How to obtain a local SIM card when travelling to South Africa
- -
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
If you’re travelling to South Africa, including areas such as White River, the Panorama Route, or Kruger National Park, having a local SIM card can make your trip much easier and more affordable.
A South African SIM card allows you to:
Use mobile data for navigation and bookings
Communicating with accommodation providers
Checking gate times and directions
Make local calls for restaurant bookings and or Kruger safari bookings
Use WhatsApp and other messaging apps, to stay connected during day trips
Avoid expensive international roaming charges
Stream music in your rental car Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Fortunately, getting a SIM card in South Africa is generally simple and inexpensive. Coverage is generally very good in White River, Mbombela and most main tourist routes.
If your phone has e-sim capabilities you can still buy local network services (Airtime and Data) from a local provider for better rates than roaming or international travel e-sim services.
What You Need to Buy a SIM Card
South Africa requires SIM cards to be registered under the RICA system (similar to ID registration laws in many countries).
For tourists to buy and activate a SIM card, you’ll normally need:
Your passport
Proof of where you are staying (hotel or guest house booking confirmation is usually sufficient)
Registration is usually done immediately at the store.
Where to Buy a SIM Card
At the Airport
Most international airports, including Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, have mobile network shops or kiosks.
This is often the simplest option after arrival but also the most expensive.
Supermarkets and Retail Stores
SIM cards are widely available at:
Supermarkets
Convenience stores
Petrol stations
Shopping centres
In White River and Mbombela, visitors will easily find mobile stores in local malls and shopping centres. Usually SIM cards here will cost R1. The cashier will RICA the card for you using your passport information.
Phone shops (also known as Tech Shops)
These shops are usually owned by immigrants from the Indian subcontinent and offer services like phone repairs and sell phone accessories. They also provide SIM cards easily. They can RICA you are using their phone or provide pre-RICA’d SIM cards.
Many spaza shops, informal shops in rural areas, are owned by immigrants and will offer SIM card too. They can be found all over South Africa, even in the most remote and rural areas.
Online for E-SIMS
If your phone is e-SIM capable you can buy online an e-SIM from a local provider for a good cost. Afrihost is a local ISP which now offers Airtime and Data packages for e-SIMs. They are highly rated with 4.7 stars on Google which is exceptional for a network provider.
Search for Afrihost Airmobile Prepaid for their latest deals. As of May 2026 you can buy 10GB prepaid for R150.
How Much Does It Cost?
SIM cards themselves are usually inexpensive (R1), except at the Airport where they can cost around R100. Once you have
Data prices in South Africa are generally affordable compared to international roaming rates, but vary according to the package and network. The more data you buy in one go the cheaper per GB it is.
Our network provider recommendation
Our BLUF is we like Telkom for a traditional SIM (make sure to buy “All Network Data Bundles”) and Afrihost if you want a local e-sim prepaid.
Continue reading for our full explanation.
Over the years we’ve used Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, Afrihost.
We have been using Telkom for a handful o years now and are very happy with their service. Their own coverage is not as wide as the others, but they make use (“roam”) on the Vodacom and MTN network, so in practice you get the same coverage as if using Vodacom or MTN. Make sure to buy “All Network” bundles.
Vodacom is usually more expensive, but they are professional and have good coverage.
Afrihost are a local ISP offering mobile and data services. If you have an e-sim that is a good option as you can sort out everything before leaving. You won’t be able to buy airtime and data in physical stores.
We do NOT recommend MTN. We have tried using MTN’s services several times, as their offers can be enticing, but have always had nightmare experiences. Their support in the branch, on the phone and by email is catastrophic. But you mileage may vary, especially as you are just buying prepaid without a contract.
How to manage your newly acquired
You’ve acquired your new local South African SIM card? Congratulations!
Insert your SIM card, and you should receive an SMS giving you your new phone number. If the SMS is not forthcoming, try sending and SMS to another phone or dial this USSD code to find out your number:
Telkom Mobile – *1#
Vodacom – 135501#
MTN – 123888#
Cell C – 147100#
Read this article on how to make the most of your new SIM card and local quirks. Check out our other blog posts for more travel advice for international travellers visiting Mpumalanga.
About ilanda Guest House
ilanda Guest House offers 4-star accommodation in White River, Mpumalanga, conveniently located near shops, restaurants and mobile network stores where guests can easily obtain a local SIM card. We’re always happy to assist visitors with practical travel advice to help make exploring the Lowveld simple and stress-free.
Book your stay with us for a comfortable and well-connected base near Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route.
