Tanzania, the land of wildebeest migrations and snow-capped Kilimanjaro, beckons travellers with its raw beauty and vibrant culture. But in the midst of your safari adventures, staying connected can be a challenge. 

Fear not, intrepid explorer! This guide unveils the best SIM cards for tourists in Tanzania in 2024, ensuring you capture those Instagram-worthy moments and conquer the digital savanna.

Obtaining a Mobile Network Access in Tanzania

There are a few different ways to acquire a SIM card in Tanzania, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are the most common options:

•  Purchasing a SIM card at the airport

This is the most convenient option, especially if you are arriving on an international flight.

SIM cards are typically available from all major mobile operators, including Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, and Halotel.

• Purchasing a SIM card from a mobile operator shop

This is a good option if you are looking for the best price on a SIM card. Mobile operator shops are located throughout Tanzania, so you should be able to find one easily.

You will need to show your passport and visa to purchase a SIM card. Some operators may require you to register your SIM card with the TCRA before you can use it.

•  Purchasing a SIM card from a street vendor:

This is the cheapest option, but it is also the riskiest. SIM cards sold by street vendors may be counterfeit or stolen, and you may have trouble activating them.

It is also possible that the SIM card will be registered to someone else, which could lead to legal problems. If you do decide to purchase a SIM card from a street vendor, be sure to inspect it carefully and make sure it is not damaged.

•  Ordering a eSIM card online

This is a new option that is becoming increasingly popular. eSIM cards are digital SIM cards that can be downloaded and installed on your phone.

This means that you do not need to physically buy a SIM card.There are a number of companies that offer eSIM cards for Tanzania, including Airalo, SimOptions, and Nomad. 

eSIM cards are a good option for travellers who want to avoid the hassle of purchasing a SIM card at the airport or from a mobile operator shop.However, they are typically more expensive than traditional SIM cards.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when purchasing a SIM card in Tanzania

• You will need an unlocked phone to use a SIM card.

• Make sure you choose a mobile operator that has good coverage in the area where you will be travelling.

• You can top up your SIM card with airtime at any mobile operator shop or street vendor.

• You can also purchase data bundles online.

• Be sure to keep your SIM card safe, as it can be expensive to replace.

Vodacom

Vodacom Tanzania is the leading mobile operator in Tanzania, boasting the widest network coverage and the largest mobile money network in the country. With over 12.6 million customers, Vodacom offers a comprehensive suite of communication services to cater to various needs.

Vodacom offers a wide variety of data packages to cater to different needs and budgets. 

Vodacom Stores

Vodacom Stores are retail outlets owned and operated by Vodacom, the leading mobile communications company in South Africa. With over 4,500stores across the country, Vodacom Stores provide customers with the ability to purchase mobile devices, airtime, data bundles, and other products and services. The stores also allow customers to pay bills, perform upgrades, and get help with their mobile accounts.

Here's a breakdown of some popular options:

Prepaid Data Packages:

Postpaid Data Packages:

M-Pesa Services for Vodacom Tanzania SIM cards

M-Pesa, powered by Vodacom Tanzania, is a convenient and widely used mobile money platform that allows you to perform various financial transactions directly from your phone. 

M-Pesa Services:

Vodacom Tanzania Network Coverage

Vodacom Tanzania boasts the widest network coverage in the country, reaching over 98% of the population. This includes coverage in major cities, rural areas, and even some remote locations like national parks.

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Coverage Technology:

• 2G: Covers the entire country, providing basic voice and messaging services.

• 3G: Covers major cities and towns, offering faster data speeds for internet browsing and video streaming.

• 4G: Covers most of the country, including major cities, towns, and some rural areas. Provides the fastest data speeds for a seamless online experience.

• 5G: Currently in its early stages of rollout, but available in select areas of major cities like Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. Offers ultra-fast data speeds for download and upload.

Airtel

Airtel Tanzania is the third-largest mobile network operator in Tanzania, offering a diverse range of communication services to individuals and businesses. With over 10.6 million subscribers, Airtel provides reliable and affordable connectivity across the country.

Airtel Tanzania offers a wide range of prepaid and postpaid data packages to cater to diverse usage needs and budgets.

