Prepaid Tanzania SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This guide will help you pick out great SIM cards for Tanzania so you can stay online affordably during your trip. 

A prepaid SIM card for Tanzania lets you easily stay connected while enjoying its stunning scenery and traditions. This guide includes all the info needed to pick out the perfect SIM for your trip. We’ll look at plans, companies, prepaid vs. monthly options, packages and where to buy. We’ll also talk about what to have ready before purchasing. Choosing the right SIM guarantees you won’t miss anything during your travels in Tanzania.

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

We recommend getting a Vodacom SIM card when traveling in Tanzania. The reason is that Vodacom has the best mobile data network coverage across the country.

1. Vodacom:

For a Vodacom SIM card in Tanzania, you pay 1,000 TZS ($0.4 USD). The staff at the store will activate it for you.

You need to purchase data and call bundles separately. Some available options are:

• 3GB data + 400 minutes + 100 texts for 7 days = 10,000 TZS ($3.7 USD).

• 10GB data + 1,200 minutes + 500 texts for 30 days = 30,000 TZS ($11.1 USD).

• 19.9GB data + 1,200 minutes + 500 texts for 30 days = 50,000 TZS ($18.5 USD).

Vodacom only offers physical SIM cards that you purchase in-store. They do not provide eSIM options for tourists.

2. Airtel:

An Airtel SIM card in Tanzania costs 1,500 TZS ($0.6 USD). You need to purchase extra packages for the SIM to work.

Some popular data and call packages from Airtel Tanzania include:

• 6GB of data for 7 days = 10,000 TZS ($3.7 USD).

• 8GB of data for 7 days = 15,000 TZS ($5.6 USD).

• 12GB of data for 30 days = 25,000 TZS ($9.3 USD).

Airtel only offers physical SIMs that you buy in-person. They do not provide eSIM options for visitors to Tanzania.

3. Tigo:

A Tigo SIM card in Tanzania costs 1,000 TZS ($0.4 USD). You need to add credit to purchase data packages.

Tigo offers daily, weekly, and monthly data-only packages starting from:

• 1GB for 1 day = 2,000 TZS ($0.7 USD). 

• 6GB for 7 days = 10,000 TZS ($3.7 USD).

• 12GB for 30 days = 20,000 TZS ($7.4 USD).

• 24GB for 30 days = 50,000 TZS ($18.5 USD) (valid for 60 days).

They only provide physical SIMs – no eSIM option for visitors.

4. Halotel:

With Halotel prepaid SIMs, data and call packages come included together. Their bundle options are:

• 4GB data + 280 minutes + 50 texts for 30 days = 10,000 TZS ($3.7 USD).

• 8.5GB data + 400 minutes + 100 texts for 30 days = 20,000 TZS ($7.4 USD).

• 22GB data + 600 minutes + 200 texts for 30 days = 50,000 TZS ($18.5 USD).

Halotel has the weakest network coverage but offers the most affordable data plan prices compared to other providers.

Only physical SIM cards are available, no eSIM option.

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

Tourists have 03 options when wanting to buy a SIM Card in Tanzania: 

• International Airports. 

• Phone stores in the city center. 

• Online.

1. Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar Airport: 

This is a very convenient option as you can get a SIM card upon arrival in Tanzania. Shops at the airport sell SIMs from major providers like Vodacom, Tigo, Airtel, and Halotel.

You can buy a SIM at Zanzibar Airport but prices there are more expensive than other locations, starting at around $15 for 1GB of data.

Pros: convenient, instant internet use.

Cons: fewer options compared to city stores, prices could be higher at the airport, passport for ID check needed.

2. Phone Stores in the city center: 

Official stores of the mobile providers around Tanzania like Tigo, Airtel, Vodacom, and Halotel sell SIM cards. Go to these stores to make sure the registration process is done correctly.

Pros: very easy to purchase, competitive prices, great-value deals.

Cons: need to show your valid passport ID for verification, extra travel to the shop locations.

