eSIM Cards
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Are you traveling to Africa and you want to be connected all the time? Don’t worry, in this article we are going to show you the new technology that will let you connect to the internet. These are the new eSIMs for Africa, the best part is that they are easy to acquire, since you can buy them without having to go to a physical store. This way you won’t miss places like the Giza Pyramids, or the Luxor Temple.
In Roami, we are going to tell you about the requisites, characteristics, prices, and the providers that offer the eSIM card for Africa. This way you will be able to save money.
Table of Contents
- eSIM card for Africa, what you need to know:
- eSIM card providers
- eSIM card for Africa: prices and data plans
- Comparison table: eSIM cards providers for Africa
- Characteristics of the eSIM card for Africa
- eSIM card for Africa: coverage
- What local operators offer eSIM cards in Africa?
- Frequent questions about the eSIM card for Africa
eSIM card for Africa, what you need to know:
The first thing you have to know before buying is what requisites you have to fit to acquire an eSIM card. If you pay attention, you will notice that eSIM cards are not the same as traditional SIM cards. You can read below the main requisites:
- Your cellphone must be eSIM compatible. Also, make sure that your device is compatible with the eSIM card of the provider you choose. Most providers are compatible with iPhone XR and onwards.
- It is necessary to have an email account, to register and receive the eSIM card.
- It is important to be connected to the internet. The profile of the eSIM card will be downloaded after you scan the QR code.
- Some providers may ask you to download their mobile app to manage the eSIM card.
If your device is not eSIM compatible, and you are planning to visit only one place, such as Tanzania, then we recommend you consider the traditional SIM card for Tanzania or the SIM card for South Africa.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for Europe)
eSIM card providers
It is very important to read a little bit about different providers that offer eSIM cards for Africa. These companies offer international eSIM cards for travelers.
- Holafly
- Au By KKDI
- Simtex
eSIM card for Africa: prices and data plans
If your device is eSIM compatible, then you will be able to get one of them. But, if your cellphone cannot manage that technology yet, you can get a SIM card for Africa with 6GB. Here you will find all the prices that the providers we previously mentioned offer. This way you will be able to compare them and pick the one that best suits your needs.
Holafly eSIM card for Africa: prices and data plans
- 6GB during 15 days, at $78 USD
YeSIM eSIM card for Africa: prices and data plans
- 3GB during 28 days, at $54
GigSky eSIM card for Africa: prices and data plans
- 1GB during 30 days, at $27.99
Comparison table: eSIM cards providers for Africa
| Provider | Mobile data | Days | Price (USD) | Support | Where to buy it |
| Holafly | 6GB | 15 | $54 | English | Web |
| YeSIM | 3GB | 28 | $75.56 | English and Russian | Web |
| GigSky | 1GB | 30 | $27.99 | English | App Store, Google Play |
Characteristics of the eSIM card for Africa
We have listed below the main characteristics of the eSIM card. As we already told you, the eSIM card is different from a traditional SIM card, and its characteristics are the following:
- Most eSIM cards do not offer the possibility to make calls, they offer only data. So if you want to communicate with your loved ones, you will have to do it with mobile apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
- You can install it only once, so, if you have any problem with your eSIM card, do not erase it and communicate with your provider.
- Some eSIM cards configure the APN automatically.
- You can add more than one data plan to your iPhone, but you can only use one at a time.
- Some eSIM cards let you share your mobile data.
- Your iPhone will become a dual-SIM, you will be able to use the eSIM card and the traditional SIM card at the same time.
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA)
eSIM card for Africa: coverage
We are going to tell you why it is also important to know about the coverage. It is something that you must know because if the coverage is not good, your connection won’t be good either. Some eSIM cards, usually cheap ones, do not offer great coverage. The ones that are going to provide you with a great connection, are the eSIM cards from the companies that have roaming accords with the main operators in your destination, such as Orange, Vodacom, MTN, Zan, or Airtel.
Check the coverage maps below:
MTN 3G coverage map
Orange 3G coverage map
Airtel 3G coverage map
What local operators offer eSIM cards in Africa?
The eSIM card in this continent is available in countries like South Africa, and Nigeria. The eSIM card has most of the same characteristics that the traditional SIM cards offer, such as the Mini-SIM, Nano-SIM, or Micro-SIM.
We are going to show you below which mobile operators in Africa offer eSIM cards for their users. Most of them are not aimed at travelers, but there can be an exception.
- MTN
- Zain
- Airtel
Frequent questions about the eSIM card for Africa
Do I need a passport to buy the eSIM card?
No, it is not necessary, but some providers may ask for your address.
Can I share mobile data with the eSIM card?
Yes, the eSIM cards for Africa will let you share your mobile data with other devices. Anyway, we recommend you check this with your provider.
How do I activate the eSIM card for Africa?
After you install the eSIM profile, you have to pick it as the mobile data provider, turn on the mobile data and data roaming, and that’s it.
Do international eSIM cards have an expiration date?
Yes, just like traditional SIM cards, the eSIM card has an expiration date.
When do I receive my eSIM card?
Once you buy the eSIM card you will receive a confirmation email with the QR code, immediately. You have to know that once you buy the eSIM card you cannot return it.
