Prepaid Chad SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This A-Z guide provides essential details on purchasing prepaid Chad SIM cards to get the Internet while in the country: prices, types, where and how to buy, and the best SIM options.

If your next trip is to Chad, you will want to get a local SIM to stay connected during your trip. Chad SIM cards are ready and offer affordable ways for tourists to make calls, send texts, and access the Internet while exploring this fascinating country. Whether you need a prepaid SIM with data, voice minutes, or just basic connectivity, this A-Z guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get set up with the right Chad SIM card for your travels.

I. Best Chad SIM Cards for Tourists

Airtel and Tigo are Chad’s two biggest cellular network providers with great coverage throughout the country. These operators deliver various prepaid SIM card options for tourists so you may pick one to fit your needs while in Chad.

The table below shows some of the most common prepaid plans for tourists to Chad. Let’s check it out!

Carrier	Data	Validity	Price
Airtel	1GB	30 days	CFA 7,000 – US $11.43
	7GB	30 days	CFA 12,000 – US $19.59
	14GB	30 days	CFA 20,000 – US $32.65
	28GB	30 days	CFA 35,000 – US $57.14
	45GB	30 days	CFA 55,000 – US $89.8
Tigo	7GB	30 days	CFA 12,000 – US $19.59
	14GB	30 days	CFA 20,000 – US $32.65
	28GB	30 days	CFA 35,000 – US $57.14
	45GB	30 days	CFA 55,000 – US $89.8

➤ Our Recommendations:

• If you get a SIM from Airtel or Tigo when visiting Chad, you will have reliable mobile internet during your journey. Their prepaid Chad SIM cards come with a good amount of data at affordable prices.
• If your tablet/ smartphone/ laptop works with eSIM, you have another easy option. You may download a Chad eSIM plan online and follow the prompts to set it up quickly. Then you can stay connected with dependable internet throughout your time in Chad.

II. Where to Get Chad SIM Cards for Tourists?

International tourists can get Chad SIM cards in 3 ways:

• Online
• Upon arrival at Chad airports
• In the city center

1. Purchase Chad SIM Cards online

If you would rather get your Chad SIM card sorted before your trip, you may get one online. Just find reliable providers like Gigago and order a prepaid SIM for Chad. The reseller will email an activation code known as a QR code. You just need to scan it using your phone’s camera and your Chad SIM will be ready to use as soon as you arrive in Chad.

Pros: instant mobile access, time to compare different SIM card options to choose the best one

Cons: eSIM-ready device required

2. Buy SIM card at Chad Airports

You can easily pick up a SIM at the N’Djamena International Airport when you arrive. The major providers like Airtel and Tigo have kiosks right in the airport terminal. Their prepaid SIM cards will give you reliable mobile data coverage across Chad at reasonable rates. 

It is a convenient way to get set up with a local SIM so you can stay connected during your trip. Just look for the provider stands as you come through the airport and they can get you all set up before you head out.  

Pros: instant activation, convenient, no need to locate a SIM shop elsewhere

Cons: costly rates, passport for ID check

3. Get SIM card in Chad City

Picking up a SIM card is easy once you are in Chad. Head to a phone shop or kiosk in the capital city of N’Djamena. The main providers like Airtel and Tigo have plenty of prepaid SIM options available, so you can get set up with mobile data right away.

Pros: affordable pricing, a wide range of SIM card options

Cons: Passport needed for ID check, have to get to the SIM shop locations

III. How Much is a Tourist Chad SIM Card?

Prepaid Chad SIM cards offer great value for money compared to international roaming fees from your home country. You can take advantage of local texting, calling, and mobile data prices. Tourists can buy SIM cards directly from Airtel or Tigo shops for affordable prices. These SIM plans cost from CFA 7,000 (US $11.43) to CFA 55,000 (US $89.8).

Both of the main operators in Chad ensure visitors get the Internet through versatile and reasonable SIM plans.

IV. Types of Chad SIM Cards for Tourists

Two types of Chad SIM cards for travelers:

• Prepaid physical SIM card for Chad
• Prepaid eSIM for Chad

Now let us dig into the major differences between these two kinds of Chad SIM cards.

Criteria	Chad Physical SIM Card	Chad eSIM
Convenience	Buy a SIM card when you arrive at the airport or in stores around Chad	Purchase & activate a Chad eSIM plan online before your trip, so it is ready to use as soon as you land
Compatibility	Works with unlocked mobile phones	Requires an eSIM-enabled device. Not all phones have this feature yet.
How to use	Insert the physical SIM card into your phone’s SIM slot	Scan a QR code or download the eSIM profile to activate it on your device
Price	Generally affordable (around $11-$89)	Cost-effective
Plan	Variety of packages	Data-only eSIM options available

► Our Recommendation:

For visitors with eSIM-enabled devices, getting a Chad eSIM is an easier option.  You can just download a Chad eSIM plan online and activate it straight from your phone. This lets you get mobile data without having to mess with a physical SIM card. You can even find eSIM plans that are data-only, so you can use messaging apps to stay in touch without paying extra.

V. Do I Need to Get a SIM Card for Chad Travel?

Yes. If you are planning a trip to Chad, getting a local SIM card can be really helpful. There are several great benefits to utilizing a Chad SIM during your travels.

