eSIM battle in South Africa

South Africans and tourists to the country have several eSIM options to choose from, and a comparison of several data bundles shows that local companies offer the most affordable prices.

eSIMs fulfil the same function as traditional subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, except they use a chip embedded in a device instead of a removable plastic card.

This solves several problems surrounding the use of conventional SIM cards, such as not having to eject them to swap to a chip from a different network.

It also prevents the risk of losing the SIM card and makes gaining access to a mobile network quick and easy when travelling between countries.

Devices with eSIM support allow users to store multiple eSIM profiles on a single device, simplifying swapping between networks.

Many eSIM-supported phones also work the same as a dual-SIM device, allowing users to have two active numbers at a time.

For instance, if someone decides to use an eSIM while visiting South Africa and have roaming enabled on their home network, they could have both numbers active on the same device.

Devices with eSIM functionality include Samsung flagship devices released since the Galaxy S20 and iPhones released since the XR.

South Africans and international visitors can access a host of eSIM services, ranging from local providers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to international eSIM providers running on local networks.

Someone visiting South Africa may only need to use an eSIM for the time they are in the country, and eSIM providers promise cheaper data bundles valid for short periods of time, such as five days to two weeks.

This is often more affordable than bundles that last up to 30 days and allow users to buy data for the period they are in the country.

However, many of South Africa’s local service providers also offer low-cost and shorter duration data bundles that might be attractive for travellers.

Afrihost AirMobile — running on MTN’s network — offers a 500MB bundle for R25, which is valid for seven days.

This is one of the most affordable offerings from an operator that offers online eSIM sign-ups.

You&Me has the same thing for R4 more. It runs on Cell C’s mobile network.

The MVNO offers several smaller allocations on eSIM, such as 50MB for R4 or 300MB for R19 — both valid for seven days. Its 500MB bundle is the cheapest per GB over the seven-day period.

Vodacom offers 4 GB of data valid for seven days at R49, or R12.25 per gigabyte, through one of its NXT LVL bundles.

However, this does not offer the same level of convenience going through one of the MVNOs, as users will have to visit a Vodacom branch to activate the eSIM on their device.

You must also be under 25 to qualify for Vodacom’s NXT LVL price plan. Customers above 25 will have to settle for Vodacom’s 600MB bundle for R52.

International eSIM providers, such as Airalo and Maya, tend to be more expensive per gigabyte which charge R80 and R107 for 1GB bundles over seven days.

However, these may be more convenient to travellers visiting South Africa as the same account can be used to purchase eSIM access to other countries and regions.

For South Africans looking to purchase an eSIM or travellers seeking a larger data allocation for a longer stay, there are also 30-day bundles that are more affordable per gigabyte.

Vodacom and MTN offer the cheapest bundles, charging R149 for 10GB over a 30-day period. However, you can’t apply for their eSIMs online.

Users must visit one of the network operator’s branches to acquire an eSIM QR code.

AirMobile’s 10GB data bundle, valid for 30 days and priced at R150, would be more convenient for travellers or anyone who wants to activate an eSIM profile quickly.

The most affordable international eSIM operator is Airhub, which offers a 30GB bundle for R530 valid for 30 days. This works out to just under R18 per gigabyte — far below Airhub’s and other internal providers’ average price per gig.

For instance, Airalo charges R46 per gigabyte and Maya R56.60 for their 10GB bundles, whereas Spot Mobile, AirMobile, and Airhub all charge below R20.

The tables below show the price of each eSIM provider’s data offering and the price per gigabyte of data.

Operator	Network	Data	Duration	Price	Rands per GB
Vodacom NXT LVL	Vodacom	4 GB	7 days	R49	R12.25*
AirMobile	MTN	500 MB	30 days	R25	R50
Me&You	Cell C	500 MB	7 days	R29	R58
Airalo	Vodacom	1 GB	7 days	R80	R80
Vodacom	Vodacom	600 MB	7 days	R52	R86
Airhub	Vodacom	2 GB	7 days	R182	R91
Maya	Vodacom	1 GB	10 days	R107	R107
*Only available to customers under the age of 25

Operator	Network	Data	Duration	Price	Rands per GB
MTN	MTN	10 GB	30 days	R149	R14.90
Vodacom	Vodacom	10 GB	30 days	R149	R14.90
AirMobile	MTN	10 GB	30 days	R150	R15
Airhub	Vodacom	30 GB	30 days	R530	R17.66
Spot Mobile	MTN	10 GB	30 days	R199	R19.90
Me&You	Cell C	10 GB	30 days	R249	R24.90
Airalo	Vodacom	10 GB	30 days	R460	R46
Maya	Vodacom	10 GB	30 days	R566	R56.60