Visiting Zimbabwe soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Zimbabwe SIM card.
Fortunately, Africa is one of the places where you can buy a SIM card easily.
You should be able to find an affordable SIM card pretty much anywhere in Zimbabwe. In fact, most data packages are relatively cheap, which makes the whole thing easier!
In this guide, weâll explain where to buy a SIM card for Zimbabwe in person and online. Weâll also discuss prepaid travel SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Zimbabwe.
If you donât mind not having Internet, youâll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Shona â you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Africa.
Best Zimbabwe SIM Cards
If youâre traveling in Zimbabwe, we recommend using a SIM card from Econet, NetOne, or Airalo. (Iâll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if youâre planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Africa, you might want to make sure to pick 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 in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we donât recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you wonât necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so itâs essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, Iâd recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you wonât get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a Zimbabwean prepaid SIM card online.
Now, letâs take a look at 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)
- 1.2 GB, valid for 1 day for ZWL 9,221 ($25.47)
- 700 MB, valid for 30 days for ZWL 6,051 ($16.72)
- 1.4 GB, valid for 30 days for ZWL 11,527 ($31.85)
NetOne SIM Cards
NetOne has four different prepaid plans available:
- 2 GB, valid for 7 days for USD 3
- 5 GB, valid for 7 days for USD 5
- 8 GB, valid for 14 days for USD 8
- 15 GB, valid for 30 days for USD 10
Overall, we think NetOne is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.
That said, any would do if you canât find their store!
How To Buy A Zimbabwe Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
Youâll find different SIM cards for Zimbabwe on Amazon. For example, Orange Holiday World SIM works in more than 100+ countries and gives you up to 10 GB of data for 14 days. Zimbabwe is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Finally, the last option is to buy a Zimbabwe eSIM card.
How To Buy A Zimbabwe eSIM Card
eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.
If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards â itâs definitely one of the best options to get data in Zimbabwe.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Zimbabwe.
Airalo Zimbabwe
If you want a Zimbabwe eSIM, you could purchase one on Airalo.
This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and a special plan for Zimbabwe.
Iâve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.
Here is the option available:
- Nzcom: 1 GB, 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 pretty straightforward, although there are not too many options.
Youâll be able to stay connected wherever you go in Africa without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a global plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Zimbabwe if you wish to have data upon your arrival.
This way, you wonât need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
However, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling to Africa soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
