Staying connected in Chad doesn’t have to be difficult — but it does require a little planning. Whether you’re visiting N’Djamena for business or exploring Zakouma National Park, buying a local prepaid SIM card is the cheapest way to get data, calls, and texts while in the country. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right SIM card in Chad.
Basics Information
Chad’s telecom market is limited but improving. The country has two main mobile operators offering prepaid services:
| Operator | Website | Main App |
|---|---|---|
| Airtel Chad | https://www.airtel.td | Airtel App (Android / iOS) |
| Moov Africa Chad (by Maroc Telecom) | https://www.moov-africa.td | MyMoov App |
Availability & Where to Buy
- International Airports – SIM kiosks at N’Djamena International Airport arrivals hall
- Official Stores – Airtel & Moov Africa shops in major towns
- Street Kiosks – Widely available in urban areas (cash only)
- Requirements – Passport mandatory (biometric registration)
Tip: Always buy and activate your SIM at official stores to avoid registration issues.
Frequencies
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz |
| Moov Africa | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz |
Make sure your phone supports these bands.
Coverage & Speed
- Airtel Chad – Best 4G coverage in N’Djamena, Moundou & Abéché
- Moov Africa – Strong in southern regions, slightly slower speeds
Overall 4G availability is limited outside major cities. Expect average download speeds of 5–12 Mbps in urban areas and 2G only in rural zones.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Airtel | Moov Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Data Speeds | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tourist SIM | No | No |
| Cheapest Plan | 1,000 XAF | 500 XAF |
| App Support | Yes | Yes |
Biometric User Registration
SIM cards in Chad must be registered using the BVS (Biometric Identification System). Be ready to provide:
- Passport photo page
- Digital fingerprint scan
- Local address (hotel is accepted for tourists)
What to Expect
- Process can take 10–40 minutes
- SIM given in standard/micro/nano formats
- Keep your registration slip – sometimes required to top up
Device Registration (DIR)
Some high-end devices may require IMEI declaration upon first use, especially if staying long-term (>30 days). This is usually done automatically by the carrier during activation.
SIM Card Price
| Operator | Starter Price |
|---|---|
| Airtel | 1,000–2,000 XAF |
| Moov Africa | 500–1,500 XAF |
Starter kits often include 100–300 MB bonus data.
Prepaid Plans
🔴 Airtel Chad
- Daily: 200 XAF = 50 MB
- Weekly: 1,000 XAF = 500 MB
- Monthly: 7,000 XAF = 4 GB
🔵 Moov Africa Chad
- Mini Packs: 500 XAF = 200 MB (2 days)
- Classic Packs: 5,000 XAF = 3 GB (30 days)
- Mega Packs: 10,000 XAF = 8 GB (30 days)
Data Add-Ons
Both networks offer boosters (valid on top of base plan):
- 100 MB / 300 XAF
- 500 MB / 1,000 XAF
- Unlimited night data from 12 AM–6 AM / 2,000 XAF
Tourist SIM
Chad does not yet offer special tourist SIMs. Travelers must use regular prepaid plans.
Activation
- Insert SIM → enter PIN → dial #123#
- Operator configures APN automatically
- If not, use:
- APN: internet
- Username/Password: (leave blank)
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Network | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Airtel | *123# |
| Moov Africa | *101# |
Customer Help Line Numbers
| Operator | Helpline |
|---|---|
| Airtel | 121 |
| Moov Africa | 333 |
Support is mostly in French & Arabic.
Useful Apps & Links
- Airtel App (Android) – https://bit.ly/airtel-chad-app
- Moov Africa App (Android) – https://bit.ly/moov-africa-app
- Recharging Vouchers Online – https://recharge.com, https://ding.com
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Chad is straightforward but best done at official stores due to biometric requirements. Airtel Chad currently offers the best coverage and speeds in cities, while Moov Africa is the budget-friendly choice with good reach in rural south regions. Although 4G is still expanding, prepaid data in Chad is affordable. If you’re visiting, grab your SIM at N’Djamena Airport or downtown, stick to monthly bundles, and always keep some paper recharge cards handy. Staying connected in Chad has never been easier — just be prepared for variable speeds outside major towns.