Best eSIM for South Africa in 2025

If you're heading to South Africa, you'll want a cost-effective way to stay connected to friends and family. Using an eSIM provides instant access to the fastest mobile data connections in the country, while avoiding high data-roaming charges and removing the need to swap out physical SIM cards.

South Africa is off the beaten track for most tourists, and I found it invaluable having instant access to high-speed mobile internet as soon as I landed, without having to locate and navigate confusing SIM card kiosks at an airport I'd never visited before.

That's why, together with my research team at Cybernews I researched and tested a slew of South Africa eSIMs to find the best providers. Today, I can share those results with you so that you have one less item on your travel itinerary and can focus on planning your ideal trip.

6 best eSIM for South Africa – shortlist

1. Saily – best eSIM for South Africa in all categories
2. Airalo – top South Africa eSIM for experienced travelers
3. Jetpac – budget-friendly South Africa eSIM
4. aloSIM – best option for seamless calling and texting in South Africa
5. Nomad – eSIM for Africa with extended plans

Things to consider before choosing an eSIM for travel in South Africa

It’s essential to examine your needs carefully when selecting an eSIM for South Africa. Here are a few things to consider:

• Coverage in South Africa. All eSIM providers cover a preset list of destinations, and some eSIMs don't support South Africa. Check whether your preferred choice has connections available within the country and how they perform in both built-up and rural areas.
• Compatibility. The latest smartphones tend to come equipped with eSIM compatibility, while older models prior to 2019-2020 are often incompatible. Make sure that your preferred South Africa eSIM supports your handset.
• Data plans. Make sure to choose a data plan that will support your intentions while in South Africa. For example, streaming in HD takes approximately 3 to 5GB per hour, so a low-data plan wouldn't work in this case. Some providers offer unlimited data or the ability to top up your plan in case you aren’t sure.
• Activation process. The best eSIMs make activation simple and possible before you even leave for your trip. It’s worth checking how the process works for your chosen eSIM and whether there are any tutorials or guides available.
• Validity period. Choose an eSIM that offers a plan length entirely covering your trip, otherwise you could lose unused data and be left without a connection. Some of the best eSIMs have varied validity periods of 7 to 365 days, while others offer lifetime data plans that never expire.
• Price. Check the pricing on eSIMs that you're giving consideration to, as prices vary and some providers are more affordable. Also, spare a thought for value for money; some providers bundle free travel perks into their costs.
  

The best eSIMs for South Africa – detailed list

Supported by the Cybernews research team’s expertise, I analyzed dozens of highly-rated eSIM providers to find the best eSIMs for South Africa. We looked at factors including network coverage, data allowances, app simplicity, and affordability to help you find the most reliable and budget-friendly options for your travels. Below, you’ll find the outcome of our in-house tests and our recommendations of the best eSIMs to choose.

1. Saily – best overall eSIM to use in South Africa

Rating:	4.9
Coverage:	200+
Plans in South Africa:	5
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	No

Visit Saily

Saily is the overall best eSIM for South Africa and comes from the minds behind the leading VPN for speed and security, NordVPN. After concluding my in-house tests, Saily excelled in all areas, including speeds, coverage, functionality, and cost effectiveness.

Coverage: Saily’s network spans over 200 countries, including South Africa. The company doesn’t state which local network operators it works with but it supports 5G and 4G, and promises “reliable connection from South Africa’s best networks.”

Data plans: Saily has 5 different data plans for South Africa, offering 1GB to 20GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days.

Activation process: You need to download the Saily app to activate the eSIM; the process is pretty straightforward. You can reach Saily through multiple customer support channels, including 24/7 live chat and email.

Price: The prices of Saily’s South Africa eSIM plans vary, starting from $3.79 for a 1GB, 7-day plan.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Local eSIM plan for South Africa	1GB to 20GB	7 to 30 days	$3.79 to $37.99	South Africa only
Regional eSIM plan for Africa	1GB only	7 days	$25.17	28 African countries (including South Africa)
Global eSIM plan	1GB to 20GB	7 days to 365 days	$8.54 to $63.69	Covers 105 countries (including South Africa)

Check out our Saily review to learn more about this eSIM service.

