How to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards for Lesotho? (Tourist Guide)

The article below can provide all the information about the Lesotho SIM Card. Just reading this and you can enjoy the trip to Lesotho without any worries.  

This guide will explain why buying a SIM card made for Lesotho is the most practical choice compared to pocket WiFi, using your home network with roaming, or public WiFi. We’ll discuss from the best cell companies to choose from, which plans work well for visitors to how much they cost, and better alternatives.

I. What are the Best Lesotho SIM cards for Tourists?

There are only two mobile internet providers in Lesotho: Vodacom and Econet.

1. Vodacom SIM Cards.

A Vodacom prepaid SIM card costs 5 ZAR (about $0.28 USD) in Lesotho. You’ll then need to buy airtime to get a data package:

• 19 ZAR = 1 GB data for 1 day ($1.1 USD).

• 24 ZAR = 1 GB data for 3 days ($1.3 USD).

• 50 ZAR = 2 GB data for 7 days ($2.8 USD).

• 520 ZAR = 15 GB data for 30 days ($29 USD).

2. Econet SIM Cards.

An Econet prepaid SIM card also costs 5 ZAR ($0.28 USD) in Lesotho. Their data package options include:

• 8 ZAR = 200 MB data for 1 day ($0.5 USD).

• 50 ZAR = 2 GB data for 1 week ($2.8 USD).

• 450 ZAR = 12 GB data for 30 days ($25.2 USD). 

• 5 ZAR = 12 minutes calls for 1 day ($0.3 USD). 

• 20 ZAR = 70 minutes calls for 7 days ($1.1 USD). 

• 250 ZAR = 4924 minutes calls for 30 days ($14 USD).

Overall, SIM card and data prices in Lesotho are very affordable, with little difference between the two main providers.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Lesotho for Tourists?

We recommend 02 ways to buy SIM Card in Lesotho for tourists: 

• Buy a prepaid Lesotho eSIM card online before traveling.

• Buy physical Lesotho SIM in the cities. 

1. Buy prepaid Lesotho eSIM card online before traveling:

You can purchase a prepaid Lesotho eSIM card online before your trip. Look for reputable websites that offer eSIM services for Lesotho like Gigago. Follow the instructions provided on the website to select a suitable plan, make the payment, and receive your eSIM QR code via email.

Advantages: 

• Convenience: Buying an eSIM card online allows you to have it ready before your trip, saving you time and effort upon arrival in Lesotho.

• Instant Activation: Once you receive the eSIM QR code via email, you can activate it immediately without the need to visit a physical store or wait for delivery.

• Flexibility: eSIM cards offer the advantage of storing multiple SIM profiles, allowing you to switch between different plans or providers seamlessly.

Disadvantage: Need a compatible device.

2. Buy physical Lesotho SIM in the cities:

You can buy a Lesotho SIM Card in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. The easiest places to find SIM card providers are: Maseru Mall or Pioneer Mall Maseru. 

In these malls, you’ll find official retail stores for the main mobile providers in Lesotho, Vodacom and Econet. You can also find other phone shops that sell SIM cards for tourists.

Travelers also can buy Lesotho SIM Cards at the border. When you cross the border from South Africa into Lesotho, you’ll see signs and small kiosks everywhere directing you to where you can buy a local SIM card. 

Advantages:

• Local Assistance: The store staff can provide face-to-face help and answer any questions you have.

• Immediate Use: You can activate the SIM card right away and start using it.

Disadvantages:

• Language Barrier: In some stores, the staff may not speak much English. It’s a good idea to research some basic phrases in the local language beforehand.

► Recommendation: For the most convenient option, consider buying a Lesotho eSIM online before your trip. This allows you to set up your data plan ahead of time, without having to visit a physical store when you arrive.

III. How Much is a Tourist Lesotho SIM Card?

The major carriers Vodacom or Econet offer plans around $2 USD depending on data and calling needs. Prepaid tourist SIMs for Lesotho are reasonably priced. The rates vary based on the SIM you pick and how many mobile data it includes.

Whether you want the basics or plenty to stream and connect, visitors can find good-value Lesotho SIM cards that provide the essentials like maps, photos, and trusted connections during their stay.

IV. What types of Lesotho SIM cards are available for tourists?

When it comes to getting a SIM card for your trip to Lesotho, there are a few different options to consider: 

Physical SIM Cards and eSIM Cards:

Type	Description	Pros	Cons
Physical SIM	The traditional plastic SIM card that goes in your device.	-Convenient, instant connectivity. -No contracts or credit checks. -Costs can be controlled. -Validity period aligns with trip duration.	– Requires a physical slot in your device. – Requires purchasing a new SIM card for each visit – Data limits can be restricting for heavy users
eSIM	A digital SIM that’s built into your device.	-No need to purchase physical SIM cards. -Remote activation before arrival. -Reusable on multiple trips. -Avoid SIM card swapping hassles. -Use multiple plans on one device.	– Need compatible device

Data-Only Plans and Voice & Data Plans:

Type	Description	Pros	Cons
Data-Only	Only provides 4G/LTE data, no voice or text.	– More affordable. – Suitable for data-only use.	– Can’t make calls or send texts.
Voice & Data	Provides full functionality for calls, texts, and data.	– Flexible for long-term use.	– Requires registration. – Not ideal for short trips.
Tourist SIM	Prepaid SIMs from local networks, often with high data limits.	– Simple setup without documentation. – Perfect for short-term tourists.	– Data and validity limits can be restrictive.

