HelloRoam sells prepaid eSIM data plans for Global, starting at R 222,98. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries through 212+ partner networks. Your eSIM links to local 4G/5G networks the moment you land. Scan a QR code to activate in under two minutes on any eSIM-compatible phone. Keep your Vodacom, MTN, or Cell C number active on dual SIM while your eSIM handles the data. WhatsApp support runs 24/7.
- coverage
212+- network type
4G/5G- set up
under 2 minutes
Last updated
Global local data plans on local networks
Affordable eSIM for Global, starting from R 222,98. Local 4G/5G data on partner networks in Global. Works on any carrier-unlocked, eSIM-compatible cellphone. A HelloRoam global eSIM covers 180+ countries from R 222,98 on 212+ local networks worldwide. South African frequent travellers activate once via QR code before leaving OR Tambo and stay connected across every continent without a SIM card swap. ZAR pricing shown at checkout, no monthly contract, and no roaming surprises on your South African bill.
Global eSIM with 4G/5G coverage
The HelloRoam Global eSIM gives South African travellers instant mobile data in 127 countries, from the Sahara to Scandinavia and New Zealand to Patagonia. One eSIM, one plan, sorted before you leave OR Tambo.
- Plans start at R 222,98 with 4G/5G speeds
- Coverage from local networks
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs
- Global coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G/5G
- Plans From
- R 222,98
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Refund
- 180 days if unactivated
How to Set Up an eSIM in Global
Follow these steps to get your eSIM sorted on iPhone or Android. Works for any international destination with no replacement SIM and no store visit. Set it up at home before you head to OR Tambo, Cape Town International, or King Shaka.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app
Set up an eSIM on your Android with the HelloRoam app
- 1
Choose your plan and check out online
Select a data plan for your destination and complete checkout in minutes.
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 everything from our mobile app
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs from one place.
Trip changed? No problem, we have got you sorted.
Plans change, and that is fine. With HelloRoam, you can request a full refund for your unactivated eSIM within 180 days of purchase. No fuss, no hassle, just send us a WhatsApp.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Global eSIM vs a travel SIM card or Vodacom, MTN and Cell C roaming
When comparing an eSIM vs a travel SIM card for Global, remember that roaming charges from Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom add up fast. Skip all of it, and skip the airport SIM shop: get a prepaid eSIM for Global from R 222,98 with a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs and no hidden airtime charges.
Why South African Travellers Pick HelloRoam e-sim for Global
24/7 WhatsApp and live chat support
Need help at 2 am in Dubai or midnight in Bangkok? HelloRoam support is available 24/7. Message us by live chat, WhatsApp, or email at help@helloroam.com. Mobile data problems don't wait for office hours, and neither do we.
Best eSIM for Global
Get data at 4G/5G speeds the moment you land in Global, with no roaming fees from Vodacom, MTN, or Cell C. Scan the QR code before you board, and HelloRoam connects you to local carrier networks as soon as you switch off flight mode. Whether you are on holiday or working, you are sorted before you clear customs.
Keep your Vodacom, MTN, or Cell C number active
Keep your Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Rain, or Telkom Mobile number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs travel data on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible cellphone. No need to choose between your local SA number and your overseas data. Your mobile banking OTPs and WhatsApp calls from family still come through on your home number while HelloRoam handles all your international data.
212+ carrier networks including Global
HelloRoam connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone joins a partner 4G/5G network automatically, and speeds depend on the local network. Works on iPhone XS and newer and on most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE).
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low on a fixed plan, so you can top up or buy a new plan in time. Where your plan allows it, top up from the app without reinstalling your eSIM or hunting for a SIM shop. Adding a fresh prepaid data package takes under a minute from your account dashboard.
Local 4G/5G network speeds
Connect to local 4G/5G networks in Global. Your phone joins a HelloRoam partner network for WhatsApp calls, Google Maps and video calls throughout your trip. Speeds depend on the local network and your location.