2. Airalo – popular South African eSIM among multi-stop travelers

Rating:	4.7
Coverage:	200+
Plans in South Africa:	5
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	Yes

Visit Airalo

Airalo is a top choice among seasoned travelers, offering affordable coverage not only for South Africa, but for more than 35 African countries. With a simple QR activation process and no need for South African KYC checks, it's quick and easy to get started.

Coverage: Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries. In South Africa, it works with Vodacom to provide 5G, 4G, and 3G internet access. This eSIM only supports calling and texting on its Discover+ global plan.

Data plans: There are 5 different Airalo South Africa data plans to choose from. These plans give you 1GB to 10GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days.

Activation process: You can activate the Airalo eSIM by scanning the QR code the company provides. You can also activate this eSIM manually or via the Airalo app. Airalo is one of the few eSIMs that performs KYC verifications. However, you don’t need to verify your identity to use its South Africa eSIM.

Price: Airalo’s pricing is on par with other eSIM providers. Its South Africa data plans start from $4.50 for a 1GB, 7-day plan.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Local eSIM plan for South Africa	1GB to 10GB	7 to 30 days	$4.50 to $26	South Africa only
Regional eSIM plan for Africa	1GB to 3GB	30 days	$27 to $59	36 African countries (including South Africa)
Global eSIM plan	1GB to 20GB	7 days to 365 days	$9 to $69	Covers 136 countries (including South Africa)
Global eSIM plan with calls and texts	1GB to 20GB	7 days to 365 days	$15 to $89	136 countries (including South Africa)

Check out our Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM service.

3. Jetpac – affordable eSIM for South Africa

Rating:	4.5
Coverage:	200+
Plans in South Africa:	5
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	Yes

Visit Jetpac

Jetpac offers affordable data for South Africa and more than 200 countries worldwide. Its convenient regional plans make it a great choice for those traveling in Africa.

Coverage: Jetpac covers over 200 countries. It partners with VodaCom to supply internet connections in South Africa. Also, its Africa regional pack covers South Africa and 6 other countries.

Data plans: You can choose between 5 data plans, ranging from 1GB for 4 days to 20GB for 30 days.

Activation process: Activating Jetpac is very easy. You need to download the Jetpac app on your phone and follow the on-screen instructions. Once the eSIM is set up, it will activate automatically once you arrive in the country.

Price: Jetpac offers affordable pricing starting from $4.00 for 4 days and 1GB of data.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Local eSIM plan for South Africa	1GB to 20GB	4 to 30 days	$4.00 to $40.00	South Africa only
Regional eSIM plan for Africa	1GB to 20GB	4 to 30 days	$8.00 to $117	7 African countries (including South Africa)

Check out our Jetpac review to learn more about this eSIM service.

4. aloSIM – best choice of eSIM for South Africa calls and SMS messaging

Rating:	4.4
Coverage:	200+
Plans in South Africa:	6
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	Yes

Visit aloSIM

aloSIM is well-suited to South Africa travelers who need access to calling and SMS functionality. There are no regional plans, but its local plans offer flexibility and are highly affordable, including an unlimited data option for shorter trips.

Coverage: aloSIM is available in over 200 countries. In South Africa, it works with Vodacom to provide internet access (5G and LTE). While aloSIM supports calling and texting, you need to download its sister app, Hushed, to access those features.

Data plans: Travelers to South Africa can choose from 6 different data plans from aloSIM. These plans offer 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days, including an unlimited data South Africa eSIM that’s valid for 10 days.

Activation process: There are different ways to activate aloSIM — automatically, via a QR code, or manually. Regardless of the option you choose, it’s generally easy to set up this eSIM. aloSIM doesn’t perform KYC verification.

Price: aloSIM’s plans for South Africa start at $4.50 for a 1GB, 7-day plan.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
*Local eSIM plan for South Africa	1GB to 20GB + unlimited	7 to 30 days	$4.50 to $48	South Africa only

*aloSIM does not offer regional or global plans that include South Africa.

