mtn south africa tourist sim

Buying a Sim Card for South Africa in 2024

Planning a trip to South Africa and looking for the best way to stay connected? Get yourself a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim card and avoid slow overseas data roaming plans or high roaming charges. This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about staying connected when you travel to South Africa.

Find out where to buy a prepaid sim card, up to date prices as per January 2024, the best 4G/5G network, buying a sim card at the airport, my recommendation, the best e-sim cards for South Africa, my experiences, information about international sim sim cards and more.

If I don't have an e-sim card yet the first thing I do when getting to a new country is buying a local prepaid sim card. As Traveltomtom is on a journey to visit every country I get to a lot of places and airports and I like to document all my travel tips for fellow world travelers.

That is how on Traveltomtom you can find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world:  Lesotho ,  Namibia , Zambia , Uganda ,  Tanzania , Kenya , Europe , UK , London , New York , Germany , Italy , Spain ,  USA , New York ,  Canada , Hong Kong , Vietnam ,  Thailand , Indonesia , Australia and many more.

When flying into South Africa then go directly to my articles about buying a sim card at Cape Town Airport or Johannesburg Airport .

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me!

Why buying a sim card in South Africa?

Local prepaid sim cards in South Africa are cheap and you can find some great prepaid sim card deals for tourists in South Africa. Just visit a sim card shop with your passport and within a couple minutes you are connected.

Being connected when traveling has so many advantages. Think about ordering an Uber on the streets, find a cool nearby roof top bar or restaurant with good reviews or simply getting directions from Google Maps. There are so many reasons I can come up with for getting a local sim card.

On top of that it makes you not depend on WiFi. Because yes, the hotel offer free WiFi, Im sure. But that is no guarantee that it actually works or is fast enough. Also keep in mind that public WiFi is an UNSECURED network.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends an MTN prepaid sim card for South Africa. They have affordable prepaid sim card plans for tourists and good 4G/5G mobile data network coverage.

Of course Traveltomtom recommends using e-sim cards for traveling abroad and there are some great e-sim card deals for example 10 GB data for $26 USD. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for South Africa via either Nomad , SimOptions or Airalo .

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Another way of staying connected is an international travel sim card that works in multiple countries, sometimes a great alternative. Check out my  comparison of the best international sim card to travel the world in 2024  and pick the one that suits your trip.

When changing phone numbers and swapping sim cards has not your preference then have a look into so called portable WiFi devices. These pocket WiFi's are one of the best ways to stay connected while traveling . Click on the link to read my HONEST review about these little travel items.

Best e-sim cards for South Africa

The easiest ways to stay connected when traveling to South Africa in 2024 is an e-sim card. You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. No more swapping physical sim cards or visiting a phone store.

You order an e-sim card for South Africa on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a South Africa e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in South Africa it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for South Africa.

Airalo is a reliable e-sim provider that Traveltomtom has used in more than 50 countries around the world and never had an issue. Check out the Airalo South Africa e-sim card plans for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $15.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD

Click here to  order a South Africa e-sim card directly online via Airalo .

The above data-only e-sim cards you can order via Airalo are from CellSA and are valid in South Africa only. They operate on the 4G/LTE network of Vodacom, the best 4G/5G mobile network in South Africa.

SimOptions is another trusted and reviewed e-sim provider. Traveltomtom has been recommending SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years now.

SimOptions sells international e-sim cards that are valid in up to 141 countries, including South Africa.

The above international e-sim cards are from Three HK and valid in 93 countries:

• 3 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

They come with a phone number from Hong Kong that starts with +852. Technically you are able to receive phone calls, but since you lack credit that is not possible. However, this e-sim cards supports receiving sms.

Unfortunately because of regulations in Hong Kong on these sim cards it is not possible to use TikTok as TikTok is blocked in Hong Kong.

SimOptions has 2 other international e-sim cards for South Africa:

• 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 14 days = $39.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international e-sim card for South Africa via SimOptions .

A third trusted e-sim provider is Nomad. Nomad has often amazing e-sim card deals, but when comparing the Nomad e-sim card plans for South Africa with SimOptions and Airalo it turns out Nomad is more expensive.

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $11 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for South Africa via Nomad .

With an e-sim card you keep your phone number from home, but make sure your phone is e-sim card compatible. How to find out? Ask Google and find your answer instantly.

Mobile internet operators in South Africa

There are 4 main mobile internet providers in South Africa with country wide network coverage:

On top of that there is a fairly new provider on the market called Rain, a co-called MVNO. They provide data-only sim cards for South Africa, phone calls are NOT supported. Their network is very small but for the big cities they offer competitive prices and unlimited data sim cards for South Africa.

Rain operates partially on the Vodacom and MTN network. More about the best 4G/5G network in South Africa in 2024 later.

As of January 2024 the mobile internet operators in South Africa only offer physical prepaid sim cards in stores, there are no e-sim cards for tourists available.

Where to buy a sim card for South Africa

If you are looking to buy a local prepaid sim card your best bid is to get one straight away on arrival. All the international airports sell prepaid South Africa sim cards for tourists. E-sim cards for South Africa you can only buy online.

Buying a sim card at Cape Town Airport

When flying to Cape Town international airport you have the option between MTN and Vodacom. Their shops are located next to each other on your right when you enter the arrival hall from either the international terminal or the domestic terminal.

Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Cape Town Airport in 2024 .

RELATED: Ultimate Itinerary from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth - The Garden Route !

Buying a sim card at Johannesburg Airport

At Johannesburg Airport you have 1 extra option. When you walk out into the arrival hall you go to your right and you will find: MTN, Vodacom and Cell C all next to each other. They all sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Check here my guide for buying a sim card at Johannesburg Airport in 2024 .

Bigger shopping malls

In case you didn’t get a chance to buy a sim card at the airport then there are numerous mobile phone stores scattered around the city center of every big city in South Africa. Convenient places are the bigger malls. If you travel overland to South Africa you can find kiosks at the border that sell sim cards for tourists.

If you are looking to buy a Rain data only sim card with unlimited data you can simply pick up a free Rain sim card at any Pargo store . Pargo is like the DHL/Fedex of South Africa. You will find them everywhere.

