“very bad coverage, I've been traveling through Zimbabwe for a week and had a connection in exactly one place (Bulawayo) and also there not everywhere. Not even in touristy places like Victoria Falls it did work. Singly avoid this eSim from Airalo. I've also used there global eSim which worked just fine.”
Zimbabwe Travel eSIM FAQ
Everything you need to know about using eSIMs in Zimbabwe
How many travel eSIM brands (providers) are available for use in Zimbabwe, and how many prepaid data plans are there?
There are about 120 travel eSIM providers and more than 3, 000 prepaid data plans available for Zimbabwe, giving travelers a wide variety of options to choose from.
Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Zimbabwe?
Yes, there are unlimited‑data eSIM options for travelers heading to Zimbabwe. Several providers offer plans that do not cap the amount of data you can download, though they typically impose speed limiters or potential throttling. For instance, ESIM.DOG, Earth Esim and ASIMGO all supply unlimited data plans with 5G connectivity, but the maximum speeds are capped at 1 Mbps, 1 Mbps or 5 Mbps respectively, and the data may be throttled after a threshold. Roamify also offers unlimited plans, but its details include a broader range of prices and share the same throttling note without a specific speed cap listed. Pricing for these unlimited data plans varies considerably, generally ranging from as low as about US $3 to several thousand dollars, with the top‑end plans reaching around US $9 500. Travelers can therefore choose a plan that balances cost with their expected use, selecting a higher‑priced option if they anticipate heavy consumption or faster speeds, or a lower‑priced plan if moderate use will suffice.
What are the major mobile networks available for a travel eSIM in Zimbabwe?
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe: The largest telecommunications provider in Zimbabwe, offering extensive network coverage and a wide range of mobile services.
NetOne: A state-owned operator providing comprehensive mobile services with significant coverage across urban and rural areas.
Telecel Zimbabwe: The third-largest mobile operator, offering various mobile services with a focus on affordability.
In addition to these major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Zimbabwe has licensed its first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Dolphin Telecoms. MVNOs offer mobile services by leasing access from major carriers, providing additional options for consumers. However, most travel eSIMs rely on MNO infrastructure, not MVNOs.
Can I get a travel eSIM with a phone number and SMS for Zimbabwe?
Yes, travel eSIM plans that provide a phone number and SMS service for Zimbabwe are available. The only listed provider that offers this type of plan is Stixrs, which offers a 30‑day Zimbabwe Data & Voice eSIM with 50 MB of data, 15 minutes of voice time and 50 SMS, priced at about $34.50 USD. The phone number that comes with the plan uses the foreign dialing code +33 (France), so it is not a local Zimbabwe number. The plan includes both inbound and outbound voice and SMS, allowing local calls and text messages to and from the issued number.
Travelers who prefer a local number in Zimbabwe will need to look for other providers, or use data‑only eSIM options and communicate through VoIP applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram or iMessage over the data connection. These apps may be restricted in some areas of Zimbabwe, so it is advisable to check that they are accessible before purchasing.
Summarized by AI, Last updated:
All Travel eSIM Providers for Zimbabwe
Browse a list of eSIM providers offering data plans for Zimbabwe