Question 1

What is an eSIM card?

Accepted Answer

An “eSIM card” isn’t actually the right term — an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual version of a SIM card that lets you switch between data plans or add new ones digitally. In other words, there’s no card at all! With an eSIM, you won’t have to look for a physical SIM card in person or insert anything into your device. Simply download an eSIM app like Saily, choose a data plan that works for you, install the eSIM on your device, and you’ll have reliable internet access for your trip!

Question 2

How do I use an eSIM in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

To get your Saily eSIM plan for South Africa up and running: Start by purchasing your data plan through the Saily app or our website — you can choose between a 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB plan. Next, we recommend installing your eSIM before you leave for South Africa. If you’ve purchased your plan through the app, follow the on-screen instructions to install your eSIM. If you’ve purchased it through the website, you’ll have a QR code sent to your email for you to scan so you can install your eSIM. Make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during installation. Make sure your eSIM is turned on in your settings and that you’ve enabled your data roaming (specifically for your South Africa plan, not your regular data plan). Once you arrive in South Africa, your plan will automatically activate. Start browsing and enjoy your trip!

Question 3

Will an eSIM for South Africa work on my phone or tablet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an eSIM will work on your phone or tablet as long as it supports eSIM technology. Most modern mobile devices support eSIMs, including the iPhone (11 or later), iPad (released in 2019 or later), Samsung Galaxy (S20 or later), Huawei P40, and Xiaomi (12T or later). Not sure about yours? See our list of eSIM-supported devices.

Question 4

Will an eSIM work in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should be able to use an eSIM in South Africa as long as your device is carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. South Africa doesn’t have any restrictions on eSIM technology, so whether you’ve purchased your device in South Africa or in another country without restrictions on eSIMs, you should get cell service and an internet connection with your eSIM.

Question 5

Can you buy an eSIM for South Africa before your trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We actually recommend that you buy a South Africa eSIM plan and install your eSIM before you travel to the country so that you’re connected the moment you land. If you’ve purchased a plan through our website, you’ll get a QR code sent to your email for you to scan on your device and install the eSIM straight away — you’ll see the eSIM profile in your settings. You can also purchase a plan right from the Saily eSIM app, which will give you step-by-step instructions on how to install your eSIM. As long as you’ve turned on your eSIM through your device’s settings and enabled roaming, you’ll be connected to the internet the moment you get to South Africa!

Question 6

How much does an eSIM plan for South Africa cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which plan you choose — the cheapest prepaid South Africa eSIM plan that Saily offers costs {cheapestPrice} for 1 GB of data over 7 days. If you’re traveling for longer or would like more data, you can get a 3 GB plan for {pricePer3gb}, 5 GB for {pricePer5gb}, 10 GB for {pricePer10gb}, or 20 GB for {pricePer20gb} — all of which can be used over 30 days.

Question 7

Will I incur any costs when I use my travel eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve purchased your prepaid eSIM plan from Saily, you won’t incur any additional costs unless you’ve selected the auto top-up option during checkout, where your plan will be topped up on more data once you’ve run out. Please also make sure that you’ve disabled your international roaming for your regular mobile data plan (the one you use at home). If your device has dual SIM functionality, it’s possible to keep two data plans enabled at the same time.

Question 8

Why is my eSIM not working?

Accepted Answer

If your eSIM is not working, you try these troubleshooting steps: Check if your mobile device is eSIM compatible. Ensure you’ve scanned your QR code only once — the Saily QR code for your eSIM can only be scanned once and cannot be scanned on multiple devices. Make sure your eSIM is turned on. For iPhone: Go to “Settings,” then “Mobile service.” Here you’ll see a list of your SIMs — tap on your eSIM and make sure you toggle the switch beside “Turn on this line.” For Android: Go to “Settings,” then “Connections.” In the “Connections” menu, select “SIM manager.” Find your eSIM and toggle the switch to “On.” Check if roaming is enabled. For iPhone: Go to “Settings,” then “Mobile service.” Tap on your eSIM and toggle the switch beside “Data roaming” to “On”. For Android: Go to “Settings,” then “Connections.” Select “Mobile networks” and toggle the switch beside “Data roaming” to “On”. Make sure you have a stable internet connection while installing your eSIM. If you’re still having trouble with your travel eSIM for South Africa, contact the Saily support team, and they’ll be happy to help you out.

Question 9

Does my eSIM plan replace my current mobile plan?

Accepted Answer

Your travel eSIM plan won’t replace your current mobile plan unless you choose to permanently switch your primary service to the eSIM provider. A travel eSIM is designed to be a temporary way to get cellular service and data on your device instead of switching on your international roaming and incurring expensive charges. As long as your device has dual SIM functionality, you can switch between your regular data plan and travel data plan as you please. That said, long-term travelers or digital nomads may benefit from a monthly eSIM plan subscription, like the Saily Ultra plan.

Question 10

How long can I use my South Africa eSIM plan for?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which plan you’ve purchased. If you purchased Saily’s 1 GB eSIM plan for South Africa, the validity period is 7 days. If you’ve purchased the 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB plan, it’ll be valid for 30 days.

Question 11

How to get an eSIM with a US phone number?

Accepted Answer

Open the Saily eSIM app, go to phone numbers, and pick a US number. Pair it with a plan for calls and text messages so you can use it as your second phone number. It activates in one tap after a quick identity verification. You can use it alongside any Saily eSIM data plan for travel, sign-ups, and everyday communication.


One eSIM for supported destinations
Phone number (SMS and calls)
24/7 live chat support
Refunds
Security features
Virtual locations	115+	0	0	0	0
Blocks malicious URLs
Data saver (ad blocker)
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eSIM for South Africa

Choose the best eSIM deal for South Africa

How to get an eSIM for South Africa

Choose a data plan for your trip

Set up your eSIM and enable data roaming

Enjoy your data

Why you should get the Saily eSIM app for South Africa

24/7 chat support

Easy to use

One eSIM for all your trips

An eSIM with a phone number

Your security is top priority

Global and regional plans

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Saily vs. other eSIM services

Why travelers choose the Saily eSIM app

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Frequently asked questions about eSIMs for South Africa

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