Buying a sim card for South Africa on the internet is very convenient. You arrive prepared and you don't need to find a phone store on arrival to get a local sim card.

There are international physical sim cards for those that don't have an e-sim compatible phone. A physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip to South Africa.

For example an  international sim card for South Africa with 10 GB data for $49.90 USD . Click on the link to order one directly via SimOptions or find more info.

E-sim cards are from a whole different level and are super convenient. Ordering and installing an e-sim card for South Africa takes just a couple minutes work, but e-sim cards only work in e-sim compatible phones.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for South Africa via either Nomad , SimOptions or Airalo .

Prices prepaid sim cards South Africa

Prepaid sim card prices and data plans constantly change. Traveltomtom does everything in its power to keep all the information up to date.

Prices and info below are up dated with the latest info as as per January 2024. Prices are in South African Rand: $1 USD = 18.30 SAR and 10 SAR = $0.55 USD.

A prepaid Cell C sim card costs 25 SAR and comes with loaded credit:

• 20 SAR calling credit
• Valid for 12 days

Additionally you can buy weekly and monthly data bundles, here is an example:

• 3 GB data + 3 GB data after midnight till 6 am - valid for 30 days = 170 SAR - $9.2 USD

Well these after midnight data bundles etc. are useless when you ask me. I am not a fan of the Cell C prepaid sim card deals. Value for money is NOT what I had hoped for, especially regarding their weak 4G/5G network across South Africa.

Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Cell C sim cards are not recommended for tourists visiting South Africa.

The Cell C website is very slow and not helpful either when it comes to finding info about additional data bundles for prepaid sim cards. You can try to give it a go in the link for the latest info. Cell C only provides physical prepaid sim cards in stores in South Africa, e-sim cards for tourists are not available.

A great thing about a Telkom prepaid sim card is that they are for free. After registration you can top up with one of their prepaid data plans as shown above in the picture.

In the above Telkom bundles there are also minutes to Telkom numbers included as well as some free GB for WhatsApp and YouTube. Overall these bundles are very complicated for tourists who just want to use data while on their South Africa holiday.

Also because of the weak Telkom network coverage a prepaid sim card from Telkom is not recommend for tourist, but if you want more info check the  Telkom South Africa  website. Telkom only provides physical prepaid sim cards in stores in South Africa, e-sim cards for tourists are not available.

A Vodacom South Africa sim card costs 20 SAR ($1.5) and comes with no credit. They offer tourist sim cards with Voice & Data combo bundles:

• 3 GB data + 30 minutes + 50 SAR credit + 30 SMS - valid for 30 days = 299 SAR - $16.2 USD
• 5 GB data + 50 minutes + 100 SAR credit + 50 SMS - valid for 50 days = 449  SAR - $24.4 USD
• 10 GB data + 100 minutes + 150 SAR credit + 100 SMS - valid 100 days = 699 SAR - $38 USD

Vodacom South Africa calls it a promotion… Well, Traveltomtom calls it EXPENSIVE!

Reminder that an e-sim card for South Africa with 10 GB data costs $26 USD and you don't need to visit a store and can arrange everything online within just a couple minutes.

A much better option is to choose the data/calling bundles yourself. Get one of the data bundles for 1 month and add some calling time separately:

• 5 GB data = 349 SAR - $19 USD
• 10 GB data = 469 SAR - $26 USD
• 20 GB data = 699 SAR - $38 USD

Then adding just a couple minutes for emergency calls and you get much more value for money with Vodacom South Africa. For more info check the Vodacom South Africa website. Vodacom only provides physical prepaid sim cards in stores in South Africa, e-sim cards for tourists are not available.

An MTN South Africa sim card costs 4 SAR ($0.3) for the registration and you will have to add voice and/or data bundles. MTN offers weekly and monthly bundles:

• 2 GB data + 60 minutes for 1 month = 99 SAR - $5.5 USD
• 4.5 GB data + 100 minutes for 1 month = 169 SAR
• 7.5 GB data + 200 minutes for 1 month = 299 SAR
• 15 GB data + 400 minutes for 1 month = 399 SAR - $22 USD

The MTN slogan is: Complicated. Combo offers. Simplified.

For more information check the  MTN South Africa  website. MTN only provides physical prepaid sim cards in stores in South Africa, e-sim cards for tourists are not available.

As mentioned before a Rain sim card is free and can be picked up from any Pargo store around the country. You will have to do the registration and activation yourself through their website, so you need WiFi. It is pretty simple though…

A little more complicated for tourists but Rain has some of the best sim only deals in South Africa. Keep in mind though that this is a data only sim card, voice calls are NOT supported, but data calling is of course available.

• unlimited data plan with a 4G connection costs 319 SAR - $17.4 USD for 1 month.

A hotspot is NOT available on the Rain data plans. Rain uses the Vodacom and the MTN network, but it is only available in and around the big cities, so for tourists going for example on a road trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth it is not recommended. Check out the Rain website for more info.

Best 4G/5G network in South Africa

As briefly mentioned before MTN and Vodacom have the best 4G/5G mobile network in South Africa. Telkom, Cell C and Rain are not recommend for road trips in South Africa as their network is much weaker.

Is there 5G in South Africa?

Yes, there is 5G in South Africa and as of 2024 it is decently well spread around the country and in most tourist destinations in South Africa you can find a 5G signal.

At the moment only Vodacom and MTN offer 5G. As Rain operates on the Vodacom network they also offer 5G. When I was in Cape Town recently I was enjoying a 5G signal almost all the time and the data speed was pretty good.

Let’s have a look at the 4G/5G network coverage maps for South Africa and compare the mobile data networks of the mobile internet operators in South Africa.

Cell C 4G/5G network coverage map

Telkom 4G/5G network coverage map

Vodacom 4G/5G network coverage map

MTN 4G/5G network coverage map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in South Africa in 2024.

Comparing the mobile internet operators mobile data network we clearly conclude that when buying a prepaid sim card for traveling in South Africa you have to stick to either MTN or Vodacom. Because its minimal network sim cards from Cell C and Telekom are not recommend for tourists visiting South Africa.

Looking at the above 4G/5G coverage maps for South Africa updated for 2024 Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Vodacom has the best 4G/5G mobile data network in South Africa in 2024, MTN is a good runner up.

