MTN

MTN is one of South Africa’s two largest mobile networks, alongside Vodacom. It launched 5G at the end of June 2020 in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Gqeberha, weeks after Vodacom’s first launch.

Where you will meet MTN

At the airports. MTN lists a store in the international arrivals hall at Cape Town International, and a store at O.R. Tambo listed as open from 6am to 10pm. That makes it the brand most travellers see first, and the counter most likely to sell them a SIM that then needs RICA registration.

If your phone shows MTN

The eSIM connected on a South African partner network. Nothing further is needed: data roaming stays on for the eSIM line, mobile data points at the eSIM, and your own number stays on for calls and WhatsApp.

Buying an MTN SIM instead

A shop SIM needs your passport and a RICA registration, and gives you a South African number. If you want that, the airport stores are the easiest. If you want to skip the queue, the eSIM is installed before you fly and there is nothing to register.

Where next

• Arriving at O.R. Tambo
• Arriving at Cape Town International
• The other networks