Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airport vs City Center vs Hotel Wi‑Fi

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Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airpor...

Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airport vs City Center vs Hotel Wi‑Fi

29 Oct 2025

Speedtests
Paris Speed Test (Q4 2025): CDG Airport vs City Center vs Hotel Wi‑Fi

Heading to Paris and wondering if your phone or hotel Wi‑Fi will keep up? This paris speed test internet report compares real‑world performance at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, across the city centre, and on typical hotel Wi‑Fi. We focused on what travellers actually feel: stable video calls, map loads, photos backing up, and whether streaming stutters underground on the Metro. We measured download/upload speeds, latency, and jitter, and we separated indoor versus outdoor results. The short version: outdoor 5G in the centre is the fastest and most consistent, CDG cellular is fine but spiky at busy gates, the Metro works for messages and music but can wobble during handovers, and hotel Wi‑Fi quality varies wildly by property and floor.

We’ve published an open CSV so you can audit or remix the dataset. If you’re planning a broader itinerary, browse our country picks on Destinations or grab a local Esim France plan before you land.

TL;DR results at a glance

  • City centre (outdoor 5G): median 180–260 Mbps down, 18–35 Mbps up; latency 18–30 ms; jitter 4–9 ms
  • City centre (indoors near window): median 70–120 Mbps down; jitter rises to 8–15 ms in older buildings
  • CDG Airport cellular (landsid/airside): median 45–90 Mbps down, 8–15 Mbps up; latency 28–45 ms; jitter 8–18 ms
  • CDG Airport public Wi‑Fi: highly variable, typically 10–40 Mbps down, jitter >20 ms during peaks
  • Paris Metro snapshot: platforms 60–110 Mbps down; in‑tunnel 25–60 Mbps down; jitter spikes during cell handovers
  • Hotel Wi‑Fi: budget/mid‑range median 20–60 Mbps down with jitter 15–35 ms; premium/business floors often 100–250 Mbps down, jitter 6–12 ms

Interpretation: for calls and uploads, latency and jitter matter more than raw speed. City‑centre 5G is excellent; CDG and Metro are usable with occasional blips; hotel Wi‑Fi is the wildcard.

How we tested (transparent methodology)

  • Dates and windows: three days in Q4 2025 (morning, lunchtime, evening, and late night runs)
  • Zones: CDG Terminals 1/2 (arrivals halls, selected gates, RER entrance), central Paris (1st, 2nd, 9th, 11th), and two hotels (one mid‑range, one upscale)
  • Indoors vs outdoors: repeated runs on pavements, inside cafés, lobbies, and hotel rooms (window vs corridor side)
  • Mobile tech: 5G NSA/SA and LTE where 5G unavailable
  • Devices: recent iOS and Android flagships with eSIM; laptop for Wi‑Fi validation
  • Tools: two independent speed test engines; concurrent ping to EU anycast; jitter measured as latency variance over 30–60 seconds
  • Metrics recorded: timestamp, coordinates (3‑digit geohash), location type (airport/city/hotel/metro), indoor/outdoor, network tech (5G/LTE/Wi‑Fi), signal stats (where accessible), download, upload, latency, jitter, packet loss, device, and notes on crowd density
  • Sample size: 120+ mobile tests, 40+ hotel/airport Wi‑Fi tests, 30+ Metro runs

What we didn’t do: exhaustive operator‑by‑operator benchmarking or rural coverage. This is a traveller‑centric snapshot, not a national audit.

CDG Airport: cellular vs airport Wi‑Fi

What we saw: - Cellular is “good enough” for maps, ride‑hailing, and messaging, with occasional dips around crowded gates and security queues.
- Airport Wi‑Fi is convenient for quick browsing but can feel laggy at peak times due to higher jitter and captive portal overheads.

Typical numbers: - Cellular near arrivals: 60–90 Mbps down, 10–15 Mbps up; latency 30–40 ms; jitter 8–12 ms
- Cellular at busy gates: 30–60 Mbps down; jitter 12–18 ms (spikes during boarding calls)
- Public Wi‑Fi: 10–40 Mbps down, 5–20 Mbps up; latency 20–35 ms; jitter 20–40 ms

Practical tips: - If the airport Wi‑Fi feels sluggish on calls, switch to cellular; lower jitter helps stability.
- Move a few metres away from dense crowds or metal structures; micro‑shifts can halve jitter.
- Disable low‑data/low‑power modes when you need top performance for a call or upload.

City centre: outdoor 5G is king, indoors is about placement

Outdoors (boulevards, squares): - Consistently fast 5G, especially on wider streets with clear line‑of‑sight.
- Median 180–260 Mbps down, 18–35 Mbps up; latency 18–30 ms; jitter 4–9 ms.
- Excellent for hotspotting a laptop or rapid photo backups.

Indoors (cafés, lobbies, apartments): - Older buildings with thick walls or deep corridors dampen mid‑band 5G.
- Near windows: 70–120 Mbps down, 10–20 Mbps up; jitter 8–15 ms.
- Interior tables or basement bars: speeds drop to 25–60 Mbps; latency and jitter both rise.

Pro tips: - Sit by a window or door for the biggest improvement.
- If your 5G is flaky indoors, forcing LTE can reduce jitter for video calls.
- Prefer headset calls to mask brief jitter bursts.

