FAQs

eSIMs eliminate the need for swapping physical SIM cards, offer the convenience of managing multiple numbers (e.g., your home and travel lines) simultaneously, and can often be activated before you arrive at your destination.

No, not all smartphones support eSIM. To check compatibility, you can look in your phone settings under “Mobile Networks” or “SIM” options for an “Add eSIM” feature. Compatible phones include most iPhones (XR and newer), Google Pixel models, and some Samsung Galaxy devices.

B4i.travel offer global or regional plans that cover multiple countries, while others may be limited to a single country. Always check the plan’s details before purchase.

Travel eSIMs are cheaper than standard roaming rates on your home SIM card. b4i.travel have negotiated the best rates possible and are often cheaper than the home rates in the country you are visiting.

No, with b4i.travel , there are no hidden or additional costs. The only time you will be charged is if is you purchase a top up on your service.

Yes, most phones that support eSIM allow dual SIM mode, meaning you can keep your regular SIM active for calls/texts while using the eSIM for data. We recommend you turn off data on your primary SIM or set your eSIM as your data preference to prevent unwanted data roaming charges.

The duration depends on the plan you purchase. Some plans are valid for a certain number of days, while others are tied to data usage. b4i.travel allows you to top up your package to extend it.

Once a travel eSIM has been used you would need to top it up to keep it active. If the SIM expires, you will need to purchase a new eSIM for each trip.

Most b4i.travel eSIMs are data-only, meaning they do not support voice calls or SMS. We do offer a few global packages, that include calls, text and data. All eSIMS will support WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime or iMessage for calls and messaging.

You can usually check your remaining data in the app provided by the eSIM provider or by visiting their website. Some phones also allow data usage tracking under settings.

Typically, travel eSIMs offer similar speeds to local SIMs as they use local networks. However, speeds may vary based on network congestion, location, and the provider’s partnerships with local carriers.

Yes, our eSIMs allow you to use your device as a hotspot to share data with other devices. However, some local carriers do not support mobile hotspot. Please check with the provider to ensure that tethering is supported.

Most of our eSIM network partners only support 4G/LTE. As our partners develop their 5G network we will support a 5G option.

Can I top it up? Yes, b4i.travel offers top-up options if you run out of data. You can purchase additional data through the b4i.travel website.

Travel eSIMs are often much cheaper than using international roaming through your home carrier, especially for data. Carrier roaming fees can be significantly higher.

Most b4i.travel eSIMs are data-only, so they do not offer a phone number for incoming calls or SMS. You would still use your regular SIM for these services or rely on internet-based communication apps. We do have a few global packages that include calls, data and SMS’s. It is advisable you check the specific of the package you purchase to ensure you are getting the service requirements you are looks for.

Yes, eSIMs are generally secure as they use encryption and follow similar security standards as physical SIM cards. However, always choose reputable providers to ensure your data privacy.

The reliability depends on the local networks the eSIM connects to. In general, eSIMs offer the same stable connections as a physical SIM, but there can be coverage gaps depending local network coverage at your the destination.

B4i.travel offer customer support via email or WhatsApp chat.

Some countries or regions may restrict eSIM use, or providers may not have coverage agreements in more remote areas. Always check the provider’s coverage map to ensure service in your destination.

Travel eSIMs are typically designed for short-term stays, often ranging from a few days to a few months. Long-term travellers may want to consider local SIMs or extended eSIM plans.

Generally, all apps that require an internet connection will work with a travel eSIM. However, some location-based services (like online banking) may require two-factorverification tied to your home country SIM.

Yes, many eSIMs are compatible with other devices like tablets and laptops, as long as the device supports eSIM functionality.

You can purchase and activate your b4i.travel eSIM before you leave your home country. This allows you to have service as soon as you land at your destination. The package will only begin when you connect to the destination network.

You can delete the eSIM from your phone’s settings. Go to “Mobile Networks” or “SIM” options, select the eSIM profile, and choose to delete or deactivate it.