Regional and global plans
Heading to the UK, Thailand, or Mauritius and then somewhere else? HelloRoam regional plans cover many countries in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and more in one eSIM purchase. One eSIM for your whole trip. Your device switches to the local carrier network at each border automatically, so you stay connected without buying a new SIM or logging into airport Wi-Fi.
Hotspot and data sharing in Global
Share your Global eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your phone hotspot. No extra fees and no setup required. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Business travellers heading to Dubai or London can run a laptop off their travel data plan the whole trip without buying a separate portable Wi-Fi device.
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Global
See how HelloRoam compares with Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, and Ubigi for Global. The table covers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs, data overage charges, and instant QR code delivery.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |  Feature available |  Feature not available |  Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
What Is an eSIM? How It Works on Your Cellphone in Global
An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your cellphone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to deal with. Scan a QR code to activate your eSIM in under 2 minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid data plan for Global travel with no airport SIM shop, no airtime top-up at the destination, and no carrier contract. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get connected before your flight leaves OR Tambo, Cape Town International, or King Shaka. guide
Global connectivity for South African travellers
South African international roaming rates are among the most expensive in the world relative to local data prices. Vodacom and MTN bill roaming data by the MB unless you buy a bundle, so the cost climbs quickly on a long trip.
HelloRoam eSIM connects to local partner networks in each country, delivering local network speeds at a fixed pre-paid price. This matters for WhatsApp calling, Google Maps navigation, booking platforms, and video calls home.
Whether you are in Bangkok, London, New York, or Nairobi, you get a reliable connection without a surprise bill on your next bank statement.
- Cover 127 countries on one HelloRoam eSIM
- Local network speeds in every destination
- No roaming charges from Vodacom, MTN or Cell C
- Activate before you leave South Africa
- Keep your SA number active for WhatsApp on a dual-SIM phone
- GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index 2024;
- Vodacom International Roaming Rate Card 2024;
- MTN International Data Packages 2024
eSIM Travel Tips for Global
Install your eSIM before you leave South Africa
Install and activate your HelloRoam eSIM at home on your Wi-Fi connection. This way you have data the moment you land, without needing airport Wi-Fi to set it up. Test it by checking the signal bars once activated.
Download offline maps and key apps before departure
Google Maps, your airline app, your accommodation app, and currency converter apps should all be downloaded and offline maps pre-loaded before you board at OR Tambo or Cape Town. This saves data and frustration if you land on low signal.
WhatsApp is your lifeline across all continents
WhatsApp has over 2 billion users globally, including dominant penetration across Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. With data from your HelloRoam eSIM, WhatsApp voice and video calls are free to family and colleagues at home.
Check the re-entry rules for your passport before you book
South African passport holders have a different visa situation from British, EU, or US passport holders. Always check visa requirements directly with the destination country's embassy or via the official travel advisory on the South African Department of International Relations website.
Notify your South African bank before you travel
FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, and Capitec all have international travel notification options via their apps. Doing this prevents your card from being blocked for suspected fraud when you start spending in a new country.
How HelloRoam's global network works for South Africans
HelloRoam connects your device to a local partner network in each country your plan covers. In the UK you land on EE or Vodafone UK. In Japan you connect to NTT Docomo. In the UAE you access Etisalat (e&) or du. In Kenya you connect to Safaricom. This is different from South African carrier roaming, where your home carrier charges you to roam on the same local networks, and those charges add up fast on a long trip. HelloRoam's direct partner agreements mean you pay a fixed one-time plan price and connect to the local network without the daily charge model that makes South African roaming so expensive over a multi-week trip. For South African business travellers doing two or three international trips per year, the annual savings compared to Vodacom or MTN roaming are substantial.
