Best Gabon SIM cards for Travelers

This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Gabon SIM card from the best SIM Card options, their costs, where to purchase them, and how to activate them – this information will help ensure you stay well-connected during your travels in Gabon.

Buying a SIM card to prepare for a Gabon trip is needed to stay connected during the trip. You still need to contact your own world: family back home, friends or relationships on internet platforms. Because roaming fees are high and free WiFi is not stable, prepaid Gabon SIM cards will be a perfect alternative.

I. What are the Best Gabon SIM cards for Tourists?

There are 02 main Gabon mobile providers which are Airtel and Moov Africa. 

1. Airtel

If you purchase an Airtel prepaid SIM card in Gabon, the initial registration cost is 1,000 XAF (around $1.69). After that, you can choose from a variety of data package options to top up your SIM card.

Here are some common Airtel data package options in Gabon:

• 2.5 GB of data for 7 days: 5,000 XAF ($8.47 USD).

• 5 GB of data for 14 days: 8,000 XAF ($13.6 USD).

• 7 GB of data for 30 days: 10,000 XAF ($16.9 USD). 

• 10 GB of data for 7 days: 10,000 XAF ($16.9 USD).

• 15 GB of data for 30 days: 20,000 XAF ($33.9 USD). 

• 25 GB of data for 30 days: 30,000 XAF ($50.8 USD). 

• 50 GB of data for 60 days: 40,000 XAF ($67.8 USD). 

The Airtel stores in Gabon only sell physical prepaid SIM cards. So if you’re looking to get connected in Gabon, you’ll need to purchase a physical Airtel SIM card.

2. Moov Afraca

If you opt for a MOOV Africa prepaid SIM card in Gabon, the initial registration fee is also 1,000 XAF (around $1.70). After that, you’ll need to choose one of the available data packages to top up your SIM card and access the internet.

Here are some of the common MOOV Africa data package options:

• 2.5 GB of data for 14 days: 5,000 XAF ($8.47 USD).

• 5 GB of data for 14 days: 7,500 XAF ($12.7 USD). 

• 7 GB of data for 30 days: 10,000 XAF ($16.9 USD).

• 15 GB of data for 30 days: 20,000 XAF ($33.9 USD).

• 25 GB of data for 30 days: 30,000 XAF ($50.8 USD). 

• 50 GB of data for 30 days: 40,000 XAF ($67.8 USD). 

Similar to Airtel, the MOOV Africa stores in Gabon only sell physical prepaid SIM cards, and do not offer eSIM options.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Gabon for Tourists?

Tourists can buy SIM cards in Gabon through the following methods:

• Buy Gabon SIM Cards Online.

• Buy Gabon SIM Cards at Airport. 

• Buy Gabon SIM Cards in Cities. 

1. Buy Gabon SIM Cards Online

For tech-savvy travelers with eSIM-compatible phones, getting a Gabon eSIM can be a convenient option.

Pros of Gabon eSIMs:

• Convenience: You can set up your eSIM before even arriving in Gabon, so you’re connected right away.

• Cost-Effective: eSIMs are often cheaper than buying a SIM card at the airport or upon arrival.

Cons of Gabon eSIMs:

• Phone Compatibility: You can only use a Gabon eSIM if your phone supports eSIM technology.

2. Buy Gabon SIM Cards at the Airport

Travelers can purchase a Gabon SIM card at Libreville Airport. There is only one SIM card provider available at the airport – Airtel.

The Airtel store is located on the right side as you exit the customs area, right across from Paul’s Bakery in the covered part of the airport. This makes it very easy to find and access.

The Airtel store is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so you can conveniently purchase your SIM card upon arrival in Gabon.

Pros: 

• Assistance: The staff can assist you in English, making the process smoother for foreign travelers.

• The store is usually not too crowded, so you can get your SIM card quickly.

Cons: 

• The Airtel store at the airport only accepts cash payments – credit cards are not accepted (There are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks available in the airport if you need to get cash).

• Gabon SIM Cards sold at the airport may be more expensive than those in other places. 

3. Buy Gabon SIM Cards in Cities

If you weren’t able to get a SIM card at the Libreville Airport, you have another option in the city center of Libreville.

Mbolo Shopping Mall is the most well-known shopping center in Gabon, and it’s where you can find an Airtel store and a MOOV Africa store – two of the main mobile network providers in the country.

Pros: 

• It’s a convenient and recognized location, and every taxi driver in Libreville will know where it is. This makes it easy to get to, even if you’re not familiar with the city.

• The price can be affordable. 

Cons: It takes time and effort to travel to an Airtel or Moove Africa store in the city center. 

III. How Much is a Tourist Gabon SIM Card?

The cost of Gabon tourist SIM cards ranges from 150 XAF to 90,000 XAF, which is approximately from $0.25 USD to $152.6 USD.

Here are the details on some of the popular SIM card options available in Gabon:

Airtel:

• 2.5 GB of data for 7 days: 5,000 XAF ($8.47 USD).

• 7 GB of data for 30 days: 10,000 XAF ($16.9 USD). 

• 15 GB of data for 30 days: 20,000 XAF ($33.9 USD). 

Moov Africa:

• 2.5 GB of data for 14 days: 5,000 XAF ($8.47 USD).

• 5 GB of data for 14 days: 7,500 XAF ($12.7 USD). 

• 25 GB of data for 30 days: 30,000 XAF ($50.8 USD). 

IV. What types of Gabon SIM cards are available for tourists?

When visiting Gabon, you have 02 main options for staying connected: prepaid SIM cards and tourist eSIMs.

Prepaid Gabon SIM Cards:

• Physical SIM card that you need to insert into your phone manually.

