The Best eSIM in South Africa

Eric Costilia Eric Costilia

Your Smart Phone doesn't support dual SIM? Use eSIM while traveling. Check out the best eSIM providers in South Africa. Don't spend time for seeking a cellular store, buy esim online and get it instantly

Which is the Best eSIM in South Africa (2023)

#1. airalo - Various data plans (1GB, 5GB, 10 GB). Instant eSim delivery, get more with eSIM

#2. knowroaming - Starts from $1.60/gig in South Africa. Validity 7 to 30 days, check our eSIM installation guides

#3. airhubapp - Stay connected in South Africa. Lightning Fast 5G, stay connected to the Internet while traveling

#4. holafly - Cheap data roaming in South Africa. Validity 7 to 30 days, check our eSIM installation guides

#5. keepgo - Excellent coverage in South Africa. Mobile data Sharing, visit website

Our Top Product Picks

Other eSim Carriers

eSIMs vs South Africa Prepaid SIM Cards

South Africa is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and attractions, ranging from wildlife safaris to stunning beaches and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain. Having a reliable internet connection is essential if you're visiting as a traveller or on business.

With eSIMs, you can stay connected to loved ones, share your experiences on social media, and easily navigate the country's top sights without worrying about finding a local SIM card.

Whether exploring the Kruger National Park, hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains, or enjoying the vibrant culture of Cape Town, an eSIM can provide you with the convenience and flexibility you need to make the most of your trip.

Firstly, eSIMs offer lower prices than traditional plastic SIM cards, and you won't have to constantly top up your account if you exceed your data allowance.

Besides, purchasing a prepaid SIM card in South Africa requires showing your government-issued documentation, which can be a hassle.

With eSIMs, you can purchase and activate them online at an affordable price without needing any physical paperwork.

Our recommended eSIM brands for South Africa are Airalo and KnowRoaming, both offering high-quality internet connection and coverage across the country.

Best Prepaid SIM Cards in South Africa

South Africa has several local mobile network operators, including MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, and Telkom. Their prepaid plans range from ZAR 20 to ZAR 100 monthly, with varying allowances for data, voice minutes, and SMS.

Nevertheless, compared to eSIMs, the data allowances on prepaid SIM cards are limited, and you may frequently top up your account.

For example, with MTN's prepaid plan, you can get 2GB of data for ZAR 100, which lasts 30 days.

With Airalo, you can get 1GB of data for just ZAR 23, which lasts 30 days, making it a more affordable and convenient option.

We still recommend you use eSIMs. Why so? Cast a glance at the perks you"d receive in South Africa.

There are several advantages of using eSIMs over physical SIM cards. Firstly, eSIMs are more convenient as they eliminate the need for a physical SIM card and the hassle of changing SIMs when travelling between countries. This is because eSIMs can be downloaded and activated remotely, eliminating the need to purchase and swap SIM cards physically.

Secondly, eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards as they are built with advanced encryption technologies that make them more difficult to clone or hack.

Additionally, since eSIMs are embedded directly into the device, there is less risk of losing or damaging the physical SIM card.

Thirdly, eSIMs offer greater flexibility and choice regarding network providers and plans. With eSIMs, users can easily switch between different network providers and plans without physically purchasing a new SIM card.

Lastly, eSIMs can save users money in the long run as they offer more competitive pricing and plans than physical SIM cards. ESIMs eliminate the need for physical distribution and activation costs, resulting in lower user prices.

Our Top Product Picks

1
Airalo
  • International eSIM cards
  • Good user experience
  • Great option for travelers
  • Text, call or browse
Save 15% 1 GB from $1.57
Visit Site →

airalo.com

  • Review
Region Data Plan Validity Price
America 10GB 30 days $26
Europe 10GB 30 days $37
Asia 5GB 30 days $20
Global 5GB 30 days $35
2
Knowroaming
  • Avoid accidental charges
  • Lower communication costs
  • Video guide available
  • Easier network switching
Save 30% 1 GB from $1.75
Visit Site →

knowroaming.com

  • Review
Region Data Plan Validity Price
America 1GB 7 day $3.85
Europe 5GB 30 day $22
Global 5GB 30 day $50
Global 1GB 15 day $12
3
airhubapp
  • Buy & install an eSIM online
  • Buy online through the app
  • Support for iPhone 14
  • International eSIM cards
Save 25% 1 GB from $2.85
Visit Site →

airhubapp.com

  • Review
Region Data Plan Validity Price
America 3GB 30 day $11
Europe 8GB 14 day $25
Europe 5GB 30 day $15
Global 3GB 30 day $20
4
Holafly
  • High quality connection
  • cost-effective way to stay online
  • No hidden fees
  • Support for iPhone 14 Pro Max
Save 15% 1 GB from $1.9
Visit Site →

holafly.com

  • Review
Region Data Plan Validity Price
America Unlimited 20 day $54
Europe Unlimited 5 day $19
Europe Unlimited 15 day $47
Asia 8GB 30 day $47
5
Keepgo
  • Long Stay plans for South Africa
  • Local rates
  • 10% promo code
  • Excellent coverage
Save 25% 1 GB from $2.5
Visit Site →

keepgo.com

  • Review
Region Data Plan Validity Price
America 1GB 365 day $7.50
America 5GB 365 day $25
Europe 100MB 365 day $3
Asia 5GB 365 day $43

Where To Buy a SIM in South Africa?

