Buscar
Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure

Roami was founded to serve as a trusted resource for travelers in need of reliable internet solutions abroad. Our team, comprising avid travelers, provides comprehensive reviews and guidance on data SIM cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi apps, drawing from firsthand usage during our travels.

We are committed to offering unbiased and thorough recommendations. To support our website, we earn affiliate commissions from links to products on our site. While our reviews are independent and based on our own experiences and detailed product testing, these commissions allow us to cover costs and continue bringing valuable advice to travelers worldwide.

Our reviews and articles are updated regularly to ensure relevance and accuracy. Please note that we may not review every product in the market, but we strive to cover as many as possible to maintain a wide-ranging resource for our readers. Join us at Roami to stay connected wherever your travels may take you.

Best eSIM Africa: compare, buy online and travel connected

Published: February 1, 2025

Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure

Roami was founded to serve as a trusted resource for travelers in need of reliable internet solutions abroad. Our team, comprising avid travelers, provides comprehensive reviews and guidance on data SIM cards, eSIMs, pocket WiFi devices, and free WiFi apps, drawing from firsthand usage during our travels.

We are committed to offering unbiased and thorough recommendations. To support our website, we earn affiliate commissions from links to products on our site. While our reviews are independent and based on our own experiences and detailed product testing, these commissions allow us to cover costs and continue bringing valuable advice to travelers worldwide.

Our reviews and articles are updated regularly to ensure relevance and accuracy. Please note that we may not review every product in the market, but we strive to cover as many as possible to maintain a wide-ranging resource for our readers. Join us at Roami to stay connected wherever your travels may take you.

Traveling through Africa often means visiting diverse countries with varying network options. Luckily, eSIM technology has made this much easier by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. Whether you’re in bustling cities like Cairo or exploring the savannahs, an eSIM helps you to keep in touch without the stress of switching SIM cards.

If you’re looking for the best eSIM options in Africa, Holafly, YeSIM, and GigSky are great choices. Holafly is the standout as it offers unlimited data for 15 days at $79.90. YeSIM is a budget-friendly pick, giving you 3GB for 30 days at $19.80, which is ideal for lighter data users. GigSky strikes a good balance with 5GB for 30 days at $34.99 by offering a solid mix of cost and data. But overall, Holafly takes the lead with its extensive coverage and unlimited data.

This article explores the best eSIM providers for traveling in Africa by comparing their features, prices, and coverage. It also provides information about device compatibility, activation steps, and tips to choose the right plan for your travel needs.

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

  • Unlimited data during 15 days, at $79.90 USD

YeSIM eSIM card for Africa: prices and data plans

  • 3GB during 30 days, at $19.80

GigSky eSIM card for Africa: prices and data plans

  • 5GB during 30 days, at $34.99

Comparison table: eSIM cards providers for Africa

ProviderMobile dataDaysPrice (USD)SupportWhere to buy it
HolaflyUnlimited15$79.90EnglishWeb
YeSIM3GB30$19.80English and RussianWeb
GigSky5GB30$34.99EnglishApp 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

MTN coverage map in Africa. Source: GSMA

Orange 3G coverage map

Coverage map with Orange in Africa. Source: GSMA

Airtel 3G coverage map

Coverage map with Airtel in Africa. Source: GSMA

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.

Rate this post
Cintia Soto

Cintia Soto Tomeu

Adventurer, passionate traveler, and tech enthusiast. On Roami, I aim at sharing the best solutions to help you navigate the complexities of staying connected abroad, ensuring a hassle-free experience. I enjoy playing chess, reading Brian Greene, and exploring different cultures!

Look for your destination

Enter the destination you are traveling to, or search for a product/service that includes an internet connection abroad.

Related articles