Airtel Rooter

Airtel Rooter is a Wi-Fi mesh network system designed to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity to homes and small businesses. With its easy setup and seamless integration, Airtel Rooter is a great solution for those looking to boost their internet speed and coverage. Whether you're streaming movies or video conferencing, Airtel Rooter has got you covered.

 Here's a breakdown of some popular options.

Prepaid Data Packages:

Postpaid Data Packages:

Airtel Money

Airtel Money is a mobile money service offered by Airtel Tanzania that allows you to send and receive money, pay bills, purchase goods and services, and more. You can access Airtel Money through various channels, including:

• Your Airtel Tanzania SIM card

• The My Airtel App

• Airtel Money agents: These are authorised retail outlets that offer Airtel Money services.

To use Airtel Money, you need to register your Airtel Tanzania SIM card with Airtel Money. You can do this by visiting an Airtel Money agent or by following the instructions on the My Airtel App.

Airtel Tanzania Network Coverage

Airtel Tanzania boasts a robust network coverage reaching over 90% of Tanzania's population. 

Tigo

Offering a diverse product portfolio in voice, SMS, high-speed internet and mobile financial services, Tigo has pioneered innovations such as Facebook in Kiswahili, TigoPesa App & iOS users, Tigo Music (Deezer) and East Africa’s first cross-border mobile money transfer with currency conversion.

Tigo Tanzania offers a diverse range of prepaid and postpaid data packages to cater to different usage patterns and budgets.

 Here's a glimpse into their data offerings:

Prepaid Data Packages:

Postpaid Data Packages:

Tigo Pesa

Tigo Pesa is a mobile money service offered by Tigo in Tanzania, allowing users to send and receive money, pay bills, and purchase airtime using their mobile phones. With Tigo Pesa, users can easily and securely manage their finances without the need for a traditional bank account. Tigo Pesa has a wide network of agents across Tanzania, making it accessible to users in even the most remote areas.

Tigo's network coverage area in Tanzania

Tigo is a leading mobile network operator in Tanzania with a strong focus on providing reliable and affordable mobile services to its customers. With its extensive network coverage area, Tigo ensures that its users can stay connected in even the most remote areas of Tanzania. Whether you're in the city or the countryside, Tigo's network has got you covered.

Halotel

Halotel provides various data and voice packages to cater to diverse consumer needs. As one of the key players in Tanzania's telecom industry, Halotel has focused on expanding its network infrastructure to deliver reliable connectivity to both urban and rural areas, aiming to enhance communication accessibility nationwide.

Halotel Network coverage Tanzania

Halotel covers major cities, towns, and many rural areas, encompassing popular tourist destinations like Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.They offer 2G, 3G, and 4G services, with 4G concentrated in cities and tourist areas, 3G widespread throughout the country, and 2G reaching even remote villages.

Zantel

Zantel, previously operational solely in Zanzibar, a renowned Tanzanian island, was acquired by Tigo a few years back. Their integration into a single entity was expected by 2020. Notably, Zantel operates on Tigo's network across mainland Tanzania

Zantel Network Coverage

Zantel is a mobile network operator in Tanzania with over 4 million subscribers. Zantel's network covers around 95% of the population across Tanzania's major urban centres and highways. However, its rural coverage is more limited compared to some competitor networks. Zantel continues to invest in expanding its 3G and 4G infrastructure to more remote areas of Tanzania.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Tanzania can be an incredible adventure! Here's a guide to help you plan your journey.

• Destination and Itinerary Planning

Choose places to visit – Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park,and Determine how long you'll stay in each location and the overall duration of your trip.

• Travel Arrangements

Book flights to Tanzania, considering the best time to visit and budget-friendly options, Research and book lodges, tented camps, resorts, or guesthouses based on your preferences and budget.

• Visa and Documentation

 Check visa requirements and obtain necessary documents for entry into Tanzania.Get required vaccinations and medications. And Avoid last-minute hassles by confirming visa requirements

• Finances and Budgeting

Use Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Exchange money or use ATMs in Tanzania,Plan a daily budget covering accommodation, food, activities, and transportation to Ensure a smooth and budget-friendly travel experience.

FAQS