Best prepaid sim card for South Africa in 2024

You would hope that the smaller mobile internet operators Telkom and Cell C come up with some great prepaid sim card deals and data bundles plans to make up for their smaller networks, but instead their sim card deals are not even interesting for tourists looking to buy a prepaid sim card in South Africa.

Therefore I definitely do NOT recommend a Telkom or a Cell C sim card for traveling in South Africa in 2024.

If you only travel to Cape Town and/or Johannesburg and wouldn’t mind picking up a free sim card at a Pargo store and registering and activating your sim card yourself then Rain is by far the cheapest prepaid sim card in South Africa as they offer unlimited data for $17 USD for 1 month.

Be careful though as their 4G/5G mobile data network is very limited to Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Comparing Vodacom and MTN Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Vodacom has better mobile data network coverage in South Africa. However, the Vodacom prepaid sim cards are rather expensive. A Vodacom sim card for tourists with 10 GB data is 469 SAR, which is $26 USD.

Keep in mind that an Airalo e-sim card with 10 GB data also costs $26 USD, but you arrange everything online and don't need to visit a Vodacom store in South Africa. 

MTN has cheaper prepaid sim card plans that gives you 1 GB data per day starting from 99 ZAR - $5.38 USD. This and because MTN also has a great 4G/5G mobile data network Traveltomtom rates MTN the best sim card for traveling to South Africa in 2024.

You can buy this MTN sim card deal at Johannesburg Airport as well as at Cape Town Airport , but you will have to ask for it as it is mostly not advertised for some reason.

As just mentioned Traveltomtom definitely recommends e-sim cards for traveling to South Africa in 2024. E-sim cards make everything so much easier and you don't need to waste precious time on arrival in South Africa trying to find a sim card shop.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for South Africa via either Nomad , SimOptions or Airalo . However, Airalo is the best value e-sim cards for traveling to South Africa in 2024.

Check out my vlog with everything you need to know about buying a sim card in South Africa. Here you can find my experiences going to the mobile phone shops, checking the prices, the details, requirements, etc.

Order a prepaid sim card for South Africa online

If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to South Africa online before your trip then check out the following.

Arrive prepared in South Africa with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in South Africa, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for South Africa:

• 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international prepaid sim card for South Africa via SimOptions .

Last reminder that if your phone is e-sim compatible you can arrange everything directly online without visiting a phone store. Get yourself an e-sim card for South Africa in just a couple clicks. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for South Africa via either Nomad , SimOptions or Airalo .

My experiences buying a sim card in South Africa

On my latest trips to South Africa in March and September 2021 I had only positive experiences with getting connected. When arriving to the Cape Town Airport there were only two options available: MTN and Vodacom. I checked both shops and found out that MTN was much cheaper than Vodacom, so that was an easy decision regarding the fact that they both have a great network.

I was happy with my MTN sim card and it worked very good all around Cape Town and on my hiking adventures in the nearby hills. The internet speed was fast and I had no problems whatsoever. In August I even enjoyed a 5G signal all over Cape Town. Read all about my experiences in my article buying a sim card at Cape Town Airport , including a vlog.

As part of my big Africa overland trip I ended up in South Africa again in July and September 2021 and this time traveled to Lesotho and Eswatini. Are you traveling to South Africa soon? Then I can personally recommend you to get an MTN sim card for your trip to South Africa.

In some South Africa sim card guides I read some wrong information:

• There is free roaming with MTN South Africa in Eswatini... NOT TRUE!
• There is free roaming with Vodacom South Africa in Lesotho... NOT TRUE!

For more info about buying a sim card in Lesotho in 2024 , click on the link to read my article.

How do I know? I asked in the stores and they confirmed this, but I also traveled to both, Eswatini and Lesotho and tried it out myself! I told you I am trying to visit every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries around the world.

I hope all the above tips for staying connected when traveling to South Africa were helpful. If you have any additional questions please let me know in the comments below and I will try to help you out.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Travel & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to South Africa!

Some links in this article about the best way to stay connected in South Africa are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at no extra cost to you.

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• Travel Sims

Best Tourist Sim Cards in South Africa in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, having a sim card is essential. Being able to stay connected to the internet while traveling can greatly enhance your experience by providing easy access to information.

With a sim card, you can easily find the best restaurants, navigate new cities, book a taxi, and share your adventures with your loved ones. While roaming is an option, the costs can quickly accumulate, especially when traveling internationally. Therefore, we highly recommend either an eSIM or a local sim card to take advantage of local phone rates.

Thankfully, obtaining either of these options in South Africa is hassle-free, but it’s important to know which one is best for you. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to purchase a sim card in South Africa, including current pricing and the ideal sim card for your needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in south africa for tourists.

The best sim card in South Africa is the Airalo South Africa eSim . For 291 ZAR ($15.5 USD) you can get set up quickly with a 5GB eSim, or for 487 ZAR ($26 USD) you’ll get 10GB of data – the same package in a Vodacom store is 469 ZAR!

The local sim card operators, Vodacom, MTN and Telkom offer frustrating prepaid packages with weird data packages. MTN, for example, allows you to use 5GB of data at night, 5GB during the day and 5GB for data streaming. They are also all relatively expensive which makes the Airalo eSim a much more appealing option.

MTN and Vodacom have the best networks but considering how difficult to understand and how expensive both of these operators are, the fact that Airalo uses the same Vodacom network is great news for travellers.

If your phone doesn’t support eSims (most phones these days do, including all iPhones since 2018) then we reckon your best local option is the Vodacom prepaid sim card for 469 ZAR. It is the least confusing and offers the best mobile network coverage and reliability in South Africa.

But considering it’s basically the same price as Airalo’s eSim , I recommend saving yourself the time heading in store and installing a sim card. Instead buy your eSim from Airalo anytime before you leave and activate it at the airport when you arrive.

South Africa Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in South Africa costs 291 ZAR in April 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in South Africa will cost between $4.50 USD and $26 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting South Africa which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $15.50 USD.

South Africa Sim Card Providers

In South Africa, when it comes to sim card providers, three major players dominate the market: Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom. Vodacom is the largest provider, with a widespread network coverage and a wide array of plans to suit various needs and budgets. They offer competitive rates and various data packages, making them a popular choice among consumers.

