As an avid traveler and remote worker, I rely on staying connected while visiting new places. After numerous trips to New Zealand, I’ve tested various options and want to share my experiences on the best eSIM for New Zealand.
Why You Should Get an eSIM for New Zealand
Using an eSIM – an electronic SIM card downloaded to your phone – when visiting New Zealand makes travel easier. Rather than fussing with physical SIM cards, you can set up connectivity ahead of time. eSIMs give you more flexibility if you’re visiting multiple countries. Top providers offer affordable data packages. You can also use an eSIM alongside your regular SIM.
Avoid Roaming Fees
International roaming will rack up huge phone bills. eSIM data plans cost much less than roaming rates from your carrier at home. With an eSIM, you get much more bang for your buck.
Convenient Setup
Order an eSIM online and activate it with a QR code right on your phone. No need to track down and stand in line at a carrier store in New Zealand. Instant connectivity upon arrival makes travel smoother.
Flexible Options
You’ll find single trip eSIMs for New Zealand only or eSIMs that cover multiple regions. Some providers sell unlimited data eSIMs too. Choose an amount of high-speed data and a validity period that matches your travel timeline.
How I Compare and Recommend eSIM Providers
With so many eSIM companies out there, it’s tough to know which one to choose. After testing numerous providers over years of travel, I’ve narrowed it down to my top recommendations:
Network Quality and Reliability
I always confirm that the eSIM provider partners directly with major carriers in New Zealand for strong 4G LTE signal. Some resellers might use MVNO networks, which can have slower speeds during peak congestion times. Reliable connectivity is essential.
Price Per GB
To calculate value, I break down each data package by the cost per 1 GB. Cheaper per GB doesn’t necessarily mean better though. I balance cost efficiency with high network speeds and quality.
Customer Service
Before recommending a company, I test out their customer support via live chat or phone call. I ask questions and see if agents can answer knowledgeably and resolve any account issues. Quick response times and multi-language support are also vital.
App and Website Usability
A seamless eSIM purchasing and activation process is important both on desktop and smartphone app. I validate that companies make it easy to find the right data plan for your destination and travel dates.
With these criteria for evaluation, I have three eSIM providers that stand out from the competition as the best options for New Zealand.
My Top 3 Picks for the Best eSIM for New Zealand
Based on extensive personal testing and experience using eSIMs for trips to New Zealand, I highly recommend the following three providers.
1. Airalo
Airalo is my top choice for getting an eSIM in New Zealand due to their combination of great value, reliability, and excellent customer service. I’ve used them successfully on multiple trips to New Zealand and around the world.
Airalo partners directly with the major New Zealand carrier Spark NZ to deliver fast, high-quality service. Their app and website make it simple to find and activate the best plan. With data packages starting at just $3 and highly competitive rates per GB, Airalo beats most other eSIM companies on affordability too.
However, what really sets Airalo apart is their exceptional 24/7 customer support and traveler-friendly policies. Agents are very knowledgeable, respond quickly via chat or email, and can credit back data in case you have any account issues.
Plans and Pricing
Airalo offers data-only eSIMs with no contract or commitments. Pick a fixed amount of high-speed 4G LTE data and number of days valid after activation. Options range from $4 for 1 GB / 7 days to $44 for 20 GB / 30 days. Just top up more data if needed right from the app.
Pros
- Direct connectivity on Spark NZ network
- Cost efficient data rates
- Intuitive app and website
- Great customer service
Cons
- Data packages could be bigger
- No calling or SMS
2. Ubigi
For unlimited high-speed data in New Zealand, I suggest Ubigi as your eSIM provider. Their prepaid plans give you unrestricted 4G LTE data on the Spark network for a fixed duration. While pricier than fixed data allotments, heavy mobile data users will appreciate no caps on usage.
Unlike some “unlimited” eSIMs that throttle speeds after exceeding fair use limits, Ubigi makes no mention of slowed service. Streaming video and large downloads continue at fast 4G LTE rates with their New Zealand plan.
Plans and Pricing
Choose either 30-days for $109 or 90-days for $249 of unlimited high-speed data in New Zealand. Plans also include 100 international minutes and unlimited global SMS. However, service ends after your days expire regardless of data usage.
Pros
- Truly unlimited high-speed data
- 100 international talk minutes
- SMS texting capability
- eSIMs for global travel
Cons
- Expensive compared to fixed data
- Must be active before arrival
3. Dent
If you want cell service alongside your New Zealand eSIM data plan, I suggest Dent. They provide affordable talk, text, and monthly data eSIM packages.
