Planning a trip? FNB Connect’s new travel eSIMs will keep you connected across 240 networks worldwide

Travellers, listen up. Or should we say, travellers using FNB Connect? It’s only been a couple of months since FNB Connect, one of South Africa’s many MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), launched eSIM support, and it’s already bolstering the offering with a new travel eSIM, valid across more than 240 networks worldwide.

FNB Connects the dots

In the months since FNB Connect added eSIMs, the bank reports that more than 91% of its retail customers have made the switch — with 61% of those customers opting for top-up plans, with the rest using prepaid solutions.

While FNB only announced the launch to the media today, it has already promoted its new travel eSIMs across social media for the past two weeks — offering early adopters 1GB of free mobile data. The catch? It’s only valid until 30 September 2025. That’s great if you’re planning a getaway soon. For the rest of you, not so much.

“Whether they’re travelling for business or leisure, we aim to put reliable mobile access into our customers’ pockets by making all functionality, including the purchase of the Global Travel eSIM, accessible on the FNB App,” said FNB Connect CEO Sashin Sookroo.

Like FNB’s local eSIMs, Connect customers can pick up a travel eSIM through the FNB app — though the bank notes that your travel eSIM is yours to keep forever, removing the need to purchase one for every trip. Travelling with family or on business? Customers can manage multiple travel eSIMs at once, while monitoring data usage through the FNB app.

Better yet, customers can purchase their travel eSIMs well in advance, with data plans only kicking in upon arrival at their destination. If you can’t be bothered to buy your data while on holiday, FNB Connect allows users to pre-purchase their data plans up to 60 days in advance.

“As we continue to expand the reach and impact of our Global Travel eSIM, we welcome opportunities to collaborate with like-minded partners in the travel and mobility ecosystem, who share our vision of making global connectivity simpler, safer, and more accessible for all,” Sookroo concluded.