Buying Telkom SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists in South Africa

Claudia Anderson

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Latest update: September 2024

Telkom is one of major mobile network operators in South Africa, offers both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs designed for tourists. These services provide convenient and cost-effective mobile connectivity for visitors to enjoy internet access without high roaming charges during their trip in South Africa. But, should you use Telkom services compared with other network carriers in the country? Find out the answer here. We also guide you how to get and activate Telkom SIM cards and eSIM step-by-step as a traveler.

I. Overview about Telkom South Africa – What you need to know

Telkom is a South African wired and wireless telecommunications service provider, operating in more than 38 African countries. Telkom is largely state-owned and closely linked to the South African government. Here are some detailed information:

• Full name: Telkom SA SOC Limited
• Telkom was established on 1 October 1991 when the Department of Posts and Telecommunications was divided into Telkom and SA Post.
• Customer service: Mobile phones, landline phones, internet, network services and data communications.
• Products and services: Telkom ADSL, Telkom 3G and
• Telkom milestones: 1991 – Telkom is founded with 67,667 employees; 1994 – Telkom enters into a joint venture with Vodafone and Rembrandt Group to form Vodacom Group; 1995 – Telkom launches the SAIX Internet access network platform;…

II. Telkom coverage in South Africa

Telkom has quite wide coverage in South Africa, especially in densely populated and urban areas. Telkom’s range by specific service includes:

• Fixed Wire Telephone Service: Traditional copper wire connections as well as new fiber optic infrastructure cover most urban and rural areas.
• Mobile phone service: Coverage is increasingly expanding compared to previous years, 2G, 3G and 4G (LTE) networks reach many remote areas.
• Internet Services: Internet coverage includes ADSL, fiber broadband, wireless broadband and Telkom’s mobile internet services spread across the country. Particularly, fiber optic networks are increasingly being deployed in urban areas.

While Telkom generally has widespread coverage, there may be some remote or sparsely populated areas where availability is limited or unavailable. Telkom has continued to invest in expanding network infrastructure to improve coverage and service quality across South Africa.

III. Telkom speed in South Africa

Telkom’s actual speed depends on location factors, connection type and subscription data plan. Optional package options, Telkom’s fiber packages range from 10 Mbps to 200 Mbps. In particular, ADSL speed ranges from 512 Kbps to 20 Mbps, VDSL speed usually ranges from 2 Mbps to 40 Mbps.

IV. Does Telkom South Africa have eSIM?

Yes. Telkom launches eSIM support for smartphones in 2021. However, Telkom does not yet support eSIM on wearable devices and does not support online purchases. Currently, Telkom has not yet given an exact answer about the estimated time of eSIM availability on wearable devices and online eSIM reception.

If you have a compatible device, you can choose a number of other reputable telecommunications service providers to buy eSIM online. Because it offers more convenience than a physical SIM card, does not need to show personal information and can be received by QR code.

Unfortunately, Gigago currently does not provide eSIM from Telkom but from the other – Vodacom (also one of leading network carriers in South Africa). You can still enjoy fast speed, wide coverage and competitive price with Gigago’s South Africa eSIM plans.

V. Top Telkom SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

The cost to purchase a Telkom South Africa prepaid SIM card is approximately 0.90 SAR ($0.05 USD). Below are some data plan options offered by this network operator:

Note: Prices for Telkom South Africa prepaid SIM cards and data plans are subject to change based on time and promotions. Please contact the supplier for the most accurate information.

VI. Where to buy Telkom SIM for South Africa

You can buy Telkom SIM for South Africa travel upon arrival or in official stores of Telkom or at convenience, retailed stores.

1. Upon Arrival

Most major airports in South Africa have Telkom stores, notably Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport. When you get to the airport, you can follow the directions of the map or airport staff to find what to buy at the store. Alternatively, you can also book in advance through the supplier and pick up at the airport.

2. Telkom store

Telkom has its own retail stores across South Africa, especially in major cities or densely populated areas, where you can buy a SIM card and get support if you have any questions. Tourists can ask local people or maps for the address. However, this method should not be applied if you do not have good foreign language skills.

3. Other authorized Telkom retail stores

Supermarkets, convenience stores and electronics stores authorized to sell Telkom SIM cards can all make it easier for travelers to get SIM cards. However, you need to carefully research the reputation of that store before buying.

VII. A Better Alternatives to Telkom SIM cards – South Africa eSIM

In addition to Telkom, there are also a number of major telecommunications service providers in South Africa such as MTN, Vodacom, Rain, etc. Each supplier has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• MTN is one of the major telecommunications service providers in South Africa, with wide coverage from urban to rural areas. However, MTN’s download speed is not really stable.
• Vodacom has coverage throughout South Africa. However, Vodacom is quite expensive and the download speed is not as good as Telkom.
• New provider Rain enters the South African telecommunications market, focusing on innovative data mining. However, this provider only focuses on fixed LTE services.

VIII. How to top up Telkom South Africa SIM/eSIM

To top up a Telkom SIM & eSIM South Africa, you can follow these steps:

• Log in to the Telkom application on your phone
• Navigate to ”Feed Data” on the main dashboard
• Select product type
• Select type and data
• Click “Payment”
• Select the payment method associated with your account
• The data package was successfully purchased

X. FAQs about Telkom in South Africa