Best South Africa eSIMs in 2025

Purchasing an eSIM data plan instantly connects you to a local data network in South Africa once you land in your destination. With an eSIM, there’s no need to remove your physical SIM card or buy a new local card, and your current phone number stays active. Currently, Saily offers the best eSIM plans for South Africa with competitive local prices, the fastest connections, and the most reliable customer support.

You can also purchase an MTN South Africa eSIM from local MTN stores or authorized dealers. However, after my research, I found that Saily, Airalo, and Jetpac offer better prices, flexibility, and connectivity for South African travel.

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Top 5 eSIMs for South Africa: our shortlist

1. Saily

   Best eSIM South Africa eSIM overall
   9.6
2. Airalo

   Cheapest eSIM card for South Africa
   9.3
3. Jetpac

   South Africa eSIM with airport perks
   9.2
4. aloSIM

   Unlimited data South Africa eSIM
   8.8
5. Nomad

   Easy-to-use prepaid eSIM card for South Africa
   8.4

Overview of best South Africa eSIM plans

The cheapest eSIM for South Africa is Saily, with a 1GB data plan for only $3.99. Other cheap South Africa eSIM plans are from Jetpac, costing $4.00 for 1GB of data, Airalo and aloSIM for $4.50 with a 1GB data cap, and Nomad for $5.00 for 1GB of data.

I tested all of these eSIMs during travels and can recommend Saily as the best eSIM for South Africa, especially for short trips, as it offers the lowest price for a 1GB data plan at $3.99. And, if you’re planning a longer stay, then aloSIM might be a good choice as it offers unlimited data packs for South Africa eSIMs. Lastly, I found it very convenient to have an international phone number available in some circumstances, and if you think you might need it, then Airalo and aloSIM have it as an option with some of their data plans.

Best eSIM providers in South Africa: detailed list

To find the best eSIMs for South Africa, I tested several providers and looked into their South Africa coverage availability, plan prices, data allowance choices, and ease of the activation process. In the end, I determined that Saily and Airalo are the best South Africa eSIM choices, offering reliable network coverage and ease of use. Alternatively, Jetpac, aloSIM, and Nomad are also good options, particularly if you choose the most popular tourist destinations.

🥇1. Saily – best overall eSIM for South Africa

Saily South Africa eSIM offers a great selection of affordable local plans and partners with the best South Africa mobile data networks. Additionally, Saily leverages some of NordVPN’s technology, offering virtual location, ad blocker, and web protection to its users. Because of this, I’ve chosen Saily as my number 1 eSIM for South Africa.

Coverage in South Africa. Saily offers both local eSIM plans for South Africa and a regional Africa eSIM plan. The local plan only works within South Africa, while the regional plan works in 34 African countries without having to purchase separate data plans. Although Saily doesn’t reveal its telecom partners, my tests showed consistently smooth 4G and 5G connectivity - indicating reliable support from top South African networks.

Data plans. Saily offers flexible data plan choices, with 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB data caps. All Saily eSIM plans are prepaid and come with a 30-day activation period. Plan duration options are 7 days and 30 days, and work without any data restrictions when activated.

South Africa eSIM price. Saily eSIM South Africa plans start at $3.99 for a 1GB plan lasting 7 days and go up to $39.99 for a 20GB plan lasting 30 days. Overall, Saily offers one of the most affordable plans, with prices fairly matching the data allowance.

Activation process. Activating a Saily eSIM is simple. First, download the official Saily app. From there, you can pick your South Africa data plan and install the eSIM directly through the app. You can even set it up before your trip - activation only happens once you connect to a South African network. Saily eSIMs are compatible with most iPhones and Android phones, proving its versatility and ease of use.

For more information, read our Saily eSIM review.

🥈2. Airalo – the most affordable South Africa eSIM

I chose Airalo as my top eSIM for South Africa due to its wide range of plans, available international phone numbers, and easy installation process. Plus, Airalo partners with one of the best South African telecom providers, Vodafone, and registration and activation do not require eKYC identity verification.

