How long does it take to receive my eSIM?

Your QR code is emailed straight after payment, usually within minutes.

When should I install my eSIM?

Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly, then switch it on when you land.

Do I need to turn on data roaming?

Yes, for the travel eSIM line only. Keep data roaming off on your South African line to avoid roaming charges.

Will WhatsApp still use my South African number?

Yes. WhatsApp is linked to your number, not your SIM, so it keeps working on your normal number over the eSIM data.

What if my eSIM does not connect?

Restart your phone, check that data roaming is on for the eSIM line and that it is selected for mobile data. If it still does not work, message us on WhatsApp +27 64 520 4019.

How a Goshen Telecoms Travel eSIM Works

Getting online abroad with a Goshen Telecoms eSIM takes four steps: choose a plan, pay in rand, install the QR code at home and switch the eSIM on when you land. Most people finish the setup in under ten minutes, and you can do it all from your phone.

Step 1: Choose your destination and plan

Search for the country you are visiting, or pick a regional or global plan if your trip crosses borders. Each destination page shows the live data allowances, the number of days each plan is valid and the price in rand. If you are not sure how much data you need, use the eSIM plans page or the data estimator to match a plan to your trip.

Step 2: Pay in rand

Checkout is in South African rand through Yoco, using your normal South African card. Because the charge is in ZAR, there is no foreign-currency conversion on your statement. You enter your email address so we can send your eSIM, and you can ask us for a VAT invoice if the trip is for business.

Step 3: Install the QR code at home

Straight after payment we email you a QR code and install steps. Install it at home while you are on Wi-Fi, ideally a day or two before you fly. On an iPhone go to Settings, then Mobile Service or Cellular, then Add eSIM, and scan the code. On Android go to Settings, then Connections or Network and internet, then SIM manager or SIMs, and add an eSIM.

Give the new line a clear label such as Travel so you can tell it apart from your South African line. Leave it switched off until you arrive.

Step 4: Connect when you land

When you land, a few settings get you online without touching your South African number.

Turn on the travel eSIM line.
Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line.
Switch on data roaming for the travel eSIM only.
Keep data roaming off on your South African line to avoid roaming charges.
Leave your South African line on if you want to receive bank OTP messages.

While you travel

Use WhatsApp, maps, email and social media as normal. WhatsApp keeps working on your South African number because it runs over data, so friends and family can reach you as usual. If you start running low, open the manage page, check your usage and buy a top-up in rand when one is offered for your eSIM.

If something does not connect, restart your phone, check that data roaming is on for the eSIM line and that the eSIM is selected for mobile data. Our South African team can help on WhatsApp +27 64 520 4019.

What you need before you start

Check three things before you buy. First, your phone must support eSIM: dial *#06# and look for an EID number. Second, your phone must be network unlocked, which matters most for contract phones from South African networks. Third, you need Wi-Fi to install the QR code, so do it at home rather than at the airport.

It also helps to know your route. If you will cross a border, compare a regional plan with buying two local plans. The eSIM plans page shows the price per GB for every package side by side.

Tips for a smooth first day

Download offline maps for your first city before you fly, in case you land somewhere with weak signal. Save your delivery email somewhere you can find it without data. If your phone asks which line to use for iMessage, FaceTime or WhatsApp, keep your South African number so people recognise you. Finally, check your usage after the first day so you know whether your plan will last the trip.

After your trip

When the plan's validity ends, the eSIM stops using data. You can leave it on your phone for a future top-up or delete it in your SIM settings. Switch mobile data back to your South African line when you are home.

Questions

How long does it take to receive my eSIM?: Your QR code is emailed straight after payment, usually within minutes.
When should I install my eSIM?: Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly, then switch it on when you land.
Do I need to turn on data roaming?: Yes, for the travel eSIM line only. Keep data roaming off on your South African line to avoid roaming charges.
Will WhatsApp still use my South African number?: Yes. WhatsApp is linked to your number, not your SIM, so it keeps working on your normal number over the eSIM data.
What if my eSIM does not connect?: Restart your phone, check that data roaming is on for the eSIM line and that it is selected for mobile data. If it still does not work, message us on WhatsApp +27 64 520 4019.