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For users who want eSIM support but don’t want to buy a new phone for it, several companies offer eSIM adapters that fit into standard SIM card slots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africans with smartphones can buy an adapter to add support for embedded SIMs (eSIM) to cheaper or older devices that don’t support the technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
eSIMs have grown in popularity in recent years, especially for frequent travellers seeking the most cost-effective way to get online while abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Phones with eSIM support have a built-in programmable universal integrated circuit card (UICC) that can be configured for any mobile network that supports the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a physical SIM card must be bought from a store, eSIMs can be downloaded and activated from a mobile app or website within minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are also less restrictive in terms of volume. The maximum number of physical SIM cards a user can have in their device at any given time is 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Popular eSIM-supporting models can hold multiple times that number of eSIMs. On iPhones, the minimum number is eight, while Samsung Galaxy models support between five and 20 eSIMs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While only two of these can be active simultaneously, it is faster to activate a spare eSIM than to swap out physical SIM cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having quick, easy access to multiple mobile networks or products can be immensely helpful in reducing service costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, one eSIM could have a plan with unlimited or low-cost calls, but high data prices. The second eSIM could have cheap data but expensive calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smartphone operating systems allow users to specify which eSIM to use for data services and which to use for voice calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this is also possible with a phone that supports dual physical SIMs, having access to more eSIMs from different networks can improve the connectivity experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of South Africa’s major mobile cellular networks and many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer eSIM support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While eSIM capability has gradually filtered down from flagship models to mid-range devices, it is uncommon on budget devices priced under R5,000, unless you shop in the used market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For users who want eSIM support but don’t want to buy a new phone for it, several companies offer eSIM adapters that fit into standard SIM card slots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n