Airalo
$23.00 3 GB · 3 days
See planAt a glance
Airalo
$23.00 3 GB · 3 days
See planAfrica eSIM with 3GB: who offers what?
The bar shows price per GB: shorter is cheaper. Click a column header to sort.
All checked plans (16)
| Airalo | 1 GB | 3 | $11.00 | $11.00 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 3 | $23.00 | $7.67 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 7 | $25.50 | $8.50 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 7 | $33.50 | $6.70 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 15 | $37.00 | $7.40 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 30 | $41.00 | $8.20 |
| Saily | 1 GB | 7 | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| Saily | 3 GB | 30 | $39.99 | $13.33 |
| Saily | 5 GB | 30 | $48.99 | $9.80 |
| Saily | 10 GB | 30 | $69.99 | $7.00 |
| Saily | 20 GB | 30 | $89.99 | $4.50 |
| Yesim | 1 GB | 30 | $11.64 | $11.64 |
| Yesim | 3 GB | 30 | $42.00 | $14.00 |
| Yesim | 5 GB | 30 | $58.80 | $11.76 |
| Yesim | 10 GB | 30 | $88.80 | $8.88 |
| Yesim | Unlimited | 1 | $28.80 | — |
What does 3GB get you?
As a rule of thumb, an hour of browsing uses about 100MB, an hour of GPS navigation 5 to 10MB, and an hour of standard-definition video 0.7 to 1GB. So 3GB covers everyday use for several days, less if you stream video.
Set up your eSIM in 4 steps
- Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- Buy the plan, then scan the QR code you receive (or install through the provider's app), on Wi-Fi.
- When you arrive, turn on the eSIM line for data, and turn on roaming for that line only.
- Keep your main SIM for calls and texts, with data roaming turned off.
Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
Full ranking
- 1
7.7out of 10
- 2
5.4out of 10
- 3
5.2out of 10
How the score is calculated
Score out of 10 = 60% price (relative to the cheapest in the table) + 15% network (5G listed, network named) + 10% hotspot use + 15% range of options (unlimited available, number of durations).
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest eSIM for Africa?
Among the providers we compare, the cheapest plan for a typical trip is from Airalo, at $23.00. Prices are checked on the official websites and dated at the top of the page.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Most iPhones from the XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixels from the Pixel 3 onward are compatible. The phone also has to be unlocked. On iPhone: Settings > General > About, look for the "EID" line.
When should I install my eSIM?
Install it before you leave, on Wi-Fi, but turn on the data line when you arrive. Most plans only start at the first connection to the local network.
Do I keep my regular phone number?
Yes. Your main SIM can stay active for calls and texts; the travel eSIM only handles data. Remember to turn off data roaming on your main line.
Can I top up an eSIM in Africa?
Most providers let you add data from their app. Terms vary, so check the plan page before you buy.