Best Uganda SIM cards for Travelers

Learn all about prepaid Uganda SIM Card for tourists, your key to staying connected and exploring this country with ease and confidence.

As a tourist visiting Uganda, a prepaid SIM card is the best way to stay connected during your trip. With a Uganda SIM card, you’ll have access to reliable voice, text, and data services, allowing you to use your phone freely while exploring the country.

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

There are 04 the best SIM card for tourists, including: Lycamobile, MTN, Airtel, and Africell.

1. Lycamobile

Lycamobile offers a free SIM card option for travelers in Uganda. You can pick up a Lycamobile SIM card from any of their retail locations in the country.

To get set up, simply register the SIM card with your passport, then recharge it and choose a data bundle that fits your needs.

The Lycamobile plans in Uganda are quite affordable compared to other mobile providers in the country. Here are some examples of their data bundle pricing:

• 500 UGX = 250 MB data for 24 hours ($0.13 USD).

• 1000 UGX = 500 MB data for 7 days ($0.27 USD).

• 5,000 UGX = 5 GB data for 7 days ($1.35 USD).

• 7,000 UGX = 10 GB data for 7 days ($1.89 USD).

• 10,000 UGX = 20 GB data for 7 days ($2.69 USD).

• 25,000 UGX = 50 GB data for 7 days ($6.73 USD).

• 30,000 UGX = 100 GB data for 30 days ($8.08 USD).

• 45,000 UGX = 100 GB data for 30 days  ($12.12 USD).

These data bundles provide excellent value for the price. They also include Lycamobile-to-Lycamobile calling and texting, even internationally.

2. Africell

If you’re looking for an affordable mobile option in Uganda, Africell is one provider worth considering. You can purchase an Africell prepaid SIM card for just 2,000 UGX, which is about $0.54 USD.

The SIM card will come with a small amount of initial credit to get you started. From there, you’ll need to add more credit to your account in order to purchase data bundles.

Here are some of the most common Africell data bundle options in Uganda:

• 5,000 UGX = 1.2 GB data for 24 hours ($1.35 USD).

• 15,000 UGX = 4.5 GB data for 1 week ($4.04 USD).

• 20,000 UGX = 8 GB data for 1 week ($5.39 USD).

• 25,000 UGX = 8 GB data for 1 month ($6.73 USD).

• 50,000 UGX = 20 GB data for 1 month ($13.47 USD).

• 125,000 UGX = 30 GB data for 3 months ($33.67 USD).

• 200,000 UGX = 55 GB data for 3 months ($53.88 USD).

• 500,000 UGX = 150 GB data for 6 months ($134.7 USD).

• 1,000,000 UGX = 320 GB data for 12 months ($269.4 USD).

Africell also offers voice bundles, such as 5,000 UGX ($1.35) for 20 minutes of calling time plus 200 MB of data for 1 week.

3. MTN

If you choose to use MTN as your mobile provider in Uganda, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card for 2,000 UGX ($0.54 USD). This will give you a basic SIM card that you can then add credit to for voice calls or data bundles.

Here are some common MTN Uganda data bundle options and their prices:

• 5,000 UGX = 1 GB data for 24 hours ($1.35 USD).

• 10,000 UGX = 1.5 GB data for 7 days ($2.69 USD).

• 20,000 UGX = 5 GB data for 7 days ($5.39 USD).

• 50,000 UGX = 10 GB data for 30 days ($13,47 USD).

• 100,000 UGX = 30 GB data for 30 days ($26.94 USD).

4. Airtel

Similar to other mobile providers in Uganda, you can purchase a prepaid Airtel SIM card for 2,000 UGX (($0.54 USD). This will give you a basic SIM card that you can then top up with credit to purchase data bundles or voice minutes.

Here are some of the most common Airtel Uganda data bundle options I would recommend:

• 5,000 UGX = 1 GB data for 24 hours ($1.35 USD).

• 10,000 UGX = 3 GB data for 24 hours ($2.69 USD).

• 15,000 UGX = 4 GB data for 7 days ($4.04 USD).

• 20,000 UGX = 7 GB data for 7 days ($5.39 USD).

