Port Elizabeth Travel Guide

South Africa

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312K
Population
PLZ
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
70
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Port Elizabeth

Arriving

  • Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) · 4 km awayServes Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  • Main stationsPort Elizabeth 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 Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), 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 signalCertain areas in the outskirts
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Useful apps

  • Food deliveryUberEats and Mr D Food

Port Elizabeth at a glance

Region
Eastern Cape
Population
312,392 (2011)
Elevation
15 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
Addo Elephant National Park
A national park known for its elephant population and diverse wildlife.
4h $15
2
Boardwalk Mall
A shopping and entertainment complex with various attractions.
2h Free

Best Areas to Stay

Summerstrand
Proximity to the beach and restaurants.
TouristsBeach loversFamilies
Walmer
Quiet area with parks and cafes.
FamiliesBusiness

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:Greetings are important; a handshake is common.
Common Mistakes
  • Not carrying cash for small purchases
  • Underestimating travel time

Food & Drink

Must Try:Bunny Chow, Bobotie
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
The CoachmanThe Fish and Chips Co.

Getting Around

Public Transport:Fair
Walkability:70/100
Bus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthFeb26°C average high
Coolest monthJul8°C average low
Wettest monthAug72 mm of rain
Driest monthJan33 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan25.717.4335
Feb26.117.6395
Mar25.016.2466
Apr23.313.6496
May22.111.0475
Jun20.68.3525
Jul20.27.9516
Aug20.09.1727
Sep20.410.7477
Oct21.412.8566
Nov22.714.2577
Dec24.416.0426

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Port Elizabeth WO, 3 km from Port Elizabeth).

Port Elizabeth travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Port Elizabeth?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Port Elizabeth. Average daytime highs range from about 20°C in August to 26°C in February.

How much does a day in Port Elizabeth 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 Port Elizabeth?

Public transport includes bus and is rated fair. Walkability scores 70/100.

Which airport serves Port Elizabeth?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), about 4 km from Port Elizabeth.

Is Port Elizabeth safe for tourists?

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

How do I stay connected in Port Elizabeth?

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

Is tap water safe to drink in Port Elizabeth?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of South Africa

South Africa travel guideSouth Africa eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Port Elizabeth.

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.