Pre Paid SIM Card for International Tourist

[PJL]

What others have suggested is spot on Mel... grab yourself a pay as you go sim card at the airport and purchase a top-up voucher. The value of that airtime can then be used to purchase 30 day internet data bundles - on Vodacom a 1GB bundle is R149.

[Mel]

More great advice coming in here - thanks, arks, RobT and PJL!

If I put the SA sim card into my smartphone, I should be able to use my internet connection at home too. Will that help to keep the card alive if I send Whatsapps? Strictly speaking, it doesn't have to do with any of the data / airtime I bought, but the number is used, so should be kept active like that as well.

[Lisbeth]

You cannot use it at home, as you do not have a Vodacom network! In any case, if I do not error, it is valid for a year

[arks]

So far as I understand it, when you take your SA pay as you go SIM overseas, you must activate 'roam on' before you leave SA and while overseas you can only send SMSes, you do NOT have internet access when you are overseas. With my phone, it connects to a local (US) provider that I assume has some sort of reciprocal agreement with Vodacom, but I can ONLY send SMSes, no calls or internet. Without sending an occassional (monthly or bi-monthly) SMS, your SA number will become inactive after six months.

[Mel]

I see... Thanks for clarifying once again, arks.

[arks]

Pleasure, Mel. Hope you find what you need.