Prepaid Gambia SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

Getting a prepaid Gambia SIM card is crucial for facilitating easy communication and cell service access while in the country.

A comprehensive overview of Gambia SIM cards designed for visitors is given in this guide. You will find out where to buy these SIM cards, the best options, and the costs. Additionally, we will discuss the various kinds of SIM cards that are available, eSIM alternatives, and crucial pre-purchase preparations. The tutorial also goes over how to activate your SIM card and how long it will be functional while you are there.

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

Choosing the right SIM card is crucial for any travelers who want to be staying connected to Gambia. There are several excellent options existing which are Africell SIM cards, QCell SIM cards, and Gamcel SIM cards. These three providers offer a variety of prepaid plans designed for travelers to Gambia.

1. Africell SIM cards

Africell is one of the leading mobile network operators in The Gambia, known for its wide network coverage, affordable data plans, and fast 4G service in major cities and tourist areas such as Banjul, Serrekunda, and Kololi. It is often the go-to choice for both locals and international visitors due to its reliability and accessibility..

Africell provides Mix Bundles that include both mobile data and SMS, valid for 30 days. These bundles are ideal for tourists who want a simple, all-in-one package during their stay.

Data Volume	Free SMS	Price (Tariff)	Validity
40 MB	100 SMS	GMD 10	30 days
100 MB	400 SMS	GMD 25	30 days
250 MB	1,000 SMS	GMD 50	30 days
750 MB	2,000 SMS	GMD 100	30 days
1.5 GB	3,000 SMS	GMD 150	30 days

• Dial *120#, then press 6 to access the Mix Bundle menu.
• Or directly dial *120*6# and follow the instructions to activate your preferred bundle.

2. QCell SIM cards

QCell is one of the leading mobile network operators in The Gambia, well known for its fast 4G+ internet, affordable prepaid rates, and excellent customer service. It is especially popular among young users, professionals, and visitors who need high-speed internet and competitive call/SMS rates.

QCell provides simple and affordable prepaid rates for voice calls and SMS, suitable for both local and international communication.

Call Type	Rate
On-Net (QCell to QCell)	GMD 2.50
Off-Net (to other networks)	GMD 3.00

SMS Type	Rate
On-Net (QCell to QCell)	GMD 0.40
Off-Net (to other Gambian networks)	GMD 1.10
International SMS	GMD 3.10

3. Gamcel SIM cards 

Gamcel is one of the leading mobile network providers in Gambia, offering reliable services for both local and international communication. It provides affordable prepaid SIM cards tailored to meet the needs of tourists and residents alike.

Here are Gamcel Gambia’s data packages based on available sources. As of April 3, 2025, the official website (www.gamcel.gm) is unreachable, so this info may not be current. Verify via *302# or a Gamcel store.

Type	Data	Price (GMD)	Validity
Daily	100 MB	~5–10	24 hours
	500 MB	~20–25	24 hours
	1 GB	~40–50	24 hours
Weekly	1 GB	~75–100	7 days
	2 GB	~150–200	7 days
Monthly	2 GB	~200–250	30 days
	5 GB	~400–500	30 days
	10 GB	~700–900	30 days
Social (Promo)	1 GB + free social	~50	30 days

Note: 2G/3G only. Check *302# or +220 4398169 for latest info.

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

This guide covers where to buy Gambia SIM cards in The Gambia for tourists, from online pre-purchase to airport kiosks and city center shops, outlining the pros and cons of each option to help you stay connected.

1. Buy Gambia SIM Card Online 

You can purchase a Gambia SIM card online through various platforms like Gamcel’s official website or third-party mobile providers that offer international shipping. This option is especially convenient for tourists who want to have a SIM card ready before arriving in Gambia.

Suitable for: Tourists arriving in Gambia who want a SIM card pre-activated.

Pros:

• Order before arrival and avoid registration hassles.
• Some services offer pre-activated SIM cards ready for use.
• Skip the lines and buy directly online.

Cons:

• May not be available from all providers or for all plans.
• Can be more expensive than buying a SIM locally.
• Depending on the provider, shipping might take time, which isn’t ideal for last-minute purchases.

2. Buy SIM card at Gambia airports

The major airports in the Gambia, such as Banjul International Airport (BJL), sell SIM cards. Tourists may easily connect as soon as they arrive at the airport thanks to kiosk vendors or stores that sell local SIM cards, such as Africell, Airtel, and QCell.

Pros: A lot of sellers can communicate in English, which is beneficial.

Cons: When you get there extremely early in the morning or very late at night, you might not see anyone selling SIM cards.

3. Buy SIM Card in Gambia City

A great way to save money on your mobile data is to buy a Gambia SIM card in the city center.

Pros: SIM cards and data plans are generally cheaper in the city compared to the airport.

Cons: Requires traveling to the city center, which may be time-consuming. Some staff may not speak English fluently.

Suitable For: Budget-conscious travelers. Travelers are comfortable navigating local areas.

Where to buy: You can find official stores and trusted retailers in major cities such as Banjul (the capital city of Gambia), Serekunda or Brikama.