MTN, another prominent provider, boasts an extensive network coverage and offers attractive data deals and packages. They have a reputation for providing reliable service and customer satisfaction.

Telkom, while relatively new in the mobile market, offers affordable data packages and plans, often catering to budget-conscious users. Their plans often include additional benefits such as free WhatsApp and streaming services.

Overall, with Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom, South Africa’s sim card market presents consumers with a variety of options to find a provider that caters to their specific needs.

Vodacom Tourist Sim

Vodacom is a leading telecommunications company in South Africa, offering reliable and extensive network coverage to tourists. Their tourist sim cards cater specifically to travelers, providing affordable prepaid plans with data, voice, and text packages. With Vodacom’s sim cards, tourists can easily stay connected, navigate maps, and share memorable moments on social media while exploring South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes. Vodacom’s commitment to customer satisfaction makes them a preferred choice for tourists seeking seamless communication during their visit.

Vodacom South Africa Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Vodacom tourist sim card in South Africa is 469 ZAR.

The plan offered by Vodacom stores includes 10GB data valid for 1 month.

MTN Tourist Sim

MTN is a leading telecommunications company in South Africa, offering excellent services to locals and tourists alike. Their tourist sim cards provide convenient and affordable connectivity solutions for travelers exploring the country. With extensive coverage and high-speed data plans, MTN ensures seamless communication and internet access, enabling visitors to stay connected and navigate South Africa effortlessly. MTN’s reliable network and dedicated customer support make them a preferred choice for tourists looking for hassle-free connectivity options.

MTN South Africa Tourist Sim Price

The price of a MTN tourist sim card in South Africa is 399 ZAR.

The plan offered by MTN stores offers 15GB data (5GB anytime, 5GB at night, 5GB video streaming) + 400 minutes valid for 1 month.

Telkom Tourist Sim

Telkom, a leading telecommunications company in South Africa, offers tourist sim cards to cater to the communication needs of travelers. Their sim cards provide access to extensive coverage, reliable network, and affordable data plans. With Telkom sim cards, tourists can stay connected with family and friends, navigate unfamiliar territories, and share their South African experience effortlessly. The company strives to ensure a seamless communication experience, making Telkom sim cards a convenient choice for tourists visiting South Africa.

Telkom South Africa Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Telkom tourist sim card in South Africa is 389 ZAR.

The plan offered by Telkom stores includes 11.5GB data (7.5GB for anything) valid for 1 month.

How to Get a Sim Card in South Africa

Identify mobile providers: Vodacom, MTN and Telkom are your best options in South Africa.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in South Africa

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for South Africa at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in South Africa then you will be in luck. All major international airports in South Africa have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Vodacom, MTN and Telkom. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in South Africa are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in South Africa with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

South Africa eSim

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to South Africa. The Airalo South Africa eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $15.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in South Africa without having to venture outside.

Airalo South Africa

Our preferred eSim provider in South Africa is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to South Africa and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s South Africa eSim uses the Vodacom network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Vodacom networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in South Africa.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s South Africa eSim:

1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD 2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $8 USD 3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $11 USD 5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $15.50 USD 10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $26 USD

For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $15.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly South Africa

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s South Africa eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s South Africa eSim uses the MTN SA/Vodacomnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in South Africa

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s South Africa eSim:

6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD

What is an eSim?

Embedded SIM (eSIM) is a built-in digital SIM card found within devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Unlike traditional SIM cards, it does not require physical insertion or removal from the device.

Instead, the eSIM is an integral part of the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to switch effortlessly between different mobile networks or plans without having to physically swap SIM cards.

eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and user-friendliness, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who frequently switch mobile networks or travel internationally. It removes the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it easier to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.

Activating an eSIM involves scanning a QR code provided by the mobile network operator or manually inputting the activation details. Once activated, the device connects to the chosen mobile network and enables access to voice, data, and messaging services as one would with a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

There are multiple reasons why using an eSIM can be advantageous:

– Convenience: No physical SIM card insertion or removal is required when switching between mobile networks or plans. This is particularly useful for frequent travelers who may need to switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.

– Dual SIM functionality: eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality on a single device. This means that you can have two active mobile numbers on one device. This can be helpful for separating personal and work numbers or for managing multiple phone lines.

– Space-saving: As eSIMs are embedded within the device, there is no need for a physical SIM card slot. This frees up space within the device, allowing manufacturers to make devices smaller or utilize the extra space for other components.

– Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air with eSIMs. This implies that you can activate or switch to a new mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card or visiting a store. It provides greater flexibility and convenience for managing your mobile connectivity.

– Future-proofing: As eSIM technology becomes more popular, additional mobile networks and service providers are offering support for eSIMs. By using an eSIM-compatible device, you ensure that you can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.

In conclusion, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an attractive choice for many users.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

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South Africa SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 22, 2024 | Africa , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting South Africa soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a South Africa SIM card .

This guide will explain where to buy a SIM card in South Africa in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them. 

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in South Africa. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Afrikaans or any other South African language – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in South Africa.

Best SIM Cards In South Africa

If you’re traveling in South Africa, we recommend using a SIM card from Vodacom, Telkom, MTN, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Africa, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other African countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In South Africa

You can either buy an Africa prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an African prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Vodacom, Telkom, and MTN.

Vodacom SIM Cards

Vodacom offers a SIM card for ZAR 10 ($0.59). You can then get the following plans:

• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for ZAR 149 ($8.72)
• 60 GB, valid for 30 days for ZAR 249 ($14.58)

Telkom SIM Cards

Telkom has several different prepaid plans available:

• 1.5 GB, valid for 31 days for ZAR 40 ($2.34)
• 2 GB, valid for 31 days for ZAR 70 ($4.10)
• 3 GB, valid for 31 days for ZAR 100 ($5.86)

MTN SIM Cards

MTN has several different prepaid plans available:

• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for ZAR 99 ($5.79)
• 7.5 GB, valid for 30 days for ZAR 129 ($7.55)
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for ZAR 149 ($8.72)

Overall, we think Vodacom is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A South Africa Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, Orange Holiday World SIM works in more than 100+ countries and gives you up to 10 GB of data for 14 days. South Africa is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid tourist SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer one plan that covers South Africa:

• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for South Africa or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Africa .

