Prepaid Madagascar SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

When visiting Madagascar, Madagascar SIM cards provide a simple way to stay connected easily throughout your trip.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the details about Madagascar SIM cards for tourists. You’ll discover the best SIM options, where to buy them, how much they cost, and what to prepare when purchasing. We’ll also explore alternatives like eSIM, how to activate your SIM, and other key information to ensure smooth connectivity during your journey.

I. What are the Best Madagascar SIM Cards for Tourists?

There are four mobile carriers in Madagascar:

• Telma
• Orange
• Airtel
• Bip (Blueline)

Here are the best SIM card options for tourists in Madagascar:

1. Telma Madagascar SIM Cards

Plan	Price (MGA)	Price (USD)	Data	Calls	Validity
M’ora M’ora	500	0.11	20GB	20 SMS	1 day
Combo Plan	10.000	2.20	150 MB (day/night)	5 minutes, 100 SMS	30 days
Net Plan	25.000	5.50	2 GB	Not included	30 days
Large Data Plan	149.000	32.78	20GB	Not included	30 days

2. Airtel Madagascar SIM Cards

Plan	Price (MGA)	Price (USD)	Data	Calls	Validity
Mini Data Pack	4.000	0.88	1.5GB	Not included	7 days
Social Media Plan	7.000	1.54	Unlimited social apps	Not included	30 days
Combo Pack	12.000	2.64	3GB	60 minutes local calls	30 days

3. Orange Madagascar SIM Cards

Plan	Price (MGA)	Price (USD)	Data	Calls	Validity
Small Data Plan	500	0.11	20GB	Not included	1 days
Medium Data Plan	13.500	2.97	500MB	Not included	7 days
Large Data Plan	34.500	7.59	Unlimited	Not included	30 days
Unlimited Data	77,500	17.05	Unlimited	Not included	30 days

4. Bip (Blueline)

Plan	Price (MGA)	Price (USD)	Data	Calls	Validity
Starter Pack	6.000	1.32	1GB	Not included	7 days
Unlimited Plan	25.000	5.50	Unlimited	Not included	30 days

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

If you’re traveling to Madagascar, here are the best ways to buy SIM cards for staying connected:

1. Buy Madagascar SIM Card Online

Before your trip, you can purchase an eSIM for Madagascar from providers because this process will prevent your personal information from being shown.

• Where: Online through eSIM providers like Gigago.
• How: You select a data plan, download the eSIM, and activate it using a QR code.
• Suitable for: Tech-savvy travelers who want to avoid queues at the airport and get connected immediately upon arrival.
• Pros:
  • No need to wait at local stores or kiosks.
  • Instant activation before arrival.
  • No physical SIM card needed.
• Cons:
  • May be slightly more expensive than buying a local SIM.
  • Limited or no access to local call/text services. 

2. Buy SIM Card at Madagascar Airports

SIM cards from major operators like Telma, Orange, and Airtel are available at kiosks in the airport.

• Where: Ivato International Airport (Tana Airport) in Antananarivo has kiosks from all major carriers, located near the arrivals area. 
• How: To purchase a SIM card, you’ll need to present your passport, and in most cases, your photo will be taken for registration​. 
• Suitable for: Travelers who want immediate access to a SIM card upon arrival.
• Pros:
  • Immediate access to data and calls after landing.
  • Available from all major carriers.
• Cons:
  • May require long queues.
  • Registration involves showing ID and taking a photo.
  • Prices at airports may be slightly higher​. 

3. Buy SIM Card in Madagascar’s Cities

SIM cards are widely available in Madagascar’s cities, with retail stores and kiosks for Telma, Orange, and Airtel.

• Where: SIM cards can be bought at official stores, kiosks, and even street vendors in major cities like Antananarivo. Telma and Orange have shops in key areas such as Avenue de l’Indépendance​. 
• Suitable for: Travelers who are staying in cities and prefer to explore local options.
• Pros:
  • Better prices compared to airport kiosks.
  • Wider variety of plans and options.
• Cons:
  • SIM card availability may be limited in smaller towns.
  • Street vendors may not always offer reliable service​. 

III. How Much is a Tourist Madagascar SIM Card?

A tourist SIM card in Madagascar generally costs between 2,000 MGA and 5,000 MGA (approximately $0.50 to $ 1.50). The cost can vary depending on the provider and location of purchase. For example, Telma, Orange, and Airtel offer SIM cards in this price range.

