Prepaid Cote D’ivoire SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This article helps tourists know how to get prepaid SIM cards for Cote D’ivoire to stay connected affordably while exploring the country.

Visiting Cote D’ivoire lets you see its beautiful landscapes and learn about its rich culture. Getting a prepaid SIM card makes it easy to stay connected during your trip to Cote D’ivoire. These SIM cards are very affordable for foreign visitors and provide reliable cellular data across the country. They also help you avoid high roaming charges from your home provider.

I. What are the Best Cote D’ivoire SIM cards for Tourists?

Moov Africa, MTN or Orange are three main operators in Cote D’ivoire. They all provide both physical SIM Cards and eSIMs for tourists. 

1. Moov

Moov offers a variety of prepaid data plans for tourists:

• 1.5 GB for 10 days – 1,000 CFA ($1.7 USD).

• 2.5 GB for 15 days – 1,500 CFA ($2.5 USD).

• 3 GB for 30 days – 2,000 CFA ($3.4 USD).

• 7.2 GB for 30 days – 4,900 CFA ($8.3 USD).

• 22 GB for 30 days – 9,900 CFA ($16.8 USD).

• 35 GB for 30 days – 14,900 CFA ($25.2 USD). 

If tourist want to use 4G Moov, they offer these plans: 

• 150 GB – 24,000 CFA ($40.7 USD). 

• 300 GB – 29,000 CFA ($49.1 USD). 

• 400 GB – 39,000 CFA ($66.1 USD). 

As you can see, the Moov prepaid data plans are very affordable.

In addition to the data, you’ll also get some basic calling credit, though the amount is quite small.

• 36 Minutes for 7 days – 1,000 CFA ($1.7 USD).

• 60 Minutes for 10 days – 2,000 CFA ($3.4 USD).

• 90 Minutes for 10 days – 2,000 CFA (($3.4 USD).

• SMS for 1 day – 50 CFA ($0.1 USD). 

• SMS for 3 days- 150 CFA ($0.25 USD). 

• SMS for 5 days- 220 CFA ($0.4 USD). 

2. Orange

Orange offers the following prepaid packages:

• 1.7 GB data + 60 minutes local calls + 7 international minutes, for 7 days – 1,500 CFA ($2.5 USD).

• 3.7 GB data + 60 minutes local calls + 15 international minutes, for 30 days – 3,000 CFA ($5 USD).

• 12 GB data + 180 minutes local calls + 50 international minutes, for 30 days – 10,000 CFA ($16.7 USD).

These are the main packages listed on Orange’s website. However, there may be a few additional data-only plans available as well, which would require you to add separate credit for calling.

3. MTN

MTN offers several prepaid data plans that are popular with tourists:

• 2 GB data for 30 days – 1,800 CFA ($3.1 USD).

• 3.5 GB data for 30 days – 2,500 CFA ($4.2 USD).

• 7.2 GB data for 30 days – 5,000 CFA ($8.5 USD).

• 15 GB data for 30 days – 10,000 CFA ($17 USD).

So with MTN, you get a range of affordable data-focused prepaid packages, plus some bonus calling credit to use as well.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Cote D’ivoire For Tourists?

There are 03 ways to buy a SIM Card in Cote D’ivoire:

• Online Before Your Trip.

• At the Cote D’ivoire Airport.

• In the City Center.

1. Buying Online Before Your Trip:

You can purchase a Cote D’ivoire SIM card from reputable online providers like Gigago. 

The SIM card will be mailed to you within 5-10 days, so you’ll need to bring the package with you.

One advantage of this option is that it’s very convenient to research and buy in advance. Besides, this option is also potentially cheaper than SIM Cards sold at airport kiosks.

However, buying online can be less flexible if your travel plans change.  

2. Buying at the Cote D’ivoire Airport:

Buying a Prepaid SIM Card at Abidjan International Airport in Cote D’ivoire is very easy.

As soon as you arrive in the small Arrival Hall, you’ll see many people selling prepaid SIM cards from the main mobile providers – MTN, Orange, and Moov Africa. 

The sellers will be wearing branded clothing from the providers. They’ll help you get set up – the SIM cards are free to register, and they’ll make sure your card is working properly.

One advantage is that these sellers often speak some English, which can be rare to find in the country.

However, there’s one potential downside – if you arrive very late at night or very early in the morning, you may not find anyone selling SIM cards. There’s no official SIM card shop at the Abidjan Airport, so your luck can vary.

If you’re arriving at the Bouake International Airport instead, you can also buy a SIM card there.

3. Buying in the City Center:

Around Abidjan and other major cities in Cote D’ivoire, you can find SIM card stores from the main mobile providers – Orange, Moov Africa, and MTN. The easiest way to locate these stores is by using Google Maps.

It’s best to buy your prepaid SIM card from an official retail store of one of the mobile providers, rather than a random phone shop. In the official stores, you’ll get better service, discounted deals, and the staff will make sure your data connection is working properly before you leave.

Phone stores in Africa can be very crowded, with long lines, so be prepared to wait.

Finding someone who speaks English can be challenging. If your French is limited, be ready to use a translation app like Google Translate. Not many people in Cote D’ivoire speak English.

III. How Much is a Tourist Cote D’ivoire SIM Card?

A SIM card typically costs approximately from $2 USD to $30 USD. Larger data plans may be more expensive, based on data amount and plan duration. The price of a prepaid SIM card in Cote D’ivoire varies according to the operator and data package you select.

