HelloRoam offers eSIM data plans for Africa from S$20.54 a day. Your e SIM connects to local 4G/5G networks the moment you land, no roaming fees. Activate by QR code in under two minutes, fuss-free. Keep your Singtel, StarHub, or M1 number active on dual SIM while your e-sim handles data across 185+ countries.
- networks
212+- 5G support
4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities- activation
under 2 minutes
Updated
Affordable data plans for Africa covering safari regions and city itineraries
Affordable eSIM for Africa, starting from S$20.54. Local 4G LTE and 5G data on trusted carrier networks in Africa. Works on all eSIM compatible handphones. Africa covers 54 countries, from the Kenyan savanna and Tanzanian Serengeti to Morocco's medinas and Cape Town's waterfront. HelloRoam eSIMs Africa plans activate before you fly from Changi, covering each destination from a single app. Plans start from S$20.54 on local partner networks across the continent. HelloRoam backs every order with a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
Africa eSIM with fast 4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities coverage
HelloRoam Africa eSIM keeps Singaporean travellers connected across African countries on one plan. No SIM swapping at borders, no registration queues. Instant data from the moment you land.
- Plans start at S$20.54 with 4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities speeds
- Coverage from local networks
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Africa coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities
- Plans From
- S$20.54
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Africa
Follow these steps to set up your eSIM on iPhone or Android handphone. Works for any eSIM for international travel from Singapore. No replacement SIM, no store visit.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app
Set up an eSIM on your Android handphone with the HelloRoam app
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout online
Select a data plan for your destination and complete checkout.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready on arrival
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates when you land.
4Manage it all from our app
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Trip changed? No worries, we've got you covered!
Plans can change anytime, and that's fine. With HelloRoam, you can request a refund on any unactivated eSIM within 180 days of purchase.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Africa eSIM vs Singtel, StarHub and M1
When comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for Africa, HelloRoam wins on price. It beats Singtel DataRoam, StarHub RoamEasy, and M1 international roaming add-ons. The cheapest eSIM plan starts from S$20.54, with no activation fee and a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Local provider | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refund on unactivated eSIMs |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| $0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Automatic data alerts at 80% usage | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium Africa carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why Singaporean Travellers Choose an e SIM for Africa
24/7 live chat support
Need assistance at 2 am before a flight from Changi? HelloRoam support is available 24/7. Message us and a real person responds in under 2 minutes. No bots, no hold queue. Whether you need help with eSIM installation, plan changes, or troubleshooting a connection drop, the support team handles it in real time.
Best eSIM for Africa: skip Singtel roaming charges
HelloRoam connects to local 4G/5G networks in Africa from the moment you land, at a fraction of what Singtel, StarHub, or M1 charge for international roaming. Plans start from S$20.54 with no lock-in contract and no activation fees. You pay once and use data freely without surprise overage charges.
Keep your Singtel, StarHub, or M1 number
Keep your Singtel, StarHub, or M1 number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam handles your data through a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible handphone. Family and colleagues reach you on the same Singapore number while your travel data runs on a separate prepaid eSIM plan.
212+ carrier networks including Africa
HelloRoam connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Fixed data and unlimited data plans available. Your handphone switches to the strongest available 4G/5G or 5G signal automatically, where offered by the local network. That means consistent speeds whether you are in a major city, a highway rest stop, or a rural area.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam alerts you at 80% data usage so you are never caught mid-trip without data. Top up instantly from the app without reinstalling your eSIM or visiting a store. Additional data activates in under a minute, keeping your connection live through navigation, video calls, and streaming.
Local 4G/5G speeds
Your Africa eSIM connects to trusted local 4G/5G networks. HelloRoam picks the strongest available signal for navigation, streaming, and video calls. You get local network speeds comparable to a prepaid SIM card purchased in-country, without the airport queue.
Regional and global eSIM plans
Travelling to multiple destinations? HelloRoam regional eSIM plans cover Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas, and 185+ destinations in one purchase. Short holiday or long-term stay: choose fixed data or unlimited data plans. One account, no SIM swaps. A single regional plan replaces the hassle of sourcing a new local SIM card at every border crossing.
Hotspot and data sharing at no extra cost in Africa
Share your Africa eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your handphone's built-in hotspot. No extra fees, no setup required. Works on all eSIM compatible devices. This is particularly useful for business travellers who need a consistent mobile broadband connection for their work laptop while abroad.
