Work around for physical sim card in new iPhone

Question

Work around for physical sim card in new iPhone

Hello! I moved from Australia to the US this year, and bought my iPhone 15 from home with a physical Australian sim card. I also have an American eSIM that I activated once I arrived. I want to buy a new iPhone, but I understand the American iPhone's do not have a physical sim card holder. I have been told I would need to activate the eSIM in country (i.e. Australia). I use this sim card to recieve bank verifications etc, so still need to be able to access the number, and I don't plan to return home for another year or so.

What is my best option if I want to upgrade my phone? These are my current thoughts:

Keep the old phone to access the Australian sim (but then I wouldn't be able to use it as a trade in)
Buy a cheap 'brick' phone to use the Australian sim
Anything other ideas?

iPhone 15, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 16, 2025 1:32 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 16, 2025 1:38 PM in response to healthyharold

healthyharold wrote:

I have been told I would need to activate the eSIM in country (i.e. Australia).

Who told you that? If it was anyone but your carrier, I'd check with the carrier. I recognize that may be a challenge, but it's where I'd start.

Are 2FA verifications from Australian institutions? Is there a way to convert them to a new number in the U.S.?

• Buy a cheap 'brick' phone to use the Australian sim

That's probably the one I'd go with if all else fails.

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