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🇿🇦 eSIM for South Africa
In South African cities, ride-hailing is the sensible way to get around, and it only works with data. A travel eSIM covers that and the maps for a Garden Route drive.
South Africa eSIM plans and prices
In short: Num sells 12 prepaid data eSIM plans for South Africa, from $3.30 for 1 GB per day (1 day) up to 20 GB over 90 days at $136.32. The best value per gigabyte is 10 GB total for 30 days at $20.73 ($2.07). It connects to Cell C, MTN, Telkom and Vodacom with 5G on some plans. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects in South Africa, it installs by QR code on any eSIM-capable iPhone, and your own number keeps working.
Live prices, updated from our provider catalogue · 3G/4G, 3G/4G/5G. These are the amounts charged at checkout — nothing is added afterwards.
| Plan | Validity | Total data | Per GB | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB per dayTop-up available | 1 day | 1 GB | $3.30 | $3.30 |
| 2 GB per dayTop-up available | 1 day | 2 GB | $2.78 | $5.56 |
| 3 GB totalTop-up available | 15 days | 3 GB | $2.27 | $6.81 |
| 3 GB totalTop-up available | 30 days | 3 GB | $2.36 | $7.07 |
| 3 GB per dayTop-up available | 1 day | 3 GB | $2.64 | $7.91 |
| 1 GB totalTop-up available | 7 days | 1 GB | $9.43 | $9.43 |
| 5 GB totalTop-up available | 30 days | 5 GB | $2.27 | $11.36 |
| 1 GB totalTop-up available | 365 days | 1 GB | $14.35 | $14.35 |
| 10 GB totalTop-up availableBest value | 30 days | 10 GB | $2.07 | $20.73 |
| 10 GB per dayTop-up available | 1 day | 10 GB | $2.25 | $22.53 |
| 20 GB totalTop-up available | 30 days | 20 GB | $2.13 | $42.58 |
| 20 GB totalTop-up available | 90 days | 20 GB | $6.82 | $136.32 |
Prices shown were generated on 2026-10-08 and can change with our provider's catalogue. The app always shows the current price before you pay.
Best South Africa eSIM by trip length
Our pick for each trip length: the cheapest plan that lasts the whole stay and carries enough data for maps, messaging and a bit of video. Heavy streamers should go a size up.
| Trip | Our pick | Validity | Total data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A long weekend South Africa eSIM for 3 days | 3 GB total | 15 days | 3 GB | $6.81 |
| One week South Africa eSIM for 7 days | 3 GB total | 15 days | 3 GB | $6.81 |
| Two weeks South Africa eSIM for 14 days | 5 GB total | 30 days | 5 GB | $11.36 |
| A month South Africa eSIM for 30 days | 10 GB total | 30 days | 10 GB | $20.73 |
Using your eSIM in South Africa
According to the plan details the eSIM connects to Cell C, MTN, Telkom and Vodacom, and the phone picks whichever is strongest where you are standing. A mix: 3 plans list 5G, 9 are 4G only. The table above does not show speed, the app does.
Sizes run from 1 GB over 1 day at $3.30 to 20 GB over 90 days at $136.32. Every plan here can be topped up from the app without reinstalling anything.
Practical notes for South Africa
- Coverage is strong in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and along the main routes; the Kruger and remote reserves are patchy.
- Uber and Bolt are widely used and safer than hailing on the street — keep a plan with room for daily use.
- Power cuts can take towers offline for a while in some areas; it is not your eSIM, and it comes back.
How to get connected
- Download Num and pick South Africa.
- Choose a plan and pay with Apple Pay.
- Scan the QR code the app gives you — Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Turn on data roaming for the Num line when you land.
Questions about South Africa
How much does an eSIM for South Africa cost?
Plans start at $3.30. The table on this page shows current prices — 12 options ranging from short trips to month-long stays. These are the prices you pay in the app; there are no separate activation or delivery fees.
Will my phone work with a South Africa eSIM?
Most iPhones from the XR and XS onward support eSIM, and the handset must be carrier-unlocked. Check the compatibility page for the full list before you buy.
When does the plan start counting down?
Validity begins when the eSIM first connects to a network in the coverage area, not when you buy it. You can install it before you travel and it will wait until you land.
Can I keep my normal number while using it?
Yes. The Num eSIM runs alongside your existing SIM, so calls and texts on your usual number keep working while data runs over the travel plan. Turn your normal line's data roaming off to avoid a roaming bill.
Can I add more data if I run out?
Yes — reloadable plans can be topped up from inside the app without buying a new eSIM or reinstalling anything.
Is there an unlimited data eSIM for South Africa?
Num does not sell unlimited plans for South Africa. The closest are the daily-allowance plans, such as 1 GB per day, which give a fixed amount each day for the length of the trip. For most travellers the fixed bundles, from 1 GB to 20 GB, are better value.
Which networks does a Num South Africa eSIM use?
It connects to Cell C, MTN, Telkom and Vodacom and picks the strongest available network automatically. 3 of the 12 plans support 5G; the rest run on 4G/LTE.
Do I get a South Africa phone number with the eSIM?
No. Num eSIMs are data-only. Your own number stays active on your existing SIM for calls and texts, and WhatsApp, iMessage and other messaging apps keep working over the eSIM's data. If you need a local number, see our guide to eSIMs with a phone number.
What is the best eSIM for South Africa?
It depends on how long you stay and how much you use maps and video. On this page the best value per gigabyte is 10 GB total for 30 days at $20.73 ($2.07); the trip-length picks match a plan to a weekend, a week, two weeks and a month.