Durban Travel Guide

South Africa

Get eSIM Factsheet
595K
Population
DUR
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
70
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Durban

Arriving

  • King Shaka International Airport (DUR) · 29 km away
  • Main stationsDurban Railway Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your South Africa eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our South Africa plans: Cell C (4G), MTN (5G), Telkom (3G) and Vodacom (5G).
  4. South Africa plans currently start at $3.50, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 13 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · good
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalSome rural outskirts
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportUber
  • Food deliveryMr D Food and UberEats

Durban at a glance

Region
KwaZulu-Natal
Population
595,061 (2011)
Elevation
22 m above sea level
Currency
rand (ZAR)
Plug types
C, D and N
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112
Drives on the
left
Official languages
Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho and Sesotho
Calling code
+27

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses Cell C, MTN, and Telkom, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 13 South Africa eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
uShaka Marine World
A large marine theme park with an aquarium and water park.
4h $25
2
Durban Botanic Gardens
A beautiful garden featuring a variety of plant species.
2h Free

Best Areas to Stay

Umhlanga
Popular area known for its beaches and dining options.
TouristsFamilies
Durban City Center
Centrally located with easy access to restaurants and attractions.
BusinessNightlife

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Tipping is customary in restaurants.
Common Mistakes
  • Not bargaining at markets
  • Ignoring local customs

Food & Drink

Must Try:Bunny Chow, Durban Curry
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Victoria Street MarketThe Oyster Box

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:70/100
BusMinibus taxi

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Durban travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Durban?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Durban.

How much does a day in Durban cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Durban?

Public transport includes bus and minibus taxi and is rated good. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 70/100.

Which airport serves Durban?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is King Shaka International Airport (DUR), about 29 km from Durban.

Is Durban safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for overcharging by taxi drivers. Areas generally considered safe include Umhlanga and Durban North. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Durban?

Install a South Africa eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at King Shaka International Airport (DUR). Our South Africa plans list Cell C (4G), MTN (5G) and Telkom (3G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Durban?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of South Africa

South Africa travel guideSouth Africa eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Durban.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.