Prepaid Congo RDC SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

Discover everything about prepaid Congo RDC SIM cards for travelers, which are essential for maintaining connectivity and allowing you to confidently and easily explore this nation. 

Traveling in Congo RDC is made considerably easier for travelers by using a prepaid Congo RDC SIM card. From where to get your SIM card to how much data mobile operators allow, this article provides essential tips to help you stay connected on your journey. 

I. What are the Best Congo RDC SIM cards for Tourists?

The best Congo RDC SIM cards for tourists are typically from the following providers: Vodacom, Airtel Congo and Orange RDC.

1. Vodacom Congo SIM cards

Vodacom Congo is one of the largest telecom operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a wide coverage network, Vodacom offers flexible plans, including affordable data packages for tourists, with reliable connectivity, especially in urban and suburban areas.

Valid for 24 Hours

Cost	Data Volume	Activation
100U	1.5 GB	M-Pesa & Vodacom RDC App

Valid for 48 Hours

Cost	Data Volume	Activation
100U	1 GB	M-Pesa & Vodacom RDC App
150U	1.5 GB	M-Pesa & Vodacom RDC App
200U	2.5 GB	M-Pesa & Vodacom RDC App

For the latest offers and updates, visit the official site: https://www.vodacom.cd/particulier/nos-offres/

2. Orange RDC SIM cards

Orange RDC is a prominent mobile network operator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offering a variety of services to meet the diverse needs of customers, especially tourists. Orange RDC offers tourists with below packages:

Package Name	Description	Price	Duration
Koza All Monthly Network	Includes minutes, texts, and data for all networks.	From $5.00	1 month
Koza All Network Weekly	Calls, SMS, and data for all networks. Great for staying connected for a week.	From $1.50	1 week
Koza All Daily Network	Orange-to-Orange calls at a lower cost.	From $0.20	1 day
Daily KozaMix	Call all networks, international calls, SMS, and internet.	From $0.10	24 hours
Koza Night	Nighttime package for longer conversations.	From $0.20	Night use
KozaMix Weekly	Mixed package with Orange + other networks, international minutes, SMS, and data.	From $1.50	1 week
Monthly KozaMix	Best-value package for nationwide calls.	From $5.00	1 month

3. Airtel DRC SIM cards 

Prepaid, postpaid, and internet services are among the several SIM card packages that Airtel DRC provides to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. These packages are intended to give clients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo flexibility and affordability.

Basic Packages

Cost (Units)	Volume	Validity	Activation Code
25U	1GB	1 Hour	42525#
20U	100MB+20MB	3 Days	42520#
40U	200MB+40MB	2 Days	42540#
45U	225MB+45MB	2 Days	42545#
50U	225MB+75MB	3 Days	42550#

Standard Packages

Cost (Units)	Volume	Validity	Activation Code
100U	5GB	22h:4m:59s	4250100#
100U	1GB	48 Hours	42501#
120U	2GB	2 Days	425120#
200U	3GB	2 Days	425201#

For more detailed information about these packages and additional options, please visit official website: https://www.airtel.cd/

If your phone supports eSIM, consider getting one for added convenience. With an eSIM, you don’t need to remove your original physical SIM, and on devices like the iPhone 14 Pro, you can use multiple carriers at once. It also allows you to manage multiple lines easily, saving time and effort. Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing or damaging a tiny SIM card while traveling between countries. 

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Congo RDC for Tourists?

Tourists can buy a Congo RDC SIM card  through online platforms, airport or city center. 

1. Buy Congo RDC SIM Card Online 

You can purchase a Congo RDC SIM card online through global eSIM providers or local mobile network websites. 

Ideal for: Those who prefer pre-arrival convenience or want to avoid physical stores.

Pros:

• Convenient and quick delivery to your location
• Can be activated immediately upon arrival
• No need to visit a physical store
• Ideal for travelers who want to skip registration queues

Cons:

• May require a eSIM-compatible phone
• Higher costs compared to physical SIM cards
• Limited by the availability of online stores in certain regions
• No immediate support for physical SIM card issues

2. Buy SIM card at Congo RDC airports

You can buy a Congo RDC SIM card at major airports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, such as N’djili International Airport (Kinshasa) and Lubumbashi International Airport. Mobile operators like Airtel, Vodacom, Orange, and Africell have stores or kiosks where you can purchase and activate a SIM card. 

Pros:

• Convenience: The fastest way to purchase a Congo RDC SIM card upon arrival is at the airport, which will save you time looking for a nearby retailer.
• Instant Connectivity: After arriving in Congo DRC, you don’t need to wait for your phone to be activated in order to begin using it. 

Cons: 

• Higher Costs: SIM cards bought at Congo DRC airports are typically more costly than those acquired online or at nearby retailers.
• Restricted Plan Options: In comparison to what is offered in the city, the Congo DRC airport may provide a smaller number of plans.
• Potential Crowds: You may experience lengthy lines at the SIM card merchants at the Congo RDC airport, depending on when you arrive. 

3. Buy SIM Card in Congo RDC City

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC) is home to several major cities, with the three largest being Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Mbuji-Mayi. In these cities, you can purchase Congo RDC SIM cards from official stores of major local mobile network operators.

Pros: Access to a variety of mobile operators, plans and promotions. Assistance from staff who can help set up the SIM and answer questions.

Cons: Potential language barriers because French is predominantly spoken.

