If you’re planning to move abroad but want to keep your South African phone number active, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s for receiving OTPs, staying on WhatsApp, or keeping in touch with family back home, holding onto that local number can save you a lot of hassle.
The good news? You don’t need to cancel it — you just need to manage it smartly.
Here’s how to keep your South African number alive while living overseas:
1. Switch to a SIM-only prepaid plan
Before you leave, ask your mobile provider (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, etc.) to switch your account to a SIM-only prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan. This way, you avoid monthly charges but can still keep your number active by topping up occasionally.
Tip: Make a small top-up every 60–90 days to prevent automatic deactivation due to inactivity.
2. Enable international roaming (if necessary)
Ask your provider if you can enable basic international roaming for SMS only. This is useful if you need to receive OTPs or login codes. Some networks let you receive SMSes for free while abroad — others charge, so ask about roaming fees.
Avoid using roaming for calls and data — it’s expensive. Just stick to SMS if that’s all you need.
3. Use your SA number on WhatsApp
Keep your South African SIM card active and insert it once in a while if you’re using dual SIM. You can continue using WhatsApp with your SA number even with a foreign SIM, as long as you don’t change your number inside the app.
4. Store your SIM safely
Even if you won’t use the number daily, bring your SA SIM card with you. Store it in a safe place and use it every few months in an unlocked phone to:
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Send/receive a quick SMS
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Check for activity
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Top up with airtime (can be done via online banking or apps)
5. Set up online account access
Make sure your mobile provider app or account (e.g. Vodacom app, MTN self-service portal) is linked to your email, so you can manage your number and recharge from anywhere in the world.
Bonus: Use eSIM if available
If your provider supports eSIM, consider switching to it before you leave. This frees up your phone’s SIM slot for a local number abroad while keeping your SA number active digitally.