- Various global carriers across all regions
Global connectivity costs: HelloRoam vs South African roaming
Here is how HelloRoam compares to standard South African carrier options for international travel.
| Category | HelloRoam eSIM Recommended | Local SIM card in each country | Carrier roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From ZAR 222.98 total | — | — |
| Details | Fixed pre-paid cost before you leave South Africa,Local network speeds in 127 countries,No daily fee accumulation on long trips,Dual SIM keeps your SA number active,Instant activation via QR code on your phone | Queue at airport kiosk after a long flight,New SIM needed at every country border,Registration requirements vary widely,SA number goes offline unless you have dual SIM | R 50 to R 150 per day depending on destination,Data throttled to slow speeds after daily threshold,Bill shock on return to South Africa,No control over accumulating costs |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
South African outbound travel patterns
South African school holidays drive major outbound travel peaks. December and January see the largest volume, driven by long summer school holidays. June and July see winter school holiday travel, predominantly to Europe, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. April sees Easter travel to Southern Africa and short-haul African destinations. September to October is increasingly popular for long-haul bucket-list trips with lower prices than December peak.
Explore Countries in Global
China
From $3
Get HelloRoam data in China covering Shanghai, Beijing, and more. Skip the hassle of local SIM cards.
China Mobile and Unicom run 5G in major cities. Download WeChat and maps offline before crossing.
France
From $3
Visit France with a HelloRoam eSIM and stay connected in Paris, Lyon, and across the country.
Free Mobile and SFR 5G cover Paris. Metro underground has no signal, so save maps offline.
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.
Brazil
From $2
Explore Brazil with HelloRoam eSIM data covering Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and major cities.
TIM 5G covers Sao Paulo and Rio. Coverage gets sparse in the Amazon, so save maps offline.
Åland Islands
From $2
Stay connected in the Aland Islands with a HelloRoam eSIM. Get data for Mariehamn and nearby areas.
Ålcom runs 5G across the Aland Islands. Activate before your ferry from Stockholm.
Albania
From $3
HelloRoam gives you eSIM data in Albania, covering Tirana, Durres, and the Albanian Riviera.
Vodafone Albania 5G covers Tirana and Durres. Signal weakens near Kosovo mountains.
Argentina
From $4
HelloRoam covers Argentina with eSIM data for Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Patagonia. Connect instantly.
Movistar 4G covers Buenos Aires and major cities. Coverage drops in Patagonia and the Andes.
Australia
From $3
HelloRoam provides eSIM data across Australia, from Sydney and Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone run 5G in cities. Coverage drops 200km beyond the coast.
Austria
From $2
Visit Austria with a HelloRoam eSIM and stay connected in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
3 Austria 5G covers Vienna and Graz. Coverage is reliable on main rail routes.
Azerbaijan
From $4
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Azerbaijan, covering Baku and cities across the country.
Bakcell 5G covers Baku. Azercell handles rural 4G. Activate before landing at HYD Airport.
Bahrain
From $3
HelloRoam offers eSIM data in Bahrain, keeping you online in Manama and across the kingdom.
STC and Zain run 5G in Bahrain. Coverage is reliable nationwide. Activate before landing at BAH.
Bangladesh
From $3
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Bangladesh covering Dhaka, Chittagong, and other major areas.
Banglalink 4G covers Dhaka and Chittagong. Signal can be congested in Dhaka at peak hours.
Belgium
From $2
HelloRoam provides reliable eSIM data in Belgium covering Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp.
Base, Orange, and Proximus run 5G in Brussels. Coverage is strong on Thalys trains to Paris.
Bolivia
From $8
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Bolivia covering La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.
Tigo 4G covers major Bolivian cities. Signal weakens on the Altiplano and drops in the Amazon.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
From $3
Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina with HelloRoam eSIM data for Sarajevo, Mostar, and more.
BH Mobile 4G covers Sarajevo and main cities. Coverage drops in mountain resort areas.
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.
Brunei
From $8
HelloRoam keeps you online in Brunei with eSIM data covering Bandar Seri Begawan and Seria.
