Planning a trip to Eswatini and wondering how to stay connected?
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is one of the smallest countries in Africa. But despite its size, itโs worth a visit as there are plenty of things to see and do such as beautiful mountain landscapes, wildlife reserves, traditional villages and cultural experiences.
For many travellers, Eswatini is not the main destination, but often a stop along the way when travelling through South Africa. It can be a convenient stop when travelling between St Lucia on the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu-Natal and Kruger National Park.
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Visitors often spend a couple of days exploring Eswatini before crossing the border again and continuing their journey through South Africa or even to Mozambique.
If that sounds like the trip you are planning, thereโs one thing you might not have thought about yet: How are you going to stay connected when crossing into Eswatini?
If you have already bought a South African eSIM or SIM, you might assume that it will also work in Eswatini. Well, the good news is that your South African SIM may work in Eswatini through roaming. The bad news is that you may incur heavy roaming fees. If you have bought a Simunye Mobile South Africa eSIM, it won't include mobile data in Eswatini, as Eswatini isn't covered by the South Africa plan.
Letโs look at the different ways to stay connected in Eswatini as part of your South African trip, how much data you might need and why a regional eSIM can be a very convenient option.
Do you need mobile data in Eswatini?
If you are only visiting the country for a day or two, you might consider travelling without mobile data. But having an internet connection does make travelling considerably easier.
You will likely be using mobile data for:
- Google Maps and navigation: Even if you download the maps in advance, you never know if you need to make an unexpected detour.
- WhatsApp and other messaging apps: To stay in contact with your family at home, contact your accommodation if you are running late, or get in touch with the car rental company if you have a breakdown.
- Attractions and activities: You might want to look up certain attractions or activities along the way.
- Travel information: When you need to check an address, booking number, opening hours or other travel information.
Wifi is often available at many hotels, lodges and restaurants, but relying on Wifi alone can sometimes be inconvenient when you are out exploring.
How to get mobile data in Eswatini
There are a few ways to get online when travelling in and around Eswatini: use your existing mobile plan, buy a local SIM card or use a travel eSIM.
For most visitors, an eSIM is probably the easiest and often the most budget-friendly option. Letโs look at each option:
Using your existing mobile plan
Depending on your home mobile provider and plan, your regular SIM may work in Eswatini through international roaming.
The downside is that international roaming can be very expensive, so if you decide to use this option, it's worth checking with your provider before you travel so you know what to expect.
Buy a local SIM card
Another option is to purchase a local SIM card after arriving in Eswatini. But this is probably only a good choice if you are staying for a longer period of time.
For a short holiday, itโs less convenient as you will need to find a place that sells SIM cards, install the SIM and potentially deal with official registration or activation.
Use a travel eSIM
For most travellers, an eSIM is the most convenient option as you can buy your data plan before travelling and install the eSIM before you even leave home. When you cross the border, you can select the eSIM for mobile data and get connected. Thatโs how easy it is. No need to find a shop and no need to pay high roaming fees.
Visiting both Eswatini and South Africa?
Many people visiting Eswatini will also be travelling in South Africa and will also need a mobile data eSIM for South Africa.
One option could be to get a data plan for South Africa and another one for Eswatini.
But did you know that one regional data plan can be much easier and less expensive?
With a regional Africa eSIM that covers both South Africa and Eswatini, you can simply cross the border and stay connected for less, and with the same eSIM profile.
But don't worry, even if you only have a South Africa plan and later make an unplanned trip into Eswatini, you can still add an Eswatini plan to the same eSIM and the one plan will automatically take over from the other one as you cross the border, and when you go back. No need to install and toggle on yet another eSIM profile.
One eSIM for two countries, at a lower combined cost
If you are planning to travel to both South Africa and Eswatini, you could buy a separate eSIM for each country. But why would you?
With Simunye Mobile, our Africa eSIM data plans covers both South Africa and Eswatini. You only need one eSIM, no matter which of our covered destinations you go to, and it also works out cheaper than purchasing separate data plans for both countries.
This is particularly useful if you're travelling by car and crossing the border as part of your journey. You install the eSIM once and can keep using it as you travel between the countries covered by your plan.
So you can travel from South Africa into Eswatini and back again without changing eSIMs, buying another data plan or paying more than you need to.
How much data do you need in Eswatini?
How much data you need will of course depend on how you use your phone.
If you are only staying for a day or two, you probably don't need a huge data package if you mainly use your phone for navigation, WhatsApp and occasional browsing.
Our 10GB Africa data plan is valid for 30 days and should be more than enough for navigation, WhatsApp, sending photos to family and friends and occasional browsing.
If you need more data during your trip, you can simply top up the same eSIM. You can choose another Africa plan, or, if you're continuing your trip only in South Africa, a South Africa data plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does eSIM work in Eswatini?
Yes, as long as your eSIM plan includes Eswatini and your phone supports eSIM.
Do I need a separate eSIM for Eswatini if I already have one for South Africa?
No. You will use the same eSIM. But, if your data plan only covers South Africa, you will need another option for Eswatini. With the Simunye Mobile Africa eSIM, you can use the same plan in both countries.
Can I install my eSIM before travelling to Eswatini?
Yes. We recommend installing your eSIM before you leave, so everything is ready when you arrive or cross the border.
Can I keep my normal SIM while using an eSIM?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You can keep your normal SIM and mobile number active while using the Simunye Mobile eSIM for mobile data. Just be aware of roaming charges from your home operator for making and receiving calls while abroad.
Stay connected in Eswatini and South Africa
To summarise:
If you are travelling through South Africa and planning to spend a couple of days in Eswatini, you don't need to buy a separate eSIM for each country.
With the Simunye Mobile Africa eSIM, you can use the same eSIM and data plan in both South Africa and Eswatini.
Simply install your eSIM before you leave, activate it when you need it, and enjoy your trip without having to worry about finding a SIM card when you arrive.
Ready to stay connected? Check out our Africa eSIM plans and choose the data plan that suits your trip.
