Data only eSIMs
Travel eSIM South Africa
Paying roaming fees in South Africa? That’s a rookie move. Use our eSIM instead.
4.9
(264)
Unlimited hotspotting
Top ups available
Data-only - no phone number
Unlimited hotspotting
Top ups available
Data-only - no phone number
Win a Custom ZenSim Snowboard!
We're celebrating the Japan ski season 🤙 Purchase any Travel eSIM (or top up) between now and Jan 31st and go in the draw to win a custom made ZenSim snowboard.
Plans & prices
South Africa plans
Unlimited hotspotting
Top ups available
Data-only - no phone number
Their app is great!!! I wanted to give ZenSim a try and I am glad I did. This app has worked great, easy set up and simple to manage, cool colours and fun copy writing.App store review by Mariale0723- Great service, answered all my questions without a bother. Highly recommended, especially now since the Vodafone Optus deal.Product Review by Steve G
- Amazing service – Best provider got connected straight away no delay. Awesome customer service always get help if I need help.Product Review by Matthew R
- I wish I heard about this product sooner, everything is on point, the price, the service, ease of use and also very reliable.Product Review by Rambod-88
- Zensim are amazing! Zensim was the easiest company I've ever signed up to. The data speeds are super fast. The customer service is outstanding. I couldn't rate them highly enough.Product Review by Paris B
- Don’t hesitate! – Great service, exceptional customer service! When leaving Telstra find customer id not acc number from a bill.Product Review by Glenn B
- Impressive in every way! Surprisingly reliable with fast data speeds. Loved the branding and the price is reasonable. Highly recommend.Product Review by Abhay
- Setting a new gold standard for cell phone carriers. The UX and UI of the website and app are first class. Ported my number from Vodafone within minutes. Set up was so easy. Very, very impressed.Product Review by Andy
- Extremely fast sign up/switching process, I accidentally entered incorrect information and they resolved it for me in minutes. App is tight, super clear simple language.Product Review by Jack
- Their app is great!!! I wanted to give ZenSim a try and I am glad I did. This app has worked great, easy set up and simple to manage, cool colours and fun copy writing.App store review by Mariale0723
- Great service, answered all my questions without a bother. Highly recommended, especially now since the Vodafone Optus deal.Product Review by Steve G
How to use travel esims
How it works
If you haven't used a travel eSIM before, you're in for a treat. It only takes a few minutes to setup and it's a fraction of the cost of roaming! See WTF is eSIM.
1. Quick phone check
Let's make sure your phone's on board. Our eSIM compatibility checker has all of the answers.
2. Choose a plan, enter your details
Choose a plan for your destination, enter your details and your payment information.
4. Plan activated on arrival
Enjoy your data as soon as you land. Check your usage in the ZenSim app.
South Africa data plans from A$Infinity
Ditch the roaming costs and save coin with our South Africa travel eSIM plans.
Reliable 4G/5G connection
Powered by the best networks in South Africa.
Keep your current number
You can have multiple eSIMs installed and switch them on and off as you like.
eSIM compatibility checker
See our eSIM compatibility checker to makes sure your phone has got what it takes.
South Africa eSIM FAQs
No - our South Africa travel eSIMs are data - only, so they don’t come with a voice line or phone number. Any calls or texts must go through internet apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber.
Once activated in South Africa, your eSIM typically won’t function outside that country.
If you're planning to hop between countries, we recommend checking out our regional Travel eSIMs - they’re made for multi-country use and cover most major regions.
Your South Africa eSIM will start working the moment you land in South Africa-it auto-activates if installed prior to departure.
If you install it after arrival, it will connect immediately.
Trouble connecting? Visit our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide or contact us for help.
Not until you land in South Africa. Installing ahead won’t start your plan; it goes live automatically when you arrive.
Make sure to install before you travel, as WiFi is required for setup and this way your South Africa eSIM will be ready to use when you land.
If you encounter connection issues, see our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide or contact support.