Check out our aloSIM review to learn more about this eSIM service.

5. Nomad – suited to long trips and high-data activities

Rating:	4.6
Coverage:	200+ countries
Plans in South Africa:	4
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	Yes

Visit Nomad

Nomad's specialty lies in providing long-term, high-data plans for frequent travelers who need constant connectivity, with allowances up to 50GB/365 days. While it offers varied South Africa plans, it also has regional Africa eSIMs for restless nomads.

Coverage: Nomad has coverage in over 200 countries, including South Africa. It works with MTN and Vodacom in South Africa and supports 5G and 4G connectivity. Unfortunately, Nomad doesn’t allow calling or texting.

Data plans: Nomad has 4 data plans for South Africa, offering 1GB to 10GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days. Larger data allowances require a global plan that covers Africa.

Activation process: Activating Nomad is straightforward. All you need to do is scan a QR code and tweak a few settings on your device to set up the eSIM. Nomad doesn’t perform KYC checks.

Price: The price of Nomad eSIM plans for South Africa varies, starting from $11 for a 1GB, 7-day plan.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Local eSIM plan for South Africa	1GB to 10GB	7 to 30 days	$5 to $31	South Africa only
Regional eSIM plan for Africa	1GB to 10GB	7 to 30 days	$11 to $45	Covers 11 African countries (including South Africa)
Global eSIM plan (82 countries)	10GB to 50GB	180 days to 365 days	$40 to $170	Covers 82 countries (including South Africa)
Global eSIM plan (106 countries)	1GB to 5GB	7 to 30 days	$19.12 to $36 (promotional)	Covers 106 countries (including South Africa)
Global eSIM plan (113 countries)	1GB to 5GB	7 to 30 days	$25 to $45	Covers 113 countries (including South Africa)

Check out our Nomad review to learn more about this eSIM service.

6. GigSky – best South African eSIM for extensive coverage

Rating:	4.4
Coverage:	200+
Plans in South Africa:	17
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	Yes

Visit GigSky

GigSky is an ideal partner for travelers visiting Africa as part of a multi-stop itinerary, providing both South Africa and Regional Africa plans, plus broad international coverage across 190+ destinations. I appreciated the ability to choose from a combination of fixed and unlimited data packages to perfectly suit my travel intentions.

Coverage: GigSky provides local, regional, and global coverage. It connects to major networks in South Africa, like MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C. Using a known network for mobile data is important, and it means you’ll have the most reliable connection in places like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria including rural areas.

Data plans: GigSky offers local plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited data (the latter providing high-speed internet up to 2.5GB per day before speed reduction occurs). You can also choose regional Africa plans and global plans which include South Africa. On top of that, GigSky offers a Cruise + World option that includes South Africa.

Activation process: Like other eSIMS, activating GigSky isn’t difficult. After purchase, install the eSIM using the GigSky app or QR code sent to your mail. Enable data roaming upon arrival, and you’re connected.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Local eSIM plan for South Africa	100MB to unlimited	7 to 30 days	Free (100MB) to $35.99	South Africa only
Regional eSIM plan for Africa	100MB to 10GB	7 to 30 days	Free (100MB) to $47.99	Covers 37 African countries (including South Africa)
Global eSIM plan	5GB	30 days	$55.99	Covers 190 countries (including South Africa)
Cruise + World eSIM plan	1GB to 20GB	7 to 120 days	$35.99 to $239.99	Covers 134 countries (including South Africa)

Check out our GigSky review to learn more about this eSIM service.

7. Holafly – best no-limit data plans for South Africa travel

Rating:	4.0
Coverage:	200+ countries
Plans in South Africa:	90+
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	Yes

Visit Holafly

Holafly's customizable data plans allow you to specify an exact trip duration and party size, before providing unlimited data for your travels. I found this flexibility invaluable as well as being rare among South African eSIM providers.

Coverage: Holafly offers coverage in 200+ countries. In South Africa, it connects you to reliable, local networks. The provider specifies that it connects to major networks in South Africa, including Cell C, MTN, and Vodacom. This way, you can receive fast, reliable internet in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and other tourist destinations.