How To Buy An eSIM Card For South Africa

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in South Africa.

Curious? Learn more about eSIM for travelers on esimroamers.com .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it.

To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo . Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs in South Africa.

Airalo South Africa

If you want to buy an eSIM for South Africa, you could purchase one on Airalo . This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Africa and South Africa.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $8
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $11
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $15.50
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $26

Here’s an overview of the options available in Africa :

• 1 GB, valid for 30 days for $27
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $59

The options mentioned above are part of their Hello Africa plan and offer coverage in 27 countries, including South Africa.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 124 countries, including South Africa.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 60 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly South Africa

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Holafly offers the following plan for South Africa:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $29
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $37
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $44
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $59
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $79

Go to Holafly

Nomad South Africa

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider.

Here’s an overview of the plans available for South Africa:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $48
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54

Nomad also has Global , an eSIM plan for 111 countries worldwide. This plan offers coverage in South Africa.

Here’s an overview:

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In South Africa

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in South Africa or even an eSIM for your travels in South Africa is pretty easy.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Africa without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an African SIM card.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in South Africa if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

You need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Tanzania SIM cards
• Kenya SIM cards
• Egypt SIM cards
• Madagascar SIM cards

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How to Get a Local Sim Card in South Africa for Tourists

28th March 2018

When you visit South Africa as a tourist you might want to use your mobile phone but it could become very expensive very quickly if you are roaming with your foreign SIM card.

Instead of roaming, I would recommend buying one of the local SIM cards and getting a couple of add-ons such as an internet bundle and calls abroad to keep in touch with your family.

My Recommendation: Get An MTN Sim Card

I picked the MTN network as that is what everybody recommended before I travelled to South Africa. MTN has a great coverage across South Africa and they offer some tourist friendly packages.

They have a desk at the airport so it is very handy for when you arrive at Johannesburg.

Finding The MTN Shop At Johannesburg Airport

As you walk out of the arrivals gate, turn right and you will see a big yellow store front – that will be the MTN mobile phone store that sells SIM cards to unlocked foreign cell phones.

They have various packages starting 500 Mb going all the way up to 80GB. If you want talk time then you can pick packages starting at 100 Rand and so on. There is also a registration cost and the cost of the SIM card.

Related: Read My Full, One Week South African Road Trip Itinerary Here

I picked 3GB data and added 100 Rand talk time. This cost me 493 Rand which in retrospect was quite a lot especially that I hardly spent any of my allowance in the week I spent there. I would say if you arrive put 50 rand on the phone and get maybe 1GB data.

My MTN Data Usage

I paste below a screen shot of the MTN app that helped me keep track of my spending: it shows I hardly even spent any of the data even though I was listening to youtube while driving and using Google Maps, Booking.com, checking my mail and Instagram, Facebook so on and so forth. Anyhow, if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comment section below.

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22nd January 2020 at 8:48 pm

How did you rica the sim as an international traveller?

solaristraveller says

13th February 2020 at 5:05 pm

You just turn up and buy it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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MTN launches Traveller Bundles for international tourists

While you can roam on your network of choice while travelling, it can get rather expensive. For that reason, MTN has announced the launch of MTN Travellers Bundles for visitors to South Africa.

These bundles are valid for 30 days from activation and present an alternative to travellers looking to stay in touch with friends and family while visiting South Africa.

The bundles are exclusively available for prepaid tourist customers and are available at MTN Stores at OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport.

To purchase a Traveller Bundle, customers will need to present a valid passport and seat number or flight ticket when purchasing a Bundle Bonanza SIM pack.

The Traveller Bundles available, as well as pricing, follow below.

In terms of pricing, these bundles are slightly cheaper than regular one-month data bundles that non-tourists would purchase from MTN. According to MTN’s pricing, 10GB of regular data costs R499 while 20GB of regular data costs R899. These Traveller bundles are slightly more affordable.

The question was why these bundles are so much more affordable than the bundles locals have to purchase. According to MTN, this is a once-off bundle, and once the data is depleted, tourists will have to purchase a regular bundle for the prices listed above.

For those travelling to South Africa, this is a rather good deal, and you may want to tell friends or family heading this way about the offer should they need a SIM card upon arrival. mtn travellers bundles

Or you can get an Alertify international SIM card (which includes South Africa and 80+ countries at the same time!):

Alertify is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

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What did they need from you i.e proof of address?? Passport etc

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How to get a local SIM card when travelling to South Africa

Be it, the regular, travel junkies or casual tourists, everyone wants comfort and security when travelling to other countries. Booking flights and  car hire in South Africa with seamless transitions from the airport to the hotel saves you energy and gives you peace of mind. Believe it or not, one of the most defining moments in your travel life is staying connected to your loved ones, friends and you’re carefully curated Instagram profile. While there are free Wi-Fi zones in some cities in South Africa, they aren’t always free or fast. Don’t plan on saving money for your SIM card because the local SIM cards are tourist-friendly, relatively fast and absolutely inexpensive.

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Home Blogs Best SIM Cards recommendation for travellers in South africa

Best SIM Cards recommendation for travellers in South africa

For travellers in South Africa, the best SIM card recommendations include major mobile network operators like Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C . These providers offer good network coverage, various data plans, and affordable calling rates, making them ideal choices for staying connected during your trip.

Here are the best SIM card recommendations for travellers in South Africa

Vodacom is one of the largest and most reliable mobile network operators in South Africa. It offers extensive network coverage, ensuring good connectivity in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. Vodacom provides various prepaid SIM card options with competitive data packages and affordable calling rates, making it a preferred choice for tourists seeking convenience and reliability.

Money services used by Vodacom

Vodacom pay.

Vodacom Pay is a mobile money service that allows users to send and receive money , pay bills, and buy goods and services using their Vodacom mobile phones. It is a convenient and secure way to transfer money, and it is especially popular in areas where there is limited access to traditional banking services.

Vodacom Kwika

Vodacom Kwika is a point-of-sale (POS) solution that allows businesses to accept payments from customers using their Vodacom mobile phones. It is a convenient and secure way for businesses to accept payments, and it is especially popular in small businesses and informal businesses.

