Updated September 28, 2026 · NomadCue Editorial Team
Magenta Telekom vs Safaricom
Magenta Telekom
Higher score in this comparison
Safaricom
Magenta Telekom vs Safaricom: the differences
| Compare | Magenta TelekomReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | SafaricomReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Countries covered | 140Higher | 22 |
| Fair use policy | Data is stopped when the package allowance is used up, with no further charges; unused units expire at the end of the package; packages are not valid on ships, ferries, planes or satellite connections | Capped bundles valid 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days; a new purchase is added to the remaining balance; once the bundle is depleted data is charged at published roaming rates; bundles cannot be transferred or resold |
| Price from | Not confirmed | KES 200 |
| Reference plan prices | Not confirmed | US: KES 1,000 for 2,500MB (7 days); Europe incl. UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey: KES 1,000 for 1,500MB (7 days) and KES 5,500 for 10,000MB (30 days); UK and wider Europe: KES 200 for 10MB data, 10 minutes calls, 10 SMS (1 day); South Africa, Ghana, Netherlands, China: KES 225 for 20MB (24 hours); other networks from KES 14 per MB |
| 5G | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Networks | Not confirmed | Vodafone, Vodacom |
| 10 GB in Europe | Not confirmed | KES 5,500 |
Same on both: Unlimited data (No), Top-ups (Yes), Seller type (Carrier).
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Key differences
- Magenta Telekom scores higher overall: 9.2 vs 9.1.
- Countries covered is higher at Magenta Telekom: 140 vs 22.
- Founded is lower at Magenta Telekom: 1996 vs 1997.
- Region: only Magenta Telekom offers Global.
- Region: only Safaricom offers Regional.
- Features: only Safaricom offers 5G.
- Audience: only Safaricom offers Long trip.
Our verdict on each
Magenta Telekom
Magenta Telekom sells travel data as a carrier plan rather than a standalone eSIM, covering 140 countries from its home network. It suits existing Magenta and T-Mobile Austria customers adding a short trip package, with carrier billing and email, phone and help centre help if a package runs out.
Safaricom
Safaricom is a home network carrier selling roaming bundles in Kenya, so it fits a traveller leaving the country for a short trip and topping up in small steps. Coverage reaches 22 countries across Vodafone and Vodacom networks, with bundles starting at KES 200 and top-ups available.
Score breakdown
| Area | Magenta Telekom | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Offer | 9.1Higher | 8.9Capped bundles on Vodafone and Vodacom networks across 22 countries, starting at KES 200, with top-ups available and no unlimited data. |
| Trust | 9.4Higher | 9.3 |
How they place
| Ranking | Magenta Telekom | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Travel SIMs and eSIMs | 175 of 926 | 225 of 926 |
| Travel eSIMs | 183 of 918 | 232 of 918 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Magenta Telekom | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Global | Regional |
| Features | Carrier plan | 5G, Carrier planCovers more |
| Audience | Short trip | Short trip, Long tripCovers more |
| Legal entity | T-Mobile Austria GmbH | Safaricom PLC |
| Headquarters | Austria | Kenya |
| Founded | 1996Lower | 1997 |
| Support channels | Email, Phone, Help centre, Chat | Chat, Email, Phone, Help centre |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Magenta Telekom | Safaricom | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries covered | 140above the median | 22lowest quarter | 120 |
Median across 492 listed travel providers.
Pros and cons
Magenta Telekom
Pros
- Broad reach for a carrier add-on, with coverage across 140 countries
- Buy a top-up when the package allowance runs out, with no further charges
- Support runs on email, phone and help centre
Cons
- Unlimited data is not part of the offer
- The fair use policy places ships, ferries, planes and satellite connections outside the package, which matters for cruise and ferry itineraries
- Unused units expire at the end of the package
Safaricom
Pros
- Coverage spans 22 countries across Vodafone and Vodacom networks, which suits regional multi-country routes.
