Best Zambia SIM cards for Travelers

Zambia SIM cards provide a convenient way for tourists to stay connected during their travels.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about SIM cards in Zambia, including the best options for tourists, where to buy them, and their costs. You’ll also learn about alternatives like eSIMs and get practical tips for activating your SIM card, so you’re ready for your trip.

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

Prices for data SIM cards in Zambia are very affordable. Don’t get stuck with high roaming costs—buy a local SIM card!

1. Airtel

An Airtel Zambia prepaid SIM card costs 10 Kwacha (about $0.40). Like other providers, they offer daily, weekly, and monthly bundles for data and voice.

Weekly Data Bundles:

• K20 ($0.88 USD): 2GB data.

• K50 ($2 USD): 6 GB data.

Monthly Data Bundles:

• K60 ($2.3 USD) : 5 GB data.

• K100 ($4 USD): 10 GB data. 

• K200 ($8 USD): 25 GB data.

Calling time is extra, but you can get 60 minutes of calling for 20 Kwacha (about $1 USD).

2. MTN

An MTN Zambia prepaid SIM card costs 10 Kwacha (about $0.40 USD). The data and voice bundles are a bit more complex, as they are not unlimited. While they are competitively priced, you may wonder if this is the best SIM card in Zambia.

MTN’s data bundles are divided into day and night use. Here are the MTN weekly packages:

MTN Weekly Packages:

• K25 ($1 USD) : 1 GB + 1 GB data for $1 USD.

• K50 ($2 USD): 2.5 GB + 2.5 GB data for $2 USD.

• K100 ($4 USD): 6 GB + 6 GB data. 

• K150 ($6 USD) : 10 GB + 10 GB data for $6 USD.

They also offer monthly packages that include calling and texting:

• K300 ($12 USD) : 20 GB data + 150 minutes + 300 SMS.

There are many more voice and data packages available, so check the official website for all MTN prices.

3. Zamtel

Zamtel offers prepaid SIM cards for just 5 Kwacha (about $0.20). They provide unlimited daily, weekly, and monthly packages for voice and data, so you won’t have to worry about data usage.

Unlimited Weekly Bundles:

• K68 ($2.70 USD): Unlimited calling. 

• K82 ($3.2 USD) : Unlimited data.

• K138 ($5.5 USD): Unlimited voice and data.

Unlimited Monthly Bundles:

• K270 ($11 USD) : Unlimited calling.

• K320 ($12.4 USD) : Unlimited data.

• K550 ( $22 USD): Unlimited voice and data.

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

When visiting Zambia, you’ll see many booths and kiosks selling SIM cards. However, these kiosks only sell local SIM cards to people with a Zambian ID.

For tourists, getting a Zambian SIM card is a bit more complicated. You need to go to the main offices in town to register the SIM card with your passport, as kiosks do not offer this service.

1. Buying a SIM Card at Lusaka Airport

At Lusaka International Airport (Kenneth Kaunda), there is an MTN kiosk that sells SIM cards for tourists. Prices are slightly higher but still affordable. Unfortunately, there are no Airtel or Zamtel kiosks at the airport. If you want to get connected right away, it’s best to buy a SIM card at Lusaka Airport.

2. Buying a SIM Card in Lusaka City

Buying a SIM card in Lusaka city center can be more challenging. While there are many official retail stores in the larger malls, the waiting times can be long because they are busy. If Lusaka is your first stop in Zambia, I recommend getting a SIM card at the airport upon arrival.

3. Buying a SIM Card at Zambia’s Land Borders

Getting a SIM card when entering Zambia overland can be a bit more complicated, but there are options available at the land borders. As mentioned earlier, a prepaid SIM card for Zambia needs to be registered with your passport, and only official retail stores can do that.

However, at border crossings, you can still find Zambian SIM cards for sale to tourists. 

Here’s how it works: local pre-register SIM cards in their names and then sell them for a much higher price. Normally, a local SIM card costs around 7 Kwacha (about $0.30 USD).

A fair price for a pre-registered SIM card at the land borders is between 50 and 100 Kwacha. Keep in mind that this price is just for the SIM card; you will need to purchase data packages separately.