DST 4G covers Brunei. Bandar Seri Begawan has solid signal. Temburong jungle has limited coverage.
Bulgaria
From $2
Stay connected across Bulgaria with HelloRoam eSIM plans for Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
Vivacom 5G covers Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. Black Sea coastal roads have good coverage.
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.
Cambodia
From $3
Get HelloRoam data in Cambodia for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Connect on arrival, no SIM swap.
Metfone 4G covers Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Coverage at Angkor Wat is reliable.
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Reviews
What Our Customers Say
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
Common questions about eSIM for Global
Which global eSIM plan covers the most countries for South African frequent travellers?
A HelloRoam global eSIM covers 180+ countries from R 222,98 on local networks worldwide. HelloRoam activates via QR code before you leave OR Tambo International. One activation, ZAR pricing confirmed, and no SIM card swap ever needed. No contract required for any global plan.
How does a global e SIM work for South Africans travelling across multiple continents?
South African travellers activate a global e SIM once via QR code before departure from R 222,98 through HelloRoam, covering 180+ countries on 212+ local networks with no roaming fees on your SA bill. One plan covers every continent, paid in ZAR. No contract or physical SIM card needed.
Which data SIM works best for South Africans travelling to Global?
A HelloRoam eSIM data plan is a simple way for South Africans to stay connected in Global. Plans start from R 222,98 and connect to local 4G/5G carrier networks in Global. Prices show in rand, there is no Vodacom or MTN roaming bill, and you activate by QR code on your eSIM compatible cellphone in under 2 minutes before boarding at OR Tambo, Cape Town International, or King Shaka. Unactivated eSIMs come with a 180-day refund.
How much does a Global eSIM cost compared to Vodacom or MTN roaming?
A Global eSIM starts from R 222,98, paid once upfront, and HelloRoam can save you money compared with carrier roaming. Roaming on Vodacom, MTN, or Cell C is billed on top of your normal plan while you are away. HelloRoam charges one prepaid price, with no per-megabyte billing, no daily add-ons, and prices shown in rand, so there is no conversion shock when you get home.
Which networks does eSIM use in Global?
eSIM in Global connects to local 4G/5G carrier networks. Your phone picks a partner network automatically on arrival, and speeds depend on the local network. Coverage spans major cities, airports, and most populated areas. Popular trips from South Africa, such as the UK, Dubai, Thailand, Mauritius, and Mozambique, all run on local partner networks.
How do I get a Global eSIM before flying from South Africa?
Getting your eSIM for Global takes three steps. Buy your plan at helloroam.com and complete checkout. Scan the QR code from your confirmation email in Settings under Add eSIM. Your eSIM installs in under 2 minutes. Do this at home or at OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), or King Shaka (DUR) before boarding. No store visit, no SIM card, no airport queue.
Does iPhone work with a Global eSIM for South African travellers?
iPhone XS and all newer models work with eSIM in Global. Go to Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code from your HelloRoam email. Your Vodacom, MTN, or Cell C SIM stays active on dual SIM for calls and texts. Set it up at home, at OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), or King Shaka (DUR) before boarding. Setup takes under 2 minutes.
What is a HelloRoam global eSIM?
A HelloRoam global eSIM is a digital SIM plan that installs on your phone and connects you to local mobile networks in 127 countries. You purchase and activate it before you leave South Africa, and it works automatically when you land at your destination.
Is HelloRoam cheaper than Vodacom roaming?
For most trips of a week or longer, yes. Vodacom and MTN roaming charges add up fast on a longer trip abroad. A HelloRoam eSIM is a fixed one-time purchase that covers the full trip without daily fees accumulating.
Does HelloRoam work in South Africa?
HelloRoam is a travel eSIM designed for international use. It connects to partner networks abroad. For South African domestic data, your Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, or Rain SIM remains your primary connection. The HelloRoam Global eSIM connects to local networks with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from R 222,98. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