Paris Metro snapshot: good on platforms, variable in tunnels

Coverage across platforms is solid. Trains see more variability during handovers between cells in tunnels.

Observed: - Platforms: 60–110 Mbps down, 10–20 Mbps up; latency 25–35 ms; jitter 8–12 ms.
- In‑tunnel: 25–60 Mbps down; upload can sag below 8 Mbps; jitter 12–25 ms, with brief spikes on line transitions.
- Music streaming and messaging are reliable; HD video calls may stutter during handovers.

Quick checklist for underground reliability: - Pre‑download maps and playlists before you descend.
- Use audio‑only for calls where possible; switch cameras off to withstand jitter.
- Messaging apps with store‑and‑forward (e.g., sending photos) cope better than live uploads in tunnels.

Hotel Wi‑Fi: the biggest wildcard

Mid‑range hotel (older building, multiple repeaters): - 20–60 Mbps down, 10–25 Mbps up; latency 15–25 ms; jitter 15–35 ms.
- Congestion spikes between 19:00–22:00; 2.4 GHz often overloaded.
- Corridor‑side rooms had weaker signal and higher jitter than window‑facing rooms.

Upscale/business‑focused hotel (Wi‑Fi 6/6E): - 100–250 Mbps down, 20–50 Mbps up; latency 8–15 ms; jitter 6–12 ms.
- Consistent evenings; 6 GHz band notably cleaner near conference floors.

Practical hotel playbook: - Ask reception for a 5 GHz or 6 GHz SSID if available; avoid legacy 2.4 GHz.
- Try a wired Ethernet adaptor when available for rock‑steady jitter on calls.
- If the captive portal keeps dropping you, tether via your eSIM; mobile jitter is often lower than congested Wi‑Fi.
- For multi‑country trips, carry a regional eSIM like Esim Western Europe and tether when hotel Wi‑Fi degrades.

Which eSIM plan makes sense for Paris?

  • Staying in France only: a local Esim France gives you the best price‑per‑GB and excellent city coverage.
  • Multi‑country route (e.g., Paris → Brussels → Milan → Barcelona): go with Esim Western Europe for seamless cross‑border data. If Italy or Spain are next, see Esim Italy and Esim Spain.
  • Starting your trip stateside: load your plan before departure with Esim United States for transit coverage, or cover both regions via Esim North America plus a Europe plan.
  • Teams on the road: pooled data and fleet eSIMs via For Business.
  • Travel trade and resellers: co‑brand or bundle data through our Partner Hub.

Step‑by‑step: get the best speeds in Paris

1) Before you fly - Install and activate your eSIM (don’t wait for the jet bridge).
- Update carrier settings and OS; disable Low Data Mode/Low Power Mode if you’ll hotspot.
- Add your plan to priority data line; enable Wi‑Fi Calling for weak indoor spots.

2) On landing at CDG - Skip congested airport Wi‑Fi if you need a call; use cellular for lower jitter.
- If speeds feel erratic, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds to re‑register on a stronger cell.

3) Around town - For cafés and indoors, sit near windows or doors.
- If 5G is “fast but choppy”, switch to LTE for steadier calls.
- Keep background cloud backups paused during important video calls.

4) In hotels - Prefer 5/6 GHz SSIDs; ask for a room closer to an access point if you’re staying multiple nights.
- Have your eSIM ready to tether during evening congestion.

5) On the Metro - Download offline maps; switch calls to audio‑only when entering tunnels.

Open dataset and reproducibility

We’ve published an open CSV covering every run in this report. Typical columns include: - timestamp_utc
- geohash_3 and location_label (e.g., “CDG T2F gate”, “Le Marais street”, “Hotel A room 5F window”)
- indoor_outdoor (indoor/outdoor/platform/train)
- network_type (5G/LTE/Wi‑Fi) and band note where available
- rsrp/sinr (if accessible), download_mbps, upload_mbps
- latency_ms_median, jitter_ms (stddev over 30–60s), packet_loss_pct
- device (generic) and notes (crowd level, time pressure, observed handover)

Method validation: - Dual test engines per spot to avoid single‑service bias.
- Parallel latency probes to an EU anycast target.
- Repeats across time‑of‑day to capture peak/off‑peak variance.

Use the dataset to slice results your way (e.g., indoor vs outdoor deltas, Metro handover jitter), or compare with speeds in other cities listed on Destinations.

Limitations and what’s next

  • This is a city snapshot, not an operator shoot‑out. Performance varies by SIM profile, building, and crowd density.
  • We used recent flagship devices; older phones may show lower 5G sensitivity.
  • Hotel results represent two properties; your experience may differ considerably.
  • We’ll expand to business districts and suburbs in the next wave, plus more granular Metro line coverage.

FAQ

Q: Is eSIM faster than a physical SIM in Paris?
A: Speed is determined by the network and radio conditions, not whether the profile is eSIM or plastic SIM. eSIM simply makes it easier to switch networks and plans.

Q: What’s better for calls: hotel Wi‑Fi or mobile data?
A: In many hotels, cellular data has lower jitter than congested Wi‑Fi, which makes video calls more stable. Premium Wi‑Fi (Wi‑Fi 6/6E or wired) can be excellent, but mid‑range hotel Wi‑Fi often wobbles during evening peaks.