Consider using Google Maps when deciding where to purchase your SIM card in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You can easily search nearby stores by using it. Here are some locations for you:

• Orange: 11268 O.U.A, Kinshasa, Congo – Kinshasa
• Vodacom: 6 Avenue Musori Centre ville Commune de Lubumbashi, Congo – Kinshasa
• Direction provinciale d’Airtel Mbujimayi: 39,Blvd Laurent desiré kabila C/Diulu/Q/Masengu kanyinda, Mbuji-Mayi, Congo – Kinshasa

III. How Much is a Congo RDC SIM Card? 

SIM cards in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) typically range from 20U to 10000U, varying by provider. Local carriers including Airtel, Vodacom, and Orange offer prepaid data bundles starting at approximately 20U for smaller packages, with prices increasing for larger data allowances as seen in the table above.

For international travelers, eSIMs present a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards. Since pricing structures and package offerings differ significantly between providers, it’s advisable to compare options based on your specific usage requirements and travel duration.

The data packages displayed in the table represent just some of the available options, with various combinations of data volume and validity periods to suit different needs.

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

There are 2 types of Congo RDC SIM Cards Available for Tourists: prepaid SIM Card and tourist eSIM for Congo RDC. 

Here’s a table comparing the types of SIM cards available for tourists in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa):

Criteria	Prepaid SIM Card (Congo DRC)	Tourist eSIM for Congo DRC
Convenience	Requires physical purchase and registration at airport kiosks, stores, or retailers.	Instant online purchase and activation. No physical store visit required.
Compatibility	Works with all unlocked phones with a SIM slot.	Requires a eSIM-compatible phone.
How to Use	Insert SIM → Register with passport → Dial activation code → Top up balance → Choose a plan.	Buy online → Scan QR code → Activate → Choose a plan.
Example Plan	Vodacom DRC: 5GB for 30 days (~$10).	Gigago eSIM: 3GB for 30 days (~$27).
Price	Generally cheaper, varies by operator and data package.	Slightly more expensive, but convenient for short-term use.

For travelers who need instant connectivity, eSIMs are more convenient. However, if you prefer cheaper local rates, a prepaid SIM is the better choice. 

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

Yes. If you plan to use your mobile phone for internet access, texting, and phone calls while visiting Congo RDC, it is strongly advised that you bring a SIM card. Here are some justifications for why obtaining a Congo RDC SIM card may be advantageous.

• Cost-Effective Communication: Using a local SIM card instead of traveling with a SIM card from your home country can frequently result in lower costs. Local pricing are available for data, calls, and texts.
• Convenience: You can make bookings, interact with locals, and use local services and apps with ease if you have a Congo DRC SIM card.
• Internet Access: A local SIM card with data can give you dependable and reasonably priced internet access if you depend on it for things like navigation, translation, or maintaining connections through messaging applications and social media.

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

When buying a SIM card in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), here’s what you need to prepare:

• Passport or ID – Registration is mandatory, so you’ll need a valid passport or official identification.
• Unlocked Phone – Ensure your phone is unlocked to work with local carriers like Airtel, Vodacom, Orange, or Africell.
• Cash (USD or CDF) – Many stores accept cash payments in Congolese Francs (CDF) or US Dollars (USD), as card payments may not always be available.

VII. Congo RDC eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

 An eSIM is the perfect alternative to traditional tourist SIM cards, offering convenience, ease of use, and cost-efficiency. This technology is particularly useful for travelers who want to avoid the trouble of swapping SIM cards upon arrival in Congo RDC. With an eSIM, there’s no need to visit a store or wait in long queues. You can purchase and activate your Congo RDC eSIM online before departure. 

Gigago offers budget-friendly eSIM plans tailored for different data needs. Minimum price starts at and more available plans ranging between . Select a suitable data package from Gigago Congo RDC eSIM and you’re ready to enjoy connectivity in Congo RDC.

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

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), the validity of tourist SIM cards varies depending on the mobile network operator and the specific plan you selected. Typically, prepaid Congo RDC SIM cards offer flexibility in terms of usage duration, with options ranging from 1 day to 1 month. Before you buy, ensure you select a plan that best suits your travel needs and duration.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Congo RDC 

Here’s a detailed guide for both methods:

1. Using Prepaid Congo RDC tourist SIM Cards

• Buy a SIM Card – Available at airports (e.g., N’djili International Airport), official stores (Vodacom, Airtel, Orange, Africell), and convenience stores.
• Register the SIM – Provide your passport (tourists) or ID (residents) for registration.
• Insert the SIM – Turn off your phone, insert the SIM, and restart.
• Activate the SIM – Dial the activation code (e.g., *100# for Vodacom) and wait for confirmation.
• Load Credit & Buy a Plan – Recharge using vouchers or online apps, then dial the provider’s code to subscribe to a plan.

2. Setting up and activating Congo RDC eSIM:

• Check Device Compatibility – Ensure your phone supports eSIM.
• Buy an eSIM – Purchase from global providers online.
• Scan the QR Code – Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Add eSIM, then scan the QR code.
• Activate the eSIM – Follow on-screen prompts and wait for network activation.
• Select a Plan – Use the provider’s app or USSD code to activate a data or call plan.

X. FAQs about Congo RDC SIM card

XI. Conclusion

A prepaid Congo RDC SIM card is an affordable and reliable choice for tourists, available from Vodacom, Airtel, Orange, and Africell at airports and retail stores. Registration requires a passport, and activation is quick. For instant setup, tourist eSIMs offer convenience but at a higher cost. You can choose plans based on budget and ease of use.