• 30,000 UGX = 9 GB data for 30 days ($8.08 USD).

• 50,000 UGX = 20 GB data for 30 days ($13,47 USD).

• 150,000 UGX = 65 GB data for 30 days ($40.41 USD).

Airtel also offers voice credit packages, such as 2,000 UGX ($0.54 USD) for 45 minutes of calling time valid for 1 week.

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

There are 03 options available for purchasing a SIM card for your trip to Uganda: 

• Buy an Uganda SIM Card at the Airport.

• Buy an Uganda SIM Card in the city centre.

• Buy an Uganda SIM Card online.

1. Buy an Uganda SIM Card at the Airport.

When you arrive in Uganda by plane,you can buy an Uganda SIM card at Entebbe International Airport. 

When you first arrive at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll see a Tourist Information desk right in front of you in the arrival hall. To your right, you’ll notice several ATMs and a yellow sign for an MTN shop. However, this particular MTN kiosk does not actually sell Ugandan SIM cards.

Just behind the information desk, as you head towards the restaurant area, you’ll find an Airtel shop on your left side. This is where you can purchase a SIM card for use in Uganda at the airport. The Airtel shop is supposed to be open 24 hours. 

As an alternative, there are three additional kiosks selling prepaid SIM cards for Uganda located just 50 meters to your left as you exit the airport building, but still within the gates. These kiosks are very colorful and sell SIM cards from providers like MTN, Airtel, and Africell.

2. Buy an Uganda SIM Card in the city center.

If you’re unable to purchase a SIM card at the airport or are traveling to Uganda by land, you can visit one of the mobile network provider service centers instead.

You’ll see many small kiosks and shops selling SIM cards on the streets, but not all of them can sign up tourists. The service centers are the designated locations where you can officially register a prepaid SIM card with your passport and photo ID.

Purchasing a Lycamobile SIM card in Uganda may be a bit more challenging, as there are not as many Lycamobile retailers available compared to other providers. In fact, you may not find any Lycamobile options at Entebbe Airport or in the nearby Entebbe area. 

3. Buy an Uganda SIM Card online.

This option is only applicable if your phone supports eSIM. If it does, you can choose an eSIM plan that suits your needs and budget, make the payment, and within five minutes, receive a QR code in your email. Simply scan the QR code, and your eSIM plan will be activated on your phone. No need to wait for SIM card delivery, visit stores, or switch physical SIM cards.

III. How Much is a Tourist Uganda SIM Card?

Tourist SIM cards in Uganda typically range from around $1.35 USD to $13.47 USD or more, depending on the network operator and the specific plan’s features. Many tourist SIM cards offer data packages that vary in size and validity period. The price of the SIM card may also depend on the data package included.

Remember: Pay attention to the validity period of the Uganda SIM card and any included data or credit. Prepaid SIM cards typically expire after a certain period of inactivity or if not topped up within a specified timeframe.

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

There are 02 types of Uganda SIM cards, including: physical SIM card and eSIM.

1. Uganda physical SIM Cards

A physical SIM card is a small chip that you insert into your phone or other device. This SIM card contains your mobile number, account information, and network settings.

Advantages of Uganda physical SIM Cards:

• Affordable Pricing: Uganda SIM cards offer various plans at competitive prices, often more cost-effective than international roaming.

• Wide Device Support: Physical SIM cards are compatible with a broad range of devices and available from multiple service providers.

• Local Connectivity: When traveling internationally, you can easily purchase a local physical SIM card to get better rates and coverage.

Drawbacks of Uganda physical SIM Cards:

• Inconvenient Swapping: You need to physically insert the SIM card into your device, which can be inconvenient if you frequently switch between multiple devices.

• Risk of Loss or Damage: Physical SIM cards can be lost, damaged, or stolen, resulting in the loss of your mobile number and connection.

2. Uganda eSIM

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into your device. It allows you to activate a mobile plan without the need for a physical SIM card.

Advantages of eSIMs:

• Convenience: With an eSIM, you don’t have to physically insert or remove a SIM card. The digital SIM is already built into your compatible device.