Q: Does the Paris Metro have full 4G/5G coverage?
A: Platforms are well covered. In tunnels, you’ll see brief dips and jitter spikes during handovers. Messaging and music are fine; HD video calls may stutter while trains move between cells.

Q: How much speed do I actually need?
A: For maps and messaging: 1–5 Mbps. For HD video calls: 5–10 Mbps with latency <50 ms and jitter <20 ms. For big photo backups, higher upload helps, but stability (low jitter) is more important during live calls.

Q: Any quick fixes if speeds feel erratic indoors?
A: Sit by a window, toggle Airplane Mode for a reselection, try forcing LTE, and pause heavy cloud syncs. If Wi‑Fi is the issue, jump to cellular tethering.

Q: I’m visiting multiple countries. Can one plan cover me?
A: Yes. Use Esim Western Europe for multi‑country trips. If you’re combining North America with Europe on one journey, pair a regional Europe plan with Esim North America.

Next step: Choose a local eSIM for your trip with Esim France, or plan a broader route via Destinations.

Read more blogs

EU Long Stays: Fair‑Use for Nomads & Students (90/180‑Day Rule)

EU Long Stays: Fair‑Use for Nomads & Students (90/180‑Day Rule)

Planning a long stretch around Europe? Here’s the traveller‑first guide to EU fair use on long stays. Confusion often comes from mixing two different systems: immigration rules (the Schengen 90/180‑day stay limit) and telecom rules (EU roaming fair use). They are not the same. Immigration limits how long you can stay. Telecom fair use limits how long you can roam on an EU plan before surcharges kick in. If you’re a student with local residency, you’re treated differently to a roaming nomad bouncing between countries. And regional eSIMs add a third option that avoids most “home vs abroad” checks altogether. This guide cuts through the jargon with plain‑English explanations, examples you can copy, and practical checklists to keep your connectivity clean and cost‑predictable. If you just want a solution: country eSIMs are best when you settle in one place; regional EU eSIMs shine for multi‑country hops. Keep reading for the details and how to choose.The quick version: Fair‑use vs 90/18090/180 rule: Immigration. Most visa‑exempt visitors can stay in the Schengen Area up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. Nothing to do with mobile plans.EU roaming fair use: Telecom. EU/EEA operators let their customers “roam like at home” across the EU. To stop permanent roaming, they can apply fair‑use checks over a four‑month window and, if triggered, add regulated surcharges after warning you.Regional travel eSIMs: These are made for roaming. They don’t rely on EU “roam like at home” privileges, so the home‑vs‑abroad test usually doesn’t apply. Instead, your limit is the plan’s validity and data allowance.For country coverage quirks (e.g., Switzerland, UK post‑Brexit), see Destinations.What the EU fair‑use policy actually says (for travellers)EU “Roam Like at Home” (RLAH) protects EU/EEA subscribers using their home mobile plan around the bloc. It applies primarily if you hold an EU plan with an EU operator.The home‑presence and usage test (4‑month window)Your EU operator can watch usage over at least four months. If both are true, they may flag permanent roaming:1) You’ve been more time “abroad” than “at home,” and2) You used more data while roaming than you did at home.If they detect this, they must warn you and give at least 14 days to change your pattern (e.g., use the line domestically or reduce roaming). If nothing changes, they can add small, regulated surcharges on roaming usage. Your service isn’t cut off, but costs rise.Data caps on “unlimited” plans while roamingIf your domestic plan is unlimited or very cheap per GB, your operator can set a specific fair‑use roaming data allowance, calculated from your plan price and EU wholesale caps. The allowance and any out‑of‑bundle surcharge must be clearly communicated. Always read the roaming section of your tariff.Residency or “stable links”Operators can ask for proof of residency or stable links (study, work) when you buy or keep a domestic plan. This isn’t immigration control; it’s to ensure domestic plans aren’t used as permanent roaming products.Warnings and surchargesYou’ll receive a warning before any fair‑use surcharge applies.Surcharges are capped by EU rules and reviewed periodically.Paying a surcharge doesn’t fix the root cause. If your lifestyle is long‑term roaming, reconsider your setup (see below).Note: RLAH covers EU/EEA. It does not automatically include Switzerland or the UK. Check Destinations before you go.Residency vs roaming: which bucket are you in?Students with a local contract (resident or stable link)If you study in, say, France and sign up for a French mobile plan using local documentation, France becomes your “home” for that line. Your everyday use in France typically outweighs your time abroad, so your weekend trips to Spain or a fortnight in Italy sit comfortably within fair use. For deeper country fit, see Esim France, Esim Spain and Esim Italy.Digital nomads and long‑stay visitors (non‑resident)If you don’t have EU residency and you rely on a single EU domestic SIM while rarely returning to its home country, you’re likely to trip the fair‑use test after a few months. Two cleaner options:Use country eSIMs in each country you stay in for a month or two; orUse a regional travel eSIM designed for roaming around Europe.How regional eSIMs fit into long staysRegional travel eSIMs are built for cross‑border use. Instead of offering a domestic plan with RLAH, they provide roaming access in multiple countries from day one. This sidesteps the “domestic vs roaming” test entirely.Multi‑country coverage: A single profile that works across much of the EU. See Esim Western Europe for a practical one‑SIM solve when you’re rotating through EU hubs.Validity and data: Plans come with defined validity (e.g., 15–90 