Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs: What you need to know

This article offers an in-depth guide on how to get and activate Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs for tourists, helping you stay connected and fully enjoy your trip. 

Orange is a reliable Tunisia telecommunications company. In this article, we’ll show you how to get Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs, where their coverage is available, and offer helpful advice on how to get the most out of your mobile experience while you’re on the road.

I. Overview about Orange Tunisia – What you need to know

Orange Tunisia, a subsidiary of the Orange S.A. group, is a leading telecommunications provider in Tunisia, providing Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs for tourists. 

• Foundation: Founded in 1999, Orange Tunisia is part of the global Orange S.A. group, which operates in 18 countries.
• Rank in Tunisia: One of the top telecom providers in Tunisia with a significant market share.
• Coverage: Ranked second. Extensive coverage in urban areas and many rural regions, though mountainous and remote areas may experience limitations. 
• Speed: Mobile internet speed averages around 20 Mbps (according to Speedtest), ranking 3rd in Tunisia for network speed. 
• Highlights: Orange Tunisia stands out with its eSIM support, excellent customer service, and flexible plans tailored for both residents and tourists. 

II. Orange Coverage in Tunisia

Based on October 2022 assessment by nPerf about Tunisia’s mobile network experience. Orange ranked second in internet coverage in Tunisia. It provides fast speeds and robust coverage across the nation. Here are some key findings:

• Orange had high overall availability 96.8% of the time, similar to Ooredoo. This means users generally had a connection.
• Orange is the Tunisia operator to win the 4G Availability award, with combined scores of 5.6.
• Major cities like Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse have strong coverage with reliable 4G/LTE services. Coverage is also available in many rural and suburban areas, though signal strength may vary.

III. Orange Speed in Tunisia 

Orange users saw their upload speed and download speed rank the third of mobile operators in Tunisia. According to October 2022 assessment by Open Signal about Tunisia’s mobile network, there are some key information:

• Orange users experienced average download speeds of 19.1 Mbps, while Tunisie Telecom observed the fastest average download speeds — 23.6 Mbps.
• Orange holds the third position for Upload Speed Experience score in Romania, reaching 9.3 Mbps. This is approximately 0.1Mbps and 0.2Mbps slower than Tunisie Telecom and Ooredoo respectively.

IV. Types of Orange Tunisia SIM Card Options for Tourists

There are 3 different options for getting Orange service during your travels in Tunisia: Orange SIM card, roaming, pocket wifi. In addition, Orange Tunisia also offers eSIM for tourists. But in order to use eSIM, the phone needs to be network unlocked and support eSIM.

Option	Pros	Cons
Buying Orange SIM Card	Convenient, affordable, fast activation	Need to buy local currency, risk of theft/damage
eSIM	Convenient, no physical SIM needed. Flexible, can switch between plans. Environmentally friendly	Limited device compatibilityMay have limited plan optionsPotential activation issues
Using Pocket WiFi Rental	Shared connection, battery powered, secure	Extra device to carry, limited data amounts
Roaming on Home Network	Use your existing number and plan features	Expensive, subject to roaming limits

To sum up, buying Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs is the least expensive way for visitors to use the Orange Tunisia network while visiting the country because it eliminates costly roaming fees and the device restrictions associated with wifi rentals. Before selecting the best option, travelers should think about the length of their journey and their needs.

V. Top Orange Tunisia SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

Orange provides a selection of prepaid SIM card choices that are appropriate for travelers to Tunisia:

Orange Tunisia SIM	Data/Validity	Cost (USD)
Starter SIM	3 TND credit	0.90
Jour 1 Day SIM	1GB/1 day	3.00
Jour 3 Days SIM	3GB/3 days	4.50
Semaine SIM	10GB/7 days	6.00
15 Jours SIM	15GB/15 days	9.00
Mois SIM	Unlimited calls/texts, 25GB/30 days	15.00

In short, the Semaine Orange SIM plan offers the best value, duration, and affordability for most travelers on short holidays in Tunisia, with a 10GB allowance, a 7-day validity period, and a competitive $6 pricing point. Without going beyond budget, it guarantees constant internet access.

