The Best eSIM South Africa
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 (2024)
#1. airalo - Various data plans (1GB, 5GB, 10 GB). Instant delivery, get more with eSIM
#2. knowroaming - Starts from $1.60/gig in South Africa. Validity 7 to 30 days, check our 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 installation guides
#5. keepgo - Excellent coverage in South Africa. Mobile data Sharing, visit website
eSIMs vs South Africa Prepaid SIM Cards
eSIM offers 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 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 apps are Airalo and KnowRoaming, both offering high-quality internet connection and coverage across the country.
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.
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.
Advantages of using eSIMs
Firstly, more convenient as it eliminates 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 online, eliminating the need to purchase and swap SIM cards physically.
Secondly, more secure than physical SIM 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.
Thirdly, it offers 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, it 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
- International eSIM cards
- Good user experience
- Great option for travelers
- Text, call or browse
- Avoid accidental charges
- Lower communication costs
- Video guide available
- Easier network switching
- Buy & install an eSIM online
- Buy online through the app
- Support for iPhone 14
- International eSIM cards
- High quality connection
- cost-effective way to stay online
- No hidden fees
- Support for iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Long Stay plans for South Africa
- Local rates
- 10% promo code
- Excellent coverage
Where To Buy a SIM in South Africa?
In South Africa, you can purchase a SIM from various locations (Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban), including airports, mobile network provider stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
- At the Airport: O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
- Mobile network provider such as Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Rain
- Supermarkets and convenience stores like Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Spar.
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 |
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
Try AirAlo now! Validity: 7 to 30 days, starts from $1.66/GB
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 |
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 offers local eSIM for a low price
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 |
4. holafly
Price Range: $19 - $99
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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 |
Worldwide, local, regional data plans, 14-day eSIMs offer good value for short trips. Holafly provides a constant 4G signal in the most of locations, price from $2.25 per GB. Try it now. Get discount
Take advantage of this offer now and save on roaming
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 |
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?
To activate an eSIM, you need to purchase a data plan from a service provider. After that, you need to scan a QR code provided by the service provider, which will activate it on your device.
- How do I buy an eSIM online?
You can buy an eSIM for South Africa from various carriers, 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?
The cost of eSIMs varies depending on the service provider and the plan you choose. However, in general, eSIMs are often cheaper than prepaid SIM.
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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.