Save up to 500% on international calls from South Africa.
Billed per second from the first second.
Call abroad for cheaper than a local mobile call.
Please note that R5 is deducted from your airtime every 30 days or part thereof.
Review our international calling+ rates here.

Call costs vary by country whether you are calling a landline or mobile. Non discounted calling on average costs $2.00 per minute.

By adding the International Calling add on or buying a plan with this included it will allow you unlimited FREE International calling to 80 countries Landline and Mobiles.

Countries not included are then also charged at a drastically reduced rate of $0.10 on average per minute.

Your mobile phone or tablet should automatically update the settings (also referred to as the APN settings). However, if they do not update automatically, we have provided a handy instruction sheet with your SIM card to guide you through this manually.

While we have selected the best networks with the widest coverage and largest roaming partners, it is still not possible to guarantee coverage everywhere. If you are travelling to rural towns there may be areas with limited or no cellphone coverage. Our service is subject to local network availability.

Yes, we pre-activate your SIM card before your arrival. So, it is ready to work as soon as you land. Please note though: if your phone is on during the flight, you will need to restart it. It can take a minute or two to find network signal the very first time it is connected.

We offer fully rechargeable pre-paid SIM cards. They will remain active for 60 days with no usage. However, you can keep them active indefinitely by recharging them and sending a text or making a billable call.

Yes, we most definitely do. Feel free to contact us to discuss a group discount or our affiliate program for large groups or reoccurring orders.

With a Travel SIM card, there are no nasty bill surprises when you return home. You know exactly what you get upfront and know exactly how much you are spending.

International roaming rates vary depending on your home network roaming agreement with each international network. It can be as much as 300% more expensive than using a travel SIM and, not only do you pay for outgoing calls, but you also pay for incoming calls and voicemail retrieval. Since cross-network billing is delayed, an international roaming bill can reflect as much as 2 or 3 months after your return.

This depends on where you are travelling. For our European and Data SIM packages, you will get your number on delivery. For South African SIM cards, you will get your number 7-days prior to your travels and for the USA, your number will get issued 24 – 48 hours prior to arrival. Feel free to contact us should you require special arrangements.

For the USA, you can add additional airtime, data, and international credits at any T-Mobile store, most convenience stores, or on T-Mobile’s website.

For UK/Europe on Three Mobile’s website.

And, for South Africa, you can visit any Cellucity, Vodacom Shop, or almost all convenience stores.

We always suggest you place your orders as early as possible. There are some customers that pre-book their SIM cards 6 – 12 months ahead of time. Our minimum lead-times depend if you select shipping or collection:

If you choose to collect your SIM card in South Africa at our conveniently located Airport stores, we require a minimum lead-time of 3-days.

International delivery can take up to 10 working days. Should you opt to have your SIM card delivered, in order to ensure that you are not disappointed by a missed delivery we do require that your SIM card is ordered at least 10 business days before your trip. In most cases, it will arrive within 3 – 7 days, but international shipping can experience delays and we would rather be safe

Data bundles have a 30-day expiry. We pre-load data bundles 24 – 48 hours prior to your arrival. This is to ensure your SIM card is set up and working as soon as you land. If your package includes additional airtime, this does not expire but is subject to network activity rules (there must be usage activity at least once every 60-days).

Your order will be waiting at our Vodacom store as requested in your order. You will need to produce your Passport to verify your identity in terms of South Africa’s RICA laws. We understand you have flown a long way so b4i.travel customers skip the queue and the collection process is quick and easy.

Our South African and European SIM cards include additional credit for international calls and text messages. You can recharge this as required. Our USA SIM cards give you unlimited local calls and texts, but you will need to purchase additional credit for international calls. The data only packages do not include any calls or texts.

We offer an all-in-one SIM card, meaning that no matter which sized SIM card your device supports, the cards we supply will fit your device. It is important to check that your device is not network locked.