SANParks.org Forums

Hi there
We usually collect a rental phone and sim at the airport Vodafone store.
We have found we get through customs and immigration very quickly so no issues there.
We then head to Vodafone Shop but have to say it is often quite busy.
I am happy to stand corrected here but I would allow a good twenty to thirty minutes there, sometimes it's quicker but I guess it depends how many planes have just landed.
It is a small store but there are usually 3 people working there.

I used a web service that has a way you can reserve and pay in advance, I did this on our last trip and it worked very well. Walked into the Vodafone store at OR Tambo, showed them my identification, they handed me my SIM card and dongle, and I was off in less than 10 minutes! The site is b4igo.travel

iLoveMeerkats!

Sorry but Normans post just reminded me to add that we do book and pay well in advance on the website, and have all our paperwork and emails with us ready when we get to the store.

I am sure it differs each time. We arrived via London in early October 2012 and the line to clear immigration at JNB was nearly 2 hours. I had a reservation for an internet dongle at the Vodocom store. I went directly to the Vodocom store at JNB and the clerks couldn't get the dongle to work on my netbook. That took another hour. Eventually they rented me a jetpack which worked fine throughout our 30 days in Kruger -- but allow for the possibility that this may take more time.

That said, it will take you almost no time to transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminal in JNB. You walk and it isn't far at all.

An alternative for you could be that there is a very good Vodacom store in Komatipoort (near Croc Bridge Gate) with very helpful staff.
(There may even be one in Malelane but I don't know that for sure)

If you're worried about the time at OR Tambo, drive to Komati get sorted with Dongle, phne etc, and then enter through Croc Bridge, (if you have time) or else do it the day after.

You will not need to pre book and pay, life there is very laid back!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful trip with many sightings.

Thanks all for the responses. Good advise as always. I don't know what I would do without the forum. Really appreciate all of you!!!!

LeslieW - Yes, you describe my worst nightmare!
We have zipped through without a hitch several times, but have experienced some long lines at immigration. Never as bad as 2 hours, but you're right, it really varies and I don't think you can count on anything.
Add the possibilities of a late flight from London and I have a melt down!

Crested Val- you are great (again).
I checked and there IS a Vodaphone store in Malelane.
Our first 4 nights are in Biyamiti so if we end up in a giant hurry on day one, we can always go back out another day.
I would love to be able to send some emails along the way so I do want to try the dongle.
I still don't quite understand it, but look forward to figuring it out.
Are you still in the area or have you returned home?
I would love to talk with you about how you organize your long visits.

I am packing. Got my yellow ribbon.
So excited - feels like going home!
April 10 - May 21 2013!!!! Biyamiti > Lower Sabie > Skukuza > Satara > Olifants > Letaba > Bateleur > Punda Maria > Mopani > Satara > Skukuza > Lower Sabie > Biyamiti

Hi Folks, we will be arriving at Mpumalanga International Airport and travelling to Malelane where will do a big shop before going to Biyamiti. I would appreciate any suggestions on where I can purchase a simcard (for local use only) for my Australian mobile phone, Thanks, Marion

Not sure if there is an answer to your query here marionelspeth I hope so If not someone will be along with some good advice

Hi Marion!

I've never been to the airport in Mpumulanga so am not quite sure what it is like for shops ...

I would definitely recommend picking up a local SIM card at the airport though if you can - because of new laws here regarding the sale of SIM cards, the local shops sometimes require proof of residency in the form of a copy of a service bill showing an address in South Africa; the shops in the airport just ask for a copy of your passport.

That said, I have heard of forumites having no problems buying SIM cards in shops outside the park - I guess it's a bit like park sightings, it all depends on being in the right place at the right time (with the right sales person)!

Good luck!

In my experience, the mobile phone shops in OR Tambo are used to dealing with this request from non-residents.. I am guessing you are flying to Kruger Mpumalanga from Jo-burg? If you have time before leaving, visit one of the mobile shops in the main hall of the airport. Vodacom gave me a sim immediately last time!