eSIM South Africa: Prepaid Data Plans
South Africa eSIM plans start at $3.49 for 1 GB; our top plan for South Africa alone is 20 GB for 30 days at $35.99 (NextLink), the top multi-country one 10 GB at $35.99 (23 countries). Here a plan for South Africa alone costs less per GB than any multi-country plan (31 plans from 5 vetted providers).
South Africa eSIM at a glance
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Your next trip.
Connected.
Choose your travel eSIM and manage it in the MobiMatter app.
Networks used by South Africa eSIMs
Each plan connects to the networks listed on its page, so you choose your carrier before you buy. Coverage varies by area: a listed network does not guarantee signal everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Africa have eSIM?
Yes. Vodacom, MTN and Telkom all support eSIM and offer prepaid eSIM plans that visitors can use, and Vodacom also lets you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. A travel eSIM for South Africa rides on these same networks, so it works in Johannesburg, Cape Town and along the Garden Route wherever they have signal.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 · Source
What is the cheapest eSIM for South Africa?
The cheapest South Africa eSIM on MobiMatter is a plan for South Africa alone: $3.49 for 1 GB, valid for 7 days. Prices come live from 5 vetted providers and change often; the price on this page is the current one.
Is it worth getting an eSIM for South Africa?
For most travellers, yes, if your phone supports eSIM. South Africa plans start at $3.49 for 1 GB, and the longest lasts 365 days, which suits long stays and repeat visits. If your home plan already covers South Africa at no extra cost, you may not need one.
Which networks do South Africa eSIMs use?
South Africa eSIMs on MobiMatter run on Telkom, Vodacom, and MTN; 5G plans are available on Telkom, Vodacom, and MTN. Telkom carries the most plans. Each plan names its network, so you choose your carrier before you buy.
Which eSIM is best for South Africa?
For South Africa alone, our top plan right now is 20 GB for 30 days at $35.99 from NextLink. If South Africa is one stop of several, the top multi-country plan is 10 GB for 30 days at $35.99 from Ubigi, covering 23 countries.
How much data do I need for a week in South Africa?
It depends on how you use your phone. Light use (maps, messaging, browsing) takes about 0.5–1 GB a day; scrolling a lot of social video can take 2–3 GB or more. Typical use per hour:
- Instagram Reels, TikTok: 0.3–1 GB
- YouTube, Netflix at standard quality: 0.5–1 GB
- Video calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime): 0.5–1 GB
- Voice calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio): 50–70 MB
- Maps and navigation: 2–6 MB
- Messaging and browsing: 50–150 MB
The cheapest South Africa plan with at least 5 GB for a week or longer is 5 GB for 21 days at $11.49.
Do South Africa eSIMs support 5G and hotspot?
5G is available on 8 plans for South Africa, where the local network has 5G coverage; the others use 4G/LTE. Hotspot (tethering) works on every plan, so you can share your data with other devices.
Does a South Africa eSIM come with a phone number?
Most travel eSIMs, including most South Africa plans, are data-only and have no local number. You keep your usual number on your main SIM for calls, texts and WhatsApp. Plans that include a number or minutes say so on the plan page.
Will my phone work with a South Africa eSIM?
Yes, if it supports eSIM and is not locked to a carrier. To check, dial *#06#: if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS/XR on, Galaxy S20 and later and Pixel 3 and later do, except most models sold in mainland China and some sold in Hong Kong and Macao.
Can I keep my own SIM and WhatsApp while using a South Africa eSIM?
Yes. Your eSIM and your main SIM can be active at the same time. Use the eSIM for mobile data with data roaming on for that line, and turn data roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges. WhatsApp keeps working on your usual number.
Good to know
RICA registration is required for every South African SIM, including prepaid lines and eSIMs; foreign nationals register with a valid passport, and Vodacom does not charge for it.
Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 · Source
How it works
- 1
Checkout using secure payment methods
Get your eSIM by email within seconds.
- 2
Install eSIM
Instantly get your eSIM and configure it in your eSIM compatible device
- 3
Enjoy high speed connectivity
Once eSIM is configured, you can enjoy high speed roaming data connectivity
Why get your South Africa eSIM from MobiMatter
All your eSIMs in one app
Buy, install and top up every eSIM in the MobiMatter app, and check how much data you have left at any time.
Choose your network
MobiMatter shows which network each plan uses, so you choose your carrier before you buy. Pick from 31 plans from 5 vetted providers with the data and price that fit your trip.
24/7 support
Our support team is available 24/7, before and after you buy, for every eSIM you get from MobiMatter.
What our customers say
5.0
I didn't experience any problems in Europe; it works quite well, and it's also more affordable compared to other apps.
Translated from Turkish
CCnyt60
App Store5.0
Excellent prices compared to roaming, reliable data packages, and outstanding customer support. When I needed help, the support team was responsive, patient, and genuinely helpful until everything was working perfectly. Highly recommended.
NNordic traveler
App Store5.0
I have been using MobiMatter for a few years both for travel and to supplement my regular cell plan which has limited data. The service has always been solid and the prices excellent. The installation instructions are easy to follow. On the few occasions that I asked for tech support (mostly for my own errors) the response time has been amazing and the support courteous and effective.
NNoahsark76
App Store5.0
I tested the speed. It connected even faster than the internet I use at home in Turkey. There's no need to unnecessarily enrich service providers. You can use it abroad with peace of mind.
Translated from Turkish
BBurak taşkın
Play Store5.0
"Before every trip, my internet solution is definitely Mobimatter. It has never let me down. I once found myself without internet in the middle of a trip with another brand. Now, I don't take any chances; I stick to what I know."
Translated from Turkish
DDaphne1962
App Store5.0
Variety of options to choose from from good prices and selection. Very responsive via service
EEamik
App Store5.0
It's truly excellent; you can get 24/7 support when you encounter a problem. It's the best e-SIM app.
YYasar Cengiz
Play Store5.0
If u have any issues the customer Service of this app is really fast and helpful!
GGggfcx5),(??
App Store5.0
It's the most easiest simplest way of taking data with you. A quick flick of the sim button and that's it. Highly recommended.
EEfy Din
Play Store5.0
"Great app. I recommend it. It works flawlessly for Turkey."
Translated from Turkish
GGilgaxtrem
App Store5.0
This is a fantastic site. I purchased it from NextLink's data provider package during my Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. It has excellent reception everywhere, including the Metaf area... highly recommended.
GGökhan ALTAN
Play Store5.0
I was worried that because I deleted my e sim before using it, I was gonna have to buy another one. They answered in email super fast, gave me a new one, and it's been working great. Best customer service ever. Will be buying monthly while I'm overseas!
JJendhisbdbd
App Store