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.
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:
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)
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.
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.
| Provider | Mobile data | Days | Price (USD) | Support | Where to buy it |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 15 | $79.90 | English | Web |
| YeSIM | 3GB | 30 | $19.80 | English and Russian | Web |
| GigSky | 5GB | 30 | $34.99 | English | App Store, Google Play |
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:
(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA)
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 coverage map in Africa. Source: GSMA
Coverage map with Orange in Africa. Source: GSMA
Coverage map with Airtel in Africa. Source: GSMA
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.
No, it is not necessary, but some providers may ask for your address.
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.
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.
Yes, just like traditional SIM cards, the eSIM card has an expiration date.
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.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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