Online when you land in South Africa.
A prepaid data eSIM for South Africa, sold as the store's Africa regional plan: it roams on a South African network, so turn data roaming on for the eSIM line. Set it up at home over Wi-Fi, then bring the line up once you are on the ground, with nothing to RICA.
Prepaid, no subscription · Full refund if it does not work
Land in South Africa, and you are already online.
- Install it at homeScan the QR code on Wi-Fi before you fly and keep the eSIM line switched off.
- Switch it on after landingTurn the eSIM line on, choose it for mobile data and turn data roaming on for that line.
- No SIM counter, no queueA local SIM at the airport needs your passport and a RICA registration at a shop. This eSIM is on your phone before you fly.
Everything your trip runs on, on your phone.
- Uber, Bolt and mapsRide-hailing apps run on mobile data.
- Maps on long drivesLive directions need data. Download offline maps as a backup.
- WhatsApp on your own numberYour home SIM stays in the phone, so WhatsApp keeps your number.
- Camps, tours and ticketsPark permits, camps and tours book online; have data when the confirmation lands.
Data only: the eSIM has no South African phone number, so it does not take local calls or SMS.
South Africa eSIM plans
7 to 30 days · Data onlyPrices in US dollars, tax included · checkout on BaobabSIM
An Africa regional plan: in South Africa it roams on a partner network, and your phone shows that network’s name.
eSIM, airport SIM or roaming?
| Plan facts | 7 days | 15 days | 30 days | 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data | 3 GB | 5 GB | 10 GB | 20 GB |
| Validity | 7 days | 15 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Hotspot | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Data roaming | Turn it on for the eSIM line | Turn it on for the eSIM line | Turn it on for the eSIM line | Turn it on for the eSIM line |
| Phone number | None, data only; your own number stays on | None, data only; your own number stays on | None, data only; your own number stays on | None, data only; your own number stays on |
| Price per GB | US$3.00 | US$2.60 | US$2.40 | US$2.15 |
| Price | US$8.99 | US$12.99 | US$23.99 | US$42.99 |
Hotspot is not confirmed for these plans, so this site does not promise it.
Which network will my eSIM use?
Your eSIM: Africa regional
A South African partner network, picked for you. These are Africa regional plans, so in South Africa the eSIM connects on its own. All you do is turn data roaming on for the eSIM line.
South Africa's mobile networks
- Vodacom
- MTN
- Cell C
- Telkom
- rain
The names on shop signs across South Africa. A local SIM from one of them means a shop visit with your passport for RICA registration, and a new South African number. The eSIM goes on your phone before you fly. More on South Africa's networks
Online in three steps
- Choose a planChoose the days and the data, then pay by card on BaobabSIM. The total, tax included, is shown before you pay.
- Scan the QR codeThe QR code appears on your order page right after payment, and we email you the link.
- Switch it on in South AfricaInstall at home on Wi-Fi. After landing, turn the eSIM line on and turn data roaming on for that line.
South Africa, sorted before you go.
Where you land and where you go next: the airports and cities travellers ask about.
- Airport
O.R. Tambo airport (JNB)
Install on Wi-Fi before you land at JNB, switch the travel line on for data, and turn data roaming on.
- Airport
Cape Town airport (CPT)
CPT is the city airport below Table Mountain. Install before the flight, switch on when you land.
- Trip
Johannesburg
The city after the terminal: the Gautrain, Maboneng, and offline maps for the streets.
- Trip
Cape Town
Table Mountain, the V&A and the Bo-Kaap: maps and messages sorted before you land.
Questions before you fly
Which eSIM should I get for South Africa?
One you install before the flight, so you are online on landing without a counter. The plans here are Africa regional plans: they roam on a South African network, so turn data roaming on for the eSIM line. Pick the days of your trip and the data you expect to use.
Do I have to RICA an eSIM?
Not ours. RICA registration applies to South African SIM cards and eSIMs, and visitors roaming on a foreign SIM or eSIM are outside it (section 40 of the Act). These plans roam from abroad, so there is nothing to register.
How will I receive the eSIM?
The QR code appears on your order page right after payment, and the store emails you the link. Save that page to your bookmarks, or keep the QR code somewhere you can reach it: a QR code can usually be installed only once.
Should data roaming be on?
On the travel eSIM, yes: these are Africa regional plans and they need data roaming turned on for that line. On your home line, keep it off so your home carrier does not charge you.
Can I keep my own number for WhatsApp?
Yes, on a dual-SIM phone, which most recent phones are. Your home SIM stays on for calls and messages, WhatsApp keeps your number, and the travel eSIM carries the data.
Is there 5G in South Africa?
Yes, since 2020: Vodacom launched in May and MTN in June. The regulator reported 5G population coverage of 58% in 2025, with 4G at 99.5%.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. If the eSIM does not work and we cannot fix it, you get a full refund. Money comes back to you as well when the eSIM never arrives. A working eSIM is not refunded because your plans changed. Write to contact@baobabsim.com with your order link.
Which is the best eSIM for South Africa?
The four prepaid plans on this site are the store's South Africa set: choose the days and the data that fit your trip, and check your phone takes an eSIM first. Payment happens on BaobabSIM, the store run by the same company.
How does a South Africa eSIM work?
It is a prepaid data eSIM that roams on a South African partner network, so turn data roaming on for the eSIM line when you land. Your own SIM stays in the phone for calls and WhatsApp.
Do I need a South Africa SIM card as well?
No. A South African SIM card needs RICA registration with your passport in a shop; the eSIM skips that errand and keeps your number on WhatsApp.
What is Local SIM South Africa?
This site is a guide to getting online in South Africa, run by LuKas Holdings from Warsaw. It answers the questions and hands you to the store for the plan; it takes no orders itself.
7 days · 3 GBUS$8.99
Buy on BaobabSIM