- Basics Information
- Official Website
- Availability – Where to Buy a SIM
- Network Frequencies
- Coverage & Speed
- At a Glance Comparison
- Biometric User Registration
- What to Expect
- Device Registration
- Mobile App (Self-Care)
- SIM Card Price
- eSIM Availability
- Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
- Tourist SIM Card
- Activation Process
- How to Check Remaining Balance
- Customer Service Numbers
- Conclusion
Visiting Djibouti soon? Staying connected here isn’t as straightforward as in many countries, but with the right prepaid SIM card, you can enjoy reliable mobile service and internet access without worrying about high roaming costs. This complete 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about buying, activating, and using a prepaid SIM card in Djibouti.
Basics Information
Djibouti’s mobile market is small, with Djibouti Telecom (Evatis) as the main mobile operator. It provides voice, SMS, and 4G internet across the country. As of 2025, there are no fully operational competing mobile operators, though small ISPs like Somcable exist for broadband.
Key takeaway:
If you want a local SIM in Djibouti, Djibouti Telecom (Evatis) is your best and most reliable choice.
Official Website
- Djibouti Telecom: https://www.djiboutitelecom.dj
You can find plan details, coverage maps, and contact information on their official website.
Availability – Where to Buy a SIM
You can purchase prepaid SIM cards from:
- Djibouti Telecom stores (main branch in Djibouti City and regional towns)
- Bawadi Mall (has a Djibouti Telecom outlet)
- Convenience shops and phone kiosks authorized by the operator
⚠️ Note: There is no SIM card shop at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB), so buy one once you reach the city.
You will need:
- Passport for registration
- A local address or hotel name (sometimes required)
Network Frequencies
| Technology | Band | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 2G (GSM) | 900 MHz | Basic calls & SMS |
| 3G (UMTS) | 2100 MHz | Internet & calls |
| 4G LTE | 800 / 1800 MHz | High-speed data |
| 5G | — | Not available yet |
Tip: Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports LTE Band 3 (1800 MHz) or Band 20 (800 MHz) for best coverage.
Coverage & Speed
Djibouti Telecom offers nationwide 3G/4G coverage, with the strongest signals in:
- Djibouti City
- Tadjoura
- Obock
- Ali Sabieh
Rural and desert areas may only have 2G or no signal.
Average mobile internet speeds range between 10–30 Mbps in urban zones and drop significantly outside cities.
At a Glance Comparison
| Operator | 4G | Coverage | SIM Availability | eSIM | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Djibouti Telecom (Evatis) | ✅ | Excellent in cities | Easy to find | ❌ | Tourists & locals |
| Somcable | ❌ (broadband only) | Limited | Not for tourists | ❌ | Fixed internet users |
Winner: Djibouti Telecom — the only operator offering prepaid SIMs for travelers.
Biometric User Registration
SIM registration is mandatory in Djibouti.
You must present your passport at the point of sale. Basic ID verification is required, but no biometric data (fingerprints or facial scans) is collected for prepaid users.
What to Expect
When buying a prepaid SIM in Djibouti, expect:
- A simple registration process
- Slow but stable 4G speeds in cities
- Limited coverage in remote regions
- English and French-speaking support staff at official stores
Device Registration
There is no IMEI or device registration requirement for visitors.
Simply ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with GSM and LTE networks.
Mobile App (Self-Care)
Djibouti Telecom currently does not offer an official prepaid self-care app in English.
Balance checks and data management are done via USSD codes or by visiting a retail outlet.
SIM Card Price
| Item | Price (Approx.) | Included Credit |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Card (Evatis Prepaid) | DJF 1,000 (~USD 6) | DJF 500 credit |
| Replacement SIM | DJF 500 | — |
SIMs are available in standard, micro, and nano sizes.
eSIM Availability
As of 2025, eSIM is not supported by Djibouti Telecom.
If your phone only supports eSIM (e.g., iPhone 15 US models), consider using an international eSIM provider such as Airalo or Nomad before arrival.
Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
| Plan | Price (DJF) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 200 | 1 GB | 1 day |
| Weekly | 500 | 5 GB | 3 days |
| Medium | 1,000 | 12 GB | 7 days |
| Monthly | 3,000 | 20 GB | 30 days |
You can top up your SIM at local shops or through recharge cards sold at convenience stores.
Tourist SIM Card
Djibouti Telecom’s Evatis prepaid SIM doubles as a tourist SIM — there isn’t a separate package for visitors.
Advantages:
- Easy purchase with passport
- Short-term data bundles (3–30 days)
- Free incoming calls
Perfect for tourists visiting for a few days or weeks.
Activation Process
- Buy your SIM and show your passport.
- Insert the SIM and restart your phone.
- Dial
*164#to activate or purchase a data plan. - APN:
dtinternet - Wait for confirmation SMS — your SIM is ready!
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Action | Code |
|---|---|
| Check main balance | *168# |
| Check data balance | *164# |
| Recharge | *166*VoucherCode# |
Top-up cards are available at telecom stores, supermarkets, and small kiosks.
Customer Service Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Customer Care | +253 21 35 13 35 |
| General Inquiries | +253 35 85 85 |
| Djibouti Telecom Headquarters | +253 21 35 00 00 |
English-speaking operators are available during business hours.
Quick Summary:
- Best SIM: Djibouti Telecom (Evatis)
- Price: ≈ DJF 1,000 (~USD 6)
- Best for: Tourists & locals
- eSIM: Not yet supported
- Data: Up to 20 GB for 30 days
If you plan to travel outside Djibouti City, download offline maps and store key info — as coverage can be limited in remote deserts and coastal areas.
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Djibouti is the easiest and cheapest way to stay online while visiting.
Although there’s only one major operator (Djibouti Telecom), it provides solid 4G coverage in cities, affordable data plans, and easy registration.