Ivory Coast SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know
When traveling to Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), staying connected with your friends, family, or colleagues is essential. Acquiring a local SIM card can be the most cost-effective way to keep in touch. Below is a comprehensive listicle that covers all you need to know about SIM cards in Ivory Coast:
- Local Operators:
Ivory Coast is home to several mobile network operators. The most notable are MTN, Orange, and Moov. Each provider has a variety of plans and packages tailored to different needs, including calls, SMS, and data services. - Where to Buy:
SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, official brand stores, supermarkets, and street vendors. However, for more reliable service and assistance, it’s often better to buy directly from a store operated by the mobile service provider. - Identification Requirement:
To purchase a SIM card in Ivory Coast, you will need to present a form of identification, such as a passport. This is a regulatory requirement to help combat fraud and illegal activities. - SIM Card Registration:
Once you have your SIM card, it is mandatory to register it with the provider. Registration is usually done at the point of purchase with the help of a store employee. - Prepaid vs. Postpaid:
Prepaid SIM cards are the most convenient for travelers. They do not require a long-term contract and can be recharged (topped-up) as needed with scratch cards or online services. - Costs:
The initial cost of purchasing a SIM card is generally low. However, the cost of calls, SMS, and data packages will vary depending on the provider and the selected plan. - Coverage and Quality:
Overall, all operators offer good coverage in urban areas with varying degrees of service in rural regions. Do check coverage maps to ensure connectivity in the areas you plan to visit. - Data Packages:
Data plans are available for different durations, from daily to monthly, and at varying data caps. Tourists usually benefit from short-term plans with enough data allowance for basic navigation and communication. - International Calling:
International calling rates can be high on a local SIM card. Consider using VoIP applications or purchasing an international calling package if you need to make frequent calls abroad. - Top-Up Locations:
You can top up your SIM card at the provider’s stores, some ATMs, via online banking, or local vendors who sell recharge vouchers. - Customer Service:
Should you encounter any issues with your service, customer support is available in the provider’s stores, over the phone, and sometimes through online platforms. - Network Compatibility:
Ivory Coast primarily uses the GSM network. Ensure your phone is GSM-compatible and unlocked to accept an Ivorian SIM card. - Lost or Stolen SIM Cards:
If your SIM card is lost or stolen, contact the service provider immediately to prevent fraudulent use. You may be required to go to a store with your ID to retrieve your number. - SIM Sizes:
SIM cards come in standard, micro, and nano sizes. The provider will typically provide a SIM card that can be adjusted to fit any phone.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Operators | MTN, Orange, Moov |
| Purchase Locations | Airport, brand stores, supermarkets, vendors |
| ID Requirement | Passport |
| Registration Required | Yes, at the point of purchase |
| Plans Available | Prepaid, Postpaid |
| Initial Costs | Low, varies by provider |
| Coverage | Good in urban areas, varies in rural regions |
| Data Packages | Available for various durations and data caps |
| International Calls | Available, but potentially costly without a specific package |
| Top-Up Options | Provider’s stores, some ATMs, online, local vendors |
| Customer Service | In-store, phone-based, online platforms (varies by provider) |
| Network Compatibility | GSM-compatible, unlocked phones required |
| Replacement | Contact provider if SIM is lost/stolen |
| SIM Sizes | Standard, micro, nano (multi-fit provided) |
Using this information, travelers can navigate the process of purchasing and using a SIM card in Ivory Coast with ease, ensuring they stay connected throughout their visit.
Orange Data Packages
| Price | Volume | Validity | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 CFA | 20 MB | 24 hours | Jour Mini |
| 200 CFA | 50 MB | 24 hours | Jour Lite |
| 500 CFA | 150 MB | 24 hours | Jour Full |
| 600 CFA | 200 MB * | 24 hours | Jour Plus |
| 600 CFA | 150 MB | 7 days | Semaine Mini |
| 1 500 CFA | 500 MB | 7 days | Semaine Half |
| 2 500 CFA | 1 GB | 7 days | Semaine |
| 2 000 CFA | 800 MB | 30 days | Mois Mini |
| 5 000 CFA | 2.5 GB | 30 days | Mois Lite |
| 10 000 CFA | 6 GB | 30 days | Mois Full |
| 15 000 CFA | 10 GB | 30 days | Mois Plus |
| 20 00 CFA | 15 GB | 30 days | Mois Max |
| 100 CFA | 100 MB | 0-6am | Nuit |
| 50 CFA | 100 MB # | 24 hours | Social Mini |
| 200 CFA | 500 MB # | 24 hours | Social Lite |
MTN Data Packages
| Volume | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 MB | 99 CFA | ||
| 25 MB | 199 CFA | ||
| 75 MB | 399 CFA | ||
| 100 MB | 499 CFA | 599 CFA | |
| 250 MB | 999 CFA | ||
| 500 MB | 1 799 CFA | 2 999 CFA | |
| 750 MB | 2 499 CFA | ||
| 1 GB | 4 999 CFA | ||
| 3 GB | 9 999 CFA | ||
| 4.5 GB | 14 999 CFA | ||
| 10 GB | 19 999 CFA | ||
| 15 GB | 29 999 CFA | ||
| 20 GB | 35 900 CFA | ||
| 30 GB | 49 900 CFA | ||
| 40 GB | 59 900 CFA | ||
| 50 GB | 69 900 CFA |
Moov Data Packages
| Package | Volume | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heure | 30 MB | 1 hour | 200 CFA |
| Jour | 100 MB | 24 hours | 450 CFA |
| Semaine | 500 MB | 7 days | 1 500 CFA |
| Mois Plus | 1 GB | 30 days | 4 900 CFA |
| Mois Extra | 3 GB | 30 days | 9 900 CFA |
| Mois Maxi | 5 GB | 30 days | 14 900 CFA |
| Mois Premium | 10 GB | 30 days | 19 900 CFA |
| Nuit | 100 MB | 0:00-6:00 | 100 CFA |
| Weekend | 250 MB | Sat-Sun | 550 CFA |
YooMee Data Packages
| Volume | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 GB | 7 days | 5 000 CFA |
| 8.5 GB | 30 days | 15 000 CFA |
| 25 GB | 30 days | 25 000 CFA |
| 50 GB | 30 days | 35 000 CFA |
| 100 GB | 30 days | 60 000 CFA |
References:
https://africa.konnect.com/en-CI/satellite-internet/packages
https://www.wrapteldatasim.com/Unlimited-Data-SIM-Card-Ivory-Coast