Prepaid Swaziland SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This guide will help you get a SIM card for your trip to Swaziland. Having a SIM card gives you affordable access to the internet while you explore the beautiful spots in Swaziland.

In this post, we’ll cover the best SIM card options, where to buy them, prices, and more. By the end, you’ll know which SIM card is right for you and how to purchase it for budget-friendly connectivity while enjoying Swaziland!

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

Swaziland has several mobile network operators that offer prepaid Swaziland SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists. Let’s explore some of the best options from the major providers.

1. MTN

MTN has several types of combo bundles and data-only bundles:

MTN Saver Combos

Price	Data	Minutes	SMS	Validity
115 SZL	450 MB	60 minutes	20 SMS	7 days
160 SZL	1 GB	100 minutes	30 SMS	30 days
180 SZL	800 MB	100 minutes	30 SMS	7 days
220 SZL	1 GB	150 minutes	50 SMS	30 days
360 SZL	3 GB	300 minutes	100 SMS	30 days
650 SZL	5 GB	500 minutes	200 SMS	30 days

MTN Pulse

Price	Data	Minutes	Validity
5 SZL	10 MB	20 minutes	1 day
10 SZL	50 MB	15 minutes	1 day
15 SZL	100 MB	30 minutes	7 days
20 SZL	80 MB	90 minutes	7 days
50 SZL	500 MB	50 minutes	30 days

MTN Time-Based Data Bundles

Price	Data	Validity
1 SZL	2 MB	1 hour
2.50 SZL	10 MB	1 hour
10 SZL	45 MB	1 hour
20 SZL	100 MB	1 hour

MTN Loloma Bundles

Price	Data	Validity	Time frame
10 SZL	Unlimited	1 hour	23:00-5:00 (11 PM-5 AM)
25 SZL	Unlimited	2 hours	23:00-5:00 (11 PM-5 AM)
30 SZL	Unlimited	3 hours	23:00-5:00 (11 PM-5 AM)
40 SZL	Unlimited	4 hours	23:00-5:00 (11 PM-5 AM)

MTN Volume Data Bundles

Price	Data	Night Data Bonus	Validity
10 SZL	47 MB	47 MB	1 day
25 SZL	500 MB	500 MB	7 days
40 SZL	200 MB	200 MB	30 days
60 SZL	350 MB	350 MB	30 days
80 SZL	500 MB	500 MB	30 days
150 SZL	1 GB	1 GB	30 days
250 SZL	2 GB	2 GB	30 days
450 SZL	5 GB	5 GB	30 days
750 SZL	10 GB	10 GB	30 days
1000 SZL	1.5 GB/day (45 GB in total)	None	30 days
1100 SZL	15 GB	15 GB	30 days
1250 SZL	20 GB	20 GB	30 days
1500 SZL	25 GB	25 GB	30 days

MTN Social Data Bundles (WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube & Study)

Price	Data	App	Validity
5 SZL	30 MB	WhatsApp	1 day
10 SZL	1.5 GB	YouTube	1 day
20 SZL	150 MB	WhatsApp	7 days
20 SZL	150 MB	Facebook	7 days
20 SZL	1 GB	Study	7 days
20 SZL	3 GB	YouTube	7 days
40 SZL	360 MB	WhatsApp	30 days
40 SZL	360 MB	Facebook	30 days
50 SZL	3 GB	Study	30 days
65 SZL	5 GB	YouTube	30 days

MTN Tourist Pack

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	International Minutes
99 SZL	1 GB	45 minutes	15 minutes
150 SZL	2 GB	50 minutes	15 minutes
299 SZL	5GB	50 minutes	30 minutes

2. Swazi Mobile

Swazi Mobile, is the newest mobile operator in the country. It was given a license to break MTN’s monopoly. At first, it used MTN’s towers, but they have since built their own network.