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Africa
See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, and other eSIM providers for Africa travel. HelloRoam offers a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, 24/7 live chat support, and plans from S$20.54.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refund on unactivated eSIMs | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature available |
| A$0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Automatic data alerts at 80% usage | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Premium Africa carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature available |
e SIM Explained: Setting Up eSIM for Africa
An eSIM card is a digital SIM built directly into your handphone. There is no physical chip and no SIM tray to deal with. Scan a QR code to activate your e SIM in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. An eSIM for Africa works as a prepaid data plan with no airport SIM counter, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get connected before your flight from Changi. guide
eSIM Coverage Guide for Singaporean Travellers in Africa
Africa has a wide range of mobile connectivity. Major East African capitals, North African cities, and South Africa's urban centres have strong 4G LTE. Remote national parks, desert regions, and rural sub-Saharan areas often have no signal at all.
For Singaporean travellers, Africa is primarily a safari, cultural heritage, and luxury lodge destination. East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda) is the most popular sub-region for Singapore-based travellers seeking unique wildlife experiences.
Kenia's Safaricom leads East Africa with strong 4G in Nairobi and an ongoing 5G rollout. Rwanda has near-universal 4G coverage as a national priority. Zanzibar town has good 4G but remote parts of the island are weaker.
South Africa is well-connected in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and along the Garden Route. Vodacom and MTN South Africa are the main operators. Kruger National Park has coverage at gates and camps but not in the remote bush.
Egypt and Morocco have solid urban 4G. Cairo, Giza, Marrakech, and Casablanca are well-served. Desert and remote mountain areas have sparse coverage.
West Africa's Lagos and Accra have improving urban 4G from MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria.
- Coverage varies from strong 4G in capitals to no signal in national parks
- East Africa has the fastest-growing mobile markets on the continent
- South Africa leads in 4G infrastructure for Southern Africa
- Morocco and Egypt have strong urban 4G for North Africa travel
- Safari areas have no coverage away from lodges and main gates
- Download offline maps before entering any game reserve
- GSMA Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2025;
- HelloRoam Partner Network Data 2025
eSIM Travel Tips for Africa
Install Your eSIM at Changi Before You Fly
Install your HelloRoam Africa eSIM at home or at Changi Airport over Wi-Fi before your departure. Long-haul flights from Singapore to Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Cairo often connect through Dubai or Doha. Having your eSIM ready means you step off the plane and connect immediately. No airport SIM queue on arrival.
Download Offline Maps Before Game Reserves
African national parks including the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Kruger, Etosha, and Okavango Delta have no mobile coverage away from main gates and lodge areas. Download offline maps for Google Maps or Maps.me before entering any park. GPS works without signal so you can navigate safari drives offline.
East Africa Is Well-Connected in Main Safari Towns
Nairobi, Arusha, Entebbe, and Kigali all have strong urban 4G. Safari corridor towns including Moshi (Kilimanjaro gateway) and Zanzibar town are well-served. Coverage drops significantly once you enter national park boundaries.
South Africa's Coastal Cities Are Reliable
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria all have strong 4G from Vodacom and MTN. The Garden Route is well-covered throughout. Kruger's main reception areas and camps have signal but the bush away from roads does not.
Emergency Numbers Vary by Country
Emergency numbers vary across Africa. South Africa: 10111 police, 10177 ambulance. Kenya: 999. Morocco: 19 police. Tanzania: 112. Research and save the correct numbers for each country on your itinerary before departing Singapore.
Network Coverage Across Africa
Africa's mobile landscape is defined by a few dominant pan-African operators covering populated areas alongside vast zones with no infrastructure at all.
MTN Group operates across 22 African countries. Airtel Africa covers 14 countries. Vodacom provides South Africa's largest network with regional presence in Tanzania, Mozambique, and DRC. Safaricom is Kenya's market leader.
North Africa's Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt have the continent's best urban coverage. Morocco's Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi operate competitive networks.
East Africa is the continent's fastest-growing mobile market. Kenya's Safaricom leads with high-quality 4G. Rwanda has achieved near-universal 4G coverage. Tanzania's Vodacom and Airtel serve tourist corridors.
Southern Africa has the most mature infrastructure. South Africa's Vodacom and MTN dominate all major urban centres. West Africa's Lagos and Accra have rapidly improving urban 4G.