IV. What types of Cote D’ivoire SIM cards are available for tourists?

When visiting Cote D’ivoire, there are 02 primary SIM card options:

• Prepaid physical SIM card for Cote D’ivoire.

• Prepaid eSIM for Cote D’ivoire.

Criteria	Cote D’ivoire Physical SIM Card	Cote D’ivoire eSIM
Convenience	– Need to physically insert the SIM card into your device.  – Can be bought at places like the airport, phone shops, and convenience stores.  – May need to provide your passport for registration.	– No physical SIM card to insert. – SIM plan is downloaded directly to your phone. – Can activate it as soon as you arrive in Cote D’ivoire.
Compatibility	Works with phones that have a SIM card slot.	Works with modern phones that support eSIM, including many iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.
Usage	– Insert the physical SIM card. – Activate it by following the provider’s instructions.	– No SIM card swapping required. – Just scan a QR code to download and activate the eSIM plan.
Pricing	Usually low cost.	Similar pricing to physical SIM cards.

An eSIM for Cote D’ivoire seems like a great option for travelers. It’s more convenient as you don’t have to physically swap SIM cards, and it works with many smartphones. The pricing and data plans are also competitive. 

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Cote D’ivoire travel?

Yes. Getting a local SIM card is very helpful for your trip to Cote D’ivoire:

• Affordability – It’s much cheaper than paying high roaming charges from your home provider.

• Flexible Plans – The mobile operators offer a variety of plans with data, texts, and call minutes tailored for travelers’ needs.

• Widespread Coverage – The major networks like Moov Africa, Orange and MTN have extensive coverage across Cote D’ivoire’s cities and countryside.

• Convenience – You’ll have internet access on your phone to look up information, navigate, and stay in touch with family back home.

• Support – You can get assistance at SIM card shops in major towns if needed, and there’s also online support available.

► Recommendation: Consider using an eSIM (digital SIM) for Cote D’ivoire. It’s easy to set up, and helps you access secure, budget-friendly internet during your trip.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Cote D’ivoire? 

To make sure your SIM card purchase in Cote D’ivoire goes smoothly, there are a few things you’ll want to prepare in advance:

• Documents: Have your valid passport ready. The shops will need to verify your ID when you sign up.

• Photos: Mobile stores will require a photo of your face as well as your fingerprint. 

• Payment: You can pay for the SIM card with cash, or major credit/debit cards.

• Contact Info: Have your name, address, and email ready for the registration forms.

To avoid any complex verification when getting a Cote D’ivoire SIM, the easiest option is to get an eSIM if your phone supports it.

VII. Cote D’ivoire eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

Using an eSIM is a great choice for staying connected while exploring Cote D’ivoire. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to access secure cellular networks in the country: 

• Easy Setup: As long as your device supports eSIM technology, you just need to scan a special code to start using a local network in Cote D’ivoire.

• Convenience: An eSIM eliminates the hassle of finding a store to buy and activate a physical SIM card during your trip.

• Security: eSIMs are digital, so if your phone is lost or stolen, the carrier can deactivate it to prevent unauthorized use.

• Time-Saving: No more dealing with tiny SIM card inserts – you just scan a QR code to get set up.

• Flexibility: Phones let you have multiple eSIM profiles from different carriers, giving you more options.

Gigago is a leading provider of eSIM services for Cote D’ivoire, offering plans from the country’s top mobile operators – Moov Africa, Orange and MTN.

For Cote D’ivoire, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Cote D’ivoire eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Cote D’ivoire, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Cote D’ivoire?

Cote D’ivoire’s tourist SIM card plans typically have validity periods ranging from a few days up to a month. The most common options are: 1, 2, 3, 7 days to  28 days and 1 month.

The exact lifespan of your SIM card depends on the specific plan you choose and when you activate it.

Most tourist SIM cards in Cote D’ivoire are prepaid plans with a set validity period. This information should be clearly stated when you purchase the SIM card.

If you need more time, you may be able to extend the validity by adding more credit to your account before the plan expires. However, this option isn’t available for all SIM card plans.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Cote D’ivoire? 

 The activation process of a Cote D’ivoire SIM is fairly straightforward for both physical SIM Card and eSIM, but has a few differences: 

1. Using a Prepaid Cote D’ivoire SIM Card:

• Insert the SIM card into your phone and turn it on.

• Select the carrier network when prompted.

• You’ll receive a text confirming the activation.

• Add prepaid credit by buying vouchers from stores or kiosks.

• Enable a data plan using the provider’s app or a text code.

• You can now start making calls, sending texts, and using mobile data – the usage will be deducted from your credit balance.

• When you run low on credit, simply add more.

2. Setting Up a Cote D’ivoire eSIM:

1. Download the app of the eSIM provider you purchased from, or visit their website.

• The app will guide you through the activation process, usually by scanning a QR code.

• Once activated, your phone should automatically connect to the mobile network.

The main benefit of an eSIM is that it’s a digital SIM, so you don’t have to deal with a physical card. Both options allow you to easily get connected in Cote D’ivoire.

X. FAQs

In summary, getting a local SIM card is essential for staying connected during your visit to Cote D’ivoire. Prepaid SIMs are suitable for short journeys, while eSIM provide better value for longer visits.  An Cote D’ivoire eSIM can instantly connect you to cellular networks across Cote D’ivoire. This eliminates the need to physically buy and activate a plastic SIM card.