Vodacom introduced eSIM in 2019. At the time of launch, it was available for wearables only. The introduction meant that Vodacom top-up and contract subscribers who signed up to the OneNumber service could extend available voice and data usage to their wearables. Signing up for the OneNumber service means that one is able to make a call or receive a call, or use data-based services when their primary smartphone is not nearby or off.
Whilst you, as a subscriber, were enjoying the extension onto the wearable, Vodacom started looking at introducing eSIM for your smartphone. eSIM for smartphones is available to our business and individual customers, which means that it is available to you regardless of your billing method (i.e. prepaid, top-up and contract customers).
What is an eSIM?
eSIM is a new technology where the SIM card is built directly into smart devices like smartphones, watches, and tablets. This means you don’t need to insert a physical SIM card to connect to a mobile network instead, you use a QR code or a push notification to activate the eSIM, thus connecting to the network.
Why Get an eSIM?
There are many benefits to doing a Vodacom eSIM swap:
Multiple numbers: You get up to eight virtual profiles on your device. This is super convenient if you’re travelling internationally and you want to get a local number in the country you’re travelling to. It’s also useful if you use a different number for work and personal use. No more being that person who carries two phones around!
Security: Swapping eSIMs is safer than swapping physical SIM cards because there’s no little piece of plastic to get lost or stolen.
Better for the planet: No plastic is used in the creation of an eSIM, as is the case with physical plastic SIM cards.
Sharing your plan across devices: If you activate the Vodacom OneNumber service on your eSIM, you can link your cell phone number to a second device – like a compatible smartwatch. Make like James Bond and take calls or receive notifications on your wrist.
How Do I Know If My Device Is eSIM Capable?
To confirm if your smartphone is eSIM capable, you can follow one of the following three steps:
- Visit your smartphone manufacturer's website to confirm if your device has eSIM capability or
- If you are using an Android-based (including a Huawei) smartphone, navigate to the “SIM manager/ Mobile Networks/SIM cards and mobile networks” options to view which SIM card types are supported by your device.
- If you are using an Apple device, simply go to “mobile data” (which is found in the settings.
When using options two and three to confirm your device's eSIM capability, you will see the words “Add eSIM/eSIM”.
How Do You Get an eSIM?
Vodacom eSIM is available for new activations and for SIM Swap. To get an eSIM, you simply visit one of our Vodacom stores, where one of our agents will assist you with your eSIM query.
The eSIM can be used when activating a new number or just doing a SIM Swap. Depending on your queries, you will be charged as described below (with the charge being paid in-store)
- New or existing prepaid subscribers will be charged R25 for a new activation or for a SIM Swap.
- Existing top-up and contract: you will be charged R63 for your SIM Swap (from to an eSIM).
- New top-up and contract: your cost of the eSIM will be covered by Vodacom, which means your initiation cost will be defined by your contract.
How to Get Your Vodacom eSIM Swap
Any Vodacom customer can do an eSIM swap, regardless of their billing method – prepaid, top-up and contract customers all qualify. And it’s so easy to do!
STEP 1: Make sure your device is eSIM compatible.
STEP 2: Visit your nearest Vodacom Store, where they will sell you a prepaid eSIM QR Code and assist you with the SIM Swap or refer you to our contact centre, where you will be assisted with your SIM Swap. For a top-up or postpaid customer, the in-store agents will assist you with your SIM Swap request.
The other option is that you can use one of the two self-service options as outlined below
- Vodapay: Log into our Vodapay platform, where you follow a guided journey to move from a physical/plastic SIM to an eSIM.
- eSIM conversion/transfer: This method is only available to Apple iPhone users holding an Apple iPhone 11 or newer, where the device is running IOS 26 or newer.
Depending on the channel you visit, the SIM Swap cost can vary from channel to channel. For example, when visiting a store, you may be charged R63 for your SIM Swap (to an eSIM), whilst on Vodapay, you may be charged/billed a lower amount for the same request.
It is important to note that when doing a SIM Swap, regardless of the location, you need to ensure that your initial SIM or iPhone (eSIM conversion or transfer) is available and connected to the network. In a case you had an eSIM on your lost or stolen phone, you will need to SIM Swap onto a plastic or physical SIM prior to moving back to an eSIM.
How to install your eSIM Swap
Connect your device to a wi-fi network, as this is a prerequisite in enabling the device to retrieve or receive or download the eSIM post the newly activated eSIM or the conclusion of the SIM Swap.
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