Hello Africa offers a low-cost eSIM that works in 36 countries across Africa. Hello Africa plans start from US$27 and are available from Airalo.
If you're planning a trip to Africa, one of the easiest ways to use your cellphone whilst you're there is with a Hello Africa eSIM.
You can get a Hello Africa eSIM from US$27 at Airalo. This will allow you to use your cellphone in Africa for up to 30 days. The Hello Africa eSIM is available on a pre-paid basis for visitors to Africa and can be used in a total of 36 countries.
In this article, we'll look at the Hello Africa service in Africa, including how you're able to get it and the best Hello Africa eSIM deals. We'll also look at the coverage available on a Hello Africa eSIM, and the other ways of using your mobile phone in Africa (e.g. through international roaming).
| Plans From: | US$27 for 30 days |
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| Best Deals: |
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| Coverage: | 36 countries across Africa |
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Hello Africa Plans
If you're looking for an affordable way to use your cellphone when travelling in Africa, you can get a Hello Africa eSIM from only US$27 for 30 days usage.
To get a Hello Africa eSIM, you'll need to have an eSIM-compatible device such as the iPhone 11, Galaxy S20, Pixel 3 or later devices. You can then order your Hello Africa eSIM through the Airalo app with instant delivery direct to your phone. There's no need to queue at the airport or to register the Hello Africa eSIM with your ID, saving you lots of time.
The following table shows the eSIM plans that are currently available from Hello Africa in Africa:
| Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | None | None | 1GB | US$27.00 valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 3GB | US$59.00 valid for 30 days |
As a special offer for April 2024, you can get a 10% discount on all Hello Africa eSIMs. Simply enter the KEN10 voucher code at checkout. This offer is only available if you're new to Airalo.
If you've already used an Airalo eSIM in the past, you can use the KEN5 voucher code to get a 5% discount on your plan.
See all Hello Africa eSIM deals →
Once you've ordered your Hello Africa eSIM, it will only activate when your cellphone actually connects to a supported network in Africa. This means the validity period will only begin when you actually land in Africa and turn your cellphone on.
Your Hello Africa eSIM works with the dual-SIM function on most modern smartphones. This means you can use your regular SIM card alongside the Hello Africa eSIM (e.g. to receive incoming phone calls and text messages on your normal phone number).
Hello Africa eSIM Destinations
Your Hello Africa eSIM from Airalo can be used in the following 36 countries:
- Algeria
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Democratic Republic Of The Congo
- Egypt
- Eswatini
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
Alternatives to Hello Africa
The main disadvantage of Hello Africa is the fact you're getting a data-only service on the eSIM. You will not get a local phone number in Africa when you're using the Hello Africa eSIM in your phone.
If you'd like to call or text whilst you're travelling in Africa, you'll need to use your normal SIM card instead (on which international roaming fees may apply). Alternatively, you can side-step these charges by making your calls through WhatsApp or other similar apps.
If you're looking for a more fully featured SIM card with a local phone number in Africa, you could consider getting a regular prepaid SIM card upon arrival instead. This will involve some additional hassle (e.g. queuing up at the airport to get your SIM card, a registration process for the SIM card, etc) but it can be preferable and better suited for longer-term use in Africa.
Hello Africa Coverage
If you're using a Hello Africa eSIM, you'll have access to coverage from the partner mobile networks from across Africa:
| Country | Coverage Provider | Network Type |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Orascom | 4G |
| Benin | MTN | 4G |
| Botswana | MTN | 4G |
| Burkina Faso | Zain | 4G |
| Cameroon | Orange | 4G |
| Cape Verde | CV Movel | 4G |
| Central African Republic | Orange | 4G |
| Chad | Airtel | 4G |
| Côte d'Ivoire | Orange | 4G |
| Democratic Republic Of The Congo | Airtel (Celtel) | 4G |
| Egypt | Orange | 4G |
| Eswatini | MTN | 4G |
| Gabon | Zain | 4G |
| Gambia | Africell | 4G |
| Ghana | SPACEFON MOBILE - MTN | 4G |
| Guinea | MTN | 3G |
| Guinea-Bissau | Spicetel (MTN) | 4G |
| Kenya | Zain | 4G |
| Liberia | MTN | 4G |
| Madagascar | Orange | 4G |
| Malawi | CelTel (Zain) | 4G |
| Mali | Orange | 4G |
| Mauritania | MTEL | 4G |
| Mauritius | Orange | 4G |
| Nigeria | MTN | 4G |
| Nigeria | Zain | 4G |
| Republic of the Congo | Airtel (Celtel) | 4G |
| Rwanda | MTN | 4G |
| Rwanda | Tigo | 4G |
| Senegal | Orange | 4G |
| Seychelles | Airtel | 4G |
| Sierra Leone | Zain | 4G |
| South Africa | MTN | 4G |
| Sudan | MTN | 4G |
| Tanzania | CelTel (Zain) | 4G |
| Togo | Etisalat | 4G |
| Uganda | Airtel | 4G |
| Zambia | Celtel | 4G |
If you're only planning to visit one country on your trip, it may be cheaper to get a country-specific eSIM instead. This will normally be available at a slightly lower price than the Hello Africa eSIM.
Other Airalo eSIMs
Airalo's Hello Africa eSIM can only be used in Africa.
Regional eSIMs
The following regional eSIMs are also available from Airalo, covering other parts of the world:
- Asialink (Asia)
- Island Hopper (Caribbean Islands)
- Eurolink (Europe)
- Discover (Global)
- Latamlink (Latin America)
- Menalink (Middle East and North Africa)
- Americanmex (North America)
Country Specific eSIMs
You can also buy country-specific eSIMs from Airalo, including the following:
- Yes! Go! (Australia)
- Maneiro (Brazil)
- Tuque Mobile (Canada)
- Chinacom (China)
- Bonbon Mobile (France)
- Hallo! Mobil (Germany)
- Hkmobile (Hong Kong)
- Indicomm (India)
- Indotel (Indonesia)
- Mamma Mia (Italy)
- Moshi Moshi (Japan)
- Chorro Fon (Mexico)
- Choukran (Morocco)
- Fofo Mobil (Portugal)
- CellSA (South Africa)
- Guay Mobile (Spain)
- Merhaba (Turkey)
- Burj Mobile (United Arab Emirates)
- Uki Mobile (United Kingdom)
- Change Mobile (United States)
- Xin Chao (Vietnam)
For more information, read our Airalo review.
More Information
For more information about Hello Africa, please see the Airalo website.
Richard said:
Hi Ken
Love this site!
I’m off to South Africa in Feb 24 and I have a EE contract, they however do not cover that Country in their Data Roaming, what is the best way I can use my phone over there please?
Get a sim when I land or do you know any other deals
Thanks
Richard
Gilberto said:
hi. when I use Eurolink e card can I keep and use my original WhatsApp number?
Ken replied:
Hi Gilberto,
Thanks for your comment. Indeed, you can – you can continue using WhatsApp with your original number 🙂
Ken
James said:
I just arrived in the USA and Airalo is amazing – I bought the the sim on the airport wifi, and had it fully set up and on the network before I got to LAX baggage claim! So easy, no paperwork, didn’t need to find a shop/kiosk, queue, open up the phone or any of that nonsense. Also with dual sim capability I’m still able to use my British number for receiving sms/iMessage.
It’s good coverage too, and it automatically swaps between AT&T or T-Mobile depending on the area. I’d highly recommend it and look forward to using it in other places in the future.