1
Pick a plan and a term
Fixed data for a set term, or a pass by the day.
Zambia eSIM
5GPrepaid data plans for your trip
No plans are on sale for this destination right now.
- Coverage
- Zambia only. Crossing a border on the same trip? Pick a regional plan that includes Zambia.
- When it starts
- On the first connection at the destination, not at purchase. Install it at home and it waits.
- Activation window
- Install within 180 days of purchase.
- Hotspot
- Where the local operator allows tethering.
- Calls & texts
- Data only. Your usual SIM keeps your number, so calls and bank codes still reach you.
- Speed
- 3G/4G · 3G/4G/5G
- Speed Limitations
- Data speeds may be reduced based on the network operator’s fair-use policies and network conditions.
- Plans on sale
- 6 fixed plans · 8 day passes
- Data per plan
- 1 GB to 20 GB
- Fixed plan term
- 7–30 days
- Day pass term
- 1–365 days, picked at checkout
- Daily allowance
- 500 MB to 10 GB per day
- Networks
- Airtel (4G)
- eSIM standard
- Standard GSMA profile. Scan the QR code or type the activation code under Add eSIM. One install per profile.
- ID check
- None. No passport, no registration, no shop visit.
- Quantity
- Up to 10 eSIMs in one order, each with its own QR code.
- Payment
- From your 1001SMS balance, topped up by card or crypto.
Skip home-carrier data roaming, SIM swaps, contracts, airport kiosk queues and ID checks. You only need an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone, with no physical SIM to collect.
Keep your own number while the eSIM handles data only. Your existing SIM stays in your phone for calls, SMS, WhatsApp and bank codes sent to that number.
Match your plan to your Zambia itinerary, from Livingstone to South Luangwa. Short plans suit Victoria Falls visits; longer ones suit travellers combining Lusaka, safari stops and overland journeys.
Arrive with your eSIM already installed before departure, ready to connect in Zambia. You can use mobile data on arrival instead of hunting for airport Wi-Fi.
What it is not: a phone number. For a local number to receive sign-up codes or bookings, add a virtual number next to the data plan.
How it works
Land in Zambia already online
Set it up on Wi-Fi the night before. The eSIM waits quietly until you arrive.
2
Pay and scan the QR code
Pay from your balance and get the QR code at once.
3
Turn it on when you land
Turn on data roaming and it finds a network itself.
Why 1001SMS
Why a 1001SMS eSIM suits Zambia
The details that matter once you are actually there.
Refunds follow our payment and refund policy. Read the policy
Reviews
What customers say
Best virtual number website
Using this site from more than 1 month and everything works perfect till now.. no problem faced.. UI is simple and easy to understand, buying number is fast.. numbers are always fresh and otp comes instantly no waiting time.. I really suggest them best site in 2026
Worked as intended
Well, it worked as intended. It was very easy to use the service, so I can only recommend it. Wish there were help desk to check some questions but regardless it was a satisfactory purchase.
Excellent service. So happy I found it
Excellent service. Works when it works and replaced when it doesnt. Fair pricing and good perks as well.
It definitely works
It definitely works, but it can be confusing if you are not aware of what some of the services do to prevent having multiple numbers. WhatsApp will try to prevent you from making a new number on the same phone. Just have to use another phone to create the account and then you can sign in properly. I was confused why I kept going through so many numbers not working, but it was because I was using the same device that I recently had an account on. I deleted my previous account, but WhatsApp saves your device info for 30 days.
Much more reliable
SMS a little more expensive than other pages, but they are much more reliable, and work.
My experience has been great
My experience has been great because 1001sms has made my job so effortless and a 10 man task feel like a job for just 1.
Great service
Great service, absolute amazin for 3rd Countries who cant use amaing services without phone numbers
I have used number from this site and it's good
I have used number from this site and it worked perfectly. 1001sms is a good choice when it comes to getting number from any country and any service
Good to know
Using an eSIM in Zambia
FAQ
Using an eSIM in Zambia: your questions
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked to use this plan. Dial *#06# and look for an EID, which identifies your phone's eSIM.
Yes, your own SIM stays in your phone for calls and SMS. WhatsApp can use the eSIM's data while keeping your existing registered number.
Keep your own SIM active for codes sent to your existing number. The Zambia eSIM supplies data only; it does not receive SMS messages.
If you share your connection, connected phones or laptops use your plan's data. Downloads and video on those connections count towards the same data allowance.
You can buy another plan from your prepaid account balance for more data. Day passes continue at a lower speed after their daily allowance.
You can buy another Zambia plan using your prepaid account balance. Its validity starts on first connection, so purchase alone does not start the clock.
Select the eSIM for mobile data in your phone's settings first. Turn on data roaming for that eSIM, leaving home-SIM data roaming off.
Invite friends. Earn 10% of every deposit.
Every time someone you referred tops up their balance, 10% lands in yours. Not once. Every top-up, for life.
Get my referral linkExplore
Explore more
Arrive in Zambia with your data ready to go.
Create a free account, pick a plan, and install the eSIM before you leave for the airport.
124,072 registered members