Vodacom Money Transfer

Vodacom Money Transfer is a service that allows users to send money to other Vodacom users in South Africa and abroad. It is a convenient and secure way to send money, and it is especially popular among migrant workers who need to send money home to their families.

Vodacom Airtime Top-Up

Vodacom Airtime Top-Up is a service that allows users to top up their Vodacom airtime using their credit cards or bank accounts. It is a convenient way to top up airtime, and it is especially popular among people who do not have access to a physical Vodacom store.

Vodacom Network Coverage

MTN is another major telecom provider in South Africa with widespread network coverage. They offer diverse prepaid SIM card plans with attractive data allowances and calling rates, catering to the communication needs of travellers. MTN is known for its reliable services, making it a popular choice for tourists looking for seamless connectivity.

MTN Network Coverage

MTN is one of the major mobile network operators in South Africa, known for its extensive network coverage. With a strong presence in both urban and rural areas, MTN offers reliable connectivity to its users across the country.

Cell C is a prominent mobile network operator offering affordable prepaid SIM cards with data-centric packages suitable for travellers . While it may have slightly smaller coverage compared to Vodacom and MTN, it still provides good network access in urban areas. Cell C is favoured by budget-conscious tourists seeking cost-effective communication options.

Cell C Network Coverage

It's essential for travellers to consider factors such as network coverage, data allowances, calling rates, and any additional services offered by these providers before making a decision. 

Comparison of South Africa SIM Cards

When comparing South Africa SIM cards, travellers should consider coverage, data allowances, calling rates, and additional services to find the most suitable option for their needs. However, for the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to check recent sources as offerings and services may have evolved.

Here is a comparison of Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C in South Africa:

How can Visitors acquire SIM Cards in South Africa?

Visitors can easily acquire SIM cards in South Africa by following these steps:

Visit Mobile Network Operator Stores: The major mobile network operators in South Africa, such as Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C, have numerous stores and retail outlets across the country. Visitors can visit these stores and request a prepaid SIM card.

Airport Kiosks: Many airports in South Africa have SIM card kiosks or shops, allowing travellers to purchase SIM cards upon arrival . These kiosks often provide assistance in setting up the SIM card and activating it.

Authorised Retailers: In addition to official stores, there are authorised retailers and outlets that sell SIM cards from various mobile network operators. These can be found in shopping malls, convenience stores, and other commercial areas.

Online Purchase: Some mobile network operators in South Africa allow visitors to purchase SIM cards online before their trip. The SIM card can be delivered to their accommodation or collected from a designated location.

Registration Requirements: To acquire a SIM card in South Africa, visitors will need to provide a valid passport and possibly proof of accommodation. The registration process is usually straightforward and takes only a few minutes.

Prepaid or Postpaid: Visitors can choose between prepaid and postpaid SIM cards. Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice for tourists as they offer flexibility and control over usage.

It is important to note that the process and requirements for acquiring SIM cards may vary slightly between different mobile network operators. Visitors should also ensure that their mobile devices are unlocked and compatible with the South African network frequencies.

South Africa e-SIM Card

An e-SIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card embedded within a compatible device , eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. Instead, users can remotely activate and switch between carriers. While some mobile network operators in South Africa may offer e-SIM options for certain devices, the availability and support for e-SIM cards were still limited compared to traditional physical SIM cards.

Which is the best SIM card for travellers in South Africa?

The best SIM cards for travellers in South Africa are typically offered by major mobile network operators like Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. These providers offer extensive network coverage, competitive data packages, and affordable calling rates, making them popular choices for tourists looking to stay connected during their visit.

Can I use my foreign SIM card in South Africa?

While some foreign SIM cards may work in South Africa, using a local SIM card is generally more cost-effective and ensures better network coverage. It is recommended to check with your home country's mobile carrier for international roaming rates and inquire about unlocking your device if you plan to use a local SIM card.

How do I get a SIM card in South Africa?

Tourists can easily get SIM cards in South Africa from various locations, including airport kiosks, mobile network operator stores, authorised retailers, and online purchases. Visitors will need to provide a valid passport and possibly proof of accommodation for registration.

Can I use e-SIM cards in South Africa?

E-SIM cards were gaining popularity in South Africa, but their adoption was not yet widespread. Some mobile network operators may offer e-SIM options for certain devices, but the availability and support for e-SIM cards were still limited compared to traditional physical SIM cards. It is recommended to check with local telecom providers for the latest information on e-SIM card options in South Africa.

Which network has the best coverage in rural areas of South Africa?

Vodacom and MTN are generally known for their extensive network coverage, including rural areas of South Africa. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific location, so it's best to check coverage maps or inquire with the mobile network operator directly for the most accurate information.

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Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.

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Getting a South Africa SIM Card in 2024: Prepaid SIM Card in South Africa

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on February 4, 2024

Categories Sim Cards , South Africa

Looking for the best South Africa Sim Card for your next trip to South Africa?

For the best sim card in South Africa, Vodacom South Africa sim card is our favorite for coverage and data packages. Looking at mobile eSIM alternatives? Go for Maya Mobile and Airalo

Table of Contents

What’s the Cheapest Sim Card in South Africa?

You can buy the cheapest sim card in South Africa with Vodacom South Africa prepaid sim card for 650 ZAR=$38 USD with 100 GB data valid for 30 days.

Alternatives to Getting Cheap Data in South Africa

Best Option: South Africa Unlimited Data for $69 USD valid for 30 days

You can find the cheapest South African eSim with Airalo South Africa eSim prepaid for  $5 USD with 1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ). For $13 USD with 3 GB data. For $17 USD with 5 GB data and for $33 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.

Holafly South Africa eSim for $29 USD   if you use our code  GAMINTRAVELER  coming with  unlimited  data valid for 5 days. For  $34 USD  with unlimited data for 7 days and for  $37 USD  with unlimited data valid for 10 days.

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH AFRICA

You can find deals starting from  $25 USD per room . If you prefer mid-budget accommodation will cost  $40-60 USD  and for  $80 USD  you will find luxury accommodation in South Africa.