• Flexibility: eSIMs let you easily switch between different mobile service providers and activate multiple SIM profiles on a single device.

• Remote Activation: You can activate an eSIM remotely by scanning a QR code or receiving a digital activation code, without having to visit a physical store.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM functionality, so it’s important to ensure your device is compatible before choosing this option.

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

Yes. Not all locations in Uganda have free wifi, so it’s a good idea to get a SIM card for Uganda if you want to stay connected and have a reliable data connection on your phone.

Just think about ordering an Uber, getting directions on Google Maps, finding a hotel, supermarket, or restaurant. There are plenty of reasons why having a SIM card for Uganda is beneficial. Plus, it’s important to consider emergency situations or checking your banking apps.

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

If you plan to buy a prepaid SIM card in Uganda, you’ll need to bring your passport. The process includes taking a photo of your passport as well as a photo of you holding the SIM card next to your face. 

You’ll need to fill out a form, provide your fingerprint, and have your passport information recorded. Only after this detailed registration will you receive a physical SIM card with a phone number starting with +256.

One more note: As part of the registration, you’ll need to create a personal PIN number. This PIN will be required for any future transactions, such as adding data to your SIM card.

If you want to skip the registration process, you can order an international prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for Uganda online. These digital options only require your email address, without any need for ID verification.

VII. Uganda eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, an eSIM can be a great option to consider. eSIMs offer several advantages over traditional physical SIM cards, especially for tourists.

With an eSIM, you don’t have to worry about swapping out your regular SIM card. Instead, you can simply activate the eSIM on your compatible device by scanning a QR code. This makes the setup process quick and easy.

You can purchase Uganda eSIM plans from reliable online retailers, such as Gigago. These providers offer a range of eSIM options to suit different needs and budgets.

Here are a few reasons why Gigago eSIM stands out:

• Diverse Plan Option.

• Reliable Network Coverage.

• User-Friendly Experience.

• Uganda SIM Card packages at reasonable prices. 

For Uganda, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $9.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Uganda eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $9.90 – $38.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Uganda, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

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

Most tourist SIM cards in Uganda have validity periods ranging from 1 day to 30 days. Providers like Africell also offer 3-month, 6-month, 12-month plans for tourists who want to stay longer in Uganda. The exact duration will depend on the specific plan you purchase.

The validity period of the SIM card plan will be clearly stated when you’re buying it, either on the provider’s website or on the SIM card packaging. Therefore, make sure to select a SIM card plan with a validity period that aligns with the full duration of your trip to Uganda. This will ensure you have uninterrupted connectivity throughout your stay.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Uganda? 

Here’s detailed guide on how to activate Uganda SIM Card and eSIM: 

1. Using a Prepaid Uganda SIM Card

Getting a prepaid SIM card from an Uganda provider is a straightforward process:

• Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone.

• Turn on your phone and, if prompted, enter the PIN code provided with the SIM card.

• Your phone will automatically search for and connect to a network, such as MTN, Airtel, Africell and Lycamobil. 

• If your prepaid plan requires a top-up, you’ll need to add credit to make calls, send messages, or use data.

• Remember to remove the SIM card before leaving Uganda to avoid any further charges.

2. Setting up a Uganda eSIM

If you have an eSIM-compatible device, you can set up a digital SIM card instead:

• Ensure your phone supports eSIM technology.

• Go to your phone’s cellular or mobile data settings and look for the “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM” option.

• You’ll be prompted to scan a QR code provided by your eSIM provider.

• Once scanned, your device will activate the eSIM, and you should be connected to a Uganda network.

• Test your connectivity by making a call, sending a message, or using mobile data.

• When leaving Uganda, remove the eSIM from your phone’s settings to avoid any additional charges.

Both physical SIM cards and eSIMs offer reliable ways to stay connected while in Uganda. Choose the option that best suits your devic. 

X. FAQs

In conclusion, opting for a Uganda SIM card during your travels offers cost-effective and convenient connectivity for tourists. Alternatively, an eSIM provides a convenient way to access data immediately upon arrival. With both physical SIM cards and virtual eSIMs accessible, travelers have reliable options to remain connected while exploring Uganda.