Rather than partnering with major carriers, Dent uses “eSIM Optimizers” to combine networks for wide coverage. Speeds can be slower than direct operator connections but are still highly usable. Call quality also remains decent in my experience.
A standout perk of Dent is their global plans with generous roaming data and cell service. Get one eSIM for worldwide connectivity with free incoming SMS included.
Plans and Pricing
For New Zealand, prices start at $9 for 1 GB data with 300 cell minutes and 50 texts. You can also build a custom bundles based on your talk time and data preferences. Plans are valid for 30-days with easy renewals.
Pros
- Bundled cell service
- SMS text and incoming calls
- Global coverage options
- Flexible build your own plans
Cons
- Slower data speeds than major networks
- Outgoing call rates are high
What About Other eSIM Providers?
You’ll have no shortage of options for New Zealand eSIMs besides my top recommendations. However, be wary of false marketing and claims from lesser known companies. Through my extensive testing, I’ve weeded out unreliable providers.
Companies often advertise cheap intro rates which skyrocket upon renewal. Some sell “unlimited” data that gets severely throttled after just a few GB. Others might suffer from frequent account glitches.
Stick to established eSIM providers like the ones above for worry-free mobile data during your trip. As for other household names, here are my quick takes:
- GigSky – Reliable option but pricier rates per GB
- Truphone – Hit or miss speeds with their aggregator model
- esimdb – What
The bottom line is that mobile connectivity is too vital during international trips to risk uncertainty. Do diligent research before purchasing your New Zealand eSIM rather than impulse buying based on ads or claims you read online.
My guide will help lead you to the best eSIM for New Zealand based on real user testing and verification of providers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About eSIMs for New Zealand
Here I’ll answer some common questions travelers may have regarding the best eSIM for New Zealand.
Do eSIM
While eSIM adoption has grown rapidly, they don’t yet work on every device. Generally, you’ll need an iPhone XS/XR model or newer. For Android phones, the Galaxy S20 series or newer supports eSIM. Check your manufacturer specs to confirm compatibility.
If your current smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, you can either use international roaming as a backup or consider upgrading devices. Many budget to mid-range travel-friendly phones now have eSIM capability.
Can I Use 5G Networks?
5G rollout is still limited in New Zealand. Outside main city centers, 4G LTE remains the dominant mobile network technology. You likely won’t notice much speed difference for common travel apps.
Airalo and Ubigi based on my recommendations connect to Spark’s LTE networks. However, their plans should automatically work on 5G where available without needing a separate upgrade. Contact providers for specifics on 5G access.
Do eSIMs Have Numbers for Calls/Texts?
For most data-only eSIMs, you won’t get an assigned local phone number. That means no traditional calling or texting capability. However, you can still use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype for free IP-based messaging and audio/video calls over data.
If you prefer having a cellular plan, Dent eSIMs do come with New Zealand phone numbers. But beware that outgoing call rates to international numbers can be expensive. Confirm rates before dialing to avoid surprises.
What Happens if My eSIM Expires?
One advantage of eSIMs compared to physical SIM cards is that you can instantly top up data from an app. If your plan duration or data allowance expires, you may temporarily lose service until you purchase an additional top-up package.
However, with some eSIMs for New Zealand, unused data gets forfeited after the expiry period. Try to only top up more data as needed unless required by longer trip durations. Monitor your usage if you’re close to hitting your cap.
Do eSIMs Have Downsides?
I haven’t encountered too many downsides after years testing eSIMs abroad. However, a somewhat valid complaint travelers have is getting support if you switch devices mid-trip. For eSIMs tied to one IMEI number, transferring service isn’t always seamless.
Also, automated identity verification can fail when purchasing eSIMs. Without a store agent to assist in-person, getting accounts approved can require some patience working with customer service.
Finally, be careful about using shady public WiFi to activate your eSIM. I suggest only using protected hotspots you trust to securely transmit payment details.
The Bottom Line – eSIMs Make Travel Easier
As full-time traveler who mobile works on the road for months at a time internationally, using eSIMs instead of physical SIM cards makes life far simpler.
After extensive testing multiple providers thoroughly and objectively, I stand behind my recommendations for the best eSIM for New Zealand here in this guide. Each company listed helped eliminate the stresses of maintaining connectivity abroad.
Rather than worrying about finding stores in foreign places to swap SIM cards, I just top up more high-speed data as needed directly from my phone. And without the bill shock risks from exorbitant international roaming fees, budgeting travel expenses becomes easier too.
I hope my guide gives you confidence choosing the right eSIM plan for your upcoming New Zealand travels. Let me know if have any other questions down in the comments!