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Optus travel SIM and eSIM: Best SIM and eSIM options for tourists in Australia

Check out how you can use an Optus travel SIM to stay connected in Australia, its plans and pricing, where to buy, and other tourist eSIM and SIM options.

Considering using an Optus travel SIM or eSIM to stay connected during your trip to Australia? In this article, we discuss Optus travel SIM and eSIM options, pricing, where to buy, and the activation process so you know what to expect before making a purchase.

We’ll also look at Holafly as an alternative for those who want an unlimited data eSIM for their Australian travel.

If you’re an Optus customer looking to stay connected outside of Australia, check out Optus international roaming or Optus eSIM international.

In this article

Does Optus sell travel eSIMs for visitors in Australia?

Yes, Optus offers Optus Flex Plus Traveller plans that tourists can use during their trip in Australia. These Optus travel SIM and eSIM plans include mobile data, local and international calls, and texts, all for use within Australia.

Optus tourist SIM: Plans and pricing

Optus Flex Plus Traveller plans are available in four types, with varying data allowances, durations, speeds, and prices. All plans are 5G-ready and available in both SIM and eSIM formats.

Data allowance	Duration	Inclusions	Speed	Price
3 GB*	1 day	– Unlimited local calls and texts – Unlimited standard international calls**	Capped at 150 Mbps	$5
15 GB	5 days	– Unlimited local calls and texts – Unlimited standard international calls**	Capped at 150 Mbps	$20
45 GB	14 days	– Unlimited local calls and texts – Unlimited standard international calls**	Capped at 150 Mbps	$35
70 GB	28 days	– Unlimited local calls and texts – Unlimited standard international calls*	Uncapped	$45

*Not available for service activation; only for recharging.

**Calls from Australia to mainland China, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK.

Once you use up your plan, you can top up through the My Optus website or app or by using the 9999 SMS menu. You can choose any plan that suits your needs, including options with more data.

Keep in mind that for the 45 GB and 70 GB plans, you’ll only get this much data on your first three recharges. After that, the plans revert to the regular 25 GB and 30 GB options.

You can also purchase the add-ons below to enhance your plan with additional data, extra minutes, or other options.

Plan name	Duration	Price
Unlimited Data	1 day	$5
Extras Credit (for international calls and messages)	14 days	$5
International Talk (for up to 300 minutes for international calls)	28 days	$5

Where to buy an Optus tourist SIM in Australia

Optus tourist SIM and eSIM plans are only available from the Optus website or select retail locations, as listed below.

Airport

You can visit the following Optus airport stores:

Yes Optus Adelaide International Airport
Yes Optus Brisbane International Airport
Yes Optus Melbourne Airport
Yes Optus Perth Airport
Yes Optus Sydney International Airport

Official Optus stores

Check out an Optus store near you with Optus’ store locator. Their popular stores include Optus on George (Sydney), Optus Bourke St. Mall (Melbourne), and Optus Queen St. (Brisbane City).

Other retailers

You can also get an Optus SIM card from WH Smith and SIM Planet.

How to activate an Optus travel SIM and eSIM

Whether you’re using a physical SIM or eSIM, Optus provides easy steps to get you connected.

Optus travel SIM activation guide

To activate your Optus travel SIM, head to the prepaid SIM activation page and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure you have your SIM number, a valid ID, a credit or debit card, and a 4G or 5G compatible device ready.

Check if your device is compatible with Optus’ blocked device checker.

Optus travel eSIM activation guide

Before you try to activate your eSIM, please make sure you have an eSIM-compatible device, whether an iPhone or Android device, as well as a stable Wi-Fi connection, a valid ID, and a credit or debit card. Then, follow the steps below.

Download the My Optus app
Choose New to Optus
Choose Activate Prepaid
Choose Connect digital eSIM
Follow the steps for activation
After you submit your order, the eSIM installation will begin
Follow the prompts as they appear on your screen to complete the setup of your Optus travel eSIM

How to avoid running out of Optus travel SIM/eSIM data

Since Optus offers mainly fixed-data travel plans, you’ll need to constantly keep an eye on your data usage. If you don’t, the costs of top-ups can quickly run out of control. Here’s what you can do to avoid running out of data on your plan:

Check your plan details: Know how much local data is included in your Optus travel SIM/eSIM plan before you start using it.
Monitor your usage: Track your data usage in the My Optus app to avoid surprises.
Turn off background data: Disable automatic updates and background apps that consume data.
Use Wi-Fi when possible: Connect to Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and other public places to save your data.
Consider an unlimited option: If you use a lot of data, an unlimited data eSIM like Holafly can help you stay connected without worrying about running out or overspending.

Enjoy unlimited data with the Holafly eSIM for Australia

With Holafly’s eSIM for Australia, you get unlimited data for as cheap as $1.55 per day, depending on the duration of your plan. Plans are flexible, lasting anywhere from 1 to 90 days, and you’ll have access to 24/7 live chat support throughout your trip.

If you’re planning to travel to other countries near Australia, it may be a good idea to get a regional plan, such as Holafly’s eSIM for Oceania, which offers coverage in Australia, as well as Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.