Tap Networks and Internet
• If you already have a SIM in the phone, tap + icon next to Mobile Network, otherwise tap SIMs 
• Tap Download a SIM instead and then Next
• Scan your QR code when prompted

You’ll probably want to disable your local SIM when you’re travelling overseas to avoid paying for roaming. The best way to do this is to remove your physical SIM from the slot. Alternatively, the Mobile Network menu under Network and Internet will let you set a preference as to what SIM is used for what.