Coverage in South Africa. Airalo offers local South Africa plans and a regional Africa plan. For the local plan, you can choose from 5 different options, and the regional plan offers 2 options, covering 36 countries. In South Africa, Airalo partners with Vodafone, a telecom provider that provides 4G and 5G speeds. However, the speeds may vary depending on your actual location within the country.

Data plans. The local Airalo South Africa eSIM plans come with 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB data allowance caps, while the regional Africa plan comes with either 1GB or 3GB. None of the plans offer unlimited data, but that’s not a problem, as you can top up your plan as you go. The plan duration ranges from 7 to 30 days, and there’s a 30-day activation period after you purchase it.

South Africa eSIM price. The cheapest Airalo eSIM South Africa has 1GB of data, is active for 7 days, and costs $4.50. The most expensive South Africa plan has 10GB of data, is active for 30 days, and costs $26.00.

Activation process. Setting up an Airalo South Africa eSIM is easy. After purchasing your data plan, you’ll receive a QR code to scan, or you can install the eSIM directly through the Airalo app. Either method is quick - just follow the on-screen instructions, and you'll be ready to connect in minutes. I personally prefer using the app, as it also shows useful details about your current South Africa eSIM plan.

For more information, read our Airalo eSIM review.

🥉3. Jetpac – best eSIM for a short trip to South Africa

Jetpac is a great eSIM for South Africa choice that offer affordable pricings, flexible data plans, and additional perks. For instance, you can use SmartDelay, allowing clients to use the airport lounge for free if their flight is delayed or purchase lounge access and fast track with a 40% discount.

Coverage in South Africa. Jetpac offers regional and local South Africa plans, with 5 available data choices for each. Airalo works with Vodacom telecom provider in South Africa, one of the region's best, capable of providing consistent 4G and 5G connectivity throughout the country. Similar to my other top eSIM choices for South Africa, Jetpac also does not offer unlimited data plans for this location.

Data plans. Jetpac’s local South Africa eSIM plans offer 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB data allowances, while the regional Africa plan offers either 1GB or 3GB. Data plan time validity periods start from as little as 4 days and stretch up to 30 days. After purchasing your data plan, it stays available for up to one year.

South Africa eSIM price. All Jetpac South Africa eSIM plans are prepaid, and the cheapest one comes with 1GB of data, is valid for 4 days, and costs $4.00. Meanwhile, the most expensive data plan comes with 20GB of data, is valid for 30 day,s and costs $50.00.

Activation process. The simplest way to activate Jetpac eSIM is via the Jetpac app. However, you can also install the eSIM using the direct method, QR code method, or manual method. Either one you choose, you will still have to purchase your chosen South Africa data plan from the app or official website and follow the instructions you receive. I chose the app installation methods and found it very straightforward and easy.

4. aloSIM – the only South Africa eSIM with unlimited data

aloSIM is a great eSIM for South Africa choice as it offers plan top ups any time you need it and includes an international phone number if you need it. Additionally, aloSIM is very easy to set up, making it friendly to first time users.

Coverage in South Africa. aloSIM offers only local South Africa eSIM plans with no regional ones covering multiple African countries. However, the provider offers unlimited data plans for South Africa, making it the only such choice on my list. Like other providers, aloSIM partners with Vodacom for local connections and promises LTE and 5G connectivity throughout the country.

Data plans. aloSIM South Africa eSIM data plans come in different sizes: 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and unlimited data. However, there’s a catch with the unlimited data plan, as it gives you a daily allowance of 1.5GB of high-speed data. Once you run out, the speed drops to 512KBPS until the next day. As for the timespan of the data plans, you can choose from 7, 10, 15, and 30-day plans.

South Africa eSIM price. The cheapest aloSIM South Africa eSIM plan comes with 1GB of data, is valid for 7 days, and costs $4.50, while the most expensive plan comes with 20GB of data for 30 days and costs $48.00.

Activation process. To set up aloSIM for South Africa, you can use the aloSIM app or purchase a plan through the official website. If you choose the latter, you will receive a QR and instructions on how to install your eSIM. aloSIM does not require eKYC verification, and I found the setup process very straightforward.

For more information, read our in-depth aloSIM review.

5. Nomad – the most flexible eSIM for traveling across Africa

Nomad is a good eSIM for South Africa and one of the oldest eSIMs around. The service offers the most extensive South Africa coverage, with local, regional, and global plans.

Coverage in South Africa. Nomad offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans for South Africa. However, none of the South Africa eSIM come with unlimited data and you will have to top up your plan if you run out while using it. Nomad partners with Cell C telecom provider in South Africa and offers only 4G speeds. However, the connections are quite reliable and stay consistent throughout the country.

Data plans. The service offers 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB data allowances on its South Africa plans. As for the duration, you can choose only from 7 or 30 days. Interestingly, the global eSIM plan offers only up to 5GB of data for 30 days, which I think, although convenient, is a bit too little.

South Africa eSIM price. The cheapest Nomad South Africa eSIM costs $5.00 for 1GB of data for 7 days, while the most expensive plan is the 30-day plan with 10GB of data for $31.00.

Activation process. Nomad eSIM installation requires a QR code, which will be sent to your email right after you purchase your chosen South Africa eSIM plan. I found the process to be similarly straightforward as with other providers and did not find any unexpected complexities.

For more information, read our in-depth Nomad eSIM review.

How to get an eSIM in South Africa

Getting an eSIM for South Africa and activating it usually takes only a few steps, which might include downloading your chosen provider’s app or scanning a QR code you received after purchasing your plan. Below, you’ll find an easy step-by-step guide on how to get an eSIM in South Africa.

1. Check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology. Most modern smartphones released from 2019/2020 usually support eSIM technology.
2. Download the app of your chosen eSIM provider. I recommend choosing Saily, as it offers the cheapest South Africa plans.
3. Select a South Africa data plan that works best for you.
4. Install the eSIM by following the instructions on your app.
5. Set the eSIM as default when you land in South Africa and it will automatically connect to a local telecom provider.
6. Enable data roaming on your phone’s settings and enjoy seamless connectivity!

Stay connected in South Africa with Saily

What you need to know before buying a South Africa eSIM

Choosing the right South Africa eSIM for you is very important if you want to ensure stable and uninterrupted connectivity during your travels. I’ve rounded up some key points to consider when choosing a South Africa eSIM:

• Compare eSIM provider prices. Check the available eSIM plan prices and look for either the cheapest option or any additional perks that might come with an increased price. For instance, with Saily, you can also get an ad blocker and a safe browser, while Jetpac offers SmartDelay airport lounge access.
• Check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology. Smartphones manufactured from 2019/2020 should be compatible with the technology, but you should refer to your brand’s website to be sure.
• Activate your eSIM at the right time. I recommend activating your eSIM before leaving for your destination country, as it will connect to a local network the instant you arrive, saving you the possible nuisance of setting it up at the stop. Also, some eSIMs have a validity period after activation, usually around 30 days, so don’t install it too early, either.
• Ensure if your chosen eSIM is fast enough. If you plan to send messages or receive calls only, then 3G speeds might be enough for you. However, if you want to stream videos and access maps, look for South Africa eSIMs that guarantee 4G or 5G contractual speeds.

Enjoy seamless connectivity with Saily

Does my phone support eSIM?

Almost all modern smartphones manufactured after 2019/2020 support eSIM technology. However, it is still worth checking your own specific device.

• On an iPhone, you can check that by opening Settings, heading to General, and then opening the About section. If you see an IMEI number in the Digital SIM section, then your device supports the technology.
• On an Android phone, you can check it by heading to Settings, opening Connections, and then heading to SIM card manager. If you see an Add eSIM field, it means your device supports the technology.

