eSIM conversion incomplete. Physical SIM card still works, but not on my iphone

I am currently travelling overseas and because I will be dealing with multiple providers during the trip I decided to convert my Australian SIM to an eSIM. That turned out to be a bad idea. The process didn't quite complete such that now I have a situation that my physical SIM still works in other phones, but when I try to use it in my phone I get the message "Converted to eSIM" in my SIMs list with an inactive status that cannot be changed (all the options are greyed out). I have consulted with my SIM provider in Australia, who confirmed the physical SIM is still active. They advised me to reset my settings, but that didn't work. The support person in my local Applestore thought it would be possible to delete the eSIM, but was worried that it might also wipe the physical SIM.

Help!

Does anyone know of a solution, other than buying a new phone to use the Australian SIM card in?