How to Manage Multiple eSIM Profiles While Traveling in Australia and New Zealand

When traveling to Australia and New Zealand, having multiple eSIM profiles can be beneficial for optimizing connectivity, taking advantage of different plans, or maintaining access to your home SIM. However, managing multiple eSIM profiles requires some planning and organization to ensure a seamless travel experience. This guide provides actionable steps and tips for managing multiple eSIM profiles effectively.

1. Why Use Multiple eSIM Profiles?

A. Flexibility

• Switch between local and regional plans to optimize coverage and costs.

B. Cost Savings

• Use separate plans for different countries or specific data needs to save money.

C. Backup Options

• Keep a secondary eSIM as a backup in case of connectivity issues or data exhaustion.

D. Simplified Communication

• Maintain your home SIM for calls and texts while using an eSIM for data.

2. How to Set Up and Manage Multiple eSIM Profiles

Step 1: Check Device Compatibility

• Verify that your device supports multiple eSIM profiles:
  • iPhone: Most models from the iPhone XR onwards support multiple eSIMs.
  • Android: Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 series and Google Pixel 4 and newer also support multiple profiles.

Step 2: Install Multiple eSIMs

• Purchase and activate eSIM plans based on your itinerary:
  • For Australia: Activate a local eSIM plan (e.g., Telstra via Airalo).
  • For New Zealand: Add another eSIM for local connectivity (e.g., Spark via Holafly).

Step 3: Label Each Profile

• Name your eSIM profiles to easily distinguish them:
  • Example: “Australia Airalo” and “New Zealand Spark.”

Step 4: Switch Between eSIM Profiles

• Switch profiles based on your current location or data needs:
  • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans and select the active profile.
  • Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager and toggle between profiles.

3. Tips for Managing Multiple eSIMs

A. Prioritize Profiles

• Set the most relevant eSIM as the default for data usage while keeping others inactive.

B. Monitor Data Usage by Profile

• Track data consumption for each eSIM profile to avoid overages:
  • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Usage.
  • Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Data Usage.

C. Keep Backup Options Ready

• Retain a backup eSIM profile in case the primary plan runs out of data or encounters connectivity issues.

D. Disable Inactive Profiles

• Turn off data roaming and disable inactive eSIMs to conserve battery life.

E. Test Each eSIM Before Traveling

• Activate and test all eSIMs in your home country to ensure they work correctly.

4. Recommended eSIM Providers for Multiple Profiles

A. Airalo

• Coverage: Regional and local plans for Australia and New Zealand.
• Plan Example: $20 for 5GB (valid for 30 days).
• Best For: Budget-friendly options for multiple destinations.

B. Holafly

• Coverage: Regional plans with unlimited data.
• Plan Example: $64 for unlimited data (valid for 15 days).
• Best For: Heavy data users who need coverage across multiple locations.

C. Nomad

• Coverage: Strong networks in urban and suburban areas.
• Plan Example: $15 for 5GB (valid for 30 days).
• Best For: Flexible and affordable secondary eSIM options.

D. Ubigi

• Coverage: Reliable in urban areas with pay-as-you-go options.
• Plan Example: Customizable data packages.
• Best For: Light data users or occasional backups.

5. Benefits of Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles

A. Enhanced Connectivity

• Switch between the strongest networks in different regions for seamless service.

B. Cost Control

• Avoid overpaying by using location-specific plans tailored to your data needs.

C. Simplified Travel

• Maintain uninterrupted connectivity across multiple destinations without physical SIM cards.

D. Backup Assurance

• Be prepared for emergencies or unexpected data needs with a secondary profile.

6. Example Scenario: Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles

Scenario:
A traveler plans a two-week trip to Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. They want reliable connectivity in both countries and a backup option for emergencies.

Solution:

• The traveler activates an Airalo eSIM for Australia ($20 for 5GB) and a Holafly unlimited eSIM for New Zealand ($64).
• They label their profiles as “Australia Airalo” and “New Zealand Holafly.”
• While in Sydney and Melbourne, they use Airalo for data, switching to Holafly upon arrival in Auckland.

Outcome:
The traveler enjoys seamless connectivity across both countries with a backup option in case of data exhaustion.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store multiple eSIM profiles on one device?
Yes, most modern smartphones allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles, though only one can be active for data at a time.

How do I switch between eSIM profiles?
Switching can be done through your device settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans; on Android, use Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager.

What if I accidentally delete an eSIM profile?
You can reinstall the eSIM using the original QR code or activation link from your provider.

Do eSIMs work in remote areas?
Yes, eSIMs connect to local networks like Telstra (Australia) and Spark (New Zealand), but coverage may vary in remote regions.

Are there extra charges for switching between profiles?
No, switching between eSIM profiles is free as long as you stay within the plan’s data limits.

Planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand? Use our widget to compare eSIM plans and manage multiple profiles effortlessly.