South Africa eSIM guide
3 networks with 5G · 10 data plans from $3.99. Prices below are live.
- Networks
- Cell C 4G, MTN 5G, Vodacom 5G
- 5G
- Yes
- Cheapest plan
- 1 GB · 7 days · $3.99
- Best per GB
- 20 GB · 30 days · $1.85/GB
- Unlimited from
- Unlimited · 3 days · $18.99
- Longest validity
- 30 days
Which plan for your trip
We estimate 0.2 GB a day for maps and messaging, 0.5 GB with socials and photos, and 1.3 GB if you stream or share a hotspot. Each cell is the plan our recommender picks for that trip today.
| Trip | Maps & messaging | Plus socials & photos | Streaming & hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $3.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~614 MB | $6.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.5 GB | $11.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~3.9 GB |
| 7 days | $6.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.4 GB | $11.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~3.5 GB | $21.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~9.1 GB |
| 14 days | $11.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.8 GB | $21.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~7 GB | $36.99 20 GB · 30 daysneeds ~18.2 GB |
| 30 days | $21.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~6 GB | $36.99 20 GB · 30 daysneeds ~15 GB | $36.99 20 GB · 30 daysneeds ~39 GB |
Networks in South Africa
The South Africa eSIM connects to Cell C, MTN and Vodacom. 5G is listed on MTN, Vodacom; elsewhere it's 4G.
Arriving in South Africa
- JNB Johannesburg O. R. Tambo
- CPT Cape Town International
- DUR Durban King Shaka
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi; it waits until you arrive.
- On landing, switch on data roaming for the eSIM line and pick it for mobile data.
- Your plan's days start when it first connects to a network in South Africa.
City guides in South Africa
About unlimited in South Africa
Lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.
Visiting more than South Africa?
These regional eSIMs include South Africa. For 10 days of maps and socials, the South Africa eSIM pick is 10 GB · 30 days for $21.99.
All 10 data plans
| Plan | Price | Per day | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB · 7 days | $3.99 | $0.57 | $3.99 |
| 2 GB · 15 days | $6.99 | $0.47 | $3.50 |
| 3 GB · 30 days | $8.99 | $0.30 | $3.00 |
| 5 GB · 30 days | $11.99 | $0.40 | $2.40 |
| 10 GB · 30 days | $21.99 | $0.73 | $2.20 |
| 20 GB · 30 days | $36.99 | $1.23 | $1.85 |
| Unlimited · 3 days | $18.99 | $6.33 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 5 days | $27.99 | $5.60 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 7 days | $35.99 | $5.14 | No cap |
| Unlimited · 10 days | $44.99 | $4.50 | No cap |
Questions about South Africa
Which networks does the South Africa eSIM use?
The South Africa eSIM connects to Cell C, MTN and Vodacom. 5G is listed on MTN, Vodacom; elsewhere it's 4G.
How much data do I need for a week in South Africa?
About 3.5 GB if you use maps, messaging, socials and photos (our estimate: 0.5 GB a day). Our pick for 7 days is 5 GB · 30 days for $11.99.
Is there an unlimited data plan for South Africa?
Yes, from $18.99 for 3 days. Lower speed rate of 1 Mbps after 3 GB usage per day.
Do South Africa plans include a phone number?
No, they're data only. Your home SIM stays on for calls and texts, and messaging apps and internet calls work over the eSIM data.
Which airports do most visitors fly into in South Africa?
The main international airports are Johannesburg O. R. Tambo (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), Durban King Shaka (DUR).
Does a regional eSIM cover South Africa?
Yes. Africa and Global include South Africa. The smallest, Africa, covers 36 countries on one eSIM.
When does the plan start?
When your phone first connects to a network in the destination, not when you buy. Install it at home on Wi-Fi; the days start counting on arrival.