BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS TOUR | AUSTRALIA 2025
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRE-TRAVEL
Staying connected with your mobile device
We have all heard of the horror stories.
A great holiday then ruined by a huge phone bill because of local roaming charges.
But don’t worry. We are here to get you up to speed with how you can stay connected with family, friends and fellow tourists in Australia so you avoid any nasty surprises when you return home.
eSIMS
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to stay connected is by using an eSIM. It lets you activate a local mobile data plan without needing to swap out your UK SIM card. That means no fiddling with tiny trays, no risk of losing your original SIM, and—most importantly—no outrageous roaming fees.
While it is also possible to replace your phone’s SIM card with a local SIM card, you should note that when you replace your SIM card, you’ll automatically be getting a new phone number, since phone numbers are associated with SIM cards and not individual phones themselves.
We use your mobile number as the unique identifier for ticket delivery, so the phone number provided must match the phone number you will use in Australia, and for this reason we recommend using an eSIM rather than replacing your current SIM card with a local SIM card.
If you still wish to use a local physical SIM, please note that you also need to make sure you have an unlocked phone. Some phones are restricted to only work with the specific network provider you originally signed up with.
If your number does not match our records, you will not be able to receive your match tickets, Lions Den and Lions Theatre tickets or any excursion tickets (where applicable). You will also risk missing out on important tour updates and communications, as these will all be delivered to your registered mobile number.
compatitbility
To avoid any disruptions, if you own a compatible device, we do strongly recommend using an eSIM instead as it allows you to stay connected with a local data plan while keeping your UK number active. Below is a list of phones which are compatible with eSIMs:
Apple (eSIM Guide):
An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
A wireless network provider or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM
Your new iPhone needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.
Samsung (eSIM Guide):
Samsung Galaxy S20 or later
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy Fold
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G or later
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or later
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy A36
If your phone model is not on the list above, please check if an E-SIM is compatible here.
Whilst we are sharing this information with you now, you are not required to begin this process until much closer to your departure date. E-SIM plans are usually offered on a duration basis and therefore once activated, the plan will start from that date.
Popular eSIM Providers in Australia
Some of the most popular eSIM providers for Australia include:
Airalo
Revolut
TelSIM
There are plenty of other options too, so we recommend doing a bit of research before purchasing your eSIM. Majority of eSIMs provide a range of packages, of varying data allowance and duration, so you should be able to find the best plan for your needs.
Each eSIM will have its own installation process, and once you have selected and purchased your eSIM you will receive step by step instructions within the eSIM providers app, to set up and activate the eSIM to your device. Remember that a stable WIFI network will be required for this process and to only activate your plan as close as possible to your departure date to make the most out of your plan duration.
