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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). 31 plans from 5 vetted providers on Telkom, MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C, 5G on 8 plans. Prices updated ·
South Africa eSIM at a glance
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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, MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C; 5G plans are available on Telkom, MTN, and Vodacom. 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
This is the best part... A fantastic app. I had no problems during my week-long vacation in Paris, France. I used it on my Android phone and the setup was very easy with the QR code. The package prices are also much more economical compared to other e-service providers. Plus, you don't easily use up your internet data unless you're watching videos.
YYavuz POLAT
Play Store5.0
great service and it is always with me when I'm on travel
AAkmal Bakhronov
Play Store5.0
It's the most ideal in terms of usability and price. You don't have to deal with a SIM card. Regional packages are especially recommended.
Translated from Turkish
AAppErenn
App Store5.0
I bought the service for the second time for a trip to Turkey. I had some trouble finding the right settings on my iphone. Support helped out immediately and everything was working well when I arrived in Turkey.
AAlex_M01
App Store5.0
It was awesome and seamless. I was connected with fast speed internet throughout my stay in Canada
EEsther Koomson Esq
Play Store5.0
Good connection in multiple countries I've visited. Helpful support team responding to problems and solving them in just a few minutes. Best ratio of price to size of data packages I've managed to find online
MMateusz Martenka
Play Store5.0
Easy and excellent rates for Turkey. I recommend it and I'll buy it again.
Translated from French
FFrançois Delpierre
Play Store5.0
I've tried many different platforms until now, but I've been using Matter for the last 3 months. The price, performance, signal strength, fast border crossings – in a single sentence, it's a perfect platform 🙏🙏🙏
UUgur tuncer
Play Store5.0
I loved it! I can have data wherever I go, they have many options, the data lasts a long time and is very affordable. I used the 3GB option for Europe and I've already had data for 15 days for €5. Honestly, if you manage it well and use it only when you don't have Wi-Fi, it can easily last you thirty days. I still have 1.6 GB left (half) and I have 10 days left on the plan. Highly recommended app for eSIM 💪
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UUn Tatuador
App Store5.0
The best eSIM I have used, excellent signal in all European countries, customer support is one of the best at any time of day or night, they are there for you to resolve any issue.
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KKamenko123
App Store5.0
"A very good platform for purchasing equipment. It's very easy to use. The interface is quite user-friendly. I never experienced any service issues. I went underwater in Thassos, it's hard to believe, but even there it worked perfectly."
Translated from Turkish
FFd52fd
App Store5.0
I travelled to on Hungary (Budapest ) Portugal (seville,mallorca) Portugal (lisbon) italy (Roma) works fine. Nice and cheap.
TTa_238
App Store