Data plans: With Holafly, you get local and regional unlimited data-only plans for South Africa. Plan durations are adjustable, and range from one to a maximum of 90 days.

Activation process: To activate Holafly after purchase, simply review the QR code in your email. Install the eSIM before your trip, and activate it by enabling data roaming when you arrive in South Africa or any supported African country.

Price: Holafly's plans for South Africa start at $9.40 for a day. The maximum amount of purchasable days is 90.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Local eSIM plan for South Africa	Unlimited	1 to 90 days	$9.40 to $291.55	South Africa only
Regional eSIM plan for Africa	Unlimited	1 to 20 days	$9.90 to $306.75	Covers 28 African countries (including South Africa)

Check out our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM service.

7. Roamless – most flexible pay-as-you-go South Africa eSIM

Rating:	4.4
Coverage:	195+
Plans in South Africa:	3 preset plans, Single Global eSIM
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	No

Visit Roamless

Roamless excels in providing highly flexible plans that left me impressed after testing. Add funds to a global wallet that's usable in 195 countries, including South Africa, and you can get the data you need on the go with no expiration date.

Coverage: In South Africa, Roamless partners with MTN (5G) and Vodacom (4G) to deliver high-speed internet to your mobile device. Since it connects to MTN (one of the largest mobile operators in the world, and the largest in Africa) you should be covered in all of South Africa. There are no global or regional plans, since Roamless operates on a Single Global eSIM.

Data plans: Roamless offers pre-loaded preset plans to use with its top-up system. These plans range from 1GB to 3GB, with a free 150MB introductory eSIM. Regarding credits, you can top up your GB at a rate of $6.45 per GB. At that rate, for $5 you get 0.78GB, and up to 15.50GB for $100.

Activation process: Roamless’s one-click setup is straightforward through its mobile app. Once activated, you can start by adding funds to your wallet. Once complete, activate data roaming when you reach South Africa.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Global eSIM plan	Unlimited	No expiration	$6.45 per GB	Covers 183 countries (including South Africa)
Preset eSIM plan	1GB to 3GB	No expiration	Free (150MB) to $19.35.	Covers 183 countries (including South Africa)

Check out our Roamless review to learn more about this eSIM service.

8. Instabridge – pay-as-you-go Africa eSIM with global plans

Rating:	4.0
Coverage:	190+ countries
Plans in South Africa:	4
Supports 5G:	Yes
Regional plans:	Yes

Visit Instabridge

Instabridge is another pay-as-you-go eSIM provider offering up to 20GB data for use in South Africa, though its global plans also provide coverage in nearby countries if you're planning a varied trip.

Coverage: Instabridge is available in 190 countries, including South Africa. While it doesn’t have a regional plan for Africa, its global plan covers South Africa and neighboring countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Data plans: There are four Instabridge South Africa data plans to choose from, offering 1GB to 20GB and valid for 7 to 30 days.

Activation process: Instabridge’s eSIM is primarily activated via the app. The process is simple and straightforward.

Price: Instabridge’s South Africa data plans start at €3.50 for a 1GB, 7-day plan. Instabridge also has pay-as-you-go plans.

Plan type	Data allowance	Duration	Price	Coverage
Local eSIM plan for South Africa	1GB to 20GB	7 to 30 days	$3.5 to $27	South Africa only
Global eSIM plan	1GB to 20GB	7 to 30 days	$8 to $68	Covers 193 countries (including South Africa)

