← All countries
Works fine
WhatsApp
Works fine
Works fine
Works fine
Works fine
Africa
South Africa
6 apps tracked5 work fine
Last verified: July 29, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer
Heads up before you go
Load-shedding (scheduled power cuts) can knock out signal and card machines.
Payments1
Apple Pay / Google Pay
Use instead: SnapScan
Contactless is widely accepted; SnapScan/Zapper QR wallets are common. Keep cash for load-shedding outages.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Messaging1
No direct substitute
WhatsApp works normally and is widely used.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Maps & Navigation1
Google Maps
No direct substitute
Google Maps works well for driving, walking and public transit.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Ride-hailing1
Uber
Use instead: Bolt
Uber and Bolt both work well in Cape Town, Johannesburg and other cities.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Internet Access1
U
Local app preferredUS carrier roaming
Use instead: Local eSIM (Airalo / Holafly)
US roaming works but is expensive; a local eSIM is cheaper and faster. Set it up before you land.
Set up before you land
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Social Media Access1
Instagram / Facebook / X
No direct substitute
US social apps work normally.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?