Swazi MobileNo Frills Contracts

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	Local SMS	Unlimited Calls
50 SZL	500 MB	250 on-net minutes	50 off-net minutes	50 SMS	On Saturdays
100 SZL	1 GB	300 on-net minutes	60 off-net minutes	60 SMS	On Saturdays & Sundays
195 SZL	2 GB	600 on-net minutes	120 off-net minutes	120 SMS	On Sundays between 6:00-18:00 (6 AM-6PM)
295 SZL	8 GB	Unlimited on-net minutes	150 off-net minutes	150 SMS	N/A

Swazi Mobile Prepaid Plans

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
10 SZL	10 MB	70 on-net minutes	10 off-net minutes	10 SMS	24 hours
50 SZL	50 MB	250 on-net minutes	50 off-net minutes	50 SMS	7 days
195 SZL	1 GB	500 on-net minutes	100 off-net minutes	50 SMS	30 days
240 SZL	60 MB	60 on-net minutes	N/A	60 SMS	Allowance renewed every 30 days, the plan expires after 365 days
295 SZL	2 GB	750 on-net minutes	200 off-net minutes	75 SMS	30 days
495 SZL	4 GB	1000 on-net minutes	400 off-net minutes	100 SMS	30 days

Swazi Mobile Data Bundles

Price	Data	Night Data
5 SZL	20 MB	10 MB
10 SZL	30 MB	15 MB
20 SZL	40 MB	20 MB
30 SZL	100 MB	50 MB
50 SZL	200 MB	100 MB
100 SZL	512 MB	256 MB
150 SZL	1 GB	512 MB
500 SZL	5 GB	2.5 GB
800 SZL	10 GB	5 GB
1000 SZL	Unlimited	Unlimited

YouTube Bundles

Price	Data	Validity
10 SZL	1 GB	1 day
20 SZL	2.5 GB	1 day
35 SZL	5 GB	1 day

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

Buying a SIM card in Swaziland  online is a great option for tourists because it’s convenient and reasonably priced.

You can also buy a SIM card directly from MTN and Swazil stores. Some airports in Swaziland sell SIM cards, but they may be more expensive.

1. Buy Swaziland eSIM Online

If your phone supports eSIM, this is a good choice. Just select a plan that fits your needs and budget, make your payment, and wait no more than 5 minutes to receive the QR code in your email.

To activate your eSIM, scan the QR code, and all the information about your plan will be on your phone. There’s no waiting for delivery, no need to visit stores, and no SIM swapping.

2. Buy at International Airports

Most major airports in Swaziland, such as King Mswati III International Airport, have kiosks or shops where you can buy a prepaid SIM card as soon as you arrive. This is a convenient option if you want to get your SIM card right after landing.

• Pros : You can get internet access right when you arrive.

• Cons : Prices may be higher, fewer plan options, possible long lines, and you might not be able to buy if the stores are closed.

3. Buy in Phone Stores in City Centers

You can also purchase prepaid SIMs in city centers and malls. Google Maps makes it easy to find a phone shop. 

Some stores specialize in SIMs for visitors. While official carrier stores are best, other shops can also help. Wherever you go, make sure to test your SIM before leaving the store to ensure that data and calls are working properly.

• Pros : Competitive prices and more options available.

• Cons : You need to travel to the stores.

III. How Much is a Tourist Swaziland SIM Card?

Prices for tourist SIM cards with data in Swaziland are quite affordable.

You can find basic packages for around $16.9 USD, which give you 2.5 GB of internet + 1.25 GB night data.

There are also monthly plans for about $57.4 USD that provide unlimited data.

No matter which provider you choose, you’ll find great deals designed for visitors.

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

Here are the main types of Swaziland SIM cards available for tourists:

• Prepaid SIM card Swaziland.

• Tourist eSIM for Swaziland.

	Prepaid SIM card Swaziland	Tourist eSIM for Swaziland
What is it?	– Traditional SIM cards that you insert into your phone to access mobile data. – Include 2 types: data-only and data + voice + text.	– Digital SIM cards that are embedded into your phone’s motherboard. – Include 2 types: data-only and data + voice + text.
Setup and activation	Insert a physical SIM card into the phone.	Scan QR code to install a digital profile.
Price range	Vary depending on the network carriers, the data, and validity.	Vary depending network, data, validity, and often slightly higher in comparison with physical SIM.
Pros	– Can pre-purchase by buying online, at the airport or in the cities. – Be prepared for Internet access before arrival.	-No need to wait for SIM delivery. -No more swap the SIM card. -No need to show a passport. -Set up in just 2 minutes. -Use 2 SIMs at a time (one primary, one eSIM).
Cons	– Need to go to the stores or wait for SIM delivery. – Require ID / passport for verification. – Only use 1 SIM at a time.	Require eSIM supported phones.

