Adapter adds eSIM to any Android smartphone

South Africans interested in the benefits of eSIM technology can buy an adapter to add the capability to a cheaper smartphone at a fraction of the price of acquiring a smartphone with built-in eSIM support.

eSIM stands for an “embedded SIM” — a subscriber identity module (SIM) that features a remotely programmable universal integrated circuit card (UICC).

While a physical SIM also has a UICC, it is not programmable, which means it is fixed to a specific mobile network and number.

eSIMs allow users to download and provision multiple eSIM profiles or plans from the Internet within minutes.

Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C have added eSIM support on their networks in recent years.

However, the real game-changers in the eSIM space in South Africa are mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Afrihost Air Mobile, Me&you Mobile, Melon Mobile, Spot Mobile, and uConnect.

All these providers have launched eSIM plans on their apps or websites, allowing users to quickly get a new mobile plan and number without having to visit a store.

These platforms also support porting your number from major mobile networks or other MVNOs when signing up for an eSIM.

Several of the mobile plans available from the MVNOs offer incredibly good value for money.

Afrihost, for example, has among the most affordable prepaid data bundles in the country, while both Melon Mobile and Spot Mobile sell the cheapest unlimited calling plans in the country.

eSIM support is also particularly useful for regular international travellers.

There are a plethora of data-only eSIM roaming plans available for numerous countries or regions on apps like Airalo, Airhub, AloSIM, Nomad, or Saily.

While these roaming plans can be more expensive than going directly to a local mobile operator, they can take a lot of hassle out of the trip.

By pre-loading eSIM profiles, users can turn on their eSIM as soon as they land and get connected without having to visit a physical store or SIM card vending machine.

The big downside to eSIMs is that they are currently restricted to high-end or flagship smartphones.

The most affordable eSIM-equipped smartphone launched in 2024 is the Samsung Galaxy A55, which retails from around R8,000.

eSIM adapters to the rescue

Fortunately, several companies have developed eSIM adapters that can be plugged into regular physical SIM card slots and add eSIM technology to your phone.

Among the newest providers is JMP, whose adapter was recently tested by Android Authority.

The adapter’s shape is identical to a regular physical SIM card, which lets you insert it into nearly any device with a SIM card tray or slot, including Android smartphones, tablets, and mobile Wi-Fi routers.

Users of this adapter can load eSIM credentials from any mobile network or third-party eSIM provider.

“With the adapter, you can use eSIMs from any provider in any device, regardless of whether the device or OS supports eSIM,” JMP explained.

For first-time setup, the adapter can be configured using a free open-source app available on the Google Play Store and F-Droid.

The only feature your smartphone must support to use the JMP eSIM adapter is the Open Mobile API (OMAPI), which is required for interfacing with the eSIM chip.

Almost every smartphone with Android 9 Pie or later comes with the feature, but there are a few exceptions — like the Nothing Phone 2a.

However, although some models ship without OMAPI software, they can later receive an update to add the capability.

JMP has an online ordering page and ships its eSIM adapter to numerous countries, including South Africa.

The adapter itself is priced at $39.99 (R701), while delivery to South Africa costs $35 (R613) via APC Priority Worldwide Tracked shipping.

That means the total price to get one of JMP’s adapters into South Africa is $74.99 (R1,314).

An additional R26 to R36 may be levied on your payment due to South African banks’ currency conversion fees, which are typically between 2% and 2.75% of the transaction’s value.

For the more tech-savvy who don’t want to use the app for setup, JMP has open-sourced its software.

It also sells a $10 (R176) USB SIM card reader for manually configuring the adapter from a PC.

Two alternative options

Several other providers also sell eSIM adapters, like eSIM.me.

The adapter costs between €24.95 and €69.95, depending on the number of devices and eSIM profiles you want to support.

eSIM.me’s delivery fee of €49.95 for an “Express Courier” service is not only more expensive than JMP, it might not include import taxes, customs, local VAT, local delivery, pickup, storage, or any other fees by the local delivery partner.

JMP’s APC delivery is a form of Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, which ensures the seller takes maximum responsibility for all risks and fees of transporting goods up to the point of delivery.

5ber is another competitor in the eSIM adapter space. Although it is the cheapest option, it uses a closed-sourced Android app and does not allow users to add eSIM profiles from third-party eSIM providers.