South Africans should say goodbye to SIM cards

Growing eSIM support on South African mobile networks and more affordable eSIM-capable devices are making it feasible for more cellular users to ditch physical SIM cards.

eSIM stands for embedded SIM and refers to a built-in chip that can be programmed to store numerous SIM profiles.

Generally, eSIM-enabled phones allow users to have at least two eSIMs active at a time, similar to how one would use two physical SIMs in a dual SIM phone.

Users can select which SIM they want to use for calls, SMSs, and mobile data. The right combination can help save a lot of money.

eSIMs also allow users to switch to one of the other inactive profiles by merely turning it on in their settings, instead of having to remove and insert another SIM card.

The other major benefit is that an eSIM can be downloaded and activated through the web or a mobile app.

This is particularly useful for frequent travellers, who can load an eSIM with affordable data bundles from providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Maya Mobile.

Such products are often much cheaper than using your mobile operator’s roaming services and more convenient than visiting a store at your destination to buy a physical SIM card.

An additional benefit of eSIMs is that they reduce the amount of waste created by the plastic and packaging of physical SIM cards.

In the US, Apple has completely ditched the physical SIM card tray since the iPhone 15. That means loading an eSIM is the only way to get a mobile plan on a US iPhone.

In the past few years, all but one of South Africa’s major mobile networks launched eSIM support.

Numerous mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) have also added support for the feature.

Coupled with highly competitive mobile data prices and online sign-up systems, they are making it easy for mobile users to switch operators quickly and see if the grass is greener on the other side.

Cheapest ways to get eSIM support

While eSIMs were initially only available on flagship devices, they have gradually become more common on mid-range handsets.

The most affordable smartphone with eSIM support in South Africa is the Samsung Galaxy A55.

However, shoppers should beware — some models selling online appear to be parallel-imported units with regular dual physical SIM cards.

At the time of publication, the cheapest listings for models confirmed to have eSIM support were priced at R8,999 on Incredible Connection and HiFi Corp.

Apple fans can buy the iPhone 11 for just R1,000 more.

Those willing to shop in the second-hand market can find more affordable options like a used iPhone SE 2020 for less than R4,000.

If you are happy with your current device but long for the flexibility of an eSIM, you can also buy an eSIM adapter from providers like JMP or eSIM.me.

These are effectively insertible eSIM chips that go into a physical SIM card slot.

JMP charges $39.99 for its adapter and $38 for express delivery with APC Priority Worldwide Tracked shipping.

That works out to a total of $77.99 — or roughly R1,472 — to get the adapter delivered to your door.

Mobile plans aplenty

Once you have your eSIM-enabled phone or eSIM adapter, you will find a plethora of mobile plans, some of which are not only free to join but come with free data or airtime.

All four of the country’s major mobile networks offer prepaid and contract eSIMs.

Rain, which once looked geared to be the first to offer eSIM support, remains the only holdout among the large operators.

Vodacom and MTN initially only supported the feature for contract customers but later expanded to prepaid. Getting one of their eSIMs requires customers to visit a physical store.

Many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) also offer eSIMs, some of which support quick and simple web or app-based eRICA sign-ups. That makes it much easier for users to join their networks.

These providers include Afrihost Air Mobile, Melon Mobile, Spot Mobile, and the most recent addition — FNB Connect.

Afrihost Air Mobile offers the best prices of any network on many monthly data bundles, while Melon Mobile and Spot Mobile have highly competitive uncapped calling plans.

First-time customers on Air Mobile get 3GB of free mobile data and R10 airtime to test out its services.

Melon Mobile provides a 14-day free trial with 5GB mobile data and uncapped called and SMSes.

Spot Mobile is also offering customers free airtime of R50 and 1GB of mobile data every month when they activate an eSIM or regular SIM.