In South Africa, you can purchase a SIM card from various locations, including airports, mobile network provider stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

At the airport, you can purchase a SIM card from stores.

Mobile network provider stores are located throughout the country, particularly in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

You can also find SIM cards at supermarkets and convenience stores like Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Spar.

Additionally, many street vendors and kiosks are selling SIM cards in busy tourist areas, although it's important to be cautious and make sure you're purchasing from a reputable vendor.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy eSIMs in South Africa?

The cost of eSIMs in South Africa varies depending on the provider and your chosen data plan. Generally, the prices range from around ZAR 100 to ZAR 800, which is approximately USD 7 to USD 55.

Some providers may also offer promotions or discounts for longer validity periods or larger data packages. It's always a good idea to compare the prices and plans of different providers to find the best deal for your needs.

Provider Data Plan Validity Price
Airalo 10GB 30 Days ZAR 723
KnowRoaming 5GB 30 days ZAR 403
AirHubApp 8GB 14 days ZAR 489
Holafly Unlimited 5 days ZAR 371
KeepGo 100MB 365 days ZAR 58

In conclusion, eSIMs offer a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers visiting South Africa. With the ability to purchase and activate eSIMs online, tourists can avoid the hassle of visiting physical stores to buy traditional SIM cards.

The eSIMs also provide greater flexibility regarding device compatibility and multiple network options.

With top-quality eSIM brands such as Airalo and Keepgo, tourists can enjoy a seamless internet connection with friends and family while exploring South Africa's top destinations. These include Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Robben Island, The Garden Route, and The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

By choosing eSIMs, sightseers can stay connected and make the most of their South African adventure.

1. airalo

Price Range: $3 - $62

Validity (day): 5, 7, 8, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Regions: Europe, America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania

Coverage: over 190 countries

airalo
No extra fees, there are a couple of good data plans for travelers - 5GB, 15GB and 50GB. Airalo is so simple and a great option for those who want to continue using their phone while traveling and avoid any data roaming issues, the most expensive plan costs around $75. Supported devices: iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini, iPad Air (3rd generation) and more. Try it now. Get discount
Airalo
Airalo

Try AirAlo now! Validity: 7 to 30 days, starts from $1.66/GB

Save 15% 1 GB from $1.57

2. knowroaming

Price Range: $4 - $55.93

Validity (day): 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 90, 180

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Regions: Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania

Coverage: 97 countries

knowroaming
Helpful support team makes Knowroaming very popular, variety of data plans available (from 1 GB to 50GB). Knowroaming has affordable data plans including local and global, starts at $3.96/GB. Keep using your home WhatsApp number
Knowroaming
Knowroaming

Knowroaming offers local eSIM for a low price

Save 30% 1 GB from $1.75

3. airhubapp

Price Range: $1 - $58

Validity (day): 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 30, 90, 180, 365

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Regions: Europe, North America, Middle East, South Africa, Asia Oceania

Coverage: 98 countries

airhubapp
Easily refill your eSIM, the most expensive plan costs around $75. Airhubapp is the best all-around eSIM operator I’ve tested, data plan from 1GB- 20GB. Worldwide, local, regional data plans
airhubapp
airhubapp

Try Airhubapp for yourself it's fast and safe

Save 25% 1 GB from $2.85

4. holafly

Price Range: $19 - $99

Validity (day): 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 30, 90, 180, 365

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Regions: Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, Oceania

Coverage: over 130 counties

holafly
Worldwide, local, regional data plans, 14-day eSIMs offer good value for short trips. Holafly eSIMs provide a constant 4G signal in the most of locations, price from $2.25 per GB. Try it now. Get discount
Holafly
Holafly

Take advantage of this offer now and save on roaming

Save 15% 1 GB from $1.9

5. keepgo

Price Range: $3 - $740. Special offer: 2GB free

Validity (day): 365

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Regions: Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, Oceania

Coverage: 110 counties

keepgo
No extra fees, various data plans: 1GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB. Keepgo offers multiple data plans that are specifically designed for using in South Africa, price from $2.25 per GB. Save on roaming charges and stay connected
Keepgo
Keepgo

Get your eSIM now. Trusted carriers only!

Save 25% 1 GB from $2.5

FAQ

What devices are compatible with eSIMs in South Africa?

Most new devices are compatible with eSIMs, including iPhones, Google Pixels, Samsung Galaxy phones, and some iPads and smartwatches.

How do I activate an eSIM in South Africa?

To activate an eSIM in South Africa, you need to purchase an eSIM plan from a service provider. After that, you need to scan a QR code provided by the service provider, which will activate the eSIM on your device.

How do I buy an eSIM in South Africa?

You can buy an eSIM in South Africa from various eSIM service providers, either online or at physical stores. Some of the popular options include Airalo and Keepgo.

Can I use an eSIM in South Africa for international roaming?

Yes, you can use an eSIM in South Africa for international roaming. Many eSIM service providers offer international roaming plans that allow you to use your eSIM in other countries.

Are eSIMs more expensive than physical SIM cards in South Africa?

The cost of eSIMs varies depending on the service provider and the plan you choose. However, in general, eSIMs are often more cost-effective than physical SIM cards, as they offer more flexibility and often lower rates for data usage.

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Written by: Eric Costilia

Eric Costilia is an experienced writer, editor and researcher. His writing focuses mostly on tech, gaming. He wrote dozens of eSIM carriers reviews, which makes him an expert of this technology.

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