An eSIM is a digital SIM, which can be activated on your mobile phone just like a physical SIM card. Nowadays more people especially people using an iPhone use eSIM cards and there is a limit to the number of physical card slots. You can use 2 eSIM cards on an iPhone and store up to 8 eSIM profiles which is very convenient for those who want to switch providers.

For those who are planning to travel to New Zealand and don’t want to remove their existing SIM, getting an eSIM is a great option, especially if their mobile device supports only one Physical SIM card. But before getting an eSIM, you must ensure the provider has enough coverage wherever you travel.

In New Zealand, not all network providers support the eSIM feature. However, a few leading operators with the best network coverage support eSIM technology. Following are the popular cellular providers offering eSIM support.

Top 3 Network operators in New Zealand that offer eSIM support

1. 2degrees

2degrees is one of the leading mobile networks in New Zealand that supports the eSIM feature along with many other offers. They offer a free data hour plan for all eligible monthly plans starting from $15. Free data hour means, you can use unlimited mobile data for 1 hour daily (fair usage policy applies). Additionally, you can buy more free hour data for a few dollars. The network coverage is amazing and you will get the service even in the most remote regions in the South Island.

If you are a tourist, you can get an Unlimited Travel SIM from selected airports, retail stores and from main tourist destinations. Using this SIM, you can get unlimited mobile data as well as unlimited calls and texts (New Zealand and Australia numbers only). Depending on your number of days stay in New Zealand, you can choose the plan. Before purchasing a tourist eSIM, keep in mind that, this SIM card is only for people with a short number of days in NZ. This means it won’t be possible to transfer your number to a different prepay plan.

Get more details about 2Degrees eSIM 

2. Spark

Another biggest telecom operator in New Zealand that supports eSIM is Spark. Their mobile network uses technologies such as 3G, 4G and 5G covering 98% of New Zealanders. They support 5G in most cities to bring ultra-fast download speed, minimal latency, and massive connectivity. Similar to 2Degrees, spark also offers a prepaid travel plan. They can set you up with a prepaid travel plan on eSIM with any unlocked phone that supports it. Just take your phone to the Spark shop at the airport or any Spark shop anywhere, and they will set you up.

Customer support is super amazing. You can walk into any Spark store or call the customer care number to get instant support. There won’t be a long queue on the phone when calling customer support and you will most probably get connected within a couple of minutes. If you are travelling to New Zealand, the endless plan costs only $129/90 days. You can make 300 minutes of international calls and 300 international SMS and enjoy unlimited data. (speed cap after 120GB).

Learn more about spark eSIM

3. One NZ (formerly Vodafone NZ)

One NZ, formerly known as Vodafone New Zealand, is also another network provider in New Zealand that supports eSIM. They operate the country’s largest 5G network and have network coverage in most of the towns and cities. You can start using an eSIM by purchasing a prepaid plan either online or in-store. If you want to use an eSIM on a tablet, you should visit a nearby One NZ store as they don’t offer this online. Similar to 2Degrees and Spark, your phone must be unlocked by your provider to make the eSIM work.

If you are a traveller, you can get the travel plans on an eSIM. They are providing great offers for international travellers but there is no endless plan as 2Degrees or spark offers. The top tier plan costs you $99 for 90 days which has a limit of 100GB of data and 250 min & TXT to selected destinations. If you are looking to port or upgrade to a One NZ eSIM, make sure you have made the backup of contacts on your existing SIM as the porting or upgrading process won’t transfer the contacts in your existing SIM card. One NZ customer service is also great and you will get connected quickly if you want to make a query or need help.

More information about One NZ eSIM

Advantages of using an eSIM over a physical SIM

There are so many advantages of using an eSIM compared to the traditional physical SIM. Some of them are:

• No physical card needed: You don’t need to keep a Physical card. No need to insert or eject SIM cards.
• Network switching made easy: Since most of the phones support up to 8 eSIM, you can store that much of SIM profiles on your phone. If you want to activate one of the eSIMs, it can be done easily. Very useful if you frequently switch between network providers.
• Eco-friendly: New Zealand always give high priority to sustainability. Since eSIM doesn’t need any plastic, it is an environmentally friendly option.

In conclusion, if you’re planning to consider an eSIM option in New Zealand, 2degrees, Spark, and One NZ are the major network providers supporting this facility. There are some other virtual mobile operators in New Zealand that support the eSIM facility which we will discuss in another article. If you have any queries regarding eSIM in New Zealand, please do comment below or ask it in our forum.