Buying a PAYG SIM for use in South Africa.

WLM21

My wife, will be travelling to South Africa in a few weeks time.

She has just got a new phone, her previous iPhone 5 contract (EE) has just come to an end.

She intends taking the old phone for her trip, then just leave it there with her sister. Can she buy a prepaid SIM card here in the UK for use while over in South Africa or would it be better (cheaper) to buy a SIM when she arrives.

She'll mainly be using the phone to phone her South African friends, so doesn't really need any data.

thanks

sandsy

I bought a Vodacom sim on eBay before our trip last October. I was provided with online account details so could load it up for calls, texts and at a before arriving.

It is cheaper to buy one there though. Vodacom and MTN are the two main carriers.

eDicky

The local SIM will be cheaper and more useful to be in touch with her friends without them having to make an international call.

Roger1

If she can wait until she gets to SA, she should buy a local SIM there.

She should avoid the airport shops. Expensive. She or her sister should buy a SIM at a Pick'n'Pay supermarket or similar store. Vodacom (and other) SIMs normally cost 1 rand.

Then, with phone and SIM, she should go to a Vodacom (or other airtime retailer) and top up with credit. Her sister may be able to advise which company to use for best coverage.

pmramsay

Possibly correct about the airport shops being a little more expensive but I sorted my sim card out at the airport for convenience and it didnt cost much more. If you do buy from a normal store make sure you take your passport with you or they wont sell you one.

Roger1

pmramsay wrote: »

Possibly correct about the airport shops being a little more expensive but I sorted my sim card out at the airport for convenience and it didnt cost much more.

More than 1 rand? IME airport retailers are much more expensive.

If you do buy from a normal store make sure you take your passport with you or they wont sell you one.

The same applies wherever you buy. It's because of the RICA regulations. http://www.afrihost.com/site/page/rica_information

OP's sister-in-law may be able to help by using her address.