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South Africa eSIM

Best travel data plans for South Africa — Africa

From $2.99 · 38 plans available

  • QR code by email
  • Keep your own number
  • Starts at your destination

Choose your plan — South Africa

38 plans available. Select one and order in a minute.

Check your device

Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see an "EID" number, your phone supports eSIM. See the full list

Not sure which plan to get?Get a recommendation

Select your duration

QR code by email
Secure checkout
Refund if not installed
Keep your number

Have a coupon code? Enter it at checkout.

Included with every plan

  • Data-only eSIM
  • QR code delivered by email
  • Starts at your destination
  • Keep your phone number
  • Top-up available

Rivo eSIM offers prepaid data plans for South Africa on local 4G/5G networks, starting from $2.99. Your plan only starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in South Africa, so you can install it days before departure and keep the line switched off until you arrive.

Regional plans that include South Africa

1 GBZ
Africa · 12 countries
$12.99
4G/5G Hotspot 7 days
1 GBZ
Global · 104 countries
$13.99
4G/5G Hotspot 7 days
1 GB
Global · 22 countries
$14.99
4G Hotspot 30 days
UnlimitedZ
Africa · 12 countries
$17.99
4G/5G Hotspot Unlimited 1 days

Mobile networks in South Africa

Travel eSIMs for South Africa connect to these local networks. Depending on the plan, your eSIM uses one or more of them and your phone picks the strongest signal.

Vodacom 4GTelkom, MTN, Vodacom 4G

5G is available on some plans (your phone must support 5G). Other plans use fast 4G/LTE.

Before you buy

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. This is a data-only eSIM — calls work through apps like WhatsApp.

Download offline maps

Save maps of South Africa before your trip so you can find your way even without data.

Frequently asked questions about South Africa eSIM

Which mobile networks does a South Africa eSIM use?
Our South Africa plans use Vodacom, Telkom, MTN. Your phone connects automatically to the best available signal.
How much data do I need for a week in South Africa?
For maps, messages and social media, 3 to 5 GB is usually enough for a week. If you stream video or share your connection, choose 10 GB or an unlimited plan.
When does my South Africa plan start?
Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in South Africa, not when you buy or install it. Install it on Wi-Fi before your trip and turn the line on when you land.
Can I keep my phone number in South Africa?
Yes. The eSIM is for data only and your usual SIM stays active for calls and SMS. You can also call with WhatsApp or FaceTime over the eSIM data.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in South Africa?
In most cases, yes: you pay a fixed prepaid price with no roaming surprises, and plans for South Africa start from $2.99.

Why buy an eSIM for South Africa?

Travelling to South Africa and need reliable mobile data? An eSIM is the simplest way to stay connected. Instead of looking for a local SIM card at the airport or paying expensive roaming fees to your home carrier, you buy a South Africa eSIM online before your trip and install it by scanning a QR code. No SIM swapping, no shop visit, no contract.

How to get an eSIM for South Africa

  1. 1Choose a plan — pick the data and validity that fit your trip above.
  2. 2Order and pay — with the payment method of your choice.
  3. 3Scan and install — open Settings › Mobile data › Add eSIM and scan the QR code you receive by email.
  4. 4Activate on arrival — turn on the eSIM line and data roaming when you land in South Africa.
Compatible phones →All destinations →

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Need help with your trip to South Africa?Our team answers in English, French and Arabic.
20 GB · 30 daysSouth Africa
Buy eSIM now · $53.99
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