IM-only SIM provider ChatSim to launch in airports

ChatSim is one of the more intriguing mobile offerings around, allowing users to pay a R220 yearly fee for unlimited access to mobile messaging platforms anywhere in the world.

The service supports WhatsApp, Telegram, BBM, Facebook Messenger, WeChat and several other notable messaging apps. However, the one catch is that, while you have the ability to send/receive unlimited texts and emoji, it uses a credit system for photos, video and VoIP calls.

Nevertheless, it’s a rather convenient and cost-effective option for frequent travellers wanting to avoid roaming charges.

ChatSim was launched in 2015, allowing users to send and receive texts in over 150 nations around the world, including South Africa

Now, the company has used CES 2017 to announce that it would be launching ChatSim stores in airports around the world.

“The first ChatSim pilot store was inaugurated on 15 December at the Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona. In 2017, we will open others in major Italian airports, starting from Milan and Rome,” said founder and CEO Manuel Zanella in an emailed statement.

“We plan on opening 24 stores over the next three years in the world’s most important airports, including Frankfurt, London, New York, Hong Kong and Sao Paulo.”

We’ve enquired about the possibility of stores at African airports and will update the article when we receive a response.