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

Yes, definitely! Buying a SIM card in Swaziland is a smart choice for several reasons:

• Affordable Price : SIM cards in Swaziland are generally economical compared to other options.

• Easy Availability : You can find them at airports, convenience stores, and mobile phone shops, making it simple to purchase.

• Good Coverage : Even in areas with limited Wi-Fi, like mountainous regions, the SIM card can keep you connected.

• Security : Using a SIM card is more secure than other options since you don’t have to share your data publicly, reducing the risk of data loss while traveling.

• Variety of Packages : Local SIM cards offer many flexible plans to meet different needs.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Swaziland? 

Before buying a SIM card in Swaziland, tourists should prepare a few items:

• Passport : You’ll need to show your passport, as shops will photocopy your details for verification.

• Unlocked Cell Phone : Make sure your phone is unlocked so it can use local networks in Swaziland.

• Cash in Swaziland lilangeni (SZL) : Have some local currency ready to pay for your SIM card, as some shops may not accept foreign currency or credit cards.

VII. Swaziland eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

As mentioned earlier, if your mobile device supports eSIM, it’s a great choice for your trip to Swaziland.

So, which eSIM provider should you choose? While there are many options, each has its pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an eSIM provider for your Swaziland travel:

• Trip Duration : Is your trip short or long?

• Internet Usage : Are you a heavy, medium, or light user?

• Budget : Are you on a tight budget or do you have more flexibility?

Once you have answers to these questions, we recommend Gigago for your trip.

Here are some benefits of choosing Gigago for your Swaziland eSIM plans:

• Convenience : The eSIM is installed digitally and activated before you travel.

• Easy Setup : Get your eSIM ready with just a few taps. Scan the QR code, and you’ll have internet access right after landing in Swaziland.

• Flexibility : Choose from multiple plans to fit your needs.

• 24/7 Customer Support : You can get quick answers to your questions via live chat. No need to search for help if issues arise while traveling.

• Reliable Coverage : Enjoy high-speed internet access throughout Swaziland using major local carriers.

For Swaziland, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $15.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Swaziland eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $15.00 – $60.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Swaziland, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Swaziland?

In Swaziland, tourist SIM cards from major providers typically last between 1 day to 30 days.

When buying a prepaid SIM in Swaziland, the right choice depends on your travel needs. Here are the available validity periods:

• 1 Day : Great for short layovers when you only need internet for one day.

• 7 Days : Ideal for quick trips or weekend getaways, providing internet for about a week.

• 30 Days : Best for longer trips, offering service for about a month.

Tourists can choose the validity period that fits their stay, giving them flexibility. These plans help tourists stay connected during their visit without needing to top up frequently. For more details, check the MTN and Swazi Mobile websites.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Swaziland? 

Here’s how to activate a Swaziland SIM card and eSIM:

1. Using Prepaid Swaziland Tourist SIM Cards

Follow these steps to use a SIM card as a tourist in Swaziland:

• Insert the SIM Card : Turn off your phone, insert the SIM into the SIM tray, and then turn your phone back on.

• Activate the SIM Card : Once your phone is on, follow the instructions to set up the card. You may need to enter a PIN code provided with the SIM.

• Top Up : Most prepaid SIMs come with a small balance. If you need more data or minutes, you can top up online or buy top-up vouchers locally.

• Use Your Phone : You can use your phone as usual.

• Be Aware of Limits : Keep track of your usage to avoid extra fees.

2. Setting Up and Activating Swaziland eSIM

Here’s how to install and activate an eSIM for your trip to Swaziland:

• Purchase an eSIM Plan : Buy an eSIM plan from a Swaziland mobile carrier or an eSIM provider like Gigago.

• Receive Information : Check your email for the eSIM details. Use your phone camera to scan the QR code to install the eSIM profile.

• Restart Your Phone : This helps activate the eSIM.

• Check Activation : Go to your mobile settings to see if the eSIM profile is activated. You should see Swaziland carriers listed.

• Use the Internet : Once you arrive in Swaziland, you can start using the internet.

• Remove the eSIM Profile : Before leaving Swaziland, remove the eSIM profile to avoid roaming charges.

X. FAQs

In short, a prepaid Swaziland SIM card is essential for your trip. It keeps you connected and helps with important tasks like finding maps and translating languages ​​while traveling. We hope this guide makes it easy for you to buy and use a Swaziland SIM card. Have a fun and memorable trip in Swaziland!