• Reasonable calling & texting: Chad SIM cards enable tourists to call and text their loved ones much more cheaply than using your regular phone plan’s international roaming.
• Dependable mobile data access: You will also get fast 4G internet so you can easily look up maps, share photos, and stay connected.
• A wide selection of plans: Carriers like Airtel and Tigo offer various SIM card plans, from short-term passes to monthly options, to fit your trip length and budget.
• Convenience: With a Chad SIM, you will not need to rely on public WiFi hotspots – you will have reliable cellular service anywhere you go, at an affordable price.

For all of these benefits, obtaining a prepaid SIM for Chad is highly recommended to enhance your experience with simple communications while in Chad.

VI. What to Prepare When Buying Chad SIM Cards?

Before you purchase a SIM card in Chad, there are a few simple things to have ready:

• Prepare your passport: Most carrier shops will require you to show ID to register and activate your Chad SIM card.
• Check if your phone is compatible: Make sure your device is unlocked and may work with a Chad SIM.
• Decide how much data you will need: Think about how you plan to utilize your phone during your Chad visit and get a plan to match.
• Have some local currency on hand: SIM cards are typically paid for in Chad’s local currency, the Central African CFA franc.
• Be prepared to provide a phone number: The mobile network provider will ask for a number to associate with the new SIM.

With these simple things taken care of, you will be all set to pick up a reliable SIM card and stay connected during your travels in Chad.

VII. Chad eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM Cards

For international tourists with eSIM-enabled devices, a Chad eSIM is a great option and provides advantages over standard physical prepaid SIM cards. Picking a digital SIM for Chad means:

• Buying your Chad eSIM plan from home: You can purchase and download a Chad eSIM right from home, so you are ready to go as soon as you arrive.
• Instant activation on your phone: With an eSIM, you can get connected to mobile data in Chad with just a few taps on your device. No need to wait in line to buy and activate a physical SIM card.
• No ID required: eSIMs do not need any paperwork or showing your passport, making the setup process super simple.
• Using data-only: This is ideal for those who only want cellular data and utilize apps for calls and texts, which may be more affordable.
• Environmentally friendly: Switching to a digital eSIM means less physical waste from plastic SIM cards. 

The ease and convenience of a Chad eSIM makes it a great alternative to a traditional tourist SIM card. You can get online quickly and easily when you arrive.

If you are seeking a prestigious reseller for digital SIM services in Chad, Gigago would be a top recommendation. Signing up and activating is as easy as buying a package online and scanning a QR code.

• Instant activation
• No ID check
• 24/7 multilingual support (English, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, etc.)
• For Chad, Gigago offers eSIM plans that work on the reliable Airtel network. One weekly option gives 1GB of mobile data for 7 days, at only $9.90 . The plans range from $9.90 – $19.90 , giving travelers affordable eSIM plans to stay online throughout their trips to Chad. 

See more details on Gigago eSIMs for travelers to Chad.

VIII. How Long Does a Tourist SIM Card Last in Chad?

When you buy a prepaid SIM card as a visitor to Chad, the validity period can vary, but there are a couple of common options:

• 7-day SIM cards: These short-term SIM cards are perfect if you are only in Chad for a week or less. They give you a week’s worth of call time, texts, and mobile data.
• 30-day SIM cards: For longer trips of 2-4 weeks, a monthly SIM card is a great choice. This gives you a full month of connectivity to use during your stay in Chad.

The SIM card provider will let you know the exact expiration date when you purchase it. Just be sure to activate and use your SIM within the validity period. This ensures you have reliable mobile service throughout your entire trip in Chad.

IX. How to Activate a SIM Card in Chad

Now that you know the easy ways to access the Internet while visiting Chad, so how can you use your Chad SIM cards?

1. Activating Chad SIM Cards for Visitors 

Having a local SIM card makes it super easy to stay connected while you are visiting Chad. Here are the simple steps to get it all set up after you buy a SIM from Airtel or Tigo:

• First, turn off your phone, then put the new Chad SIM card into it and turn your phone back on.
• Let your phone automatically find and connect to the new network.
• If it asks you to select a provider, just pick the one you got the SIM from.
• Then you can contact your SIM card provider’s customer support to check your account balance.
• After that, you are all set! You can now enjoy making cheap calls, sending texts, and using mobile data throughout your trip in Chad.

2. Activating Chad eSIM

Utilizing a Chad eSIM (the digital version of a SIM card) is really simple:

• First, make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM and can connect to the mobile networks in Chad.
• Before your trip, go ahead and purchase your Chad eSIM plan online.
• When it’s time to activate it, just use your phone’s camera to scan the code that the eSIM provider emailed you.
• Then follow the on-screen guidelines on your cell device to get the eSIM installed.

Once that is done, you are all set to start using cellular services like calling, texting, and mobile data while you are traveling in Chad!

X. FAQs about Chad SIM Cards

XI. Conclusion

In summary, getting prepaid Chad SIM cards is a great way to stay connected during your travels in the country. Whether you opt for a physical SIM card or an eSIM, you will be able to enjoy affordable mobile data, calls, and texts while exploring Chad. Just be sure to do a bit of research ahead of time to find the plan that best fits your needs.