What is eSIM?
eSIM stands for embedded SIM and is a digital SIM card that is integrated into your device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch. Just like a physical, traditional SIM card, an eSIM contains the information that connects your number to your provider and activates your specific mobile plan.
Info! There is generally no cost to choose an eSIM over a physical SIM card. Most New Zealand providers also allow you to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM for free via their app or website.
Unlike a physical SIM, you don’t have to wait for the courier to arrive. Since the chip is already built into your device, you usually only need to scan a QR code or follow a few steps in a provider’s app to get connected instantly. While the major New Zealand networks all support eSIM, many smaller providers and MVNOs now offer it as well.
International eSIM and travel
One of the biggest advantages of eSIM technology is how easy it makes international travel. Instead of paying expensive roaming charges to your NZ provider, you can download a travel eSIM before you even land at your destination. This allows you to access local data rates across Europe, Asia, or the US while keeping your New Zealand number active for important calls and texts.
What is the best eSIM for travel?
The “best” travel eSIM depends entirely on your itinerary. Most international providers offer three main types of plans.
- Country-specific eSIM: These are designed for use in a single country (e.g., “UK Only” or “USA Only”). These usually offer the best value and the fastest local speeds, making them the best choice if you are only visiting one destination.
- Regional eSIM: Also known as Multi-country plans, these cover a specific geographic area like “Europe,” “Southeast Asia,” or “North America.” A regional plan is the best option if you are backpacking through multiple countries in the same area, as you won’t need to change settings every time you cross a border.
- Global eSIM: These plans provide coverage across multiple continents. While they are often more expensive per gigabyte, they are the most convenient “set and forget” solution for long-haul world tours or business trips involving several different regions.
Pros and cons of eSIM
- Instant activation without waiting for mail delivery
- Better for the environment
- Higher security (an eSIM cannot be physically removed)
- Harder to transfer between devices
- Limited compatibility with older or budget devices
Is eSIM available for both pay monthly and prepaid plans?
Yes, eSIMs are available for both pay monthly (postpaid) and prepaid plans. Historically, eSIM was mostly reserved for premium monthly contracts, but today, popular telcos also offer prepaid eSIM options. However, it is always worth checking the specific plan details, as some smaller providers might still only offer physical SIMs for certain promotional deals or long-term plans.
How to get an eSIM
- Ensure your device supports eSIM: Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS/XR or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, and Google Pixel 3 or newer) support eSIM. You can check your “Network & Internet” settings to see if an “Add eSIM” option exists.
- Choose the right eSIM provider: Ensure the provider has good coverage where you live and work. In New Zealand, this means choosing a provider on the Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees networks.
- Compare plans: Use our comparison table to filter for eSIM-compatible plans. Look for features like data rolling or international minutes depending on your needs.
- Select eSIM at checkout: When signing up online, you will usually be asked if you want a physical SIM or an eSIM. Choose eSIM for instant delivery.
- Scan and connect: Once you’ve purchased your plan, the provider will email you a QR code or provide a “one-tap” installation link in their mobile app.
Which is the cheapest eSIM plan?
Contact Mobile Extra Small Plan is the cheapest pay monthly eSIM plan right now (checked on 20/10/26). The cost is $16.00/month when you sign a 0-month contract.
Get the deal at Contact Mobile
Skinny Standard is the cheapest prepaid eSIM right now (checked on 20/10/26). Top up from $5.00.
How to activate an eSIM on your mobile
The activation process is quick, but the steps vary slightly depending on your phone’s operating system. Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi before starting the process.
Activate eSIM on iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Mobile Data.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Use QR Code and scan the code provided by your telco.
- Follow the prompts to label your new line (e.g., “Personal” or “Work”) and tap Done.
Activate eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
- Go to Settings > Connections.
- Tap SIM manager.
- Select Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code from your provider or follow the in-app instructions.
- Confirm the addition and restart your device if prompted.
Can I transfer eSIM to a new phone?
Unlike a physical SIM card, you cannot simply “pop out” an eSIM and put it into a new device. The transfer process depends on your phone’s operating system and your provider.
Methods for transferring your eSIM
- iPhone to iPhone (eSIM Quick Transfer): Apple has a built-in feature that allows you to transfer your eSIM during the initial setup of your new iPhone. However, your provider must support this (major providers like Spark and One NZ generally do).
- Android and other transfers: For most other transfers, the standard process in NZ is to perform a “SIM Swap” via your provider’s app (such as the MySpark or One NZ app).
- Requesting a new QR code: If your provider doesn’t support automatic transfers, you will usually need to log in to your account on your new device and request a replacement eSIM. This will generate a new QR code for you to scan.
Please note! Once the eSIM is activated on your new phone, it will automatically deactivate on your old one.
How do I use eSIM on a smartwatch?
Using an eSIM on a smartwatch (like an Apple Watch Cellular or Samsung Galaxy Watch) typically requires a specific wearable plan or an add-on like OneNumber (One NZ) or a Smartwatch Plan (Spark/2degrees).
This service “mirrors” your primary mobile number onto your watch. This allows you to go for a surf or head out for a run without your phone, while still being able to make calls and stream music using your shared data allowance.
To use eSIM on a smartwatch, you need
- A cellular-compatible smartwatch.
- A pay monthly mobile plan with a provider that supports smartwatch sharing. Note that most prepaid plans in NZ currently do not support Apple Watch/Galaxy Watch cellular features.
- To pay a monthly add-on fee (usually around $5–$12 per month).
Frequently asked questions about eSIM
In most cases, no. Most NZ telcos allow you to perform a “SIM swap” to an eSIM via their self-service apps at no extra cost, though some may charge a small one-off fee for a replacement “digital SIM”.
Usually, no. For security reasons, most eSIM QR codes are “single-use”. If you delete your eSIM profile or get a new phone, you will typically need to request a new activation code or “replacement eSIM” from your provider.
Most modern phones allow you to have two lines active at the same time (e.g., one physical SIM and one eSIM). Most devices use Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology. This means both numbers can receive calls and texts while in standby, but if you are actively on a call on one line, the other line will usually go to voicemail.
Activation is usually very fast, often taking between 15 minutes and 2 hours. In some cases, it can be almost instantaneous.
Yes, most modern smartphones allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles (usually up to 5–10) at once. This is handy if you have a local NZ plan but also want to keep several travel eSIMs stored for your trips. While you can store many profiles, remember that most phones only allow one or two eSIMs to be “active” at the same time.
