Visiting Zimbabwe soon? Make sure you know what to expect when it comes to a Zimbabwe SIM card.
Fortunately, Africa is one of the places where you can easily buy a SIM card.
You should be able to find an affordable SIM card almost anywhere in Zimbabwe. In fact, most data packages are relatively cheap, which makes the whole thing easier.
In this guide, we will explain where to buy a SIM card for Zimbabwe in person and online. We’ll also consider prepaid travel SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile phone supports them.
Before reading this guide, you may be wondering if you really need a SIM card in Zimbabwe.
If you don’t mind not having internet, you’ll probably find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping centers and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Shona, you might want to get a SIM card for your travels in Africa.
The best SIM cards in Zimbabwe
If you are traveling in Zimbabwe, we recommend using an Econet, NetOne or Airalo SIM card. (I’ll come back to Airalo later, so keep reading to learn more.)
That said, if you plan to visit other countries during your trip to Africa, you may want to make sure you choose a global option that offers coverage in other countries.
How to buy a SIM card in Zimbabwe?
You can either buy a Zimbabwe prepaid SIM card in person at some international airports, mobile carrier stores, convenience stores or online.
You can usually expect higher costs and lower data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops at every airport, so it’s important to keep that in mind. And when you see a store, you may also have limited options.
For this reason, I would recommend buying a SIM card directly from a mobile provider store. Note that you may need a passport to purchase.
Although this means you won’t get data right after your arrival. So, if you prefer to always be connected, you can use an eSIM or buy a Zimbabwe prepaid SIM card online.
Now let’s see the data plans offered by Econet and NetOne.
Econet SIM cards
Econet offers four different types of prepaid plans:
- 600 MB valid for 1 day for ZWL 5,567 ($15.38)
- 1.2GB, valid for 1 day for ZWL 9221 ($25.47)
- 700 MB, valid for 30 days for ZWL 6051 ($16.72)
- 1.4 GB, valid for 30 days for ZWL 11,527 ($31.85)
NetOne SIM cards
NetOne has four different prepaid plans:
- 2GB, valid for 7 days for $3
- 5GB valid for 7 days for $5
- 8GB, valid for 14 days for $8
- 15GB valid for 30 days for $10
Overall, we think NetOne is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.
That said, anyone will do if you can’t find their store.
How to Buy Zimbabwe Prepaid SIM Card Online?
If you want your SIM card ready for arrival, you can buy it online or from sites like Amazon.
You will find various SIM cards for Zimbabwe on Amazon. For example, the Orange Holiday World SIM works in over 100+ countries and gives you up to 10GB of data for 14 days. Zimbabwe included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so take a look and make sure the countries you plan to visit are listed.
Finally, the last option is to buy a Zimbabwean eSIM card.
How to buy a Zimbabwe eSIM card?
eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.
If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards, this is definitely one of the best options for getting data in Zimbabwe.
Interested? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers with eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my cell phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.
Read on to find out more about the best eSIMs in Zimbabwe.
Eralo Zimbabwe
If you want a Zimbabwean eSIM, you can buy it at Airalo.
This site offers many eSIM cards worldwide and a special program for Zimbabwe.
I have been using Airalo for a few months now and it is working well. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.
Here is the available version.
- Nzcom: 1GB valid for 7 days for $9.50
Final thoughts on SIM cards in Zimbabwe
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Zimbabwe or even an eSIM for your travels in Zimbabwe is quite simple, although there aren’t many options.
You’ll be able to stay connected wherever you go in Africa without having to change your SIM card, especially if you buy a global plan.
I think an eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Zimbabwe if you want to have data after your arrival.
This way you won’t need to go to the store to buy a SIM card.
However, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Heading to Africa soon? Read one of the following blog posts: