In our eSIM comparison for South Africa, we recommend the best providers of virtual SIM cards and share with you our experiences.
Here you will find all important information about data plans, prices, network coverage, connection and the respective advantages and disadvantages.
With a South Africa eSIM, you’re online right after landing and don’t have to worry about changing your physical SIM card.
Installing a virtual eSIM is usually quick and easy – and can be completed before you arrive in the destination country.
And now to our eSIM South Africa comparison – these are our experiences with the best providers!
Experience South Africa eSIM - Top 5 providers
Saily – Cheapest card
Airalo – Best eSIM Overall
Jetpac – Good additional services
Holafly – Recommendation for unlimited data
alosim – Best eSIM for calls and SMS
eSIM South Africa - Comparison of the Best Providers
Saily
- Mobile Network: C cell
- Network Coverage: Good
- Hotspot: No restriction
- Data Plans: Five data plans (1GB – 20GB)
SMS and Calls: Not available - Price: From 3,99 USD
Saily offers a total of five data packages, starting at $3.99 USD and according to the website, a reliable connection is promised. The Saily app is clear and easy to use. Saily also offers security services, such as “ad blocker” and “web protection”, plus you can choose a virtual location.
In addition you get 5% discount with the coupon code “Saily5” and you have the option to refer friends, whereby you and your friend can receive 5 euros.
Saily offers the following data plans for South Africa:
- 1 GB – Valid for 7 days, Price: USD 3.99
- 3 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: USD 9.99
- 5 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: USD 13.99 (best choice)
- 10 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: USD 24.99
- 20 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: USD 39.99
How does Saily work?
- First, you should check the website for compatibility with your phone
- Then choose the eSIM data package you want for South Africa
- Download the Saily eSIM and activate it according to the instructions
- Manage your data via the app
Pros and Cons Comparison Saily
Pros
✅ Easy and uncomplicated activation
✅ Additional security services
✅ Hotspot use possible (tethering for data sharing)
✅ 24/7 live chat customer support
✅ 5 different eSIM data plans for South Africa
Cons
❌ No support for calls and SMS
❌ No unlimited data plans available
Conclusion: Saily eSIM South Africa
In our experience, Saily is a very straightforward provider that is recommended for most countries. This is no different for South Africa as there is a reasonable choice of data packages and additional security services. Also the 5% discount on the first card is very pleasing.
Airalo - Best eSIM South Africa
- Mobile network: Vodacom
- Network coverage: very good
- Hotspot: No restriction
- Data plans: Six 1GB – 20GB
- SMS and calls: Not available
- Price: from 4,50 Euro
South Africa is just one of over 200 countries that Airalo covers with its cards.
For South Africa, there are a total of six tariffs from one to 20 GB. A plan that includes calls and SMS is only available for the Discovery+ worldwide plan.
The very well-developed mobile network of Vodacom is used.
The eSIM is easy to activate and the prices are on average in our comparison.
Here all data plans given on the website:
- 1 GB – Valid for 7 days, price: EUR 4,50
- 2 GB – Valid for 15 days, price: EUR 7,50
- 3 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: EUR 10,50
- 5 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: EUR 14,50
- 10 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: EUR 24,00
- 20 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: EUR 38,50
- 30 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: EUR 75,50
- 40 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: EUR 110,50
How does Airalo work?
The Airalo eSIM is very easy to activate and use, these are the steps:
- First you download the app
- Then you choose your destination and the corresponding data plan
- You activate the card via one of the different methods (manual, QR code, automatic)
- Activation is automatic upon arrival in South Africa
Pros and Cons of Airalo
Pros
✅ Quick and easy activation
✅ 24/7 live chat customer support available
✅ Uses the stable well-built Vodacom network
✅ Data sharing via hotspot possible (tethering)
✅ Calls and SMS with the Discover+ Global plan
Disadvantages
❌ No unlimited rate available
❌ Some countries require identity verification (KYC)
Conclusion: Airalo eSIM experience South Africa
The installation is easy and the administration via the app uncomplicated. A good mobile network is used, which should guarantee a stable connection. In addition, there is a good choice of rates, but an unlimited plan is missing.
Jetpac - eSIM South Africa
- Mobile Network: Vodacom
- Network Coverage: very good
- Hotspot: No restriction
- Data Plans: Five data plans (1GB – 20GB)
- SMS and Calls: Not available
Price: from 4.00 USD
Jetpac offers five low-cost data plans, there are no SMS and call plans, but the well-built Vodacom network is also used here. A special feature of Jetpac is the option to subscribe and the additional services. Also at Jetpac a “Refer a friend” program is offered.
The app is on average slightly worse rated than most others in our comparison.
Here are the available data plans:
- 1 GB – Valid for 4 days, price: EUR 4
- 3 GB – Valid for 7 days, price: EUR 9
- 5 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: EUR 13,50
- 10 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: EUR 20 (instead of EUR 24 – 17% discount)
- 20 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: EUR 33,50
How does Jepac work?
- First you search for your destination
- Choose a suitable data package
- Download the Jetpac app and log in with the same account you used to make the purchase
- Follow the instructions and install the card
Pros and Cons Jetpac
Pros
✅ Jetflex and Jet Pro subscription Opion
✅ 24/7 live chat support available
✅ Hotspot use possible (data sharing via WLAN)
✅ 5 different rates available for South Africa
✅ Additional services (add-ons)
Cons
❌ Global plans do not include South Africa
❌ No phone number included
❌ No unlimited rate
Conclusion: Jetpac eSIM Comparison South Africa
Jetpac has a reasonable choice of data packages, but an unlimited rate is missing; SMS and calls are not available in any of the rates. However, the installation of the card is very easy to install and the network coverage is very good.
What is rather unusual from our experience but very gratifying are the additional services such as free access to airport lounges.
Holafly eSIM Experience South Africa
- Mobile Network: VCell C (Pty) Ltd / Mtn / Vodacom
- Network Coverage: very good
- Hotspot: limited to 500 MB per day
- Data Plans: Unlimited (1 – 90 days)
- SMS and Calls: Not available
- Price: from 8,90 Euro
Holafly, the provider for unlimited data, offers runtimes from 1 to 90 days and uses various mobile networks. The Spanish provider covers over 200 countries, and eSIM is very easy to install and use. For regular customers, Holafly also offers a loyalty program.
How does Holafly work?
- First check if your phone is compatible
- Search for South Africa and specify the number of days for your plan
- Select your plan
- Follow the instructions to install your card
Pros and Cons Holafly
Pros
✅ Unlimited data on all local and regional tariffs
✅ Partnerships with fast network operators such as MTN, Vodacom and Cell C
✅ 4G and 5G connections available (depending on network coverage)
✅ Quick setup via QR code activation
Cons
❌ Limited hotspot usage
❌ More expensive than some alternatives for longer trips
❌ No way to reduce data volume to save money
Conclusion: Holafly Best eSIM Unlimited data
We can recommend Holafly as one of the best eSIMs for unlimited data. Particularly impressed by the cooperation with various mobile network providers. Regarding a stable connection with good network coverage, you should not worry, but unfortunately the hotspot usage is limited. An option that includes calls and SMS is not available.
aloSIM
- Mobile Network: Vodacom
- Network Coverage: Very Good
- Hotspot: No restriction
- Data Plans: Seven data plans (1GB – unlimited GB)
- SMS and Calls: Yes
- Price: From 4.50 USD
alosim offers seven data plans ranging from one GB to unlimited data using the well-protected Vodacom network. In comparison to other providers, alosim can also provide a local phone number via the additional “Hushed” app.
alosim offers the following data packages for South Africa:
- 1 GB – Valid for 7 days, price: $4.50
- 2 GB – Valid for 15 days, Price: $8.00 (Most popular)
- 3 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: $11.00
- 5 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: $15.50
- 10 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: $26.00
- Unlimited GB* – Valid for 10 days, Price: $35.00 (Unlimited)
- 20 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: $48.00 (Value)
How does alosim work?
- Download the alosim and Hushed app
- Choose your data package
- Install your eSIM manually, automatically or via the QR code
- Manage your plan via the app
Pros and Cons alosim eSIM South Africa
Pros
✅ 7 different eSIM rates available for South Africa
✅ Supports SMS and phone calls
✅ Hotspot use possible (tethering)
✅ Customer support available around the clock (24/7)
Cons
❌ Calling and SMS require a separate app
❌ No regional plans available for the African continent
Conclusion: Why is alosim an eSIM recommendation for South Africa?
alosim offers easy to install eSIM sat reasonable prices. The selection is extensive and offers, among other things, unlimited rates.
In addition, you get a local phone number and can make calls and SMS via the additional Hushed app.
Nomad
- Mobile Network: Vodacom
Network Coverage: Very Good - Hotspot: No restriction
- Data Plans: 5 data plans (1GB – 20GB)
- SMS and Calls: Not available
- Price: from 4,44 EUR
Nomad offers different data plans from 1 GB to 20 GB, the prices range from 4.44 Euro to 47.09 Euro. The Nomad eSIMs in South Africa, like most other providers in our comparison, use the Vodacom mobile network.
The following tariffs are available to customers:
- 1 GB – Valid for 7 days, price: EUR 4,44
- 3 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: EUR 11,55
- 5 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: EUR 15,99
- 10 GB – Valid for 30 days, price: EUR 23,99
- 20 GB – Valid for 30 days, Price: EUR 47,09
How does Nomad work?
- Enter country and select plan
- Install eSIM (QR code, Mauell)
- The activation takes place automatically in the country of arrival, if you have activated mobile data and roaming
Pros and Cons Nomad
Pros
✅ Fast and competent customer support
✅ Easy setup – ideal for first-time users
✅ User friendly and modern app
✅ Hotspot use possible (tethering)
✅ 5 data plans available for South Africa
Cons
❌ No unlimited rate
❌ No support for calls or SMS
Conclusion: Nomad one of the best eSIM South Africa
Nomad offers cheap flexible rates, but unfortunately they lack an unlimited data plan and a rate that includes calls. The app is easy to use and the installation and activation of the card is simple.
In our comparison, the providers were rated as follows
We have evaluated the providers according to certain criteria in order to guarantee you the best eSIM experience:
Network coverage: Probably the most important point when choosing an eSIM is the network coverage, you want to have a stable network on your trip. Most providers in our comparison use at least one mobile network in South Africa and they often use Vodacom, which is the best network in terms of coverage in South Africa.
Network: Providers should be at least 4G capable, but if possible also offer 5G speeds.
Ease of use: Selecting, purchasing, installing, activating and using the app to update your data should be straightforward in order to provide a good customer experience.
Customer service: All providers should have a good solid 24/7 customer service, preferably with live chat function. A big plus is when you can communicate with real people in customer service.
Compatibility: It is important that many mobile phones are compatible with the eSIM of the provider. Many older models cannot be used with the new technology. You can check the compatibility on the respective provider websites or under the settings of your smartphone.
Advantages of using an eSIM
Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting a virtual SIM card for your trip:
Instant internet access: You have active mobile data immediately after landing and don’t have to find a shop and change your card first. This avoids a lot of stress, as you may not speak the language or the nearest shop may not be directly at the airport. It also avoids activation or cumbersome verifications and a jungle of fees.
No card change: There is no need for a complicated card change, during which the card could be damaged or lost.
Flexible data packages: You can choose exactly the data package that suits your needs. If you are a frequent surfer, you can choose a plan from Holafly, for example. If you are travelling to more remote regions, you should make sure you choose a tariff with very good network coverage.
Avoid expensive roaming charges: Avoid expensive roaming surprises. With an eSIM plan, you have a clear overview of your costs and data usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth getting an eSIM for South Africa?
Yes, definitely! If you want to save yourself the hassle of changing a physical SIM card and use mobile data immediately after arrival, you should definitely get an eSIM. With a virtual card, you can avoid high roaming charges and benefit from a stable connection, both in major cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg and in more remote regions.
Which is the cheapest eSIM for South Africa?
The cheapest eSIMs for South Africa are Saily and Jetpac. Both providers offer a good selection of tariffs at attractive prices. Saily comes out on top in our comparison as the best provider, as it offers solid network coverage, flexible tariffs and very good customer service.
Can I make calls with an eSIM?
Some providers, such as Alosim or Airalo, offer eSIMs with their own phone number and call and SMS options. Otherwise, you can of course make calls without any problems using apps such as WhatsApp or Microsoft Teams.
Is my mobile phone eSIM-compatible?
Most newer smartphone models are already equipped with eSIM technology. You can check this either in your phone’s settings or directly on the provider’s website. There you will usually find a list of all compatible devices.
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