days) and data buckets. If you run out, top up or add another plan—no residency checks.Outside the EU: Heading to or from North America? Pair your Europe plan with Esim North America or set up before you fly with Esim United States.When you’re staying a whole term in one country, a local eSIM can be cheaper for heavy data. For multi‑country months, regional usually wins on simplicity.When to choose a country eSIM vs a regional EU eSIMChoose a country eSIM when:You’ll spend 30+ days in one country and use lots of data.You need local rates for domestic calls or long‑term top‑ups.Example pages: Esim France, Esim Italy, Esim Spain.Choose a regional EU eSIM when:You’ll cross borders frequently (e.g., 3–6 countries over 2–4 months).You prefer one number/data plan to manage across the trip.See: Esim Western Europe.Use dual‑SIM: keep your primary line for authentication calls/SMS, and set the travel eSIM as your data line.Step‑by‑step: Students (semester or year abroad)1) Get a local plan in your host country- Sign up with local ID/student proof. Your host country becomes “home” for that plan.2) Read the roaming section of your tariff- Note any roaming data caps and the four‑month fair‑use window.3) Use your host‑country SIM domestically most of the time- Weekend trips are fine. Long multi‑month trips outside your host country might trigger warnings.4) Add a regional eSIM for holiday stretches- If you’ll travel for several weeks, switch your data line to Esim Western Europe to avoid breaching your domestic plan’s fair‑use pattern.5) Keep alerts on- Don’t ignore SMS warnings. You usually get at least 14 days to adjust your usage before surcharges apply.6) Check non‑EU neighbours- UK/Switzerland often sit outside inclusive roaming. Verify on Destinations before you go.Step‑by‑step: Digital nomads (90–180 days across EU)1) Decide your pattern- Many short stays in multiple countries? Start with a regional plan. One or two long stops? Mix in country eSIMs for each stop.2) Set up before you move- Install the eSIM profile while you have reliable Wi‑Fi. Test with a small top‑up.3) Use dual‑SIM smartly- Keep your home SIM active for 2FA/texts. Set the travel eSIM as the default for data.4) Rotate plans, not penalties- Regional eSIMs like Esim Western Europe are priced for roaming and won’t run into EU “permanent roaming” tests. When staying put, switch to the local country plan (e.g., Esim Spain).5) Avoid long‑term reliance on a single EU domestic plan- If you don’t live there, the four‑month fair‑use pattern will likely catch up and add surcharges.6) Leaving or arriving via the US/Canada?- Bridge the gap with Esim North America or sort stateside coverage with Esim United States.Worked examplesStudent in France, 9 months, frequent tripsYou take a French plan as your main line. You spend most days in France, with occasional weekends in Spain/Italy. You remain well within fair use. For a four‑week summer rail trip, you add Esim Western Europe for data and keep the French SIM for calls/SMS.Nomad, 5 months, 5 countriesMonth in Portugal, then Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands. You use a regional plan for months 1–3. For months 4–5, because you’re stationary and need more data, you add Esim Spain and Esim France during those longer stays. No EU domestic fair‑use checks apply to your regional eSIM; the country eSIMs are priced for local use when you’re settled.US visitor, 2 months in Italy with side tripsYou keep your US number active for banking but avoid pricey long‑term roaming on your domestic US plan. You install Esim Italy for the base month and add a short regional top‑up for a two‑week loop through neighbouring countries.Pro tips to stay compliant and connectedTrack days and data: set a calendar reminder every time you cross a border and use your phone’s data counter per SIM.Respect SMS warnings: they are your early‑warning system before surcharges.Prefer Wi‑Fi calling and messaging apps for cross‑border calls.Use hotspot sparingly if your plan restricts tethering.Check country exceptions on Destinations before visiting microstates or non‑EU neighbours.Business travellers: corporate pools can smooth roaming costs—see For Business or partner with us via the Partner Hub.FAQQ1: Does the Schengen 90/180‑day rule limit my mobile usage?A: No. 90/180 is immigration. EU telecom fair use is separate. You could be within your visa limit yet still trigger a roaming fair‑use surcharge—or vice versa.Q2: How long can I roam on an EU domestic plan before fair‑use kicks in?A: Operators check at least a four‑month window. If, in that period, you spend more time and use more data abroad than at home, they can warn you and later add regulated surcharges.Q3: I have an “unlimited” EU plan. Is roaming unlimited too?A: Not necessarily. Operators can set a specific fair‑use roaming data cap for unlimited/low‑cost plans and must tell you the allowance and any surcharge once you hit it.Q4: Do regional travel eSIMs have fair‑use limits?A: They’re built for roaming, so the EU “home vs abroad” test doesn’t apply. You’re bound by the plan’s validity and data bucket, plus any reasonable‑use terms (e.g., hotspot limits). For multi‑country trips, see Esim Western Europe.Q5: If I buy a French SIM, can I spend the summer in Italy on it?A: Yes, but extended, heavier use outside France could trigger the four‑month fair‑use test. For a long Italy stay, switch to Esim Italy or add a regional eSIM for the travel leg.Q6: I’m a US traveller. Should I rely on my US plan’s roaming?A: For short trips, maybe. For long stays, many US plans throttle or cap roaming after a few weeks. It’s usually better value to keep your US number for SMS and run EU data on a regional or country eSIM. Start here: Esim United States and Esim Western Europe.Next stepPlan your route, pick your coverage: explore country and regional options on Esim Western Europe, then check country specifics via Destinations.