Once you purchase the SIM card, you can buy data plans starting from 5,000 MGA (about $1.10) for smaller data bundles. Larger plans cost between 20,000 MGA and 50,000 MGA (around $5 to $12), depending on the amount of data and validity. Some plans offer 1 GB of data for 30,000 MGA (around $6.60).

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

There are 2 main types of SIM cards available for tourists in Madagascar:

• Prepaid SIM 
• Tourist eSIM

Comparison Table

Criteria	Prepaid SIM	Tourist eSIM
Convenience	Available at stores and airports	Buy online, no physical card needed
Compatibility	Unlocked phones	eSIM-compatible phones
How to Use	Insert SIM, activate in store	Scan QR code, instant activation

In conclusion, while prepaid SIM cards are super easy to get and cost-effective, eSIMs bring way more convenience and are simpler to set up. For tourists looking for a smooth experience, an eSIM could be the better choice.

V. Do I need a SIM card to travel to Madagascar?

Absolutely YES. You do need a SIM card when traveling to Madagascar to stay connected without breaking the bank. A SIM card offers affordable rates for calls and data, providing better coverage, especially in remote areas, compared to expensive international roaming. It’s also a flexible option, allowing you to top up as needed.

However, if your phone supports eSIM, that’s an even more convenient option. With an eSIM, you can skip the complex of buying a physical SIM card and enjoy immediate access to mobile networks upon arrival, all while benefiting from better security and smooth activation.

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

When buying a SIM card in Madagascar, here’s what you need to prepare:

• Passport: A must for SIM card registration.
• Visa (if applicable): Sometimes required for longer stays.
• Local currency: Many smaller shops don’t accept cards, so have cash ready.
• Proof of accommodation: Some stores may ask for a local address during registration.
• Be patient: The registration and verification process can take time.

One more time, to avoid the hassle of registration, you can opt for an eSIM if your phone supports it. This allows you to skip paperwork and activate your SIM online before arriving in Madagascar – convenient and secure.

VII. Madagascar eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM cards

I think that all of the reasons mentioned above have shown the benefits of eSIM to tourists. So the remaining thing you need to consider here is choosing where to buy it.

I highly recommend Gigago, one of the most reliable eSIM providers known for offering flexible and affordable options. If you’re traveling to Madagascar, Gigago’s Madagascar eSIM is a fantastic choice. Here are some key features you’ll enjoy:

• Data only: The eSIM offers a range of data plans to suit different travel needs.
• Coverage: Reliable coverage with Madagascar’s Orange LTE network.
• Hotspot/Tethering support: You can share your internet connection across multiple devices.
• Fast Internet speeds: Enjoy 4G/LTE/5G with unlimited data at reduced speeds after the high-speed data is consumed.
• Instant delivery: The eSIM is delivered via email within minutes of purchase and is ready to install.

For Madagascar, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 7 days with $8.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Madagascar eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $8.90 – $34.90 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are or how long your trip in Madagascar is; with Gigago, there is always an option for you.

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

Tourist SIM cards in Madagascar typically last between 7 and 30 days. For example, Telma offers 7-day and 30-day plans, Airtel and Orange also provide 30-day validity for different data options, while Bip (Blueline) has similar offerings. These durations make it easy for tourists to choose a plan that fits their trip length.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Madagascar?

To activate a SIM card in Madagascar, here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Purchase the SIM card

Telma, Orange, or Airtel SIM cards can be bought at airport kiosks, retail stores, or authorized vendors. Make sure you have your passport handy, as it’s usually required for registration.

Step 2: Insert the SIM card into your phone.

• Activate the SIM card: The shop assistant will often help you activate it. If not, here’s what you can do:
  • Dial the activation code (specific to each provider). For example, use codes like 322 for Telma to activate different plans.
  • After loading the credit, you may need to enter a promo code to activate the data. For example, entering 32273# can activate 1GB of data on Telma​.
• Top-up credit: Credit can be purchased as scratch-off cards or electronically in amounts like 1,000 MGA or 5,000 MGA. Follow the instructions on the card to load your credit.

X. FAQs

XI. Conclusion

I hope you find this post helpful in understanding everything about getting a Madagascar SIM card. Whether you go for a prepaid SIM or the more convenient eSIM, staying connected in Madagascar is easy and affordable. Choose the best option based on your travel needs, and enjoy smooth connectivity throughout your trip.