Stop paying roaming rates when you travel abroad
South Africa's smarter travelers use KnowRoaming, instant international data, no roaming bill shock, and cashback on every trip.
You've seen the roaming bill. You know the feeling.
You land in London, switch off airplane mode, and spend the next two weeks rationing your data like it's the last Wi-Fi on earth, because your home network's international roaming rates make every Instagram post feel like a luxury.
South Africans are among the most well-traveled people on the continent. But traditional roaming plans charge you hundreds of Rands per day for capped, throttled data that runs out before lunch.
There's a better way.
What Is an eSIM and why do South African travelers need one?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of buying a local SIM at the airport or paying your home network's roaming rates, you download a data plan before you leave, and connect automatically the moment you land.
No queuing at airport SIM kiosks. No swapping cards. No roaming surprises on your next network statement.
KnowRoaming gives you:
- Coverage in 200+ destinations and destinations worldwide
- Unlimited data plans for the destinations South Africans travel to most
- Activation in under 2 minutes, before you even board your flight
How much could you save?
Most South African travelers on traditional roaming plans pay between R150 and R300 per day for limited, capped data allowances, often as little as 100MB to 200MB before throttling kicks in.
On a 10-day trip to the UK, that's potentially R1,500 to R3,000 for a frustrating, restricted data experience.
KnowRoaming offers unlimited data plans for the same trip at a fraction of that cost, with no daily caps, no throttling surprises, and no bill shock when you get home.
Where are you headed? KnowRoaming has you covered.
South Africans travel everywhere. KnowRoaming covers 200+ destinations so wherever you're going, we've got a plan for you.
Most popular destinations for South African travelers:
United Kingdom: Full 4G/5G coverage. Instant activation.
Europe: One plan covers 30+ European countries. Perfect for multi-country trips.
UAE (Dubai): High-speed data across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
United States: Coverage on major US networks. Business and leisure.
Thailand: Affordable unlimited plans for one of SA's favorite holiday destinations.
Mauritius: Stay connected without paying island roaming premiums.
Africa: Coverage across Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco and more.
Does your phone support eSIM?
Most smartphones sold in South Africa from 2020 onwards support eSIM. This includes:
Apple iPhone: iPhone XS and newer (including all iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 models)
Samsung Galaxy: S20 and newer, including S24, S23, S22 series; also Z Fold and Z Flip range
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer
Not sure? Use our compatibility checker to confirm your device in 30 seconds.
Important: Your device must be network unlocked to use a KnowRoaming eSIM. Most South African phones purchased outright or after contract completion are unlocked. Contact your network provider to unlock your device before travel if needed.
How it works, activate in 3 steps
Step 1: Choose your destination and plan Select where you're going and how long you'll be away. Pick from daily, weekly, or trip-length unlimited plans.
Step 2: Add your eSIM before you leave You'll receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone's settings, takes under 2 minutes. Your South African number stays active on your primary SIM the entire time.
Step 3: Land and connect automatically Switch to your KnowRoaming eSIM when you board or when you land. You'll connect to a local network automatically. No kiosks, no SIM swapping, no waiting.
What South African travelers are saying
"It was convenient and connected easily. Was able to keep to contact and carry life normally as if I did not loose connectivity at all. Loved it", Arshad, Johannesburg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Great coverage, affordable, quick setup.", Anonymous, Cape Town ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Fantastic service. It worked beautifully in two countries with no trouble at all. I will certainly use KnowRoaming going forward . Keep up the great work!", Ashika., Mafikeng ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my South African number while using KnowRoaming? Yes. Your South African SIM stays in your phone and your local number remains active. KnowRoaming runs as a second eSIM profile, you use it for data while your SA number handles calls and SMS as normal.
Do I need to unlock my phone? Your device needs to be network unlocked to add a KnowRoaming eSIM. If you're unsure, contact your network provider, unlocking services are typically free once your contract has ended.
What happens if I run out of data? You can top up instantly through the KnowRoaming app from anywhere in the world. Auto top up is also available so you're never left without data mid-trip.
Does KnowRoaming work across multiple countries on one trip? Yes. Multi-country regional plans cover Europe (30+ countries), Africa, and other regions on a single plan. You don't need separate eSIMs for each country.
Is KnowRoaming better than buying a local SIM at the airport? For most trips, yes. Local SIMs require you to change your number, lose WhatsApp access on your SA number, and queue at kiosks when you're already tired from traveling. KnowRoaming is added before you leave and connects automatically when you land.
Ready to travel smarter?
Join thousands of South African travelers who've stopped paying roaming rates and started traveling connected, for less.
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Foire aux questions
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