• Compatible with most unlocked phones.

• Purchase the SIM card, insert it, and then activate it.

Tourist Gabon eSIMs:

• Digital SIM cards that you can download and activate on your eSIM-compatible device.

• No need for a physical SIM card.

• Purchase the eSIM plan, scan the QR code, and activate it on your device.

The main difference between these two options is the level of convenience. Prepaid SIM cards require you to physically insert the card into your phone, while tourist eSIMs can be activated digitally on your eSIM-enabled device. Both options can provide you with data, calls, and text messaging during your stay in Gabon.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Gabon travel?

YES. When it comes to staying connected during your trip to Gabon, a SIM card is the better option compared to other connectivity choices. Here’s why:

• Cost-Effective: Using a local SIM card in Gabon will give you much lower rates for data, calls, and text messages compared to international roaming charges on your regular phone plan.

• Reliable Connectivity: A local SIM card will provide you with better network coverage and faster internet speeds while you’re in Gabon.

• Ease of Use: Prepaid SIM cards are easy to purchase and set up when you arrive in Gabon, allowing you to start using them right away.

• Local Number: Having a local Gabon phone number makes it easier to communicate with local services. 

If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can consider using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. eSIMs offer added convenience and security, as you can easily add or manage multiple network carriers without having to swap physical SIM cards. This can be especially useful if you’ll be traveling to different countries during your trip.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Gabon? 

If you plan to purchase a SIM card during your visit to Gabon, tourists need to bring their valid passport, as the retailer will need to record passport information.

The process typically involves the retailer either making a copy of your passport or taking a photo of the relevant passport page. This is done to properly register the new SIM card and phone number, which will start with the Gabon country code of +241.

VII. Gabon eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

If you’re visiting Gabon, you might want to consider using an eSIM as an alternative to a traditional SIM card. eSIMs are a hassle-free option that eliminates the need to purchase and swap physical SIM cards.

One of the leading eSIM providers is Gigago. Gigago is a highly rated and trusted eSIM retailer. They offer eSIM services for Gabon and over 190 other countries around the world, serving more than 1 million customers worldwide.

Here are some of the key benefits of using a Gigago eSIM for your trip to Gabon:

• Instant Activation: You can activate your eSIM instantly, without the need to visit a physical store.

• Multiple Data Plans: You can have multiple data plans on a single device, allowing you to easily manage your connectivity needs.

• Easy Top-Up: You can easily top up your eSIM plan as needed, ensuring you always have the data you require.

• No Roaming Charges: With a Gigago eSIM, you won’t have to worry about roaming charges when using your device in Gabon.

• Keep Your Home Number: You can keep your home number active while using a local data plan, making it convenient to stay connected with friends and family back home.

For Gabon, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $8.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Gabon eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $8.90 – $26.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Gabon, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

No matter how many internet users you have or how long your trip to Gabon is, Gigago has an eSIM option that can meet your needs. With their 24/7 customer support available via WhatsApp, you can rest assured that you’ll have assistance whenever you need it.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Gabon?

Gabon SIM card plans from major telecom providers offer generous data allowances and long-lasting validity, typically between 28 to 30 days. This means you won’t need to worry about frequent top-ups during your stay, allowing you to stay connected without interruption.

Here’s a quick overview of some popular options:

Airtel:

• 2.5 GB of data for 7 days: 5,000 XAF ($8.47 USD).

• 5 GB of data for 14 days: 8,000 XAF ($13.6 USD).

• 7 GB of data for 30 days: 10,000 XAF ($16.9 USD). 

• 15 GB of data for 30 days: 20,000 XAF ($33.9 USD). 

• 50 GB of data for 60 days: 40,000 XAF ($67.8 USD). 

Moov Africa

• 2.5 GB of data for 14 days: 5,000 XAF ($8.47 USD).

• 5 GB of data for 14 days: 7,500 XAF ($12.7 USD). 

• 7 GB of data for 30 days: 10,000 XAF ($16.9 USD).

• 15 GB of data for 30 days: 20,000 XAF ($33.9 USD).

• 25 GB of data for 30 days: 30,000 XAF ($50.8 USD).

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Gabon?

Here’s a simple guide on how to get your SIM card up and running in Gabon:

• Obtain a SIM Card: 

You can purchase a SIM card from local telecom providers or retailers in Gabon like Airtel or Moov Africa.

Make sure your device is unlocked and compatible with the SIM card.

• Insert the SIM Card:

Carefully insert the SIM card into your device.

Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the new SIM card.

• Follow the Activation Process: 

Your device may prompt you with on-screen instructions to activate the SIM card.

Alternatively, you may need to call a specific activation number provided by the SIM card provider.

• Provide Required Information:

You may be asked to provide personal details, such as your name and a valid ID (e.g., passport) for registration.

This information is typically required to activate the SIM card.

• Select a Plan or Top Up: 

Choose a prepaid plan that suits your needs, such as data, calls, or a combination.

You can top up your credit using various methods, such as vouchers or mobile payment apps.

• Verify Activation:

Once the activation is complete, make a test call or send a message to ensure the SIM card is working properly.

Additional Tips:

• Check with your home network provider if they offer roaming packages for Gabon to save on costs.

• Be mindful of any expiration dates on prepaid SIM cards to avoid losing your remaining credit.

X. FAQs

In summary, Gabon offers tourists several convenient options for staying connected during their visit, including both physical SIM cards and eSIMs. Tourists can choose from a variety of prepaid Gabon SIM plans, whether they need mobile data for browsing the web or international calling capabilities. Regardless of which option you select, Gabon’s SIM card and eSIM are affordable and designed to meet the needs of visitors.