3. Online:

 You can order a SIM card for Tanzania online before your trip. Some options mentioned are eSIM cards from companies like Gigago. These let you set up a Tanzania connection without visiting a store. An international SIM card for Tanzania can also be ordered online.

Pros: instant reliable internet, time to compare offers and find the best deal.

Cons: Device must support digital SIM cards.

III. How Much is a Tourist Tanzania SIM Card?

Prepaid SIMs for visitors in Tanzania are very reasonably priced, starting less than $1 USD. 

Plans cost different amounts based on calls, texts and data included. You can find starter packs with internet from just $0.7 USD. Major carriers like Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo or Halotel offer great deals for travelers. Adding more money later if needed during your travels is also affordable.

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

Tanzania SIM Card Options for Tourists:

• Prepaid physical SIM card.

• Prepaid eSIM.

1. Physical SIM Card Details:

Features: 

• Pre-loaded with data, minutes, and texts.

• Easy to purchase at airports, stores, and electronics retailers.

• Activate immediately upon arrival.

• Affordable pay-as-you-go pricing.

• Available as data-only or data+voice/text plans.

• Can be purchased at major airports, convenience stores, and electronics shops.

Suitable for: 

• Short-term travelers on vacation or business trips. 

• Tourists making short visits or transits in Tanzania.

Requirements: Unlocked phone, passport to buy offline. 

Pros:

• Instant connectivity upon arrival.

• No contracts or credit checks.

• Can control costs.

• Validity matches trip length.

Cons:

• Need new SIM for each visit.

• Physical disassembly is required.

2. Prepaid eSIM: 

A prepaid eSIM is a digital SIM card stored virtually in a secure data chip inserted in the mainboard of an eSIM-supported device. It does not require a physical SIM card.

Features

• Buy online from anywhere, at anytime.

• Use QR code to download the eSIM profile.

• One eSIM can store multiple profiles.

• Works on eSIM-compatible smartphones.

• Remote activation from home country.

Suitable For:

• Frequent Tanzania travelers.

• Business travelers with recurring trips.

• Device limited to one physical SIM card.

• Those wanting to activate SIM before arrival.

• People with eSIM-compatible phones.

Requirements: No need for a passport when buying online, an eSIM-compatible and unlocked phone.

Pros:

• No need to purchase physical SIM cards.

• Remote activation before arrival.

• Reusable on multiple trips.

• Avoid SIM card swapping hassles.

• Use multiple plans on one device.

Cons:

• Compatible device with eSIM functionality needed.

• More expensive than physical SIM cards.

►Our Recommendation:

Choose a SIM card for your Tanzania trip if your phone is not compatible with eSIM and you only want to surf the Internet and stay connected. 

Choose INTERNATIONAL PREPAID DATA eSIM for Tanzania if your phone supports eSIM, it is highly recommended to use international Tanzania travel eSIM due to its convenience, security and flexible plan options.

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

Yes, travelers should use Tanzania for the best convenience. Here’s why: 

Option	Pros	Cons
Public Wi-Fi	– Widely available in urban areas. – Often free. – Convenient for light internet usage.	– Security concerns. – Limited coverage in remote areas. – Potential speed issues during peak times.
Roaming	– Convenient to use your home country’s mobile network.	– Expensive, especially for data usage. – May not be cost-effective for extended stays. – Potential for slower speeds.
Portable Wi-Fi (Pocket WiFi)	– Dedicated, secure connection for multiple devices. – Generally faster and more reliable than public Wi-Fi. – Cost-effective for groups or longer stays.	– Initial setup and rental fees. – Need to carry an extra device. – Limited battery life. – Potential signal issues in remote areas.
Local SIM Card	– Cost-effective for data usage. – Easy to set up. – Use your own device.	– Requires a compatible, unlocked phone. – Potential language barrier during the purchase process.

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

A few things to get ready before buying a Tanzania SIM card:

• Passport – Shops need a copy of your passport details for registration.

