Visitor to ZA - mobile broadband options?

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marcus11

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Hi Folks,

I'm hoping some of you locals can help me with some unanswered questions about travel to ZA.

1) I'm going to be staying in Port St Johns for just under two weeks, JNB and DUR for a few days: what is most likely to be the best 3g broadband option? Vodacom looks promising but it's likely to be patchy coverage according to their maps.
2) I noticed there is a requirement to register SIM cards (RICA?). How does an overseas visitor go about this? Do I need to bring a utility bill (from Australia? lol) as proof of address? What about a letter from my Hotel? (the best reference I've found is http://www.hellkom.co.za/pages/rica-sim-card-registration.php but this is aimed at locals, http://www.b4igo.travel/rica/ speaks of a letter from the hotel - is this a well understood practise/request now?)

Thanks in advance!
 
A friend from overseas was here a few months back. He could not get a local cellphone due to the RICA thing. End of the day he found a place in the Cape that was able to give him a cellphone without needing to RICA as RICA was only coming into affect in June 2011.
I remember we where discussing this issue some times ago. It's good to see that they made provision for overseas visitors at last.

As for what broadband. It's not constant. MTN signal is stronger in one place and Vodacom is stronger in another place. Cell-C seems to be trying to push for cheaper and faster internet for pre-paid customers. In all, this is probably the most difficult question to answer.
 
Pre-paid SIM cards are pretty cheap (about R2) so you could even consider getting one of each and then seeing which gives you the best coverage in Port St Johns. There shouldn't really be any coverage issues in Jhb or Durban.

Not too sure about the RICA thing though.
 
I had some friends over from the UK and it was just easier for me to RICA the SIMs for them. ocleroux might know what the procedure is. Perhaps Hotel location and passport should suffice?

From a manageability point of view I think Vodacom's prepaid system is the best. It's really easy to purchase bundles and check your balances. Coverage as mentioned is always going to differ from location to location.
 
Stay away from CellC for now - their coverage is extremely patchy, even in the major cities. For example, I live and work in Pretoria, but in both locations do not have CellC coverage.
 
What is most irritating about all this, was when I talked to a police buddy of mine.
The RICA process has already failed. A number of mashines that RICA the phones have fallen into illeagal hands. They RICA their own phone numbers with false information now.
The police already had a number of court cases where the cell phone evidence could not be used becuase of this. Yet they are pushing ahead with the RICA.
 
Raiders said:
What is most irritating about all this, was when I talked to a police buddy of mine.
The RICA process has already failed. A number of mashines that RICA the phones have fallen into illeagal hands. They RICA their own phone numbers with false information now.
The police already had a number of court cases where the cell phone evidence could not be used becuase of this. Yet they are pushing ahead with the RICA.
Click to expand...

Well in a country where you can bribe people it doesn't shock me. Hell the other night they even had something on the lotto where some dude was able to print unclaimed tickets and claim winnings.

I won't be shocked either if they find people that add false information for a fee.
 
If the RICA thing is just too much schlep, then you can consider renting from rentafone. You can pick up at the airport.
 
Network coverage issues aside, if you want to RICA the legit way get a letter from the person/guest house where you're staying and, with your passport you, can RICA.

Both MTN and Vodacom let my Japanese clients register with just a business card from the guest house they were staying at - but if you run into someone who is a bit more pedantic they will want a letter.
 
Hi Folks,

Thanks very much for the replies; I really appreciate them. I will try the business card option for the stopover on arrival in JNB (scored a cheap night at the Hilton, hopefully they have good service there :) ), and if that fails the mob at Port St Johns has said they will supply an electricity bill and accompany me to the Vodacom shop to get a SIM - Can't argue with that service! (from ScubaAddicts)

Here's to having a safe trip...

Marcus
 
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