How do I order a SIM Card?

Modified on Thu, 27 Aug at 5:00 PM

Overview 


This guide explains how to order a SIM card through the Pay Just Now (PJN) Mobile App. The process is quick and easy, allowing you to get connected in just a few simple steps. Follow the instructions below to complete your SIM card order and start enjoying PJN Mobile services. 


Before you order your physical SIM card or eSIM card, make sure you have the following:



 

The PJN Mobile app downloaded and installed on your phone 

 

You are logged into your PJN account 

 

A valid South African ID document (for RICA verification) 

 

A debit or credit card for payment 

 

For eSIM confirm your device supports eSIM

 

For Physical SIM: know your nearest Pargo collection point 


Step 1: Open the app and tap Get Connected


Open the PJN Mobile app and go to the Get PJN Mobile section. The welcome screen shows your key benefits:

  • Free R20 Airtime upon activation.
  • 500MB WhatsApp free every month for 6 months (125MB per week)
  • Earn up to R200 airtime monthly for on-time payments
  • Recharge your way — no fixed bundles, no bill shock
  • Use airtime and data on any network, any time


Tap Get Connected at the bottom of the screen to continue.

Step 2: Choose your SIM type


Two options are available


Physical SIM 

R15 — Collect from 4,000+ Pargo points (e.g. Clicks, FreshStop. Delivery takes 2–5 business days. 

eSIM

R2 — Digital SIM. Instant activation — no waiting, no delivery. 


Tap your preferred option, it will be highlighted in green, then tap Next to continue



Step 3: Next Steps


After tapping Next, your choice is confirmed and the app moves to the delivery options screen:

If you chose the Physical SIM, you'll be asked to find a collection point (see Step 4). If you chose the eSIM, you'll skip straight to the order summary and payment screen.

Not sure which to pick? Choose eSIM for instant activation, or Physical SIM if you prefer a traditional card.


Step 4: Enable location to find Pargo points (Physical SIM only)


If you chose a Physical SIM, the app will ask to use your location. Select Allow While Using App to automatically see the nearest Pargo points. You can also search manually.

Your location is only used to find collection points. PJN Mobile handles location data in accordance with POPIA.




Step 5: View and select your Pargo collection point

The app displays the nearest Pargo points to you, each showing:

  • Name, address and distance

  • A Select Point button and More Info option


Switch between List View and Map View at the top. Tap any yellow pin in Map View to see operating hours before confirming.

Tip: Popular points include Clicks, FreshStop and Mr Jeff. Check the collection points operating hours before confirming.



Step 6: Collection Point Confirmed



Once you've tapped Select Point, the app confirms your chosen Pargo location with its name and address displayed on screen.

Double-check the address shown — this is where you'll collect your SIM. 

Tap Next to proceed to your order summary.



Step 7: Review your order and pay


The Order Summary screen shows everything before payment is taken:

  • Physical SIM: R15 
  • Monthly fee: R0
  • Total: R15.00
  • Your selected Pargo collection point


Select your payment card, then tap Confirm and Pay. By tapping, you agree to the Terms and Conditions, Data Privacy Policy, and Code of Conduct.


Step 8: Approve payment via your banking app 


Your bank may redirect you or send a push notification to verify the payment (3D Secure). Open your banking app and approve when prompted.

Important: Do not close or navigate away from the PJN Mobile app while payment is processing. This may cause a failed transaction.



Step 9: Order confirmed - you're done!


Once payment is approved, the app processes your order (under one minute). Keep the app open. You’ll then see a screen titled "Success" showing:

  • Your SIM is heading to your chosen Pargo location
  • Order total: R15.00 incl. VAT
  • Date, time, and PJN Mobile reference number — keep this for your records


Tap Track Your Order for real-time updates. You’ll also receive an SMS when your SIM is ready to collect. 

Remember: Bring a valid South African ID when collecting. RICA verification is completed at the Pargo point or via the app.

Note: Delivery of your Physical SIM to your chosen Pargo point typically takes 2–5 business days from the date of your order.



Quick Summary


Step 1 

Open PJN Mobile app → tap Get Connected 

Step 2 

Choose SIM type — Physical SIM (R15) or eSIM (R2) 

Step 3 

Tap your preferred SIM → highlighted → tap Next 

Step 4 

Enable location or search to find nearest Pargo point 

Step 5 

Select your preferred Pargo collection point 

Step 6 

Review order summary → confirm payment → tap Confirm and Pay 

Step 7 

Approve payment via your banking app 

Step 8 

Wait for order processing — do not close the app 

Step 9 

Order confirmed — await SMS when SIM is ready to collect 


Troubleshooting


Issue 

What to do 

Location not enabling 

Search manually using the search bar at the top of the screen 

No Pargo points showing 

Search for a specific area or suburb in the search bar 

Payment declined 

Check your card details, ensure sufficient funds, or try a different card 

App freezes during processing 

Close and reopen the app — check your order status under My Orders 

No SMS received 

Check your number is correct in your profile, or contact PJN Mobile support 

SIM not at Pargo point 

Use Track Your Order on the confirmation screen. Delivery takes 2–5 business days, so please allow this time before checking with the Pargo point. If the window has passed, contact customer care. 



Protecting Yourself from Fraud


Fraud Scenario 

What to Do 

Someone contacts you offering to place or "speed up" a SIM order on your behalf, asking for your ID number or card details 

SIM orders can only be placed by you, in the official PJN Mobile app. Never share your ID number, card details, or PIN with anyone offering to order on your behalf. 

You receive an SMS or email with a "track your SIM order" link that asks you to log in or enter card details 

Do not click links in unsolicited messages. Track your order only inside the PJN Mobile app using the Track Your Order button. 

Someone at a Pargo point asks for extra payment, your PIN, or additional ID documents beyond your SA ID to release your SIM 

Your SIM is already paid for in the app — no extra payment or PIN should ever be requested at collection. Decline and contact PJN Mobile support on.

You're asked to confirm a SIM order or OTP for a purchase you did not make 

Do not approve or share the OTP. Contact PJN Mobile support on the PJN app, as this may indicate someone has your card details. 


Need Help?

Please contact PJN Mobile Customer Support.

Was this article helpful?

That’s Great!

Thank you for your feedback

Sorry! We couldn't be helpful

Thank you for your feedback

Let us know how can we improve this article!

Select at least one of the reasons
CAPTCHA verification is required.

Feedback sent

We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article