Using Vodafone device (SA eSim) in South Africa

[EvanB]

Hi, I am a Pay Monthly Sim only Vodafone customer as my phone is now paid for so I switched to Sim only. I own an iPhone 11 and want to use it in South Africa with an eSim. I know iPhone 11s can do eSim, but I read that if the carrier has locked the device it cannot be used as an eSim. I am there for the Winter (3 months) so do not want to incur a £7plus per day charge to roam in Zone C as that will cost £665 plus I believe over 62 days of roaming and I am charged even more due to fair usage policies.

So I was wondering if anyone knows the best course of action. I want to get a South African SIM to phone my friends locally (I am South African, been in UK 20 years) but if this doesn't work I will just buy a cheap handset over there with a SA Sim - but thought I would try to use my UK device first with an eSim if I can

[Andy]

Hi @EvanB 👋 You should certainly be able to use a local eSIM while in South Africa. Your iPhone should already be unlocked, you can double check this by going to your Settings, General, About, then scroll down to Network Provider Lock, if it says No SIM restrictions there you will be fine using a different SIM.

[EvanB]

@AndyMany thanks! You are a scolar and a gentleman! My iPhone does indeed say No SIM restrictions. You saved me a trip to Vodafone in Kingston today! Happy days! 😊