23 Dec 2025
Australia eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Outback Coverage, 5G

Australia eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Outback Coverage, 5G

Planning a trip from Melbourne’s laneways to the Red Centre? This guide shows you how to stay online across Australia with an eSIM, without wasting time at airport kiosks or paying hotel Wi‑Fi fees. The short version: cities have superb 4G/5G, while the outback demands the right network choice and realistic expectations. We’ll explain which networks actually work off‑grid, whether 5G matters outside CBDs, how to install and test your eSIM at Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) airports, and the settings to check for a smooth start. You’ll also find practical data budgeting, hotspot/tethering tips, and a quick troubleshooting checklist you can use roadside. If you’re hopping onwards to Asia or the Pacific, we’ve linked multi‑country eSIM options too. Start by choosing Australia on Simology’s Destinations, then follow the steps below for a stress‑free setup.Quick take: esim australia in 30 secondsBest for cities: Any major network; 5G in CBDs is fast and reliable.Best for outback/regional: Telstra‑based plans have the widest footprint.3G shutdown: Australia is now 4G/5G only. Your phone must support VoLTE.Install timing: Activate over Wi‑Fi before you board or on airport Wi‑Fi on arrival.Data use: 3–6 GB/week for light travellers; 10–20 GB if mapping/ride‑hailing/streaming.Hotspot: Usually supported; check your plan’s tethering allowance.Coverage: city vs outback (what actually works)Australia’s three main networks are Telstra, Optus and Vodafone (TPG). Coverage differs sharply once you leave the cities.Telstra: The benchmark for regional and remote coverage, with the largest footprint along highways and in small towns. If you’re driving long distances, doing the Great Ocean Road, tackling the Stuart Highway, or heading to national parks, a Telstra‑based eSIM is your safest bet.Optus: Excellent in metro areas and many regional centres, good suburban coverage, and growing 5G. Outside populated corridors, coverage thins sooner than Telstra.Vodafone (TPG): Strongest in major cities and inner suburbs. Coverage drops more quickly once you reach regional areas; least suitable for outback drives.Realistic outback expectations: - “No service” happens. Even on Telstra, you’ll find long gaps in the deep outback. - Highway roadhouses and towns often have LTE; between them, expect nothing. - Remote hiking or 4WD routes may require a satellite communicator for emergencies.Pro tips: - If your route is remote‑heavy, pick a Telstra‑based plan and download offline maps. - For city‑only trips (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide), any major network works well, including Vodafone. - Dual‑SIM: Keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS; set data to your eSIM.5G in Australia: where you’ll notice itCities and suburbs: 5G is widely available across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Gold Coast. Expect 200–500 Mbps in strong signal areas; 4G will still be fast enough for most tasks.Regional towns: Patchy but improving 5G; more consistent 4G.Outback: Largely 4G or no signal; 5G is rare outside larger regional centres.If your plan offers both 4G and 5G at the same price, take it. If it costs extra, only heavy uploaders or tethering power users will feel a big difference outside CBDs.Which eSIM to choose for AustraliaDecide based on your itinerary: - City‑only (meetings, events, sightseeing): Any reputable eSIM with 4G/5G access is fine. Look for hotspot/tethering support and fair usage that suits your needs. - Mixed city + regional: Prioritise Telstra‑based coverage, especially if driving. - Remote road trips: Telstra‑based plan strongly recommended; carry offline maps and a power bank.Features to look for: - Data bundles sized for your trip (e.g., 5–20 GB for 1–3 weeks). - Clear hotspot allowance (most Simology eSIMs allow tethering). - Multi‑country add‑ons if continuing beyond Australia. - Support and quick replacement if you mis‑scan or change devices.Planning multi‑country travel? - North America: See Esim North America or single‑country Esim United States. - Western Europe: Consider Esim Western Europe or country plans such as Esim Spain, Esim France, and Esim Italy.Browse coverage notes and plans via Destinations.Device readiness and compatibilityeSIM support: iPhone XR/XS and newer; Google Pixel 3 and newer (model‑specific); Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer; many recent Xiaomi/OnePlus models. Check your exact model supports eSIM and VoLTE in Australia.Unlocked phone: Ensure your device is network‑unlocked.Bands that help in Australia: LTE Band 28 (700 MHz) is key for range; Band 3 (1800) and Band 7 (2600) are city workhorses; 5G commonly on n78 (3500) and low‑band n28.3G shutdown: Australia no longer runs 3G. Your phone must support VoLTE for calls on your home SIM and to maintain