Can I switch from a physical SIM to eSIM in New Zealand?+
Switching from a physical SIM to eSIM is straightforward with major New Zealand carriers. Contact Spark or 2degrees through their app or customer service and request an eSIM transfer. You will receive a QR code to scan, which installs your digital profile. Your physical SIM stops working once the eSIM activates, so confirm the transfer is complete before removing your old card.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card for New Zealand travellers?+
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card? Yes, for most travellers. It installs over the air through a QR code scan, with no card swap, no store visit and no SIM card to lose. The eSIM vs physical SIM comparison consistently favours eSIM on convenience, cost, and security. HelloRoam eSIM plans start from NZ$1.77, and you can use them in 185+ countries. Physical SIMs still make sense for phones without eSIM support or destinations with limited eSIM carrier support.
Is eSIM more secure than a physical SIM card?+
In one key way, yes. An eSIM is built into your phone, so no one can pull it out and put it into another phone the way they can with a SIM card. Your connection stays locked to your device until you intentionally transfer it. A physical SIM, by contrast, can be taken out of a lost or stolen phone and used in another one. SIM-swap fraud is a different risk: a scammer gets your carrier to move your number to a new SIM, so it happens on the carrier's side. The GSMA confirms eSIM meets the same encryption standards as physical SIM on every network.
Should I get an eSIM or a local SIM for travel to Australia or Thailand from New Zealand?+
eSIM works well for popular travel destinations like Australia and Thailand. Major carriers in both countries support eSIM. A local physical SIM may cost less per GB, but it requires an in-person purchase and sometimes a wait for activation. A HelloRoam eSIM activates before you land and skips all of that. For most trips, the convenience of eSIM is worth it.
What are the advantages of eSIM over a physical SIM card for Kiwi travellers?+
eSIM advantages over a physical SIM include instant activation via QR code, no plastic card to carry or lose, and the ability to store multiple carrier profiles on one device. In an eSIM vs SIM card comparison, eSIM wins on convenience, security, and multi-country flexibility. HelloRoam eSIM connects to 212+ networks across 185+ countries. Travellers heading to Australia, Fiji, Thailand, or the UK can activate a plan before their flight and switch between countries without setting foot in a phone shop.
Is eSIM more private or secure than a physical SIM card?+
eSIM is as private as a physical SIM card. Both connect to cell towers using identical protocols and the same network-level location data applies to each. The main security advantage of eSIM is physical theft resistance: no one can pull the chip out of your phone. HelloRoam eSIM profiles use GSMA encryption and stay on the phone you install them on.
Can I have two eSIMs on one phone as a New Zealand traveller?+
Most modern smartphones can store more than one eSIM profile. iPhone XS and newer models with a SIM tray run one physical SIM and one eSIM at the same time. The iPhone 13 and later can run two eSIMs at the same time without a physical SIM. Google Pixel 7 and later can also run two eSIMs if your carrier allows it. HelloRoam lets you add a travel data plan alongside your Spark or 2degrees carrier eSIM so your NZ number stays reachable while you travel.
Can an eSIM be hacked while I am travelling?+
An eSIM is harder to compromise than a physical SIM because no one can remove it and put it into another device. The GSMA encryption standard protects all HelloRoam eSIM profiles across 185+ countries. SIM-swap fraud, where a scammer gets a carrier to move a number to a new SIM, happens on the carrier's side, so keep your home carrier account secure too.
Does a HelloRoam eSIM give you a phone number?+
HelloRoam eSIM plans provide data-only connectivity and do not assign a new phone number. Your existing NZ number stays active on your primary Spark or 2degrees SIM or carrier eSIM. This setup works well for travellers: your home number handles calls and texts while HelloRoam covers data across 185+ countries. Carrier eSIMs from Spark or 2degrees do come with a phone number tied to your account.
Do you keep your NZ phone number when you switch to eSIM?+
Your phone number stays with your carrier, not your SIM type. Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM with the same carrier, whether that is Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ, keeps your number exactly as it was. Adding a HelloRoam travel eSIM does not affect your existing number at all. Your NZ line stays active for calls while HelloRoam handles your data abroad.