If you are in Gambia City centers, you can use Google Maps to find the nearest store. Here are some recommended stores for you:

• Africell Gambia Ltd: F839+H6X, 106 Kairaba Ave, Serrekunda, Gambia
• QCELL LATRIKUNDA COW CUSTOMER CARE OFFICE: C87H+9CP, Kombo Sillah Dr, Serrekunda, Gambia
• Gamtel: F839+3V9, Serrekunda, Gambia

III. How Much is a Tourist Gambia SIM Card? 

The provider and package you choose will determine how much a prepaid SIM card costs in the Gambia. SIM cards typically range in price from GMD 50 to GMD 100 (about USD 1 to USD 2). For smaller bundles, data plans normally start at about GMD 50. Larger data amounts are available at greater costs. 

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

There are two primary SIM card options available when traveling to the Gambia:

• Prepaid physical SIM card 
• eSIM

Feature	Physical SIM Card	eSIM
Convenience	– Can be purchased at the airport or mobile operator stores.  – Requires inserting the SIM card into the phone.	– There is no actual SIM card to insert.  – Your phone will download the SIM plan straight to it. As soon as you get to Gambia, you can activate it.
Compatibility	Requires an unlocked phone with a SIM card slot.	Compatible with many iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, as well as other contemporary phones that enable eSIM.
How to Use	To activate it, insert the actual SIM card and adhere to the provider’s instructions.	Swapping SIM cards is not necessary. To download and activate the eSIM plan, simply scan a QR code.

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

Yes, getting a local SIM card is very helpful for your trip to Gambia: 

• Diverse options: To fit your needs and budget, select from a variety of prepaid options.
• Convenience: A variety of places to buy, such as shops and kiosks at airports.
• Dependable service: Gamcel, QCell, and Africell provide nationwide service.

► Recommendation: It is advised to think about utilizing an eSIM (digital SIM) for the Gambia. It’s simple to set up and provides you with affordable, safe internet connectivity while traveling.

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

To buy a SIM card in The Gambia, you’ll need to prepare a few things:

• Passport: This is the most important identification document you’ll need.
• Cash: While some shops might accept card payments, cash is still the most common payment method in The Gambia.
• Unlocked Mobile Phone: Make sure your phone isn’t locked to a specific network so you can use a SIM card from any Gambian provider.

To avoid registration and verification procedures when buying SIM cards in The Gambia, tourists can consider purchasing an eSIM (if their phone supports eSIM functionality). eSIMs are digital SIM cards that are installed directly onto your phone, saving you time and the need to carry a physical SIM card.

VII. Gambia eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

Gambia eSIMs offer a fantastic alternative to traditional tourist SIM cards, providing unparalleled convenience and ease of use for travelers visiting Gambia.  With an eSIM, you can connect almost instantly. You can download a data plan before you even arrive in Gambia and activate it with a simple scan of a QR code.

Buying eSIM from mobile operators websites or stores may be a choice for tourists but buying from online retailers is faster and more convenient. It is recommended for travelers to search for trusted retailers on the internet such as Gigago to have the best deal for travel eSIM to Gambia.

Gigago provides cost-effective connectivity solutions for travelers to Gambia, with eSIM plans starting as low as $10.50 for a 7-day, 1GB data package. With a variety of data plans available, travellers can select Gigago Gambia eSIM plans from $10.50 , to suit your specific needs and budget.

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

Tourist SIM cards in Gambia typically last for a duration of 1 week to 30 days (1 month). However, it’s always best to confirm the exact validity period with the provider or retailer you choose. Don’t buy a shorter validity period than your trip, as you’ll have to go to top up or purchase a new SIM card. 

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Gambia 

Here’s how to activate a SIM card in The Gambia, covering both physical prepaid SIMs and eSIMs:

1. Activating a Physical Prepaid SIM Card:

• Purchase: Buy a prepaid SIM card from an authorized vendor (official stores, airport kiosks, or registered street vendors). You’ll likely need to show your passport for identification.
• Registration (if required): SIM card registration is often mandatory. The vendor might handle this for you at the point of sale, or you might need to visit a registration center with your passport. Keep any registration confirmation documents.
• Insertion: Insert the SIM card into your unlocked mobile phone.
• Activation: The activation process varies by carrier. Common methods include: Automatic activation, calling a number, sending an SMS
• Top-Up (Recharge): Once activated, you’ll need to add credit (airtime) to your SIM card to make calls, send texts, or use data. This is typically done by purchasing a top-up voucher (scratch card) or through mobile money services. Instructions for topping up will be provided by your carrier. 

2. Setting up and Activating a Gambian eSIM:

• Check Compatibility: Confirm that your mobile phone supports eSIM functionality.
• Purchase: Purchase an eSIM profile from your chosen Gambian mobile carrier. This can often be done online through their website. You’ll usually receive a QR code or activation details.
• Installation: Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera. Your phone will guide you through the eSIM installation process.
• Activation: The eSIM should activate automatically after installation. If not, follow the carrier’s instructions, which might involve contacting their customer support.
• Top-Up (Recharge): Add credit to your eSIM as you would with a physical SIM, usually through online methods or mobile money services.

X. FAQs about Gambia SIM card

XI. Conclusion 

Gambia SIM cards are a practical and affordable solution for tourists to stay connected throughout their trip. With a simple purchasing process at the airport or local stores, you can easily access mobile data, calls, and text services. While there are some registration requirements, including presenting a passport, the benefits of immediate connectivity make it a worthwhile option. For a smoother experience, tourists with eSIM-compatible devices may consider opting for an eSIM, bypassing the need for physical SIM card registration and ensuring a faster setup.