eSIM recommendations in Aus for NZ resident

[cambriamarsh]

Hi, haven't used an eSIM before so looking for any recommendations for an NZ resident on One NZ for use in Australia. Thanks for any help available.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Hi, haven't used an eSIM before so looking for any recommendations for an NZ resident on One NZ for use in Australia. Thanks for any help available.

Would use your current provider, as you keep your current 64 phone number.
Unless your smartphone is dual Sim
I am using Optus is liaison with Spark.
Very satisfied.
Took a few mins of hiccup on landing, but $25 buys quite some GB, now 1.5
days after, it works great.
Was "no service" for a while then Spark came on..
Used it on the Super shuttle and Skydrive, plus the Devonport ferry and NX1.
Trouble with esim is it's cheap, but you need a bit of time to set up, ie scan a QR code after buying.
If you go via your current provider, you could go into their website, buy the credits, activate (international roaming), then turn off flight mode on landing.
If moving to Aus (perm), then yes, would buy a new esim, (prepaid does not need credit check).

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Sorry: just a tad more blah.
You still need your home ph # for home country stuff, unless you totally close off your past in that country.
So dual Sim capable is best.
Qpay by EML still sends a 2fa 6 digit code to ph # if out of Aus, and even sometimes for Aus domestic purchases
NZ banking might need it if eg you want to Swift pay transfer from there (NZ home account to Aus bank account).

 

[SYD]

Just data. 5gb should be sufficient

BTW, what type of phone do you have?

eSIMs can seem a little fiddly first time around depending on which provider you use. The better providers have great apps that make it pretty seamless, some you scan a QR code and occasionally I’ve resorted to manually entering the info.

Regardless of which provider you end up using for Oz, what you can do is get one of the freebie (usually low data ones) for NZ and try that at home and get a feel for how the dual sim works on your phone.

On an iPhone, the dual sim settings are usually hidden if you are on a physical SIM.

Once you install your first eSIM, you see there’s now duplicate phone settings for each phone line grouped by each line.

The most important one being “Data Roaming” On/Off for each line.

At the top “Mobile” settings menu, you’ll see which line is the default line for Data and which is the default line for “Voice” (and text).

When you’re heading OS, make sure Data roaming is turned OFF on you regular phone line. That will stop it activating roaming charges when you land! You should still be able to receive SMS for free. Just don’t send an SMS, make or receive a call and your home line shouldn’t charge you - even though you can have your main line turned on OS.

Depending on the eSIM you chose, it’s usually best to install the eSIM over stable wifi before you fly. Check what needs to be done to “activate” the plan you have - sometimes that’s via an app (so you’ll need wifi) but often it just turning the line ON and then turn on Data Roaming and switch the default Data line eSIM. That’s often enough to get it going and you’ll have data when you land.

GigSky is a reputable provider albeit a bit expensive compared to others but they do have a free trial plan (including NZ) if you wanted to play around with eSIMs at home.

 

[cambriamarsh]

BTW, what type of phone do you have?

eSIMs can seem a little fiddly first time around depending on which provider you use. The better providers have great apps that make it pretty seamless, some you scan a QR code and occasionally I’ve resorted to manually entering the info.

Regardless of which provider you end up using for Oz, what you can do is get one of the freebie (usually low data ones) for NZ and try that at home and get a feel for how the dual sim works on your phone.

On an iPhone, the dual sim settings are usually hidden if you are on a physical SIM.

Once you install your first eSIM, you see there’s now duplicate phone settings for each phone line grouped by each line.

The most important one being “Data Roaming” On/Off for each line.

At the top “Mobile” settings menu, you’ll see which line is the default line for Data and which is the default line for “Voice” (and text).

When you’re heading OS, make sure Data roaming is turned OFF on you regular phone line. That will stop it activating roaming charges when you land! You should still be able to receive SMS for free. Just don’t send an SMS, make or receive a call and your home line shouldn’t charge you - even though you can have your main line turned on OS.

Depending on the eSIM you chose, it’s usually best to install the eSIM over stable wifi before you fly. Check what needs to be done to “activate” the plan you have - sometimes that’s via an app (so you’ll need wifi) but often it just turning the line ON and then turn on Data Roaming and switch the default Data line eSIM. That’s often enough to get it going and you’ll have data when you land.

GigSky is a reputable provider albeit a bit expensive compared to others but they do have a free trial plan (including NZ) if you wanted to play around with eSIMs at home.
View attachment 503722

Thanks for that detail, very helpful. I've got an iPhone 12. We fly tomorrow and I've gone with Saily (associated with Nord VPN apparently) so will be interesting.