► Our recommendation: It is best to purchase a tourist SIM prior to traveling to Tunisia, as obtaining a SIM upon arrival would likely involve significant complications. You’ll need to present your current passport or other personal documentation to buy Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs.

VI. Where to buy Orange Tunisia SIM cards for tourists?

Tourists can buy Orange Tunisia SIM cards at several locations, including: Tunisia airports, Orange stores and retail outlets. 

1. Buy Orange SIM at Tunisia airports

When you arrive at major Tunisia airports, such as Tunis-Carthage Airport, you may easily get an Orange SIM card at Orange kiosks. This service is available in the arrivals area. Look for the Orange logo or ask at the information desk for directions to the kiosk.

• Opening Hours: Daily 7 am-10 pm
• Location: After passport control near baggage claim 2

These kiosks typically offer a variety of plans suited for tourists, including data packages and local calling options. Ensure you have your passport with you, as it is required for purchasing a SIM card.

2. Buy Orange SIM in Tunisia city center

If you’re arriving in Tunisia and need to purchase an Orange SIM card, you can do so conveniently in several major cities, including Tunis, Sousse, and Hammamet. These cities are popular among tourists and have various options for purchasing SIM cards.

You can use Google Maps to search for “Orange store” or “SIM card” to find the nearest locations in these cities. Visit dedicated Orange stores located in city centers for a direct purchase. You can find these stores in:

• Tunis: Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Tunis Center
• Sousse: Rue du Commerce, near the main shopping areas
• Hammamet: Avenue de la République, close to major tourist spots

3. Buy Orange SIM online before departure

Buying an Orange SIM card online before your departure to Tunisia can be a convenient option.

Here are platforms where you can purchase an Orange Tunisia SIM card online:

• Orange Tunisia Official Website: Visit the Orange Tunisia website and look for their prepaid SIM card options. Sometimes, they offer the possibility to pre-order and have the SIM card delivered to your accommodation in Tunisia.
• Travel SIM Card Providers: Websites like Gigago or TravelSIM offer international SIM cards, including Orange Tunisia, that you can order online and have delivered to your home address before your departure.

When buying online, make sure to:

• Verify that the SIM card is specifically for Tunisia.
• Check the data and call plans included.
• Confirm the delivery time to ensure it arrives before your departure.
• Review the activation process to ensure it will be ready for use upon arrival.

Before you depart, you can buy Orange Tunisia eSIM plans from Gigago and install them straight on your compatible smartphone. This is a far more practical and effective choice.

VII. Where to Buy Orange Tunisia eSIM for tourists?

To buy an Orange Tunisia eSIM for tourists, the best way is to purchase it online through an eSIM provider or retailer before you depart. This will save you time and avoid the registration process when you buy a SIM card in person. One popular option for purchasing an Orange Tunisia eSIM online is Gigago. 

Gigago offers a variety of data plans to suit travelers’ needs, and the process is fast and simple. Gigago Tunisia eSIM offers a basic plan with 1GB of data for 7 days, perfect for short trips. This plan is priced at $5.00 . If you need more data, Gigago has a variety of larger plans available starting from $5.00 – $39.90 .

VIII. How to top up your Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs

This is how to top up your Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs:

• Go to Orange’s official top-up website.
• Enter your phone number.
• Choose the amount you want to add.
• Pay with your credit card.
• Review the details of your top-up.

IX. FAQ about Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs

X. Conclusion 

Choosing Orange Tunisia SIM cards & eSIMs offers a reliable and convenient solution for staying connected during your time in Tunisia. With extensive 4G/LTE coverage in urban areas and popular tourist spots, Orange provides data speeds and network reliability. Whether you opt for a physical SIM card or an eSIM, both options ensure seamless connectivity, though eSIMs offer added convenience with easy activation and management. Be sure to review your specific needs, such as data usage and travel plans, to select the best option for a smooth and connected experience in Tunisia.