Alternatively, you can look for eSIM compatibility information directly on your phone manufacturer’s website.

Is it better to use eSIM or physical SIM in South Africa?

Overall, I found it much easier and safer to use an eSIM when traveling than a traditional SIM card. eSIM is much more convenient in terms of availability, flexibility, and plan choices, but traditional SIM cards still have their own benefits in some cases. To make it easier for you to understand the differences, I compiled a table comparing traditional SIM cards with eSIMs:

Stay connected in South Africa with Saily

Alternative ways to stay connected in South Africa

I find it easiest to stay connected in South Africa with an eSIM, but if you’re looking for alternative connectivity options, there are a few you can choose from. Here are my suggestions:

• Traditional SIM cards. You can get a prepaid physical SIM card with data, calls, and texts. However, they can be pricier compared to eSIMs.
• Portable Wi-Fi devices. These devices are usually very small and fit into your pocket. You can purchase them at various online stores or rent them at the airport. However, you should remember to charge them if you want to stay connected.
• Public Wi-Fi hotspots. You can find available Wi-FI connections in airports, train stations, local cafes, and more, and use them to stay connected. However, public Wi-Fi connections are usually unsafe and I recommend using them only with a travel VPN to protect your data.
• Tethering from another device. If you have friends in South Africa, you can tether your device to theirs and use the available network connection on your phone.
• Coworking spaces. Usually, you can find a local coworking space with a day pass if you need a reliable, high-speed internet connection for the day.

If you don’t want to or can’t use an eSIM, you still have option to stay connected in South Africa. However, my preferred choice is still a reliable eSIM due to its ease-of-use, affordable prices, and reliability.

Conclusion: Which eSIM is best for South Africa?

Choosing an eSIM as a way to stay connected while traveling in South Africa is the most cost-efficient and flexible solution. An eSIM does not require swapping physical SIM cards, automatically connects to a local network the instant you arrive at your destination, and offers greater security than using a traditional SIM card.

After conducting my research and tests, I found Saily to be the best eSIM for South Africa. The eSIM service ensures smooth connectivity in South Africa by partnering with the best local telecom providers, offers the cheapest local and regional South Africa data plans, is easy to set up, and you can always rely on its professional customer service. Lastly, Saily eSIM also ensures your security with an ad blocker technology and a safe browser option.

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FAQ

How to get mobile data in South Africa?

To get mobile data when visiting South Africa, you can either rely on prepaid SIM cards or choose a more flexible eSIM option. Local providers, like Vodacom, Cell C, and MTN, offer prepaid SIM cards with data, text, and calls. However, for more flexibility and convenience, I recommend choosing a South African eSIM card, such as Saily.

Is eSIM available in South Africa?

Yes, eSIMs are available in South Africa. My personal top choice is Saily, as it offers the cheapest eSIM for South Africa and great connectivity, but other providers, like Airalo, aloSIM, Jetpac, and Nomad, also offer eSIMs for South Africa.

Where to buy eSIM for South Africa?

You can purchase an eSIM for South Africa directly from your chosen provider’s website or app. Simply select a South Africa eSIM provider, like Saily, download its app, purchase a data plan, and install the eSIM on your device.

How does eSIM work on iPhone in South Africa?

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to purchase or use a physical SIM card. Ensure your device supports eSIMs, and then download a local South Africa eSIM data plan from your chosen provider. Install it, activate it, and it’ll automatically connect to a local network once you land at your destination.

Which is the best eSIM for unlimited data in South Africa?

aloSIM offers a South Africa eSIM data plan with unlimited data, costing $35.00 and valid for 10 days. However, if you’re looking for a plan with a longer validity period and big data allowance, I recommend choosing Saily, as it offers cheaper plans with up to 20GB of available data and up to 30 days validity.