- Top-ups are available, so data does not have to be bought in one lump before departure.
- Support runs on chat, email and phone.
Cons
- Unlimited data is not offered, and once a bundle is used up data is charged at published roaming rates.
- Coverage of 22 countries is regional, so a trip outside those routes needs a separate plan.
- Other networks are billed at pay as you go rates, so travelling beyond the listed bundles can cost more than a home bundle.
Who each suits
Magenta Telekom
Who it suits
- Magenta or T-Mobile Austria customers who want travel data billed to their home line
- Travellers on short trips to Europe and beyond who need broad country coverage
- People already comfortable managing packages inside the carrier app and account
Who should look elsewhere
- Travellers who need unlimited data, which this offer does not include
- Anyone crossing at sea or in the air, since the fair use policy places ships, ferries, planes and satellite connections outside the package
- Travellers wanting a single market only, where SimToIsrael is a simpler fit
Safaricom
Who it suits
- Anyone leaving Kenya who already holds a Safaricom line and wants data added to it for a few weeks.
- Travellers crossing 22 countries on regional routes where Vodafone and Vodacom networks operate.
- People who would rather top up during the trip than commit to a large prepaid allowance up front.
Who should look elsewhere
- Travellers who want a travel eSIM with no home line: eSIMGo.is starts at $0.99.
- Anyone who needs worldwide reach: Zwitchy covers 200 countries.
- Shoppers comparing a single destination eSIM on upfront price: SimToIsrael starts at $25.
Current offers
Magenta Telekom
Current offer
Bonus
5 GB Reisepaket fuer 60 Tage in 49 Nicht-EU Laendern gratis: 5 GB for 60 days free
Requires an eligible mobile and internet plan (Magenta Family); valid until revoked; not valid on ships, ferries, planes or satellite connections; ends after 60 days, unused units expire
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Bis zu 60 GB Datenvolumen monatlich gratis in der Tuerkei: up to 60 GB per month free in Turkey
Free for Mobile S, Mobile Unlimited M, Mobile Unlimited L and Mobile Unlimited XL plans registered from 02.06.2026; 20/30/40/60 GB per month by plan; automatic renewal, monthly units expire, billed in 100 kB steps, cancellable with one month notice to month end
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Safaricom
Current offer
Bonus
One Voice Tariff: 50% airtime bonus with every top-up
Dial *544# to get started; see voice tariffs
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Changamkia YouTube na 10/-: YouTube data bundle at KES 10
Prepay data promotion, validity per bundle offer page
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Angaza Music Bundle
Prepay data bundle for music streaming, see offer page
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
YouTube Shorts
Prepay data promotion, see offer page
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | Magenta Telekom | Safaricom |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Yes | No |
| Kenya | No | Yes |
Questions about each
Magenta Telekom
How many countries does the Magenta Telekom travel package cover?+
The travel package covers 140 countries, which puts it in the global range rather than a single market. You can buy it as a carrier plan added to an existing home line, so one package can cover several stops on a multi country trip.
Does Magenta Telekom offer unlimited data?+
Unlimited data is not part of this offer. The package runs on a fixed allowance, and data is stopped when that allowance is used up, with no further charges. If you need a heavier allowance, a top-up is available when the package runs out.
Safaricom
How much do Safaricom roaming bundles cost?+
Bundles start at KES 200 for a small daily slice of data, and a larger long-stay European allowance is priced at KES 5,500. Reference bundles also cover the US, much of Europe, the UK, South Africa, Ghana, the Netherlands and China, with other networks billed at pay as you go rates.
How many countries does Safaricom roaming cover?+
Coverage stands at 22 countries and runs on Vodafone and Vodacom networks, so the footprint is regional rather than global. Destinations on the reference list include the US, much of Europe, South Africa, Ghana and China. A trip outside those needs a separate arrangement.
Other options to compare
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Magenta Telekom
Safaricom