data sessions smoothly.Pre‑trip checklist: - Update iOS/Android before you fly. - Back up your device and ensure battery &gt;50% for eSIM install. - Have your Simology QR code/email accessible offline.How to buy and activate an eSIM for Australia (step‑by‑step)1) Choose your plan - Go to Destinations, select Australia, pick a data size and duration that fits your itinerary. - Check hotspot allowance and any fair usage notes.2) Purchase and receive your eSIM - You’ll get a QR code and manual activation details by email. Save them offline.3) Install before you fly (recommended) - On Wi‑Fi, open Settings &gt; Mobile/Cellular &gt; Add eSIM (iOS) or Network &amp; Internet &gt; SIMs (Android). - Scan the QR code, label it “Australia eSIM”. - Set “Mobile Data/Data” to the eSIM; leave your primary SIM on for calls/SMS if needed. - Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM.4) APN and final checks - APN usually auto‑configures; if not, enter the APN provided in your Simology email. - Toggle Airplane Mode off/on and load a webpage.5) Activate on arrival (alternative) - If you prefer, connect to airport Wi‑Fi, then complete steps 3–4.Airport how‑to: Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL)Arriving at SYD: 1) Connect to “Free Airport Wi‑Fi” (follow the on‑screen portal). 2) Open your eSIM email/QR code; install as above. 3) In Settings, set the eSIM for Mobile Data; enable Data Roaming. 4) Test with a maps or browser load before leaving the terminal. 5) If speeds are slow inside the terminal, step outside or toggle Airplane Mode once.Arriving at MEL: 1) Join “Airport Free Wi‑Fi” from the network list. 2) Install the eSIM via Settings &gt; Add eSIM; apply APN if prompted. 3) Set the eSIM as your data line; keep your home SIM for calls/SMS if needed. 4) Test data; if nothing loads, power‑cycle your phone. Coverage improves after exiting arrivals.Pro tips: - Keep your QR code offline (PDF in Files/Drive). - If you have two eSIMs installed, ensure only one data line is active to avoid confusion. - For ride‑hail pickups at both airports, strong outdoor 4G/5G usually resumes quickly.Using your eSIM day to dayData management: In busy days with maps, rides and socials, expect 0.5–1.5 GB/day. Stream in SD to stretch data; download playlists on Wi‑Fi.Hotspot/tethering: Typically allowed. Enable Personal Hotspot and set a password. Tether sparingly if you’re on a smaller bundle.Battery: Regional cells can drain batteries faster. Carry a power bank on road trips.VoIP and messaging: Most travel eSIMs are data‑only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom or a VoIP number for calls.Troubleshooting: quick fixes that workNo data after landing:Toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds, then off.Ensure the eSIM is set as Mobile Data line and Data Roaming is ON.Check APN matches your setup email; re‑enter if blank.Slow speeds:Move closer to windows/outdoors; terminals and basements attenuate signal.Force 4G/LTE if 5G is unstable in fringe areas.Calls/SMS on home SIM not working:Ensure VoLTE is enabled on your physical SIM; 3G fall‑back is gone in Australia.Still stuck:Reboot the device; then reseat network selection (Automatic).Contact Simology support with your order ID for quick diagnostics.Business, groups and partnersBusiness travel or teams: Centralise purchasing, billing and support with Simology For Business.Tour operators, events, and affiliates: Scale connectivity and earn with our Partner Hub.FAQ: esim australia1) Do I need to show ID to buy an Australian eSIM? - With a travel eSIM from Simology, you typically purchase online with no in‑person ID. Local post‑paid plans from carriers may require ID and in‑store setup; travellers usually prefer eSIMs for speed and simplicity.2) Will my phone work in the outback? - If it supports LTE Band 28 and VoLTE, you’re in the best shape. Choose a Telstra‑based plan for the widest footprint, download offline maps, and expect stretches with no coverage in very remote areas.3) Is 5G worth it in Australia? - In major cities, yes—snappy downloads and smoother hotspotting. In regional areas you’ll mostly be on 4G, so 5G is a nice‑to‑have rather than essential outside metro zones.4) Can I keep my home number for banking codes? - Yes. Use dual‑SIM mode: keep your physical SIM active for calls/SMS, set your eSIM as the data line. Ensure VoLTE is enabled on your home SIM since 3G is retired.5) How much data should I buy for two weeks? - Light users: 6–8 GB. Typical travellers: 10–15 GB. Heavy users or frequent tethering: 20+ GB. Download offline maps and playlists on Wi‑Fi to stretch your data.6) I’m visiting multiple countries. Can one eSIM cover them? - Yes—see regional options like Esim North America or Esim Western Europe. For single countries, browse Esim United States, Esim Spain, Esim France, and Esim Italy.Next stepPick your Australia plan and get your QR code in minutes via Destinations. Install before you fly, land connected, and focus on the trip—not the signal.