- MTN Group
- Airtel Africa
- Vodacom
- Orange Africa
- Safaricom
Regional eSIM vs Local SIMs vs Singapore Carrier Roaming for Africa Travel
For multi-country Africa trips, a regional eSIM is the most straightforward option. Singtel, StarHub, M1, and Simba international roaming rates for Africa carry significant per-day charges.
| Category | HelloRoam Regional Africa eSIM Recommended | Individual country SIMs | Singapore carrier international roaming (Singtel/StarHub/M1/Simba) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | — | — | — |
| Details | One plan covers multiple countries. Buy before leaving Singapore. Connects to MTN, Airtel, and Vodacom networks automatically. No SIM hunting at African borders. Better value than Singapore carrier roaming day passes for Africa. | New SIM required at each border. Passport registration required in most African countries, taking 30 to 60 minutes per country. SIM vendors at border posts may not accept Singapore cards. | Singtel, StarHub, M1, and Simba daily roaming passes for African destinations carry per-day charges that add up quickly across a multi-country Africa trip. A 10-country overland trip can accumulate substantial roaming costs. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best Times for Singaporean Travellers to Visit Africa
East African safari season (Kenya, Tanzania) runs June through October. The wildebeest migration peaks July through September. Southern Africa's dry season runs May through October for optimal wildlife viewing. Victoria Falls is at its most dramatic February through May.
North Africa (Egypt, Morocco) is best March through May and September through November. Summer heat exceeds 40 degrees Celsius in Cairo and Marrakech. West Africa (Ghana, Senegal) is best November through March.
Singaporeans' school holiday periods in June and November-December align well with East African safari season and North African autumn travel.
Explore Countries in Africa
Morocco
From $4
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Morocco, covering Marrakesh and Casablanca. No SIM swap needed on arrival.
Orange Morocco 5G covers Marrakech and Casablanca. Activate before landing.
Egypt
From $4
Stay connected in Egypt with HelloRoam eSIM data covering Cairo, Alexandria, and tourist areas.
Orange Egypt 5G covers Cairo. Activate at Cairo Airport to skip SIM card lines on arrival.
Botswana
From $8
HelloRoam provides eSIM data for Botswana, keeping you online in Gaborone and safari areas.
Orange 4G covers Gaborone and main roads. Coverage is sparse in the Kalahari. Download maps.
Burkina Faso
From $8
HelloRoam offers eSIM data in Burkina Faso covering Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.
Orange 4G covers Ouagadougou. Coverage drops significantly north toward the Sahel border.
Central African Republic
From $7
HelloRoam offers eSIM data for the Central African Republic, covering Bangui and nearby areas.
Orange 3G covers Bangui. Coverage is limited across the Central African Republic.
Chad
From $6
Stay connected in Chad with HelloRoam eSIM data covering N'Djamena and major towns.
Airtel 4G covers N'Djamena. Coverage thins outside the capital. Plan offline maps before travel.
Côte d’Ivoire
From $9
HelloRoam gives you data in Ivory Coast covering Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, and major cities.
Orange 4G covers Abidjan and main cities. Coverage thins in the western rainforest regions.
DR Congo
From $6
Get HelloRoam eSIM data for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, covering Kinshasa.
Vodacom 5G covers Kinshasa. Coverage is very limited outside urban centers. Cache offline maps.
Eswatini
From $15
HelloRoam gives you eSIM data in Eswatini, covering Mbabane, Manzini, and nature reserves.
Swazi MTN covers Mbabane on 4G. Coverage follows main roads. Activate before landing.
Gabon
From $6
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Gabon covering Libreville, Port-Gentil, and surrounding areas.
Airtel 4G covers Libreville and Port-Gentil. Coverage drops in Gabon's national parks.
Ghana
From $3
Get HelloRoam data in Ghana covering Accra, Kumasi, and other major cities across the country.
AirtelTigo 3G covers Accra and Kumasi. Signal is limited in northern regions. Activate at ACC.
Guinea-Bissau
From $7
Get HelloRoam eSIM data for Guinea-Bissau covering Bissau and key areas across the country.
Orange 4G covers Bissau. Coverage is thin outside the capital. Bijagos Islands have no signal.
Kenya
From $3
HelloRoam provides eSIM data in Kenya for Nairobi, Mombasa, and safari regions. Get connected fast.
Airtel and yu run 5G in Nairobi and Mombasa. Maasai Mara safari areas have patchy signal.
Liberia
From $7
Get HelloRoam data in Liberia covering Monrovia and nearby areas. Connect without a SIM card.
Lonestar Cell MTN 4G covers Monrovia. Coverage is limited outside the capital. Download maps.
Madagascar
From $9
HelloRoam offers eSIM data for Madagascar, keeping you connected in Antananarivo and beyond.
