Best SIM card for Uganda: which one should I pick?

Take the best SIM card for Uganda with you, to fully enjoy your trip. We all know that there are many alternatives to getting the internet during your trip, roaming, or pocket WiFi, are some of them, but SIM cards are better for your trip because of their cheap prices and they’re really easy to use!

Keep reading this post if you want to find out which is the best SIM card for Uganda, considering the features, prices, and advantages of each alternative, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.

Why should I buy a SIM card for Uganda?

The answer is very concrete. If you activate the international roaming service, you will be able to use your cellphone abroad but at a huge expense for each call, message, and the cellular data that you consume. With a SIM card, you pay for a specific data plan instead, at a flat price.

On the other hand, if you buy or rent a pocket WiFi, you will pay for the device and the data plan. These are just some of the reasons why SIM cards are better options.

Which SIM card offers the best data plan for the best price?

When you travel, you must use your cellular data wisely, no matter which option you choose to connect to the internet. So, make sure that the quality of the connection is reliable, and that it has ample coverage before you choose any alternative.

For example, the virtual SIM cards from Holafly connects to the Airtel Uganda network, the best operator in the country.

Where to buy the best SIM card for Uganda?

You decide where to buy it, it can be either before traveling or when you arrive at your destination. If you want to buy it online, we recommend you pick international SIM cards, or SIM cards for travelers because they offer cellular data abroad and the possibility of avoiding roaming fees.

You can also buy prepaid SIM cards from local operators in Uganda. Like Airtel, MTN Uganda, Uganda Telecom, and Africell, some of the best carriers around.

Option 1: Buy your SIM card before traveling

Now, we are going to tell you why we recommend you get your international SIM card before traveling. It is simple. You can travel without having to worry about staying connected to the internet because buying a SIM card before traveling guarantees an internet connection as soon as you land. You are probably wondering which is the best SIM provider, and we recommend the Holafly Virtual SIM card for Uganda.

Holafly eSIM card for Uganda

It offers 6 GB of cellular data for 15 days. You make the purchase online, and you receive it immediately on your email with a QR code for the activation because an eSIM card is a digital device and service. They work as SIM cards, but they do not need to be physically installed in your cellphone.

After that, you set it up, travel, land, activate your eSIM, and that’s it! Piece of cake.

Advantages of the Holafly eSIM card

• The Holafly eSIM Card connects to Airtel Uganda’s local network.
• Enjoy coverage in urban areas and some rural areas.
• Keep your WhatsApp number.
• Share your cellular data with other devices.
• Easy to set up and activate.

Disadvantages of the Holafly eSIM card

• Does not allow additional recharges.
• Your cellphone must be compatible with eSIMs.
  • It does not include a number for local calls.

If you also want to travel to South Africa during this trip, you may also be interested in the Holafly eSIM card for South Africa.

How much mobile data do I need?

Knowing how much cellular data you need will let you monitor and manage your data consumption carefully and intelligently. This way, you can have an internet connection all the time. Some apps and options consume more cellular data than others, like video calls, and watching videos, so be careful.

Option 2: Buying your SIM card in Uganda

In Uganda, you can get a prepaid SIM card when you arrive at the airport. However, it can be a little bit annoying to look for stores and wait to be assisted by a seller.

You can also find this product in specific or tech stores. Here we are going to show you different plans and prices of SIM cards from local operators in Uganda. Stay tuned!

MTN Uganda

MTN is one of the main carriers in the country. It is also easy to use their services. Here you can find daily, weekly, monthly, and special plans for each particular need.

Advantages of MTN

• The weekly package offers 1 GB, 3 GB, or 7 GB.
• Dial *150*24# to activate.
• You can top up online.

Disadvantages of MTN

• The website does not specify requirements for tourists.
• You must visit a physical point of sale when you arrive.
• Prices are in the local currency.

Airtel Uganda

It is one of the biggest cellular companies in the country. Find SIM cards with daily, night, and weekly plans. The prices are in the local currency, the Ugandan shilling, you can find them below.

Advantages of Airtel Uganda

• You find daily, weekly, and night packages, and more.
• Dial *175*15# to activate.
• You can top up online or by dialing *175*6*15#.

Disadvantages of Airtel Uganda

• The website does not specify requirements for tourists.
• You must visit a physical point of sale when you arrive.
• Prices are the in local currency.

Africell Uganda SIM card

Africell has more limited coverage than the other options. Find daily, weekly, monthly, and even annual plans. You can pick daily plans from 25 MB, 50 MB, 150 MB, 350 MB, 600 MB, 1.2 GB, and unlimited cellular data, depending on your budget and needs.

Advantages of Africell Uganda

• Their cards are toppable.
• It has different data packages.
• You can find a store easily.

Disadvantages of Africell Uganda

• You will have to put yourself a little more at risk at the airport to get a connection.
• Prices are in the local currency.

Best SIM card for Uganda: which one should I buy?

As you could see, there are many alternatives to getting the internet in Uganda. Especially with SIM cards with cellular data, through which you can make calls, send text, and use cellular data, all the time you need. We recommend the Holafly eSIM card for Uganda because we think it is the most comfortable option. After all, you can get it anywhere you are before traveling or when you arrive at your destination.

The advantages are:

• Technical support in your language 24/7 for whatever you need.
• You keep your WhatsApp.
• It is easy to set up and use.
• You can share data with other devices.
• Delivery is immediate through a QR code.

Frequent questions about the internet and the SIM cards for Uganda