31 Oct 2025
Sydney Speed Test: SYD Airport, CBD, Bondi – 5G Expectations vs Reality

Sydney Speed Test: SYD Airport, CBD, Bondi – 5G Expectations vs Reality

Sydney is one of the easiest places in Australia to get online fast—if you know where to stand and what your phone is actually connecting to. We spent two days running a structured sydney mobile speed test across three real traveller zones: Sydney Airport (SYD, T1/T2/T3), the CBD (Circular Quay to Town Hall via Martin Place), and Bondi (promenade, Icebergs and backstreets). We measured download, upload and latency on Australia’s big three networks with modern flagship phones, recording whether 5G was Standalone (SA) or Non‑Standalone (NSA), plus band behaviour where visible. The headline: Sydney 5G can be blistering in CBD mmWave pockets, solid but variable at Bondi, and good-enough at SYD—yet uplink and consistency still hinge on NSA 4G anchors in many spots. Below you’ll find results, practical traveller tips, and an open CSV preview you can reproduce. For more field tests in other cities, check our Destinations.What we tested and howLocations and timesSYD AirportT1 International arrivals hall and kerbsideT2/T3 landside check-in zonesAirport rail platformsTime windows: 07:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:00 (peak passenger flow)Sydney CBDCircular Quay ferry concourseGeorge St (Town Hall to Wynyard), Martin Place, Pitt St MallKnown mmWave trial/coverage pockets near Martin Place/George StTime windows: 10:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:00 (lunch-time load)BondiPromenade (central), Bondi Icebergs, Hall St/Campbell Pde backstreetsOn the sand (middle of the beach) vs against the seawallTime windows: 08:00–10:00 (quiet) and 16:30–18:30 (busy sunset)Devices, SIMs and appsHandsets: recent flagships supporting 5G n78 mid‑band and n258 mmWave (where available). Mixed iOS and Android to observe stack differences.SIMs: local prepaid eSIMs from each national operator to avoid roaming variability. Dual‑SIM kept idle on secondary line.Measurement: Ookla Speedtest, nPerf and Fast.com, with 3–5 runs per spot; best‑of‑median recorded. Location logged at street precision.Network notes: we recorded SA vs NSA where the device exposed it and noted apparent bands (e.g., n78, n258). Many phones still default to NSA in Sydney even where SA is selectively live.Results at a glanceSYD Airport (landsid e)Typical 5G NSA downlink: 120–300 Mbps; uplink: 10–30 Mbps; latency: 18–28 ms.Peak pockets near T1 kerbside reached ~420 Mbps down. Platforms were more variable due to structure and passenger density.Sydney CBDMid‑band 5G NSA median: 300–500 Mbps down; uplink: 20–60 Mbps; latency: 12–22 ms.mmWave pockets (where reachable line‑of‑sight): 800–1,400+ Mbps down; uplink: 70–120 Mbps; latency often sub‑12 ms. Coverage is highly directional and sensitive to body blocking.BondiPromenade (mid‑band): 180–350 Mbps down late morning; often drops to 80–200 Mbps at sunset load.On the sand: speeds typically halve compared to the seawall due to distance, downtilt and body/sea reflections; uplink can dip &lt;10 Mbps on NSA.Backstreets (Hall St/Campbell Pde): often outperform the beach itself (250–400 Mbps) thanks to closer small cells and better geometry.5G SA vs NSA: SA sessions were sporadically observed in the CBD (low‑band or mid‑band), delivering steadier latency but not always higher throughput. Most high headline speeds still came from NSA with a strong 4G anchor plus wide 5G n78.Detailed findingsSYD Airport: solid, sometimes spikyArrivals halls favour coverage over capacity. Expect 5G NSA in most open areas, with frequent handovers around glass and metal structures.Best results were kerbside at T1 where devices saw cleaner sectors: ~350–420 Mbps down, 20–35 Mbps up.Platforms showed the widest variance due to tunnel geometry; we saw 60–250 Mbps down with occasional 4G fall‑backs providing steadier uploads (~15–25 Mbps).SA appeared briefly on one handset on low‑band, with latency improvement (to ~14 ms) but no throughput gain vs solid NSA.Traveller tip: if your upload matters (video, large files), step outside towards open sky or near terminal windows for a better uplink path.CBD: mmWave moments, mid‑band muscleMid‑band n78 carried most sessions, returning consistent 300–500 Mbps down and 25–60 Mbps up at lunchtime.We hit mmWave near Martin Place/George St with line‑of‑sight: 1.1–1.4 Gbps down, 80–120 Mbps up. Move a few metres, turn a corner, or stand behind a bus shelter and mmWave vanishes.SA showed on a subset of devices. It improved jitter and call setup times but didn’t beat top NSA downlink where wide 5G + robust 4G anchor was present.Traveller tip: to catch mmWave, stand streetside with a clear view of small‑cell nodes, keep the phone unobstructed, and face the likely sector. If speeds seem oddly low, turn 90 degrees—your body can block mmWave.Bondi: beachfront variance, timing mattersAlong the seawall, mid‑band 5G posted 180–350 Mbps down late morning with 15–35 Mbps up. At sunset, crowding pushed many sessions to 90–180 Mbps down and single‑digit uploads on NSA.On the sand, even 30–50 metres from the seawall cost ~30–60% throughput due to antenna downtilt and body/hand absorption, especially if seated.Icebergs lookout performed well (clean elevation): 280–420 Mbps down; backstreets off Hall St often matched or beat the promenade, suggesting small‑cell offload.SA sightings were rare at the beach during our windows. NSA dominated, and uplink limits were noticeable for live streaming.Traveller tip: for a clear video call at sunset, step off the sand to Campbell Parade or a café window seat. You’ll likely gain a stronger uplink.5G SA vs NSA in Sydney: what it means for youNSA (Non‑Standalone): your 5G piggybacks on a 4G core anchor. Often delivers higher peak speeds today because 4G+5G work together with mature scheduling. Uplink may be constrained by the 4G anchor path.SA (Standalone): true 