SANParks.org Forums

We are coming to Kruger from the UK in March. We would really like to have access to the internet via our net book. We have an unlocked USB modem and the idea was to goto one of the Vodacom shops at Joburg airport buy a sim card and a 3GB data bundle. Reading through the thread this seems now a little more tricky than it used to be. If possible we really want to be ready in advance with all the necessary paperwork to comply with the RICA regulations so we can easily buy the sim card and data bundle and get on our way from the airport to Kruger ASAP.

From what i understand so far, we will need to present the following:

a. Our Passports

b. Proof of where we are staying in South Africa......Will a print out of our reservations suffice or do we need something else? And if yes what, and how can I get hold of it before we leave the UK?

c. And finally is there anything else we need to get the card / bundle?

All help would be greatly appreciated.

Was there two weeks ago and for Vodacom you have between 3-4 bar signal.

I have a full signal with cell C

Sorry, but I don't want to hijack this thread. Does SANParks have "wireless" in Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Tamboti and Satara? I'm talking about the wireless one gets in airports where you use the internet connection of the airport, etc.

I don't know exactly what you call it though.

Nope no Wifi, if you do want to use the internet you have to go to the admin offices and they normally have a PC setup there which you can use to browse the net...

Also any searches that I did whilst in Lower Sabie did not yield any WIFI connections.

A reply from Laura:



So, one needs to have a 3G card/cell connection, and where that signal is not available, connect with a slower connection via a cellphone.

Oh my goodness, DB!! Do you perhaps speak English too? I followed untill you got to the end of ..."when we travel and then I use my cellphone ..." and thereafter my PS just showed letters together that I dont get

Does that bit about the cellphone mean I can phone my trip report (and photos) through to someone that adds it on the forum?

Get a mobile contract - works out much cheaper - Using your cell-phone costs at least R2.00 per MB , whereas it costs me R249 per month for 2GIG and this allows for a couple hundred hours connection per month .
I use a mobile all the time , on farm ,at home in Cape Town , on road , and any time for when I am not in the office .
In KNP camps I got either at least EDGE or GPRS reception . In LSabie I had 3G .

Tieroog stay man .

I have an aging mother and dog, both not well. I have decided to carry a mobile phone this time, "just in case". I intend to use the phone in the case of emergency only.

What has been your experience with reception inside or near the camps? We just purchased a quad band gsm unlocked phone and plan on picking up a MTN sim card upon arrival. Is this something you would recommend or is there something better I do not know about?

Since we are going to Zambia after Kruger, I thought MTN would be a better option than Vodacom.

I would also be interested in knowing the best place to buy a sim card. We will be picking up groceries etc in Nelspruit on our way to our first camp at Crocodile Bridge.

Thank you
Carson

Hi Micetta and Imberbe

Thank you so much for your speedy reply. We will be coming from OR Tambo airport area. It is nice to know there is reception inside the park and sims are readily available.

I presume we will ask which corner shop sells them if they don't carry them at the Spar market. Does MTN sound like a good choice? Maybe it doesn't make a difference. I was not aware of the identify verification process. I guess I had better do some research on that. We are USA citizens.

Carson,
As for the SIM card, you can purchase it right in O.R. Tambo airport upon arrival.
There is an MTN & Vodacom shop to the right as you exit the arrivals area. You can also rent a SIM card. They will take a deposit and refund any unused minutes upon return. Of course this may not make sense if you are heading to Zambia directly from Kruger.

OR Tambo has cell phone stores for both major carriers, and it only takes a couple of minutes to purchase from them. Last year it took about 10 minutes from the time i walked in to the MTN shop until the SIM card was in my phone and I was on my way (and that was after waiting in line)!

There is a verification of identity now called RICA - it is the telecomms industry equivalent version of FICA.

You have to provide acceptable identifcation (PASSPORT) and proof of residential address (Perhaps a hotel booking is okay) for international visitors!

You can buy a starter pack for as little as R1.99 but it will not work until the RICA process is complete - as there is NO phone number on the SIM pack and it is obtained by dialing 100 on a Vodacom phone not sure what the MTN dial number is..

But all the outlets are extremely helpful. You must make sure that the SIM is capable of being opened for International calls (making & receiving), before I had a contract I could not use my pay as you go in Zambia. Therefore I think purchasing at OR Tambo would be better, they are geared up for International visitors.

I think a local Zambian SIM is also very cheap.. I have a friend in Zambia and can find out for you

JJ

I've had both Mtn and Vodacom on previous visits to SA and no problem with network coverage. The last time I landed in Capetown first and tried numerous places outside the airport to get a card but they would not give me one unless I could get a SA resident to write a letter and bring their proof of address etc...= big mission!!!
I finally got cell C to sell me one, put credit on it but that never ever worked despite me going back to the shop where it was issued on numerous occassions, and they could not rectify the problem with Cell C - and guess what? They don't give refunds I was told by the Cell C man himself!!!
I finally managed to get someone to help me out with a Mtn sim and 3 weeks later on my departure at Johannesburg, the Cell C card still wasn't working!
I wasn't aware that one could hire one from the airport and will try this on my visit in October, thanks!

I would like to know if there is Internet access (WiFi or plug-in) in the Parks, as it would be very useful to post and check for sightings. Thanks!