What is an eSIM?
A simple guide to understanding eSIM technology and how it makes travel easier.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that's built directly into your phone. Instead of swapping a tiny plastic card every time you travel, you simply download a data plan to your device — and you're connected.
How does it work?
Traditional SIM cards store your carrier information on a physical chip. An eSIM does the same thing — but digitally. The SIM is already inside your phone. All you need to do is activate it with a data plan.
Buy a plan
Choose a data plan for your destination on Roamly.
Install the eSIM
Download the eSIM profile to your device in seconds.
Land connected
Turn on your eSIM when you arrive. Instant data.
eSIM vs physical SIM
| eSIM | Physical SIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Seconds | Find a shop, wait in line |
| Buy before travel | Yes | Usually no |
| Keep your number | Yes (dual SIM) | Swap required |
| Risk of losing | None | Tiny card, easy to lose |
| Switch plans | Instant | Need a new card |
| Multiple plans | Store several on device | One at a time |
Why travellers love eSIMs
No more airport SIM card hunting
Buy and install your eSIM before you leave. Skip the queues, the haggling, and the overpriced airport kiosks.
No roaming bill shock
Know exactly what you're paying upfront. Roamly plans are prepaid in AUD — no surprise charges when you get home.
Keep your regular number
Your eSIM handles data while your regular SIM stays active for calls and texts. No need to tell everyone a new number.
Switch countries easily
Travelling to multiple destinations? Install a different eSIM for each country, or grab a regional plan that covers several.
Better for the environment
No plastic SIM cards, no packaging, no waste. eSIMs are 100% digital.
Is my phone compatible?
Most smartphones released since 2018 support eSIM. This includes:
- iPhone XS and later (including iPhone Air)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later
- Google Pixel 3a and later
- Most recent OnePlus, Motorola, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Sony models
Not sure? Check our full list of compatible devices.
How Roamly works
Roamly is an Australian eSIM provider built for travellers. We offer prepaid data plans for 100+ countries — buy a plan, install the eSIM before your trip, and land connected. All plans are data-only (use WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc. for calls), and support hotspot so you can share with other devices.