► Our Recommendation:

For most short-term travelers to Lesotho, a tourist SIM card with a data-only plan is likely the best option. This eliminates the hassle of registration and gives you the data you need without paying for voice and text features you may not use.

However, if you need more flexibility or plan to stay longer, a traditional voice and data SIM may be worth considering.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Lesotho travel?

Yes. When you’re traveling to Lesotho, getting a SIM card is often the best way to easily access mobile data. Here’s how it compares to some other options:

Feature	SIM Card	Free WiFi	Roaming Charges	Pocket WiFi
Cost	Affordable, especially with prepaid plans.	Free to access, but locations can be limited.	Expensive.	Renting a device can add up, plus daily data charges.
Convenience	Works anywhere there’s mobile coverage for maps, calls, and texts.	Need to find a WiFi hotspot, which can be unreliable or crowded.	Require setup and additional charges from your carrier.	Need to carry and charge an extra device.
Data Speed	Faster and more dependable than free WiFi.	Speeds can vary depending on location and how many people are using it.	Depends on your carrier’s roaming agreement.	Speeds can vary depending on the device and network.
Making Calls & Texts	Included in most prepaid SIM card plans.	Not possible with WiFi.	Expensive with roaming charges.	May require international calling add-ons.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Lesotho

When you’re getting a prepaid SIM card in Lesotho, here’s what you’ll need:

• Passport: This is required for identification and to register the SIM card.

• A local address: Some SIM card vendors may ask for a local address, like your hotel.

VII. Lesotho eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

eSIM technology makes it much easier to access the internet while traveling in Lesotho. Many cell phone providers now offer eSIMs that you can set up before your trip. This means you don’t have to worry about finding a local SIM card shop or relying on spotty public WiFi when you arrive.

When it comes to getting an eSIM for Lesotho, you have a couple options:

• Buy from a Lesotho cell phone provider that offers eSIM service for tourists. This requires verifying your passport when you make the purchase.

• Buy from an online eSIM provider. This is a more convenient option, as you don’t need to show your passport or wait for a SIM card to be delivered.

A reputable eSIM provider is Gigago. They offer eSIM options for over 200 countries, including Lesotho. Buying through Gigago is a hassle-free way to set up your internet access before your trip to Lesotho.

When customers use Gigago’s services, they will receive the following benefits: 

• Various Lesotho eSIM plans: Travelers can enjoy and choose suitable plans form different Lesotho  eSIM packages with affordable price.

• Instant Delivery: Instant delivery of eSIM throughout email. Within minutes of purchase, travelers can have eSIM QR code ready for activation. 

• Extensive Coverage: Gigago Vietnam partners with leading mobile network providers in Lesotho to ensure excellent coverage across the country.

• Cost Savings: Gigago Vietnam’s eSIM allows you to enjoy affordable local data rates. You can stay connected without breaking the bank.

For Lesotho, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Lesotho eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Lesotho, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Lesotho?

Most prepaid SIM cards specifically designed for tourists staying in Lesotho remain active and working for periods ranging from 1 day to 30 days. 

The duration of a tourist SIM card in Lesotho can vary depending on the carrier and the specific plan you choose. Here are some typical options from major carriers:

• Vodacom: Vodacom offers prepaid SIM cards with plans that typically have validity periods ranging from 1 day to 30 days. These plans include data. 

• Econet: Econet offers prepaid SIM cards with plans that typically have validity periods ranging from 1 day to 30 days. These plans include data and calling minutes. 

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Lesotho

This guide explains how to activate a SIM card or eSIM for your trip to Lesotho. We’ll cover the steps for both traditional SIM cards and the newer eSIM technology.

1. Using a Prepaid Lesotho SIM Card:

• Locate the SIM card slot on your phone. This is usually a small tray that you can pop out using a SIM ejector tool.

• Insert the Lesotho SIM card into the tray, making sure it’s the right size (standard, micro, or nano).

• Turn your phone off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This will allow your phone to detect the new SIM card.

• Once you see the name of the Lesotho phone company, turn on your mobile data or cellular data to start using the internet.

2. Setting up a Lesotho eSIM:

• Check that your phone supports eSIM technology. Many newer smartphones do.

• Buy a Lesotho eSIM data plan from an online seller.

• Scan the QR code provided to install the eSIM on your phone.

• Set the eSIM as your primary data connection.

• When you arrive in Lesotho, turn on data roaming and mobile data to start using the internet.

FAQs

In conclusion, it’s important for travelers to Lesotho to have a local SIM card so they can use their phone without expensive roaming charges while they’re there. Buying a Lesotho SIM made specifically for visitors is the best option. Travelers can benefit from low-cost data plans, seamless service across the country, and, of course, no roaming charges.