A SIM-only contract gives you a monthly allocation of data, minutes and SMSs (or airtime value) on a SIM card, without a new phone. It suits you if you already own a phone you’re happy with. Because you’re not paying off a handset, the monthly cost is usually lower than a phone contract with a similar plan, and many SIM-only plans are month-to-month.
For every deal type in one place, including phone, data and device contracts, visit Contract Deals.
Compare SIM Card Contract Deals
Compare SIM-only plans on what you’ll actually use each month.
| What to compare | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Data | Anytime vs night data, and whether unused data rolls over |
| Minutes | On-net minutes (same network) vs all-network minutes |
| SMSs | Useful mainly if you use SMS for banking or work |
| Term | Month-to-month vs fixed term |
| Cancellation notice | How many days’ notice, and whether penalties apply |
| Once-off fees | SIM, connection or activation fees |
| Bonuses | Once-off vs recurring, and how long they last |
| SIM format | Physical SIM or eSIM, and whether your phone supports it |
SIM-only vs phone contract
- Choose SIM-only if your phone is in good condition, you want flexibility, or you’d rather buy a phone outright.
- Choose a phone contract if you want to spread the cost of a new handset over 24 or 36 months.
Current SIM Card Contract Deals
SIM-only plans are updated less often than device deals, but bonuses and promotions still change.
Example: Telkom FlexOn SIM-only
Telkom’s deal catalogue for 7 September to 6 October 2026 lists FlexOn SIM-only plans from R149 pm for FlexOn»2, which includes 2GB of all-network anytime data, 500 Telkom-to-Telkom minutes, 75 all-network minutes and 500 SMSs (checked September 2026). Larger FlexOn plans add more data and minutes. The catalogue also notes 20GB of once-off bonus data, valid for 31 days from activation.
Telkom’s PureFlex plans are also offered as a SIM-only, month-to-month option, according to the same catalogue.
Getting the SIM itself
A SIM-only deal still needs a physical or eSIM SIM card, and where it comes from depends on the route you take. On a contract, the network issues the SIM as part of the application and RICA applies before it is activated. On prepaid, you buy the SIM and register it yourself. Either way you will need your ID and proof of address to RICA the line, and the number can usually be ported from another network if you want to keep it.
If you are buying a SIM for a tablet, router or second device rather than a phone, check that the plan is sold for that device type — data plans are not always interchangeable across devices.
Other SIM-only routes to check
- Vodacom SIM-only (SIMO): Vodacom’s contract terms describe SIMO contracts on a month-on-month basis.
- MTN SIM-only: check MTN’s current SIM-only plans and terms on its site.
- Cell C SIM-only: check Cell C’s current plans and terms on its site.
- Month-to-month subscriptions: Vodacom PowerFlex is sold as a month-to-month plan without a long-term contract or credit check, according to Vodacom.
Prices and bonuses change. Confirm the plan details on the network’s own site before applying.
Monthly Prices and Contract Terms
Month-to-month
Many SIM-only plans run month-to-month. Vodacom’s contract terms say its SIMO month-to-month contracts need 3 business days’ notice to cancel, and that no termination penalties apply. That flexibility is the main advantage over a device contract.
Fixed term
Some SIM-only plans are offered on a fixed term, sometimes with a lower monthly price or extra bonuses. Cancelling early may carry charges, so check the cancellation clause.
After a phone contract ends
If your phone contract has finished, you may still be paying the full amount on a month-to-month basis. MTN’s and Vodacom’s terms both describe contracts continuing month-to-month after the initial period. Moving to SIM-only can reduce your bill if your phone still works well.
Fees to budget for
- Once-off SIM and connection fee. Telkom’s catalogue lists an R99 once-off SIM and connection fee on many of its current deals.
- Out-of-bundle usage beyond your allocation.
- Add-ons that convert from free trials to paid.
What Is Included
A SIM-only plan typically includes:
- A SIM card or eSIM on your chosen network;
- Monthly data, usually anytime data;
- Minutes, often split between on-net and all-network;
- SMSs;
- A credit or spend limit for out-of-bundle use, set by the network.
What’s not included
- A handset;
- Device insurance;
- Usage beyond your allocation, which is billed separately.
Number porting
You can usually keep your existing number when moving networks. Vodacom’s PowerFlex page, for example, lets you keep your existing number, activate an eSIM or get a new SIM. Ask about porting when you apply.
Networks, Retailers or Providers to Compare
| Network | SIM-only routes | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | SIMO month-to-month contracts; PowerFlex subscriptions | Notice period, credit limit, rollover |
| MTN | SIM-only contracts | Current plans, term and cancellation terms |
| Telkom | FlexOn SIM-only plans; PureFlex SIM-only month-to-month | Once-off fee, bonus data validity |
| Cell C | SIM-only contracts | Current plans and terms |
Retailers and service providers may also sell SIM-only contracts. The plan is still delivered by the network, so compare the same details.
How to Choose the Right Deal
1. Check your phone first. Make sure it’s unlocked, in good condition and compatible with the network and SIM type. 2. Look at your usage. Check the last few months’ data and call use on your current bill or phone settings. 3. Weigh minutes by type. If you call people on other networks, all-network minutes matter more than on-net minutes. 4. Prefer flexibility unless a fixed term clearly saves money. Compare month-to-month notice periods. 5. Check coverage where you live and work. 6. Expect vetting on postpaid plans. SIM-only contracts may still involve a credit check, although it is usually a smaller commitment than a handset contract.
Related options
If you need a new handset, compare phone contract deals. If you mostly need internet for a router, tablet or laptop, compare data contract deals.
SIM Card Contract Deals FAQs
What is a SIM-only contract?
A SIM-only contract is a monthly plan of data, minutes and SMSs on a SIM card, without a phone. You use your own device.
Are SIM-only deals month-to-month?
Many are. Vodacom’s SIMO contracts run month-on-month, and Telkom offers PureFlex as a SIM-only month-to-month plan. Some SIM-only plans are on fixed terms, so check before signing.
Do SIM-only contracts need a credit check?
Postpaid SIM-only contracts may involve credit vetting, depending on the network. Prepaid month-to-month subscriptions such as Vodacom PowerFlex are sold without a credit check, according to Vodacom.
Can I use an eSIM?
Often, if your phone supports eSIM and the network offers it on that plan. Check compatibility with the network before applying.
Can I keep my number?
Usually, yes. Number porting lets you move your number to a new network. Ask the network about the process when you sign up.
Is SIM-only cheaper than a phone contract?
Usually per month, because you’re not paying off a handset. Whether it’s cheaper overall depends on the cost of the phone you already own or buy separately.