Can you get an eSIM for a prepaid plan?
Yes, most major New Zealand providers offer the option to get an eSIM for a prepaid plan, though it was historically more common for pay monthly plans.
It’s important to keep in mind that you can’t always choose an eSIM directly when you first sign up. In some cases, you might need to buy a physical SIM starter pack first and then swap it for an eSIM via the provider’s app or website. However, most major telcos now allow you to select an eSIM right at the checkout.
What do you need to use a prepaid eSIM?
To use a prepaid eSIM, you need a mobile phone that is eSIM compatible and a provider that supports eSIMs specifically for prepaid services. While the technology is becoming standard, some smaller MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) or budget brands still only offer physical SIM cards for their prepaid range.
How to get a prepaid eSIM
- Choose your plan: Select the prepaid plan you want on the provider’s website or via their app.
- Select SIM type: During checkout, specify that you want an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card.
- Complete registration: You may need to provide some basic details or valid ID to register and activate your prepaid service online.
- Activate: The provider will usually send you a QR code via email, or instructions to activate the eSIM directly through their app (like the MySpark or One NZ app).
The exact process varies. For example, some providers allow for “instant activation” where the eSIM is pushed directly to your device settings without needing to scan a code.
How to activate the prepaid eSIM on your device
On iPhone
- Connect to Wi-Fi or use your existing mobile data.
- Go to Settings > Mobile > Add eSIM.
- Follow the instructions to scan the QR code provided by your telco.
On Samsung
- Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM (or Scan QR code depending on your software version).
- Follow the prompts to scan your QR code.
On Google Pixel
- Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
- Select “Download a SIM instead?” and scan the QR code.
What are the benefits of a prepaid eSIM?
The standout benefit is instant connectivity. If your provider supports direct eSIM sign-ups, you can get connected in minutes without waiting for the mail or driving to Woolworths, The Warehouse, or a local Z station to buy a SIM kit.
Other reasons to choose a prepaid eSIM
- Dual SIM capability: You can keep your NZ number active on an eSIM while using a physical SIM slot for travel, or have a work and personal number on the one phone.
- Eco-friendly: No plastic waste and no carbon footprint from shipping a physical card.
- Easy switching: It makes “plan hopping” to find a better deal much faster.
Are there any drawbacks to choosing an eSIM?
The main hurdle is moving your service to a new phone. Unlike a physical SIM that you just pop out and swap, transferring an eSIM often requires you to log into your account and request a new “eSIM profile” or QR code.
Also, if your phone breaks and the screen won’t turn on, you can’t easily retrieve your SIM to put it into a backup phone.
Can I convert my physical SIM to a prepaid eSIM?
Yes, if you already have a physical SIM card, most major New Zealand telcos make it easy to convert your service to an eSIM. This is a popular move for those who want to free up their phone’s physical SIM slot for a secondary line or for use when travelling overseas.
How to convert to a prepaid eSIM with different providers
- Spark and One NZ: You can typically convert your physical SIM to an eSIM directly through the MySpark or One NZ app. It’s a seamless “self-service” swap that doesn’t require you to visit a retail store.
- 2degrees: Now offers a simple ‘Swap to eSIM’ feature directly within the 2degrees app, making the move from plastic to digital almost instant.
- Skinny: As one of NZ’s most popular prepaid providers, they offer a straightforward process via their app to move from a physical SIM to an eSIM.
Please note! When you convert to an eSIM, your physical SIM card will be permanently deactivated. Make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before you start the conversion to ensure your new eSIM profile downloads correctly.
Which is the cheapest prepaid eSIM?
Skinny Standard is the cheapest prepaid eSIM right now (checked on 20/10/26). Top up from $5.00.
Frequently asked questions about prepaid eSIM
In most cases, no. Providers usually charge the same price for the plan itself, regardless of whether you choose a physical SIM or an eSIM.
Not yet. While the major networks do, some smaller budget providers are still physical-SIM only. Always check the FAQ or support pages on the provider’s site first.
Yes, provided the plan you’ve chosen includes 5G access and you have a 5G-compatible device. Most major prepaid plans now include 5G at no extra cost in covered areas.
Absolutely. You can “port” your existing mobile number from any New Zealand provider to a new prepaid eSIM. Most telcos make this easy to do during the sign-up process in their app.
Yes, for most local providers you generally need to be connected to a New Zealand cellular tower to complete the initial activation. If you’re buying an eSIM before you fly, you can usually install the profile, but it won’t fully activate until you touch down in Aotearoa.
A local prepaid eSIM (from a provider like One NZ or 2degrees) gives you a local (+64) phone number, local calling/texting, and often “endless” data. “Travel eSIMs” from global apps are usually data-only, meaning you won’t have a local number to make standard calls to NZ businesses or landlines.
Many popular prepaid plans in New Zealand (often called “combos”) include unlimited or bundled minutes to standard Australian numbers. However, this isn’t guaranteed on every plan, especially the more basic or budget-friendly options. It’s always best to check the specific “included minutes” section of your chosen plan to see if Australia is covered.
In New Zealand, you generally don’t need to provide a formal ID (like a passport) just to buy or activate a prepaid SIM. However, since you’ll be using the provider’s app to install the eSIM, you will need to register an account with a valid email address.
