Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
Will my phone work in South Africa?
Find out how to use your cell phone in South Africa, from a travel eSIM to roaming. Plus, learn how to save money while getting reliable internet abroad.
Yes, your phone will work in South Africa. Plus, as South Africa uses GSM networks, there are fewer limitations to worry about.
You still have to discover the best mobile internet option for you. We explore four different options, from roaming to using a travel eSIM, including the small details you have to consider to use your phone hassle-free.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Can I use my phone in South Africa?
You can use your phone in South Africa without limitations. Thanks to the 21 frequency bands they use, including the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), most modern phones will work there.
However, how you’ll stay connected in South Africa will depend on whether you have a carrier-locked or unlocked mobile phone.
| Home country | Carriers | Will my phone work in South Africa? |
|---|---|---|
| USA | T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon | Yes, but check if your phone is carrier-unlocked before traveling |
| UK | Vodafone UK, O2, Three, EE | Yes, all phones sold in the UK after 2021 are carrier-unlocked. |
Note: If you have a carrier-locked phone, you can call to unlock it before traveling.
How to use your cell phone in South Africa
You can get mobile data in different ways. However, you’ll be limited to international roaming if you have a carrier-locked mobile device.
Unlocked carrier phones have more options, such as a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi, so let’s see what these offer.
eSIM
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, an eSIM plan is the easiest way to get mobile data abroad.
With the Holafly eSIM for South Africa, you get unlimited data for up to 90 days with your eSIM. Plus, plans can cost you as little as $3.41/day based on how long you’re staying.
This eSIM also includes 500 MB of daily hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, 4G high-speed data, and easy activation within minutes.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Roaming
Roaming is the default option for carrier-locked phones, but its pricing makes it a less convenient way to get mobile data.
Some UK carriers, like Vodafone and O2, offer built-in roaming at no extra cost in South Africa on selected plans.
However, most plans from O2, Vodafone UK, Three, and EE work with daily roaming passes, ranging from £5 to £7.86, to unlock your local allowance during your trip.
US travelers also have to pay for international roaming, with pricing ranging from $5 to $50 on T-Mobile international roaming bundles or $12/day for Verizon and AT&T roaming passes.
Physical South Africa SIM card
If you have an unlocked phone and prefer local carrier rates, you can use a South Africa SIM card.
Mobile phones from the US and the UK can use these, and the main requirement to get a local SIM card is presenting a valid passport. Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C offer multiple plans with limited data, ranging from R35 to R1499 (~$1.99 to $85.948 USD).
The highest amount of data you can get is 100 GB monthly, and some plans include unlimited texts and calls.
Pocket WiFi for South Africa
A pocket WiFi for South Africa is an option remote workers or larger groups can consider using.
However, it can be more expensive than using international roaming in South Africa, as some pocket WiFi rentals charge as high as $49.99/day.
Plus, there are additional fees to consider, like delivery charges, any add-ons you include, or penalty fees if something happens to the device.
The best way to avoid this high-cost service is to get an eSIM with Holafly Plans. For $64.90/month, you get a monthly subscription with unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, and 4G data speeds in South Africa.
But that’s not all. It also comes with a European phone number and coverage in over 170 destinations around the world, meaning you can say goodbye to limited data plans or expensive roaming.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Will your phone work in South Africa? The verdict
Your phone will work in South Africa, but it’s best to choose a budget-friendly option.
Roaming is quite expensive, and the prices of pocket WiFi devices are even higher. SIM cards have affordable rates, but they require a long process and registration with a passport.
Depending on how demanding your service will be, the best way to make things easier and avoid high prices is to use an eSIM for South Africa or Holafly Plans, both of which offer unlimited data.
Plus, these options, including up to unlimited hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and a fast activation process, make eSIM the best choice for staying connected in South Africa.
Connectivity made easy
Activate your South African eSIM in a few simple steps and manage your plan through our dedicated app.
Traveling internationally to other countries in Africa? Find out how to use your cell phone there:
FAQs
Yes. If your US iPhone is unlocked, you can access more options, like an eSIM or SIM. If not, you’ll be limited to data roaming.
Yes. Even though the local government is pushing new laws to make it more secure for South Africans.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
