How to

How to get and activate a Telstra eSIM for Australia

Telstra offers eSIMs with all new and old mobile plans. Explore all your Telstra eSIM options, prices, device compatibility, and activation instructions.

Telstra offers eSIMs with all plans, available with your own eSIM-compatible device or a new device from Telstra. With more and more smartphones becoming eSIM-only, it’s crucial to understand your options for your home contract in Australia with Telstra eSIMs.

In this blog, we’ll cover Telstra eSIM plans and pricing, as well as how to install and activate your eSIM successfully. Telstra also offers a separate Telstra tourist eSIM for visitors to Australia, and a Telstra international eSIM for Aussies traveling abroad.

If, by the end, you’re looking for an eSIM that combines home and travel internet needs all in one, we’ll also look at Holafly Plans. This monthly eSIM subscription covers over 170 destinations, including Australia.

In this article

Telstra eSIM plans and pricing for Australians

You can buy an eSIM with the following Telstra plans: Upfront Mobile Plans, Pre-Paid Plans, Upfront Data Plans, and Small Business Plans. You can also convert from a physical SIM to an eSIM if your plan is eSIM-compatible; it won’t impact your plan or number.

Telstra eSIM Upfront Mobile Plans

Telstra’s physical SIM card/eSIM-only monthly plans come in three different packages:

Basic Upfront Mobile Plan: 50 GB, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for $70 AUD/month
Essential Upfront Mobile Plan: 180 GB, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for $80 AUD/month
Premium Upfront Mobile Plan: 300 GB, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for $79 AUD/month (currently includes a discount)

You can also add extras to your plan during checkout. If you’re interested in using your Telstra eSIM plan abroad, check out our Telstra international roaming guide.

Telstra eSIM Upfront Mobile + phone plans

You can also choose to get a Telstra eSIM along with a new handset device, provided that it is eSIM-compatible. Telstra offers a wide variety of modern smartphones, most of which are compatible with eSIM technology.

You can choose your term duration (12, 24, or 36 months) and add an Upfront Mobile Plan or keep your current plan (if you’re on one).

Telstra eSIM Pre-Paid Plans

Telstra’s Pre-Paid Mobile Plans offer a choice between eSIM and physical SIMs. These plans include unlimited calls and texts within Australia and continuous data rollover when you recharge before expiry.

Prepaid options include:

7-day Pre-Paid Mobile Plan: includes 5 GB, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for $13 AUD
28-day Pre-Paid Mobile Plans: range from 45 GB to 110 GB and include unlimited calls and texts for $39-69 AUD
Long Life Plans: range from 6-12 month plans, 140 GB to 300 GB, and include unlimited calls and texts for $180-350 AUD
6-month Pre-Paid Casual Plan: includes 390 MB, calls, and texts for $39 AUD

Telstra also offers a $2 SIM Kit with physical SIM cards only.

Telstra eSIM + Pre-Paid phone plans

Telstra also offers prepaid phone plans. You can choose from various smartphones on the website, including a Quick Start SIM with 10 GB of data and unlimited calls and texts. However, most of the displayed phones are not eSIM-compatible.

Telstra eSIM Upfront Data Plans

Telstra also offers data-only plans compatible with eSIM technology. Here are the three options you can choose from:

Data Bundle Plan: 10 GB for $15 AUD/month
Small: 30 GB for $25 AUD/month
Medium: 100 GB for $55 AUD/month

Telstra eSIM Small Business Plans

You can also choose an Upfront Mobile eSIM Plan for business needs. These plans are not available for enterprise customers:

Basic: 50 GB, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for $70 AUD/month
Essential: 180 GB, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for $80 AUD/month
Premium: 300 GB, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for $79 AUD/month

Devices compatible with Telstra eSIM Australia

Telstra eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones. Before purchasing a Telstra eSIM for Australia, ensure you have an eSIM-compatible phone by heading to Telstra’s website. Many phones also have dual SIM capacity and can support two physical SIMs and/or eSIMs.

How to get a Telstra eSIM

Visit Telstra’s website or the My Telstra app to select an eSIM plan that matches your needs, head to checkout, and follow the instructions to complete your purchase. Alternatively, you can also head to your nearest Telstra store to buy an eSIM.

How to get a Telstra eSIM online

If you’re a new Telstra user, you’ll have to comply with certain requirements before registering for an eSIM (or any product for that matter). Here are some of the main things you need:

Personal information (name, date of birth, contact details)
Proof of identity (valid ID documents)
Local address (e.g., rental lease)
Employment and income details
Credit history
Your device’s IMEI number

If you’re an existing Telstra user, you can sign in to the My Telstra app to download an eSIM profile that you’ve ordered.