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Two of our favorite travel insurance:  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of  Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review  and the comparison  Heymondo vs Genki

SOUTH AFRICA SIM CARD FOR TOURIST COMPARED AND PREPAID SIM CARD IN SOUTH AFRICA BACKGROUND

First thing we have to say about South Africa prepaid sim card, internet and data connection in South Africa is great in the big cities. Unless you go to the desert or any place far from the cities. There are 4 phone operators in South Africa: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom .

We recommend you to get your South Africa tourist sim card outside the airport because prices and packages are better in the official stores.

WHERE TO BUY SOUTH AFRICA SIM CARD FOR TOURIST (SIM CARD CAPE TOWN AIRPORT)

You can buy a South Africa sim card in Cape Town airport and phone shops. Just make sure you bring your passport. And make sure that you inform their prices and packages. It’s better to avoid buying your South African prepaid sim card in the airport and look for an official store.

It depends on how long you will be in South Africa and how much data you will need. There are affordable sim card for tourists in South Africa valid for 30 days. Keep reading below!

BEST PREPAID SIM CARD SOUTH AFRICA COMPARISON

There are 4 phone operators in South Africa:  Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom . Vodacom and MTN have similar packages and coverage. Let’s compare prices and packages below:

Vodacom South Africa Sim Card

Vodacom sim card South Africa is the largest phone operator in the country and with the best coverage. You can get a Vodacom South African sim card for tourist in the airport or official shops. Check here prices and packages in Vodacom website !

If you want to get data packages for 20 ZAR=$1 USD with 2 GB data valid for 7 days. For 230 ZAR=$15 USD with 3 GB data. For 350 ZAR=$23 USD with 5 GB data, for 470 ZAR=$31 USD with 10 GB data and for 650 ZAR=$38 USD with 100 GB data. All of them valid for 30 days.

MTN SOUTH AFRICA SIM CARD

MTN sim card South Africa is the second largest phone operator in the country and the coverage is good but not so good as Vodacom. Check here prices and packages in MTN website !

If you want to get data packages for 100 ZAR=$6 USD with 2 GB data valid for 7 days. For 300 ZAR=$18 USD with 3 GB data. For 400 ZAR=$24 USD with 15 GB data. All of them valid for 30 days.

There is MTN prepaid sim card for tourist in South Africa for 450 ZAR=$30 USD with 10 GB data and 800 ZAR=$53 USD with 20 GB data. And both of them valid for 30 days.

MORE PREPAID SIM CARD IN SOUTH AFRICA

Cell c sim card.

Cell C sim card South Africa is the third phone operator in the country. Check here prices and packages in Cell C website !

If you want to get data packages for 250 ZAR=$15 USD with 3 GB data. For 300 ZAR=$20 USD with 5 GB data and for 600 ZAR=$40 USD with 10 GB data. All of them valid for 30 days.

Telkom South Africa Sim Card

Telkom sim card South Africa is the smallest phone operator in the country. The coverage is good only in the cities with a Telkom South Africa prepaid sim card. Check here prices and packages in Telkom website !

If you want to get data packages for 200 ZAR=$12 USD with 3 GB data. For 300 ZAR=$20 USD with 5 GB data and for 600 ZAR=$40 USD with 20 GB data. All of them are valid for 30 days.

Mobile eSIM Alternatives to Best Sim Card In South Africa

Maya south africa esim.

• 1 GB for 30 days for $5 USD
• 3 GB for 30 days for $12 USD
• 5 GB for 30 days for $16 USD
• 10 GB for 30 days for $27 USD

HOLAFLY SOUTH AFRICA ESIM DISCOUNT CODE

Airalo south africa esim discount code.

Airalo South Africa eSim prepaid for  $5 USD with 1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ). For $13 USD with 3 GB data. For $17 USD with 5 GB data and for $33 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.

MTX Connect eSim South Africa

MTX Connect eSim South Africa is a small provider offering data plans in South Africa.  MTX Connect eSim South Africa for  €24  with  4 GB  data valid for 14 days.

UBIGI SOUTH AFRICA ESIM

Ubigi South Africa eSim for $9 USD with 1 GB data valid for 30 days. ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ).

GIGSKY SOUTH AFRICA ESIM

GigSky South Africa  eSim for  $5 USD  with  1 GB  data valid for 7 days. For  $20 USD  with  5 GB  data valid for 30 days.

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATION ON BEST SOUTH AFRICA SIM CARD FOR TOURISTS

My best South African Sim Card Conclusion is buying the cheapest sim card in South Africa with Vodacom South Africa prepaid sim card for 650 ZAR=$38 USD with 100 GB data valid for 30 days.

Vodacom South Africa prepaid sim card and MTN South Africa prepaid sim card have similar packages and coverage good enough for traveling off the beaten path in South Africa.

Feel free to use our links for discounts. By using our links, you will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys. 

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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What's The Best eSIM For South Africa? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Known for having all of the Big Five as well as other attractions like Table Mountain, the Garden Route, and fine wines, South Africa isn't popular with tourists without reason. If you're planning to visit the country soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you usually would at home, and if you do manage to get connected via roaming, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If your device is a newish model (i.e., from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising blazing-fast internet in South Africa at a very low cost compared to roaming and great convenience compared to physical SIMs. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in South Africa and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to South Africa by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like Vodacom. ✨ If you're a new customer, use code MONITO15 to get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM, and if you're a returning customer, use MONITO10 to get 10% off today! Go to Airalo now to get started.

As we'll explore in more depth in this guide, when choosing an eSIM, you have two options. The first option is for you to go through a digital eSIM provider, and the second option is to purchase an eSIM directly from your network provider or carrier. We strongly recommend the first option. After all, with reputable online providers, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions that normally exceed those of the big carriers.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for South Africa and other countries worldwide:

What's The Best eSIM for South Africa?

• 01. Airalo: Best eSIM for South Africa in general scroll down
• 02. Holafly: Best eSIM for South Africa for unlimited data scroll down
• 03. Yesim: A great alternative all around scroll down
• 04. Which network carrier is best in South Africa? scroll down
• 05. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for South Africa scroll down
• 06. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 07. How to call from South Africa scroll down
• 08. Recapping the best eSIMs for South Africa scroll down
• 09. FAQ about the best eSIM for South Africa scroll down

Best Overall: Airalo

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for South Africa . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In South Africa, for example, Airalo works directly with Vodacom, South Africa's largest mobile network operator, to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks across all cities and most popular tourist spots nationwide.

