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SIM Cards
We compare the top SIM providers in Tanzania, including Vodacom, Airtel, Yas, and Wraptel, and we also highlight the best eSIM alternatives for instant connectivity. Holafly stands out with unlimited data, while Nomad and Ubigi offer flexible fixed-data plans you can activate before arrival.
We compare the top SIM card providers in Tanzania, featuring local providers Vodacom, Airtel, and Yas, plus international option Wraptel for travelers seeking affordable, reliable mobile data and coverage.
This article explains why getting a SIM card in Tanzania is useful for travelers, how much it costs, and where to buy and activate one.
It also covers the top local and international providers, plus eSIM options for those who prefer a digital alternative.
Getting a local SIM card in Tanzania is one of the easiest ways to stay connected while traveling. It offers several key benefits:
You can get an Airtel Tanzania SIM card for around TZS 1,000 to 1,500, with data bundles ranging from 246 MB (TZS 500) to 12 GB (30 days).
Yas Tanzania offers similar prepaid options, such as 24 GB for TZS 50,000, while SIM cards from Vodacom and Wraptel provide additional flexibility for travelers who need both data and calls.
Alternatively, if you prefer to set up before arrival, you can choose an eSIM instead.
Options like Nomad start at $10 for 1 GB, Ubigi begins at $18 for 1 GB, and Holafly offers unlimited data for $9.90 per day, a convenient digital choice that requires no in-store registration.
Buying a SIM card in Tanzania is straightforward, but it requires a few extra steps compared to countries where you can buy and use a SIM immediately.
Local SIM cards must be purchased and registered in person due to government regulations.
Here’s how the process works:
Important note:
With local SIM cards, you won’t have internet immediately upon landing in Tanzania.
The country’s regulations require SIM registration at a store or shop. Visitors must present a valid passport and biometric registration must be completed.
If you prefer to be connected right away, you can use an eSIM instead.
The top SIM card providers for Tanzania include Vodacom, Airtel, Yas, and Wraptel.
These networks offer prepaid data bundles, solid nationwide coverage, and flexible options for both short-term visitors and long-stay travelers.
Vodacom Travel SIM is a prepaid option made for tourists, offering all-in-one connectivity with no contracts or setup hassle. Each SIM comes ready to use, with generous data and call allowances ideal for navigation, streaming, and staying in touch locally or abroad. With easy top-ups via the MyVodacom app and strong nationwide coverage, it’s a convenient choice for visitors seeking dependable service throughout their trip.
Airtel Tanzania Prepaid SIM is a flexible, contract-free mobile option for travelers staying within Tanzania. Short-term users can choose affordable daily or weekly data packs, while longer stays benefit from larger monthly options. As Airtel Tanzania does not publicly list SIM pricing, it’s best to purchase the SIM directly from an Airtel store, as many travelers recommend this for easier registration and immediate activation.
Yas Tanzania Prepaid SIM (formerly Tigo Tanzania) is an easy, contract-free way for visitors to stay connected while in the country.
After registering and activating your SIM in-store, you can immediately dial *147*00# to buy your first data or combo bundle.
Once you have internet access, you can also download the Mixx by Yas app to check balances, manage bundles, and top up online.
Wraptel Tanzania SIM is a triple-cut, contract-free international SIM aimed at travelers. Order the SIM before your trip, then log in to your Wraptel account and activate the SIM (enter the ICCID and PUK) and assign a data plan.
It can take up to 12 hours for Wraptel to link the data plan to your SIM, so assign your plan well before you need immediate internet or be prepared for a short wait on arrival.
Once the plan is active, insert the SIM into your phone and it will connect automatically to a local Tanzanian network. You can check your balance or buy more data anytime from your Wraptel account.
For travelers who prefer a quick, hassle-free way to get connected, eSIMs are excellent alternatives to local SIM cards in Tanzania.
Instead of visiting a store or handling physical SIMs, eSIMs like Ubigi, Nomad, and Holafly let you activate data plans instantly before arrival.
With flexible packages, competitive rates, and reliable 4G/LTE coverage across the country, these digital SIM options make staying online in Tanzania easier than ever.
Holafly is ideal if you want to arrive already connected. You purchase online, receive a QR code, install the eSIM before or on arrival, and start using data immediately.
While it can be more expensive than buying a local SIM and you won’t get local minutes or SMS, it’s far more convenient because there’s no need to visit a store or handle registration on arrival. You can still use WhatsApp and Messenger for calls and texts, making it easy to stay in touch without a local number.
Ubigi is a reliable choice for travelers looking for quick and easy mobile data access in Tanzania. You can buy a plan online, scan the QR code, and get connected within minutes after installation.
Although it offers data-only service without local calls or texts, it’s convenient for short stays since everything is activated digitally.
Nomad eSIM offers affordable, contract-free data for travelers who want a smooth and flexible way to get online. Plans can be purchased and activated instantly through the Nomad app, so you’re connected as soon as you land, without visiting a store or showing any ID. Unlike Holafly, Nomad doesn’t include unlimited data options, but its fixed plans are reliable and well-suited for short trips or moderate data use.
Vodacom is often considered the best SIM card in Tanzania due to its wide 4G coverage and reliable service across both cities and rural areas. Airtel and Yas are also strong options for affordable data and good urban connectivity.
Yes, foreigners can easily buy SIM cards in Tanzania by presenting their passport for registration at official carrier stores. Registration is required by law, so purchasing from an authorized shop is the best option.
Based on Airtel and Yas bundle rates, 1 GB of data in Tanzania typically costs around TZS 1,000–2,000 (about $0.40–$0.80 USD).
Yes, SIM cards at airports are usually pricier than those bought in town. Travelers often pay a small premium for the convenience of immediate activation on arrival.
Yes, travelers can use eSIMs like Ubigi, Nomad, or Holafly as convenient alternatives to local SIM cards. They offer instant activation before arrival, competitive data packages, and reliable 4G/LTE coverage across Tanzania.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
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