You can also transfer your physical Telstra SIM to an eSIM anytime without extra charges or changes to your existing number in the My Telstra app. Head to Services and follow the step by step instructions.

How to get a Telstra eSIM for Australia in a physical store

If you prefer an in-person eSIM purchase, you can buy a Telstra eSIM in a local Telstra store in Australia. Use Telstra’s store locator tool to search for your nearest store.

By purchasing an eSIM in store, you can have a Telstra staff member install and activate it for you on an eSIM-compatible device.

Visit your nearest Telstra store and request to switch to eSIM or get a new Telstra eSIM.
Provide the necessary information to the store advisor.
Follow the store advisor’s instructions on how to activate your eSIM.

What you’ll need in store:

A device that supports eSIM
Valid ID and/or bank information
Proof of address
Telstra account details (if you’re an existing customer)

How to set up a Telstra eSIM

Installing and setting up an eSIM is extremely easy; the entire process usually takes only a few minutes. The steps vary slightly depending on your device and how you download your eSIM profile. Telstra offers three different ways:

1. Use carrier activation to set up your eSIM

If you’ve requested an eSIM with your new device on a Telstra Upfront plan, you only have to set it up and connect to WiFi. Then, follow the on-screen instructions and enter the 6-digit confirmation to download your eSIM. If you’re installing a Telstra eSIM on an existing device, here’s what to do:

Set up eSIM on iPhone with carrier activation: Go to Device Settings > Set Up Mobile > Add eSIM. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM and enter the 6-digit confirmation code.
Set up eSIM on Google Pixel with carrier activation: Go to Device Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM and enter the 6-digit confirmation code.
Set up eSIM on Samsung Galaxy with carrier activation: Go to Device Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. Follow the prompts to download your eSIM and enter the 6-digit confirmation code.

2. Use Telstra’s QR code to set up your eSIM

Connect your device to WiFi and find the QR code in your order confirmation. Scan the QR code with your device’s camera and follow the prompts to finish setting up the eSIM. The QR code only works once, so ensure you don’t delete the eSIM once installed. If this happens, open your My Telstra app and follow the steps to redownload it.

3. Use the My Telstra app to set up your eSIM

You can also install your eSIM profile by signing into the My Telstra app with the Telstra ID you used to order your service. Once in the app, head to services, select your service, and follow the prompts to download your eSIM profile.

Telstra eSIM activation

Once your eSIM has been installed and set up on your phone, you may still need to activate it manually. You might automatically be taken to the activation process. If this happens, follow the on-screen instructions to activate your eSIM successfully.

However, if you doubt your eSIM has been successfully activated, here’s what you need to do.

For iOS devices, head to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Select the eSIM profile (Telstra) > Turn on line/Data roaming.

If you’re on an Android device, ensure your eSIM is activated by clicking on Settings > Connections (or Network and internet) > SIM Manager (or SIMs) > Status. The status for your eSIM should be active.

Holafly Plans: Stay connected in Australia and abroad

The Telstra eSIM is a well-rounded solution to staying connected in Australia. But what if there was a single eSIM solution to keep you connected in Australia and abroad in over 170 countries and destinations?

Holafly Plans offers exactly this. Get a monthly eSIM subscription and choose from three flexible data-only plans for frequent travelers, heavy data users, and remote workers.

Instead of opting for separate tourist eSIMs, use your Holafly Plans eSIM as your home plan in Australia and as a travel eSIM when you travel abroad – no more worrying about how to stay connected internationally.

At only $64.90 USD/~$99 AUD monthly, you can get unlimited data and unlimited hotspot locally and on holiday with Holafly Plan’s unlimited data plan. The best part is there’s no stress of long-term commitments or contracts. Cancel your Holafly Plans eSIM anytime with no extra charges. Check out Holafly’s eSIM for Australia for shorter stays and vacations.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is accurate as of 26 September 2025. We recommend verifying any details before making decisions based on the information provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my UK mobile in India?

Yes, you can use your UK mobile phone in India through roaming, travel eSIMs, local SIM cards, and pocket WiFi devices.

Do I need roaming in India?

You’ll need a roaming plan in India to stay connected. However, it isn’t the only way to be able to use your phone. You can opt for an unlimited data eSIM, a local physical SIM card, or a pocket WiFi device to stay connected.

Is there free roaming in India?

Certain providers like Lebara offer roaming in India at no extra cost.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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