Once-off prices for eSIMs in South Africa range from $4.50 to $26 and include between 1 GB and 10 GB of data. Depending on your plan, that's just $2.60 to $4.50 per gigabyte, which isn't bad for a country like South Africa. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems. Setting up and activating your eSIM happens entirely on your smartphone, and it's very quick. In our test, we just took two minutes (watch our how-to video on YouTube to see how it's done). Moreover, you can easily top this up via the Airalo app if you start running low on data during your trip. This saves you time and hassle compared to buying a physical SIM, where you'd usually need to stand in line at the counter to buy or top up your card or package.

We also recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel overseas often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad in dozens of countries. To find out more about this excellent eSIM provider, take a look at our in-depth Airalo review .

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Best For Unlimited Data: Holafly

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which also offers eSIMs for South Africa. The remarkable thing about Holafly is that it only provides packages with unlimited data for South Africa and other countries worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up all your data.

Holafly's data packages cost between $29 and $79 once off for trips to South Africa and are valid from five to 30 days. Like Airalo, Holafly's plans in South Africa will give you data via local carriers, although this time, it will be through MTN and Vodafone networks. This means you'll get coverage like a local no matter where you travel in the country (however, coverage can still drop in remote parts of South Africa, as we'll see later in this article.)

Although Holafly's packages are generally great if you'd like uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't usually need such a large sum of data and that normally, 5 GB to 10 GB, at most, should be enough for everyday travel needs in South Africa like navigating, browsing, and using social media. Moreover, your speeds might be temporarily throttled if you use a very extensive amount of data (e.g., for non-stop HD streaming or downloading large files). During our test in the UK, this happened to us at around 4.5 GB of usage. Sadly, Holafly's fair use policies don't clearly outline when networks throttle speeds since it comes down to the individual network or carrier and the country you're browsing in.

If you're curious, we tested Holafly extensively to see if its data plans really live up to their 'unlimited' promise. The short answer? Yes, but there are a few things you should know. Take a look at our Holafly review to find out what they are.

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Best For 10 GB Package: Yesim

A smaller and newer company than Airalo and Holafly, Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM provider offering highly-rated eSIMs for South Africa and other countries around the globe. Its website and app are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, and over 300,000 customers have chosen Yesim's eSIMs so far.

Like its larger competitors, Yesim gives you an eSIM card connecting to local carriers while you're in South Africa (specifically MTN and Vodafone networks). It can be installed quickly and effortlessly right from the app or via a QR code sent to your email after purchase. Interestingly, alongside its eSIM service, Yesim also offers a virtual number service that allows you to get an online-only US (+1), Canadian (+1), or Israeli (+972) mobile phone number to use for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, OpenAI, Binance, Tinder, or TikTok. These virtual numbers can be used for a flat fee of $2.75 per month.

Going back to eSIMs, Yesim's packages cost between $15.40 and $55 in South Africa for 3 GB to 20 GB (that's just $2.75 to $5.13 per gigabyte), with contract durations lasting from seven to 30 days. Yesim also offers three unlimited packages in South Africa for seven- and fifteen-day durations, although the upfront cost is higher at $31.90 and $51.70, respectively.

It's worth remembering that, depending on your plan, Yesim's prices can sometimes be fractionally lower per gigabyte than Airalo's, so if you're looking for the best deal, make sure you visit Yesim's website and compare their prices to Airalo's directly.

How Do They Compare?

In the chart below, we've compared Airalo, Holafly, and Yesim based on a few factors you might find important on your trip to South Africa. As you'll see, the three are very competitive, with differences normally being slight. If you'd like to compare Holafly and Airalo directly, take a look at our side-by-side review of the two too.

Correct as of 14 March, 2024

Which South African Carrier Is Best?

South Africa has only a few major mobile network operators (known as the 'Big Four'), which we've listed below:

No matter which of these networks your eSIM connects to, you can rest assured that you'll enjoy good coverage in pretty much all cities and tourist destinations in South Africa , including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and other cities and popular tourist spots.

However, South Africa is a rather large country, and if you travel to a more remote region (particularly rural parts of the Northern Cape like the Kalahari Desert and parts of the North West province), your connection may become spotty or unstable. If you'd like to double-check if the region you're traveling to is covered by the various carriers, take a look at this handy map . According to their website, the four biggest private networks mentioned above all offer pretty similar levels of coverage across South Africa, although Vodacom offers the widest coverage.

Do I Need a SIM Card in South Africa?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in South Africa, but having one will enable you to access useful travel apps like Google Maps, social media, Uber, or Airbnb without having to rely on WiFi.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to South Africa. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in South Africa without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in South Africa are typically around $2 or $3 per 6 MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could still be higher. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24 MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in South Africa is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we saw earlier, purchasing a local South African SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel is significantly cheaper.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your South African trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs, Anyway?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to South Africa. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to regular SIM cards for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in South Africa,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to South Africa (which we'll discuss below). In most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on South African networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your South African vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in South Africa from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's a compatibility issue: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other devices (see our full list of compatible devices )

Can I Call From South Africa With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from South Africa with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while in South Africa.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in South Africa to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

If you plan to make calls from South Africa (or anywhere else abroad) fairly regularly, then your most reliable and affordable option will be to use a third-party app. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there , offering low rates and providing you with local South African phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Although it's popular, we typically don't recommend using Google Fi for this purpose unless you plan to go back and forth from the United States regularly (since Google Fi is only available to Americans and will not work if you spend over 90 days abroad yearly). In general, Rebtel's rates are more affordable than Google Fi's too. Look at our in-depth review to learn more about our first-hand experience with Google Fi.

Recap: All About eSIMs in South Africa

Are you planning a trip to South Africa, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages and are generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

You should compare the available options to find the right provider for eSIMs in South Africa. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices, depending on how long you want to stay in South Africa. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for South Africa overall,
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data in South Africa,
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For South Africa

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in South Africa. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in South Africa varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $4.50 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for South Africa.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from South Africa, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

See These Other eSIM Guides

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