Get 5% of discount using the code
MYESIMNOW5
Buy my eSIM
Language
Currency
Euro
EUR - €
United States (US) dollar
USD - $
Pound sterling
GBP - £
Australian dollar
AUD - $
Canadian dollar
CAD - $
Trustpilot

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

Find out which is the best SIM card for Uganda, taking into account the characteristics, prices, and more of each alternative, in this article.

admin

March 14, 2023

4.6 /5 Trustpilot star
Highly rated Based on +35.000 customer reviews on Trustpilot
Reviews avatar Reviews avatar Reviews avatar +1M
Trusted worldwide Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted Holafly
Unlimited data Unlimited data Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
Save money

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Buy my eSIM

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 effortless 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.

eSIM for Uganda

>>Buy an eSIM for Uganda<< Get 5% OFF. Code: MYESIMNOW5

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 cell phone abroad but at a huge expense for each call, message, and 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 connect to the Airtel Uganda network, the best operator in the country.

You may be interested to know about the best SIM card for Ghana

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.

(You may also be interested in the best SIM card for South Africa)

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.

Holafly eSIM card store
Holafly eSIM card store. Source: Holafly.

Advantages of the Holafly eSIM card

  • The Holafly eSIM Card connects to Airtel Uganda’s local 4G network.
  • You can recharge the service through top-ups if you need more days or data.
  • 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

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. With this you can avoid the cost of renting a pocket wifi

You may be interested to know about the best SIM card for Faroe Islands

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 data plan
MTN data plan. Source: MTN

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.

Airtel data plans and prices
Airtel prices. Source: Airtel.

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 it is the most comfortable option. After all, you can get it anywhere 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

How is the coverage of the best SIM card for Uganda?

The coverage is stable, but you have to know that there are some areas in which the coverage is better than others. You will be connected to the best local operators in the country. The connection speed is 4G, and in some cases 3G, if you consume all your cellular data it will be downgraded to 2G.

How to have the internet in Uganda?

There are many ways. You can find free WiFi networks, or use services like international roaming, or Pocket WiFi, but these two options are very expensive.

How to pick a SIM card for Uganda?

To pick the SIM card for your trip, think about the quality of the connection and the support you will receive. The language barrier can be a problem too. It is better to get a service in your language.

Where to buy a SIM card with cellular data only?

You can buy SIM cards with cellular data from companies like Holafly. You can do so before you travel. It is very easy to set up, and they offer 6 GB for 15 days.

How much does a SIM card for Uganda cost?

The price depends on the advantages, data plans, and the number of days of the SIM card you choose, among other aspects. The Holafly eSIM card for Uganda cost $44.