Airtel 4G covers Antananarivo and coastal cities. Madagascar's highland interior is sparse.
Malawi
From $6
Get HelloRoam data in Malawi for Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Lake Malawi. No SIM swap needed.
Airtel 4G covers Lilongwe and Blantyre. Coverage is limited along Lake Malawi shores.
Mali
From $7
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Mali covering Bamako and Sikasso. Get online on arrival.
Orange 5G covers Bamako. Coverage drops rapidly toward the Sahara. Download maps before travel.
Niger
From $6
HelloRoam provides eSIM data in Niger, keeping you online in Niamey and surrounding areas.
Airtel 4G covers Niamey. Coverage is limited outside the capital. Download maps for desert travel.
Nigeria
From $5
Get HelloRoam data in Nigeria covering Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. No SIM swap needed.
Glo 4G covers Lagos and Abuja. Signal can be congested in Lagos during peak hours.
Congo
From $7
HelloRoam offers eSIM data for the Republic of the Congo, covering Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Airtel 4G covers Brazzaville. Coverage is limited outside the capital and main river routes.
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Reviews
Trusted by Singaporean Travellers
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
FAQs About eSIM in Africa
How much does an e-sim Africa cost for a Kenya and Tanzania safari trip from Singapore?
e SIM Africa plans from HelloRoam start at S$20.54 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. HelloRoam lets you activate separate plans for each country before you fly from Changi. No physical handphone SIM needed and no contract.
Which Africa e SIM plan suits Singaporean travellers on a multi-country itinerary?
e-sim Africa plans from HelloRoam start at S$20.54 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Set up takes two minutes per country before you depart so data is ready from the moment you land at your first African airport. No physical swap needed and no contract.
Which eSIM is best for Singaporeans travelling to Africa?
For trips to Africa, HelloRoam is a simple eSIM choice. Plans start from S$20.54 in SGD with access to local 4G/5G networks across 212+ carrier networks. Activate via QR code in under 2 minutes before departing from Changi Airport. Your Singtel, StarHub, or M1 number stays active through dual SIM while HelloRoam handles data abroad. You get a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days and 24/7 live chat support.
How much does a Africa eSIM cost compared to Singtel and StarHub roaming?
A Africa eSIM from HelloRoam costs from S$20.54 for the full plan. Compare that to Singtel DataRoam daily passes and StarHub RoamEasy rates, which typically cost S$15 to S$30 per day. HelloRoam connects to local networks in Africa at local data prices, with no daily roaming surcharges and no carrier contract. All plans include local 4G/5G access with no overage charges.
Which local mobile networks does an eSIM use in Africa for Singapore travellers?
An eSIM for Africa from HelloRoam connects to local 4G/5G carrier networks. Your handphone picks the strongest available signal the moment you land. Coverage spans major cities, highways, and most rural areas. HelloRoam has direct partnerships with local networks globally, so you get data speeds comparable to a local prepaid SIM card in Africa.
How do I set up a HelloRoam eSIM before departing Changi Airport?
Buy your Africa eSIM before you leave Singapore in three steps. First, select your plan at helloroam.com and complete checkout in SGD. Second, open your handphone Settings, tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, and scan the QR code from your email. Third, your eSIM installs in under 2 minutes. Set it up the night before your flight from Changi and land connected.
Does my iPhone or Android handphone support a Africa eSIM?
iPhone XS and all newer models support HelloRoam eSIM in Africa. iPhone 13 and later models support dual eSIM, so your Singtel or StarHub line stays active for calls while HelloRoam handles travel data. For Android, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and later, and most 2019+ Android handphones support eSIM. Check your handphone Settings for an Add eSIM option to confirm compatibility.
Does a HelloRoam Africa eSIM work across the continent?
A HelloRoam Africa regional eSIM covers multiple African countries on one plan. Your phone switches to the local MTN, Airtel, Vodacom, or Safaricom partner network at each border automatically. Coverage quality varies from strong 4G in East African capitals to no signal in national parks and deserts.
Is there eSIM coverage in South Africa?
South Africa has strong 4G from Vodacom and MTN in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria. The Garden Route is well-covered. Kruger National Park has coverage at main gates and camps but not in the remote bush. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Africa eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from S$20.54. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Does a HelloRoam eSIM work in Kenya and on safari?
Kenya's Safaricom provides some of Africa's best 4G, especially in Nairobi and along the coast. Masai Mara national park has limited coverage away from main camps. Download offline maps before entering any game reserve. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Africa eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from S$20.54. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
