Prepaid SIM Cards in Eswatini

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Overview

Staying connected in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is easy and affordable thanks to two national mobile operators — MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile.
Both provide prepaid SIM cards, 4G/LTE (and limited 5G), and competitive data bundles for locals and visitors. You can buy SIMs in airports, towns, or official stores — registration with your passport or ID is mandatory.

Official Operator Websites

These websites list the latest prepaid plans, USSD codes, coverage maps, and apps for easy management.

Availability — Where to Buy a SIM Card

You can buy a prepaid SIM card in Eswatini at:

  • King Mswati III International Airport (Manzini) – MTN counters available on arrival.
  • MTN & Eswatini Mobile stores – in Mbabane, Manzini, Matsapha, Siteki, Nhlangano, and other towns.
  • Authorized retailers & supermarkets – look for yellow (MTN) or red (Eswatini Mobile) branding.
  • Online (eSIMs) – via global providers like Airalo, Ubigi, or Nomad eSIM if your phone supports it.

Network Frequencies

Network2G3G4G/LTE5G (test)
MTN Eswatini900 MHz2100 MHz1800 MHz (Band 3)Select cities
Eswatini Mobile900 MHz2100 MHz1800 MHz (Band 3)Limited rollout

✅ Most modern phones work perfectly; just ensure your device is unlocked and supports Band 3 (1800 MHz).

Coverage & Speed

  • MTN Eswatini: The largest network with near-nationwide 4G coverage. Fastest speeds (up to 40–60 Mbps) in Mbabane, Manzini, and Matsapha.
  • Eswatini Mobile: Strong urban coverage and improving rural reach. Also testing 5G in city centers.

Both networks offer stable 4G LTE for browsing, streaming, and mobile banking, but expect slower speeds in remote or mountainous areas.

At-a-Glance Comparison

FeatureMTN EswatiniEswatini Mobile
CoverageBest nationwideExpanding network
SIM PriceSZL 50–99 (≈ $3–6)SZL 50 (≈ $3)
Tourist SIMsAvailableAvailable
eSIM Support✅ Yes✅ Yes
Social BundlesWhatsApp, Facebook, TikTokWhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook
AppsMTN MoMo, MyMTN AppEswatini Mobile App
Top-Up MethodsVouchers, MoMo, Bank appsVouchers, E-Mobile Wallet

Biometric SIM Registration

All SIM cards in Eswatini require biometric registration under national telecom laws.
When buying a SIM, present:

  • Your passport (for tourists) or ID card (for locals)
  • Sometimes a photo or fingerprint for verification

Registration is quick — usually done by the shop attendant during purchase.

Device Registration

No strict IMEI is blocking for visitors, but make sure your phone is unlocked and supports 4G/LTE 1800 MHz.
If your device is imported or dual-SIM, insert the Eswatini SIM in slot 1 for faster LTE detection.

Operator Apps

SIM Card Price

SIM TypePrice (approx.)Includes
MTN Prepaid SIMSZL 50–99Starter data + airtime
Eswatini Mobile Prepaid SIMSZL 50Starter data or bonus minutes
Tourist eSIMUSD 5–151–3 GB data (data-only)

eSIM in Eswatini

Both MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile support eSIMs for compatible devices.
Alternatively, global eSIM providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Ubigi sell data-only eSIMs that connect to MTN’s network.
Perfect for travelers who want instant connectivity without visiting a store.

MTN Eswatini — Prepaid Packages & Add-Ons

Data Feature Packages

PackageDataValidityPrice (SZL)
Daily250 MB1 Day10
Weekly1 GB7 Days25
Monthly5 GB30 Days99
Night Bundle2 GB7 Days (11 pm–5 am)20

Social Media Bundles

  • WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – from SZL 5/day.
  • Dial *686# → “Social Bundles” or use the MyMTN App.

Data-Only SIM

MTN also offers data-only SIMs for modems and routers (up to 100 GB packages). Ideal for digital nomads or home users.

Eswatini Mobile — Prepaid Packages & Add-Ons

Data Feature Packages

PackageDataValidityPrice (SZL)
Daily250 MB1 Day10
Weekly1 GB7 Days25
Monthly10 GB30 Days149
Unlimited SIM-Only100 GB @ 5 Mbps30 Days395

Social Media Bundles

  • WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter bundles from SZL 5/day.
  • Activate via *123# → “Social Packs”.

Data-Only SIM

Eswatini Mobile also provides data-only SIMs for routers and tablets — ideal for fixed wireless internet.

Tourist SIM in Eswatini

Tourists can buy special short-term prepaid bundles from MTN or Eswatini Mobile.
They usually include:

  • 1–3 GB data
  • Local call minutes
  • Valid for 7–14 days
  • Price: ~SZL 99–149

Bring your passport for registration at the counter.

Activation Steps

  1. Insert the SIM into your phone.
  2. Power on and wait for the network signal.
  3. Register at the point of sale (with passport/ID).
  4. Dial USSD to buy bundles:
    • MTN: *686#
    • Eswatini Mobile: *123#
  5. Restart your device if data doesn’t activate automatically.

How to Check the Remaining Balance

ActionMTN EswatiniEswatini Mobile
Check Balance*136# or *556#*123#
Check Data*686# → My Bundles*140#
Buy Bundle*686#*123#
Customer CareDial 922Dial 34011000

Helpline Numbers

How to Top-Up (Recharge)

You can top up airtime or data in several ways:

  1. Scratch Card / Voucher: Buy at any shop and dial the recharge code.
  2. Mobile Money (MTN MoMo or E-Mobile Wallet): Transfer funds to airtime instantly.
  3. Bank Apps & ATMs: Most local banks allow airtime purchases.
  4. International Online Top-Up: Use sites like Ding.com or Recharge.com to top up from abroad.

Tips for Travelers

✅ Carry your passport for SIM registration.
✅ Ensure your phone supports 4G Band 3 (1800 MHz).
✅ Prefer eSIM for instant data if you arrive late.
✅ Use MTN MoMo for easy top-ups and bill payments.
✅ Check bundle validity regularly to avoid data expiry.

Conclusion

Getting a prepaid SIM card in Eswatini is simple, fast, and inexpensive.

  • MTN Eswatini offers the widest coverage and a variety of social/data bundles.
  • Eswatini Mobile is a strong alternative with flexible “SIM-only” and 5G-ready plans.
  • Travelers can also use eSIMs for instant connectivity.

With both networks offering affordable packages, excellent 4G coverage, and tourist-friendly registration, staying connected in Eswatini has never been easier.

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