4. Online

It is convenient to purchase a Zambia SIM before your vacation. Reliable websites like Gigago allow international visitors to buy from their home country. Choose the package that best fits your data needs and stay length in Zambia. They will send a setup code (QR code) by email. Scan that code to activate the eSIM effortlessly. Then as soon as you land in Zambia, you will have Internet access – great for keeping in touch from the moment you land.

III. How Much is a Tourist Zambia SIM Card?

The price of getting a tourist Zambia SIM card depends on which plan you pick. In general, SIM costs are reasonable. Cards start as low as about $0.5. There are different options for data and calling minutes. Plans range from around $2.7 to $22. For that amount, tourists get a fair amount of data and call time to use within one month. This allows visitors to stay connected online and contact friends or family back home at affordable prices during their trip. 

Overall, prepaid SIM costs are quite accessible for keeping in touch while traveling in Zambia.

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

There are two main types of SIM cards for tourists in Zambia:

• Prepaid SIM

• Tourist eSIM

Criteria	Zambia Prepaid SIM	Zambia Tourist eSIM
Convenience	Available at stores and airports.	Buy online, no physical card needed.
Compatibility	Works with unlocked phones.	Works with eSIM-compatible phones.
How to Use	Insert the SIM and activate it in the store.	Scan a QR code for instant activation.

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

Yes, getting a SIM card when traveling to Zambia is a good idea. Here are the main reasons why:

• Reliable Communication : A SIM card lets you make calls and send texts easily.

• Internet Access : Stay connected for browsing, research, and sharing your experiences.

• Cost-Effective : SIM cards are usually cheaper than international roaming.

• Emergency Services : You can easily reach help if needed.

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

When buying a SIM card in Zambia, keep these important points in mind:

• Unlocked Phone : Make sure your phone is unlocked for any SIM card. If needed, contact your carrier to unlock it before your trip.

• Passport : You usually need a valid passport to register your SIM card in Zambia, so have it ready to save time.

• Local Currency or Credit Card : While many places accept cards, it’s a good idea to have some Kwacha Zambia for smaller shops that may not accept foreign cards.

• eSIM Compatibility : If your phone supports eSIM, consider using it to avoid the hassle of registering a physical SIM card. Major providers like Gigago offer eSIMs that can be activated remotely.

VII. Zambia eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

Gigago is one of the largest and most trusted eSIM sellers, offering plans for over 200 countries, including Zambia:

• Receive your eSIM instantly via email.

• Easy installation using a QR code.

• No registration or documents required.

• 24/7 customer support.

• Works on Zambia’s top 4G LTE network.

• No unexpected bills or hidden charges.

For Zambia , Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Zambia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Zambia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

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

The duration that a tourist SIM card will work during your trip to Zambia depends on the plan you pick. Common options for Zambia SIM validity include:

• 7 days: This provides a week of connectivity if your stay is short. Ideal for most travelers on vacation.

• 21 days: Longer visits can benefit from almost 3 weeks of internet and calling with this plan.

• 30 days: For the maximum month, Zambia SIM cards with a validity of 30 days offer excellent value and coverage throughout your time in Zambia.

No matter which option you select, purchase your SIM card upon arrival to get the full usage time frame. 

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Zambia? 

Activating a SIM card in Zambia is easy. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Insert the SIM Card

• Find the SIM card slot on your device (usually on the side or back).

• Turn off your phone before inserting the SIM card.

• Carefully insert the SIM card, making sure the gold contacts are facing down.

Step 2: Power On Your Device

• Turn your phone back on after inserting the SIM card.

• Wait for your device to recognize the SIM card.

Step 3: Activate the SIM Card

• Most Zambia SIM cards are pre-activated and should work automatically.

• If it doesn’t activate, you may need to dial a specific number or follow the instructions from your carrier.

Step 4: Set Up APN Settings

• If mobile data isn’t working, you might need to set up APN (Access Point Name) settings. You can find these on the carrier’s website or by contacting customer support.

Step 5: Check Services

Make sure you can make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. If everything works, your SIM card is activated!

X. FAQs

I hope this post helps you understand Zambia SIM cards! Whether you choose a prepaid SIM or an eSIM, staying connected is easy. For a quick setup, try Gigago’s Zambia eSIM, and you’ll be using mobile data in no time. Don’t forget to check out Gigago’s plans to keep connected during your trip!