Works in Cape Town
Cape Town is where most visitors to South Africa head first. The plan connects there and in the other main towns on Vodacom.
South Africa eSIM
17 plansUnlimited optionsInstant delivery5G where available
1 day
7 days
15 days
30 days
No plan of that length. Pick another.
1 day
3 days
7 days
15 days
30 days
No plan of that length. Pick another.
Lite gives you 1 GB a day at full speed and Heavy gives you 3 GB. After that the plan keeps working at a reduced speed until the next day.
Plan details
What the plan you picked above includes.
- Networks in South Africa
- Vodacom
- Technology
- 3G/4G
- Routed via
- Netherlands or France
- Tethering
- Supported
- Top up
- Available
- Calls and texts
- Data only, no phone number
- Fair use
- No daily cap
- Activation
- QR code by email, days start on first connection
QR code by email in secondsKeep your own numberTop up the same eSIMSecure checkout
Why RoamZivo for South Africa
Skip the rental counter
No pocket Wi-Fi or SIM counter to find when you land in South Africa, and nothing to return before you fly home. The eSIM is installed before you leave.
Share with your laptop
Hotspot is allowed on the plan selected above, so a second device can use the same data in a cafe or a hotel room.
How to get connected
Step by step guideCheck your phone
Your phone must be eSIM compatible and not locked to one carrier.
Install at home
Scan the QR code on WiFi before you fly. Your days do not start yet.
Switch on in South Africa
Choose the RoamZivo line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it.
Stay online
Watch your data in My eSIMs and top up the same eSIM if you need more.
South Africa travel data guide
A South Africa eSIM from RoamZivo is a prepaid data plan for South Africa that you install before you fly. Plans in South Africa run on Vodacom, with 5G where the operator offers it. The eSIM is data only, so your own SIM stays in for calls and texts.
There are 17 plans to choose from. Data sizes run from 1 GB to 10 GB, validity from 1 to 30 days, and prices start at $2.99. Unlimited plans are listed too, each with its own fair use line. Hotspot sharing is supported on every plan. Top ups are available on the fixed data plans and go onto the same eSIM.
Visiting more than one country? The Global eSIM covers South Africa and 126 other countries on one plan, from $18.99.
Your days start the first time the eSIM connects in South Africa, not when you buy, so you can install it at home days early. For a week of maps, messaging and social apps, most travellers are fine with 3 to 5 GB. Video calls or streaming need more, or an unlimited plan. Travel data in South Africa from RoamZivo arrives as a QR code by email, with a copy kept in your account.
South Africa FAQ
Does the eSIM work everywhere in South Africa?
It connects wherever Vodacom has signal, which is the same network local customers use. The eSIM is data only.
When do my days start?
On the first connection in South Africa, not at purchase. The plan selected above (3 GB) runs for 1 day from that moment. You can install the eSIM at home and the clock stays still until you connect.
Do I get a local phone number in South Africa?
No. The eSIM is data only. Your own SIM stays in for calls and texts, and WhatsApp keeps working over the eSIM data.
Can I share data with my laptop?
Yes. Hotspot sharing is supported on the plan selected above, so your laptop or tablet can use the eSIM data through your phone.
Which network does the South Africa eSIM use?
The South Africa eSIM uses Vodacom, which is listed as a 5G network and is the only operator on our South Africa list. Plans are labelled 3G/4G or 4G/5G, so choose a 4G/5G plan if you want 5G.
Does the Africa plan cover South Africa?
No. South Africa is not on our Africa plan's country list. The Global plan does include South Africa. For a trip that stays inside South Africa, the country plans on this page are the direct choice.
Is 5 GB enough for two weeks in South Africa?
For moderate use, yes. 5 GB over two weeks in South Africa covers daily maps, messaging and browsing if photo and video uploads go over WiFi. For long driving days with constant maps and music, 10 GB gives more comfort.
When do the days start on a South Africa plan?
They start when the eSIM first connects to a network in South Africa. You can buy and install the plan before you leave home, and no days are used until you land and switch it on.
Can I use the South Africa eSIM with my home SIM still in the phone?
Yes. The home SIM stays in for calls and SMS, and the eSIM handles mobile data. Turn off data roaming on the home SIM so that only the eSIM is used for data in South Africa.
Will the South Africa eSIM work on safari?
We cannot promise that. The plans use Vodacom, but we make no coverage claims for game reserves or remote roads. Plan for gaps, download offline maps in town, and rely on lodge WiFi where it is offered.
Can I hotspot from my South Africa eSIM?
Yes, hotspot is allowed on all South Africa plans. On an unlimited plan, hotspot data counts toward the daily full speed amount of 1 GB or 3 GB, after which the speed is up to 1 Mbps.
How do I top up if I run low?
Open My eSIMs, pick this eSIM and choose a top up. It goes onto the same eSIM, so there is no new QR code to scan.