• Fingerprint – Mobile internet provider will need your fingerprint, also a photo will be taken of you on the spot. 

• Unlocked phone – Make sure your phone isn’t tied to just one carrier so the Tanzania SIM will work.

• Local cash – Have Tanzanian shilling instead of foreign currency since some stores may not accept others.

• Details – Have your address and phone number in case they’re needed.

• Plan needs – Decide how many calls, texts, and data you’ll use to pick the right package.

• Getting a visitor SIM takes some time in Tanzania. Consider an eSIM instead – it’s simpler to activate with fewer registration steps than a regular SIM card.

Being prepared makes buying and setting up your SIM quick and smooth so you can use your phone right away in Tanzania.

VII. Tanzania eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

Using an eSIM for your trip to Tanzania has a lot of advantages over a traditional SIM card.

• First, an eSIM can save you a lot of money on roaming fees. It works just like a local SIM, so you don’t have to pay the high costs of international roaming.

• The eSIM also provides reliable coverage across Tanzania. 

One great eSIM provider is GIGAGO, which uses the major Vodacom network to ensure you stay connected no matter where you travel.

GIGAGO offers flexible eSIM plans for Tanzania, starting as low as $5 USD for 7 days. They have a range of options to fit different trip lengths and data needs, up to $28.9 USD for more extensive plans.

With a Tanzania eSIM, tourists: 

• Do not have to worry about swapping physical SIM cards. 

• Activate eSIMs online. 

• Use the eSIM to create a mobile hotspot and share your data connection.

For Tanzania, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $5.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Tanzania eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.00 – $28.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Tanzania, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

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

The length of time a prepaid SIM card for tourists in Tanzania depends on the package.

• If you only need basic use for a few days, 1-day or 3-day plans let you cover a short trip.

• 7-day SIMs provide a week of calls, texts and data, popular with many visitors.

• 30-day cards allow phone use freely for a whole month of exploring Tanzania.

For example: Travelers can expect 1-day, 7-day or 30-day, 60-day packages for their trip to Tanzania.

• 1GB for 1 day = 2,000 TZS ($0.7 USD). 

• 3GB data + 400 minutes + 100 texts for 7 days = 10,000 TZS ($3.7 USD).

• 6GB of data for 7 days = 10,000 TZS ($3.7 USD).

• 4GB data + 280 minutes + 50 texts for 30 days = 10,000 TZS ($3.7 USD).

• 19.9GB data + 1,200 minutes + 500 texts for 30 days = 50,000 TZS ($18.5 USD).

• 24GB for 30 days = 50,000 TZS ($18.5 USD) (valid for 60 days).

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Tanzania?

We’ll discuss about the ways to use Tanzania SIM Cards and eSIMs: 

1. Using prepaid Tanzania tourist SIM Cards.

Here are the main steps to use a Tanzania prepaid SIM card:

• Purchase a prepaid SIM card from major carriers like Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, Halotel before or upon arrival. Cards are at convenience stores.

• Follow instructions to activate the card. Insert SIM into phone and power on.

• The SIM will have a temporary phone number. Note or screenshot this number for next steps.

• Use the SIM for calls, texts and data in Tanzania. Most include a starting amount.

• Download the provider’s app to check balances, top up credit and manage the account easily.

2. Setting up and activating Tanzania eSIM. 

To use a Tanzania eSIM for your upcoming trip, follow these steps:

• Buy an eSIM online from a prestigious eSIM provider (like Gigago) before departure or upon arrival at the airport. 

• Scan a QR code or enter activation details to activate eSIM online.

• Once activated, the eSIM will be downloaded directly to your device. Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible.

• You can now use the eSIM for data (and calls, texts) within Tanzania just like a regular SIM.

X. FAQs

In summary, getting a prepaid travel SIM card is a very convenient option for staying connected while visiting Tanzania. It’s much better than relying on your regular mobile plan’s international roaming, which can be very expensive. However, if your mobile device has eSIM function, going for a prepaid eSIM package would be most convenient.