eSIM South Africa: data plans compared (October 2026)

eSIM for South Africa by trip length and data needs

One week, at least 5 GB

For one week with at least 5 GB in South Africa, the cheapest checked plan is “5 GB, 21 days” from Roamic: 5 GB for 21 days costs €8.99 (US$10.12), which is €1.80 (US$2.02) per GB and €0.43 (US$0.48) per day. As of 19 October 2026.

Two weeks, at least 10 GB

For two weeks with at least 10 GB in South Africa, the cheapest checked plan is “10 GB, 30 days” from Roamic: 10 GB for 30 days costs €14.99 (US$16.87), which is €1.50 (US$1.69) per GB and €0.50 (US$0.56) per day. As of 19 October 2026.

One month, at least 20 GB

For one month with at least 20 GB in South Africa, the cheapest checked plan is “20 GB, 30 days” from Nomad: 20 GB for 30 days costs €25.80 (US$29.03), which is €1.29 (US$1.45) per GB and €0.86 (US$0.97) per day. As of 19 October 2026.

One week unlimited

For one week with unlimited data in South Africa, the cheapest checked plan is “Unlimited, 7 days” from Yesim: unlimited data for 7 days costs €25.00 (US$28.13), which is €3.57 (US$4.02) per day. As of 19 October 2026.

eSIM for South Africa: networks, price range and activation

Networks in South Africa

Airalo uses Vodacom, MTN and Cell C in South Africa. Yesim uses Vodacom and TelkomSA in South Africa. Nomad uses Cell C and Vodacom in South Africa. Roamic uses Vodacom in South Africa. Simbye uses Vodacom in South Africa. Holafly uses Cell C (Pty), MTN South Africa, Telkom SA and Vodacom in South Africa. Ubigi does not name a network for South Africa. As of 19 October 2026.

Price range per GB in South Africa

Per GB, the 36 plans with fixed data for South Africa cost between €0.91 (US$1.02) and €5.00 (US$5.63); the median is €2.00 (US$2.25) per GB, and the most expensive GB costs 5.5 times the cheapest. The cheapest GB per provider: Airalo €0.91 (US$1.02) per GB, Ubigi €1.10 (US$1.24) per GB, Yesim €1.20 (US$1.35) per GB, Nomad €1.29 (US$1.45) per GB, Roamic €1.45 (US$1.63) per GB and Simbye €2.10 (US$2.36) per GB. As of 19 October 2026.

Unlimited data in South Africa

The cheapest plan with unlimited data for South Africa is “Unlimited, 30 days” from Yesim: €54.00 (US$60.77) for 30 days, which is €1.80 (US$2.03) per day. The condition according to Yesim: Speed may be reduced under the network's fair use policy. Unlimited plans for South Africa are offered by Yesim, Roamic, Ubigi, Airalo, Nomad and Holafly. As of 19 October 2026.

Activation: when does the validity of an eSIM for South Africa start?

With all 7 providers, the validity starts with the first connection in South Africa. The 30 days of “50 GB, 30 days” therefore only count from activation in South Africa, even if the eSIM is installed at home. As of 23 September 2026.

Providers compared for South Africa

For South Africa, meineSIM compares plans from Airalo, Ubigi, Yesim, Nomad, Roamic, Simbye and Holafly. Saily is not part of the comparison.