Airalo
$11.50 5 GB · 7 days
See planFull ranking
- 1
9.5out of 10
- 2
7.8out of 10
- 3
5.4out of 10
How the score is calculated
Score out of 10 = 60% price (relative to the cheapest in the table) + 15% network (5G listed, network named) + 10% hotspot use + 15% range of options (unlimited available, number of durations).
South Africa eSIM: how it works
The bar shows price per GB: shorter is cheaper. Click a column header to sort.
All checked plans (37)
| Airalo | 1 GB | 3 | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 3 | $8.00 | $2.67 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 7 | $9.00 | $3.00 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 | $11.50 | $2.30 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 7 | $19.00 | $1.90 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 15 | $12.00 | $2.40 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 15 | $20.00 | $2.00 |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 15 | $35.00 | $1.75 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 30 | $12.50 | $2.50 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 | $22.00 | $2.20 |
| Airalo | 20 GB | 30 | $37.00 | $1.85 |
| Airalo | 50 GB | 30 | $49.00 | $0.98 |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 3 | $19.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 5 | $28.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 7 | $36.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 10 | $45.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 15 | $51.00 | — |
| Airalo | Unlimited | 30 | $99.00 | — |
| Saily | 1 GB | 7 | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Saily | 3 GB | 30 | $9.99 | $3.33 |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 | $12.99 | $2.60 |
| Saily | 10 GB | 30 | $22.99 | $2.30 |
| Saily | 20 GB | 30 | $36.99 | $1.85 |
| Saily | Unlimited | 5 | $27.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 10 | $44.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 15 | $59.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 20 | $76.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 25 | $94.99 | — |
| Saily | Unlimited | 30 | $109.99 | — |
| Yesim | 1 GB | 30 | $3.96 | $3.96 |
| Yesim | 10 GB | 30 | $24.00 | $2.40 |
| Yesim | 20 GB | 30 | $34.80 | $1.74 |
| Yesim | 30 GB | 30 | $43.20 | $1.44 |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 1 | $9.60 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 7 | $30.00 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 15 | $46.80 | — |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 30 | $64.80 | — |
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download a "profile" from a carrier or plan provider. A compatible phone can store several profiles, and most work as dual SIM: your usual line and your travel eSIM stay active at the same time.
How it works for a trip in South Africa
- You pick a plan based on how much data you need and how long you're staying.
- You get a QR code by email or in the provider's app.
- You install it before you leave, on Wi-Fi: it takes a few minutes.
- When you land, you turn on the eSIM line for data and it connects to the local partner network.
What a travel eSIM does, and what it doesn't
Most travel eSIMs are data-only plans: no local number for calls or texts. To call, you use messaging apps. Your usual number stays reachable if you keep your main SIM active with data roaming turned off.
What to check before buying a South Africa eSIM
- That your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- When validity starts: at the first connection with most providers, sometimes as soon as it's installed.
- Whether hotspot use is allowed, if you want to connect a laptop.
- Whether you can top up data from the app.
Travel eSIM or local SIM?
A local SIM bought on arrival gives you a local number and can work out cheaper for a long stay. But you have to find a store, sometimes show ID, and pop out your usual SIM if your phone has only one slot. A travel eSIM is bought before you leave and works as soon as you land: for a trip of a few days to a few weeks, it's usually the simplest option.
The table on this page applies these criteria to the providers we compare, with prices checked on their official websites.
Set up your eSIM in 4 steps
- Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- Buy the plan, then scan the QR code you receive (or install through the provider's app), on Wi-Fi.
- When you arrive, turn on the eSIM line for data, and turn on roaming for that line only.
- Keep your main SIM for calls and texts, with data roaming turned off.
Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
Frequently asked questions
What is an eSIM?
A SIM card built into your phone: you download a profile instead of inserting a physical card. A compatible phone can store several profiles.
Does a travel eSIM replace my SIM?
No, it sits alongside it. Your usual line stays active for calls and texts, and the eSIM handles data in South Africa.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Most iPhones from the XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixels from the Pixel 3 onward are compatible. The phone also has to be unlocked. On iPhone: Settings > General > About, look for the "EID" line.
When should I install my eSIM?
Install it before you leave, on Wi-Fi, but turn on the data line when you arrive. Most plans only start at the first connection to the local network.
Do I keep my regular phone number?
Yes. Your main SIM can stay active for calls and texts; the travel eSIM only handles data. Remember to turn off data roaming on your main line.
Can I top up an eSIM in South Africa?
Most providers let you add data from their app. Terms vary, so check the plan page before you buy.