Best eSIM providers for South Africa compared

Brand	Plan duration	Data sharing	Unlimited data	App	GB per plan	Support	Price	Trustpilot	Score
Saily	7 days to 30 days	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB	In English, via live chat and email	$2.99 to $69.99	4.0	4.9
Airalo	7, 15, 30, 60, 180, 365 days	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, and 100GB	In English, via live chat	$4.50 to $185	2.4	4.7
Jetpac	4, 7, and 30 days	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB	In English, via live chat and email	$4.00 to $40.00	4.7	4.5
aloSIM	7, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 50GB, and 100GB	In English, via live chat and email	$4.5 to $185	4.0	4.4
Nomad	1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 30. 45 and 60 days	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and 30GB	In English, via email support	$2.5 to $125	4.4	4.6
GigSky	7 days to 30 days	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	100MB to unlimited	Phone, email	Free to $224.99	2.6	4.4
Holafly	1 day to 90 days	✅ Yes (limited to 500MB per day)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Unlimited	Phone, email, WhatsApp	$9.90 to $306.90	4.6	4.0
Roamless	No expiration	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, unlimited	Website chat, in-app chat	$6.45 per GB	4.2	4.4
Instabridge	7, 15, and 30 days	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	1GB, 3GB, 10GB, and 20GB	In English, via live chat and email	€3.99 to €81.99	3.5	4.0

How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for South Africa

We assessed different eSIMs based on strict criteria to select the best eSIMs for South Africa. Here are some of the main things we looked out for:

• Coverage in South Africa (25%). Coverage was a top consideration during our tests, as some eSIM providers don’t even operate in the country. We only selected eSIMs with broad coverage and high availability.
• Network (20%). Both 4G and 5G connections provide the best speeds, so providers capable of offering such connections scored highest in our test circuit.
• Data plans(20%). Some travelers require minimal data, while others want to stream and share photos or videos, so we focused on providers offering varied data plans with a high degree of flexibility and choice. Our selections combine providers with a wide array of plans that cover short and long-term trips with both low and high data allowances.
• User-friendliness (10%). Many travelers are new to eSIM technology and now discovering the benefits, but this is a key reason why they need to be user-friendly and easy to set up. We only selected eSIMs that offer no-fuss checkout and activation processes.
• Customer support (5%). Should you encounter any issues with your eSIM in a foreign country, you don’t want to be left stranded. That’s why we awarded a higher score to eSIM providers with an array of support options that are preferably available 24/7, while also assessing their response times and the knowledgability of their agents.
• Compatibility (10%). Smartphones manufactured prior to 2019-2020 often don’t support eSIM technology, but some eSIM providers lack support for even newer devices. As a result, we excluded any eSIMs that couldn’t guarantee broad compatibility with the most popular handsets.
• Price (10%). Price is a delicate factor, as it’s not just about the advertised price, but also the value for money provided by an eSIM – some include free perks, others have free data, and so on. That’s why we carefully balanced the sticker price against the actual deal you’re getting to help shape our recommendations.

How to activate an eSIM in South Africa

There are different ways to install and activate an eSIM, but the process is quite simple. Depending on the eSIM service you’ve chosen, you may have one or multiple ways to set up your eSIM. Here are a few ways you can activate an eSIM:

• Using the provider’s app. This is one of the most common eSIM activation methods. It involves downloading the eSIM app and scanning a QR code or clicking a button to initiate the installation and eSIM activation. You may be directed to change some settings on your device to activate the eSIM.
• Using a QR code. This is another common way to activate an eSIM. Scanning a QR code usually kicks off the installation process, and you simply need to follow some on-screen instructions to finish activating your eSIM.
• Manual activation. This method is a bit more technical than the others. It involves going into your phone settings and entering your SM-DM+ address and other installation details.
• Using the provider’s website. eSIM providers usually have detailed guides on their site explaining how to install and activate their eSIM. This is a valuable resource when setting up your eSIM.
• Activating in a store. eSIM providers don’t have physical stores, but attendants at phone retail stores may be able to help you install and activate your eSIM.

When and where to buy eSIM for South Africa

For a trip to distant areas like South Africa, it’s important to purchase your eSIM at least a few days before your flight to ensure you’ve completed the setup fully. Many eSIM providers offer you the benefit of instant delivery, while activation can sometimes take time. Early purchases give you room for any troubleshooting.

You can buy eSIMs from providers like Saily, Airalo, Nomad, and others, from their official websites or their proprietary apps.

Also, Local South African telecom operators like Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C, may provide eSIM packages which you can activate via their apps or in-store, or at the airport. This avenue may offer cheaper rates for data, but you have to visit a store.