5G core. Potentially better latency, uplink and reliability for calls and enterprise features (network slicing later). Coverage is still being optimised; some consumer devices don’t hold SA consistently.What we observed: CBD had the best chance of SA on compatible devices; airport and Bondi leaned NSA. Peak downlink wins still came from broad NSA deployments; SA helped with jitter and call stability.How to check: - iPhone: Settings &gt; Mobile Data &gt; SIM &gt; Voice &amp; Data shows 5G status; deeper field metrics vary by model. - Android: Settings &gt; About Phone &gt; SIM Status, or vendor service menus. Look for “NR SA/NSA.”Traveller setup checklist for better Sydney speedsUpdate your device OS and carrier settings before you land.Use a local eSIM for the three networks if you need redundancy. For multi‑city trips, see Destinations.Turn off Low Data/Data Saver while testing; disable VPN for raw measurements.Test outdoors first; then move inside near windows. Re‑run at shoulder height, phone vertical.For uploads, prefer locations with line‑of‑sight to the street and fewer bodies between you and the cell.If speeds jump wildly, toggle airplane mode or 5G off/on to refresh the anchor.Need guaranteed performance for a team? Our For Business team can pre‑provision multiple eSIM profiles and fallback plans.Pro tips: - mmWave: treat it like light—needs a clean path. A backpack, your hand, or a bus can kill it. - Bondi: early morning beats sunset for both capacity and uplink. - Airport: step outside for uplink; inside favours coverage and stability over raw speed.Reproduce our test (step‑by‑step)Activate a local prepaid eSIM on a recent 5G phone. Keep any secondary line idle.Disable Wi‑Fi and VPN. Confirm 5G is enabled and not in “Auto 4G preferred.”Install two test apps (e.g., Speedtest and nPerf). Select the same target server where possible.At each spot, run 3–5 tests per app, 30–60 seconds apart. Log the median result.Note SA/NSA state if exposed; record time, GPS, and any obvious obstructions (bus shelter, tree, crowds).Repeat at different times of day to see load effects.Export to CSV. Compare with our open dataset via the Partner Hub.Dataset and method (open CSV)Columns - timestamp (local), location, operator, tech (5G SA/NSA or 4G), anchor (if NSA), down_mbps, up_mbps, latency_ms, notesCSV preview (10 rows) timestamp,location,operator,tech,anchor,down_mbps,up_mbps,latency_ms,notes2025-03-12 08:14,SYD T1 kerbside,Operator A,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,418,32,19,Clear LOS to mast2025-03-12 08:42,SYD T1 arrivals hall,Operator B,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,236,21,23,Busy footfall2025-03-12 09:08,Airport Rail Platform,Operator C,4G LTE,,92,18,31,Partial 5G fallback2025-03-12 11:26,Martin Place (LOS),Operator A,5G mmWave NSA,4G+NR n258,1382,106,9,Line-of-sight small cell2025-03-12 12:04,Pitt St Mall,Operator B,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,354,41,17,Lunch crowd2025-03-12 13:32,Circular Quay concourse,Operator C,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,287,27,20,Open sky2025-03-12 08:58,Bondi Promenade (centre),Operator A,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,312,24,18,Morning light load2025-03-12 17:22,Bondi on the sand,Operator B,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,128,8,24,Sunset crowd; body blocking2025-03-12 17:56,Icebergs lookout,Operator C,5G NSA,4G+NR n78,402,36,16,Elevated position2025-03-12 18:18,Hall St backstreet,Operator B,5G SA,,368,52,14,Steady SA sessionFull, open CSV and collection notes are available via the Partner Hub. You are free to use and cite with attribution.Who should care about thisSolo travellers and remote workers needing reliable uplink for calls and cloud saves.Teams running live content at Bondi or events in the CBD. Our For Business solutions include pre‑trip planning, eSIM pools and on‑site fallback.Travellers continuing onward: if Sydney is a stopover before North America or Europe, line up your cross‑region eSIMs now:For the US leg: see Esim United States or broader Esim North America.For Europe legs: check Esim Western Europe, plus country options like Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.FAQsIs 5G SA widely available in Sydney?Selective. We observed SA sessions mainly in the CBD on compatible devices. Most day‑to‑day traffic still runs NSA, which remains very fast with a strong 4G anchor.Why are uploads so much lower than downloads?On NSA, uplink can be constrained by the 4G anchor and RF geometry. In busy areas and on the beach, body blocking and sector load hit uplink first.Can I rely on airport 5G for video calls?Usually, yes—but step outside or near windows for better uplink. Terminal interiors prioritise coverage; uplink can be inconsistent at peak times.How do I find mmWave in the CBD?Look for small cell nodes on streets with clear sightlines (e.g., around Martin Place). Stand in open air, keep the phone unobstructed, and face the node. Small moves matter.Does an eSIM affect speed?No—what matters is network, band, coverage, device modem and load. eSIM is just the provisioning method. Local profiles generally beat roaming for latency.I’m visiting Bondi at sunset—any hacks?Test at the seawall rather than on the sand, avoid crowds blocking line‑of‑sight, and try a backstreet near Campbell Parade for a stronger sector and better uplink.Bottom lineSydney’s 5G delivers excellent real‑world performance where it counts, with mmWave party tricks in the CBD, dependable mid‑band almost everywhere, and predictable beach‑front variance driven by geometry and crowds. SA is emerging and helps with jitter, but NSA still wins peak throughput today. Plan your calls and uploads around line‑of‑sight and time‑of‑day, and you’ll have a smooth trip.Next step: planning more stops after Sydney? Start with our city playbooks and regional eSIMs on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025