Definitely. Install your South Africa travel eSIM up to 30 days before departure, and it will activate automatically when you arrive.
Installing early won’t consume data or days from your plan until you land in South Africa.
If an iPhone shows an activation error when installing abroad, you can safely ignore it - check our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide for guidance.
Yep! 99% of our eSIMs can be topped up within the ZenSim app with just a couple of clicks. If you run out of data, need more days, or you even want to add a new destination to the same eSIM, you can do all of this in the top up section in the Zen Garden in the app.
Log into the app, navigate to the Zen Garden, and you will see a button to tp up your eSIM right there.
Extending a long trip: If you're travelling for more than 30 days, you can add as many top ups as you need to your first eSIM to extend the days and data you have. Each top up will only take effect when the previous eSIM is expired so you can purchase the top ups any time you want without worrying about overwriting your existing plan.
Multi country top ups: You can now add multiple countries to most of our eSIMs via top up, so if you're in Europe for example and are stopping over in Dubai on the way home, you can add a Dubai top up to your Europe eSIM so you don't need to reinstall anything. Alternate country top ups will only activate when you arrive in the new country.
Your eSIM will activate automatically once you arrive in South Africa. We advise installing your South Africa Travel eSIM before you travel (installation is distinct from activation).
To install, just scan the QR code we send or install via the ZenSim app over WiFi. On landing in South Africa, the eSIM will switch on by itself.
If you have any problems, check our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide or contact us 😊
Absolutely! ZenSim’s eSIMs work in over 200 countries, and South Africa is one of them. We also have regional eSIMs that cover several nations on a single plan - check out our Travel eSIMs page for details.
No, our South Africa eSIMs only deliver mobile data. For voice or SMS, you’ll need to use an app that works over data - WhatsApp, Skype, or other similar internet calling platforms.
Good question! Opting for a travel eSIM instead of roaming in South Africa offers clear advantages:
Lower Costs: Say goodbye to outrageous roaming bills by switching to a local travel package designed for South Africa.
Seamless Switching: Change between data plans without fumbling with physical SIM cards - perfect for spontaneous travellers.
Budget Control: Track data usage in real time and avoid surprise charges or overages.
Connectivity Troubleshooting: Check our troubleshooting guide if your eSIM won’t connect. Still stuck? Hit up our support team and we’ll get you back online fast.
eSIM Installation Help: For help setting up your eSIM, visit our installation guide, or simply contact us - we’re happy to assist.
Other Inquiries: Have another issue? Head to our contact page and we’ll respond ASAP.
eSIM options for other destinations
Top 3 Things to Do in South Africa
1. Go on Safari in Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, offering incredible opportunities to see the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. Take a guided game drive or self-drive through the park’s vast landscapes and enjoy close encounters with wildlife.
2. Visit Table Mountain, Cape Town
Table Mountain is an iconic landmark in Cape Town, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. Take a cable car ride to the top or hike one of the scenic trails. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.
3. Explore the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands, located just outside Cape Town, is a picturesque region known for its world-class vineyards and stunning scenery. Visit Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl to enjoy wine tastings, gourmet dining, and charming countryside views. The Winelands offer a relaxing and indulgent experience.
Travel eSIM for South Africa
Affordable data plans in South Africa
ZenSim provides affordable data plans for travellers in South Africa. Stay connected while exploring Kruger National Park or enjoying the Cape Winelands without worrying about high roaming fees. Enjoy reliable connectivity with ZenSim.
The best South Africa travel eSIM
ZenSim is your trusted travel eSIM for South Africa. Whether hiking Table Mountain or experiencing incredible safaris, our eSIMs provide uncapped speeds and extensive coverage. Quick setup and instant activation make ZenSim perfect for your trip.
How to setup South Africa travel eSIM
Setting up your ZenSim eSIM for South Africa is simple. Purchase your plan, scan the QR code, or use the ZenSim app while connected to WiFi. Once you arrive in South Africa, your eSIM activates automatically for seamless connectivity.