For our top eSIMs, you can usually pay through the provider’s website or app via credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Benefits of using an eSIM in South Africa

There are several advantages of using an eSIM in South Africa. Here are a few reasons you should opt for an eSIM on your trip:

• Cost-effective. eSIMs providers have plans tailored for particular countries or regions. While the prices of eSIM plans vary, they’re usually much cheaper than roaming.
• Flexibility. Since eSIMs are embedded in your device, you don’t have to fiddle with changing your SIM card to use one. You can also use the same eSIM in multiple countries and install different eSIM profiles on the same device. And, it gets better: If you’re getting a weak signal, some eSIM providers allow you to change network carriers.
• Convenience. eSIMs offer a lot of convenience. For example, you can install and activate your eSIM before setting off on your trip to South Africa. And, if you’re running out of data, you can top up right on your phone without visiting any physical store.
• Security. Stolen SIM cards can be used for identity theft and other fraudulent schemes. But, since eSIMs are embedded in your device, they’re less prone to loss or theft. If you lose your phone, you can easily log into the website of your eSIM provider and suspend your account. Using an eSIM also reduces your reliance on public Wi-Fi, thus shielding you from online threats.
• Local number. Some eSIMs come with a local number, which you can use to make or receive calls and text messages at local rates. You can also share this local number with acquaintances you don’t want to give your regular phone number.
• Environmentally friendly. SIM cards are made of plastic and end up in the trash after being disposed of. In comparison, eSIMs are completely virtual, so they barely have any carbon footprint.

How to make calls with an eSIM in South Africa

Many providers offer data-only eSIMs, but some of them support calling and texting. Here are a few options to make calls and send texts, even if you’re using a data-only SIM.

• Voice-over-IP (VoIP) with data: One way to make calls and send messages with a data-only eSIM is by using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet. These apps depend on an internet connection to work and allow you to contact other users.
• eSIMs with airtime: Some eSIMs, like aloSIM, come with a phone number and support calling and texting. If you’d like to make calls at local rates, you’re better off picking an eSIM that allows calls and text.
• International calling apps: You can also use international calling apps with low rates to make calls. These apps are much cheaper than using your home number to make calls.

Compatibility of devices with eSIM in South Africa

Most new phones support eSIMs. If you’re unsure whether your phone supports eSIMs, there are a few ways to check. We have an in-depth article listing which phones work with eSIMs and explaining how to check eSIM compatibility on different phones. Here’s how to determine if your iPhone or Samsung device supports eSIMs.

eSIM compatibility with iPhone

If you’re using Apple iPhone XR or a later model, your device supports eSIMs — unless it’s carrier-locked. If the new iPhone 15 (US version) is anything to go by, Apple may eventually ditch the SIM card slot altogether in favor of eSIMs.

Older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, or iPhone 8, don’t work with eSIMs. Refer to our guide to activating eSIMs on iPhones for a comprehensive list of Apple smartphones that are eSIM-compatible.

eSIM compatibility with Samsung

All new Samsung phones are eSIM-compatible. You can check if your Samsung phone works with eSIMs by going to settings on your phone and typing “IMEI.” If you see “IMEI (eSIM),” your phone supports eSIMs. Another way to check is by going to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager and checking for an option to add an eSIM. For more information, read our guide to checking if your Samsung device is eSIM-compatible.

Best eSIM for South Africa: final thoughs

South Africa offers a great deal of attractions and incredible landscapes for the budding traveler, but Wi-Fi connections can be unreliable. What’s more, you could be left without any internet if you attempt to set up a physical SIM card upon arrival in the country.

To ensure you're always connected while avoiding high data-roaming charges and general inconvenience, I recommend choosing one of the best eSIMs for South Africa. Saily scored highest in our comprehensive test circuit, offering competitively priced data plans and trip durations, all contained within a simple and easy-to-use mobile application. Customer support is on standby 24/7 to help troubleshoot in case you run into any problems.

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Other eSIM plans you might be interested in:

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