eSIM/physical SIM

Question

We are travelling to Los Angeles from Australia in September for 17 days, and are looking in to eSIMs. What is the best eSIM/physical SIM you can purchase in Australia for use in the US? Or, are we better to just use Roaming with our own provider?

Answer

Great question. For a 17-day trip to Los Angeles from Australia, using an eSIM or local U.S. SIM is often much more cost-effective—and reliable—than roaming via your Australian provider, especially for data-heavy use (maps, photos, streaming, etc.). Here’s a detailed breakdown of your options and some good picks.

Things to Consider When Choosing Between Roaming vs Local SIM/eSIM

Cost: Roaming with your Australian provider can be very convenient, but international roaming rates / packs often come with premium pricing or limited data. For example, Telstra’s prepaid roaming pack for 14 days gives you 4 GB for US$25.
Convenience / Setup: With an eSIM, you can set up before you leave: scan QR code over Wi-Fi, and then switch it on when you land. Some physical SIMs (bought in Australia) can also be waiting for you when you arrive in the U.S.
Data Needs: Think about how much data you’ll need. If you mostly use Wi-Fi but need mobile data occasionally (for navigation, check-ins, etc.), a small to medium eSIM data plan may suffice. If you plan to tether or stream, you’ll want a higher-data plan.
Voice / SMS Needs: Many travel eSIMs are data-only. If you need a U.S. number for calls or SMS, choose a plan that supports that (or use Wi-Fi calling / VoIP apps). For some eSIM data plans, you’ll still keep your Australian SIM for SMS/2FA.
Device Compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Apple’s list shows various U.S. carriers that support eSIM activation.

Recommended eSIM / SIM Options to Buy in Australia (for Use in the U.S.)

SimCorner (USA eSIM): Offers prepaid data-only eSIMs with 1–50 GB plans, valid for 7–45 days. Good for flexibility and avoiding roaming.
Airsims (North America / USA Zone): Australian company; eSIM only, data-only. Their NA-3 Zone plan is designed for U.S./Canada travel.
TravelKon USA eSIM: They have a range of U.S. eSIM plans from AU$5, up to 100 GB / 90 days.

Some Specific eSIM Products to Consider

Here are a few specific eSIM plans (from international / travel eSIM providers) you can order from Australia:

Pros and Cons: eSIM / Local SIM vs Roaming

Pros of using a U.S. eSIM or local SIM: Much cheaper per GB, no surprise roaming costs, better local network speeds, more control over data usage.
Cons: Need to buy before travel (or get delivered), install before boarding, manage two SIMs / eSIM profiles (Australian + U.S.), some eSIMs don’t support voice/SMS.
Pros of roaming with your Australian provider: Convenience (you keep your number), no need to swap SIMs / eSIM profiles, good for calls/texts back home.
Cons: More expensive, limited data, risk of over-usage, and possibly lower data speeds (or routing delays).

My Recommendation for Your Trip

Given that you're travelling 17 days, a data-only eSIM with a decent data allowance (e.g., 5–30 GB) is probably the best option. It will almost certainly cost less than roaming via your Australian SIM, give you better performance, and avoid unexpected roaming charges. You can keep your Australian SIM active for any 2FA, texts, or calls you need to receive from home, while using the eSIM for data. Buy and install the eSIM while you're still in Australia (on Wi-Fi), then switch it on when you land.

That said, if your Australian provider has a roaming pack that suits your data needs and isn't too pricey, the convenience factor might make sticking with your home SIM worthwhile—especially if you don’t plan to use lots of data.

eSIM/physical SIM

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