Switch the eSIM on after landing
The short answer
After landing, switch the eSIM line on, choose it for mobile data and turn data roaming on for that line only. The plan is an Africa regional plan, so it connects on a South African partner network; your home line stays on for calls and WhatsApp.
Checked on September 30, 2026
Switch the eSIM on after you land, choose it for mobile data, and turn data roaming on for that line. The eSIM connects on a South African partner network; your phone shows that network’s name once it is online.
On iPhone
- Settings, Mobile Service: switch the South Africa line on.
- Mobile Data: choose the South Africa line.
- Tap the South Africa line, then Data Roaming and turn it on.
- Leave your usual line on for calls, with Data Roaming off.
On Android
- Settings, Network and internet, SIMs: switch the new line on.
- Mobile data: choose the new line.
- In the line’s settings, turn Data roaming on.
- Leave your usual SIM as the line for calls and messages.
Then check
- The status bar shows 4G or 5G and the partner network’s name.
- Open a map: it should load without Wi-Fi.
- Send a WhatsApp message to be sure the data line is doing its job.
If nothing loads, the no-connection article starts with the two checks that fix most cases.
Questions
Why does the eSIM need data roaming on?
The plans are Africa regional plans: they connect on a South African partner network rather than on a South African number of its own. Data roaming on the eSIM line is what lets it connect. It is prepaid, so roaming cannot add charges to it.
Will my own number still work?
Yes, on a dual-SIM phone. Keep your usual SIM on for calls and messages and give the eSIM the data. WhatsApp stays on your own number.
How do I stop my home carrier charging me for data?
Turn data roaming off on your home line and make sure mobile data is set to the eSIM. The travel line handles the data from then on.
Nothing happens when I switch it on. Now what?
Give it a minute to find the partner network, check data roaming is on for the eSIM line, then restart the phone. If there is still no data, see the no-connection help article.
More help
Install the eSIM before you fly
Scan the QR code on Wi-Fi at home and your South Africa eSIM is on the phone before you board. Where to find the code, and what to do if it fails.
Data roaming in South Africa, explained
These plans roam, so data roaming on the eSIM line is what lets them connect. Switch it on there, and keep it off your home line.
The eSIM is not connecting
No data after landing in South Africa? Check data roaming, the data line setting and the network, in that order. What to try before writing to the store.
Refunds and a lost QR code
The refund promise in plain words, how to find your order page if you lost the link, and why a working eSIM is not refunded after a change of mind.
Check your phone takes an eSIM
iPhone XR onward, Pixel 4 onward, Galaxy S20 onward and most recent phones take an eSIM. The one-minute check, and the models that do not.
Still stuck?
Orders, QR codes and refunds are handled by BaobabSIM support. Write with the link to your order page and your phone model.
contact@baobabsim.com