Prepaid SIM Cards in The Gambia

Prepaid SIM Cards in The Gambia – Complete Guide

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Staying connected in The Gambia is simple and affordable thanks to its three main telecom operators: Africell, QCell, and Gamcel. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or a long-term stay, prepaid SIM cards offer cheap data, nationwide coverage, and no long-term commitments.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — prices, networks, where to buy, biometric registration, data plans, eSIM, and more.

Basics Information

The Gambia has 3 mobile operators providing prepaid SIM services:

OperatorTypeStrengths
AfricellPrivateBest coverage, fastest data speeds
QCellPrivateVery cheap data bundles, strong urban network
GamcelGovernment-ownedWidest rural presence, basic data plans

Official Websites

Availability

Prepaid SIMs are widely available across:

  • Banjul International Airport
  • Africell, QCell & Gamcel retail shops
  • Authorized agents
  • Supermarkets
  • Corner shops
  • Tourist hotels

Where to Buy

The easiest places to buy SIM cards:

  1. Banjul International Airport – kiosks for Africell & QCell
  2. Official telecom stores in Banjul, Serrekunda, Bakau
  3. Street vendors / mobile agents (require passport)
  4. Hotels & guesthouses (Africell mostly)

You must bring your passport for SIM registration.

Network Frequencies in The Gambia

Network2G3G4G/LTE5G
Africell90021001800No
QCell90021001800No
Gamcel9002100LimitedNo

Most modern phones work without issue.

Coverage & Speed

  • Africell: Best nationwide coverage & fastest 4G speeds (up to 40–60 Mbps in urban areas).
  • QCell: Strong in Banjul, Serrekunda, Brufut, Kotu, Sanyang; slightly weaker in remote areas.
  • Gamcel: Good rural coverage; slower data performance.

At a Glance Comparison

FeatureAfricellQCellGamcel
CoverageExcellentVery Good (urban-focused)Good (rural-focused)
SpeedFastestFastSlow–Moderate
SIM PriceLowLowLow
Tourist SIMYesLimitedNo
eSIMLimitedNoNo
Best ForOverall useBudget dataBasic calls/data

Biometric User Registration

Gambia requires mandatory biometric registration for all SIM cards:

  • Passport or national ID is required
  • Fingerprint + photograph taken
  • Registration done at shop or agent

Device Registration

Foreign visitors usually do NOT need device IMEI registration unless staying long-term (90+ days).
Long-term residents may need to register phones to avoid blocking.

Mobile Network Apps (Self-Care Apps)

OperatorApp NameLink
AfricellAfricell AppGoogle Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gm.africell.app
QCellQCell Apphttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gm.qcell.app
GamcelNo official app–

SIM Card Prices in The Gambia

OperatorSIM PriceIncludes
AfricellGMD 50–75Basic credit or small data
QCellGMD 50–75Usually no credit
GamcelGMD 50Basic airtime

eSIM in The Gambia

  • Africell: Limited eSIM available in main stores (Banjul, Serrekunda).
  • QCell: No eSIM at the moment.
  • Gamcel: No eSIM available.

For tourists, global eSIMs like Airalo, Nomad, Holafly also work.

AFRICELL GAMBIA

Availability

  • Widely available across the country
  • Best for tourists
  • Available at Banjul Airport

Africell Data Feature Packages (Regular Data Bundles)

BundlePrice (GMD)Validity
200 MB151 day
1 GB503 days
2.5 GB1007 days
6 GB20030 days
12 GB35030 days
25 GB60030 days

Africell Social Media Packages

PlatformPrice (GMD)Validity
WhatsApp Daily524 hrs
Facebook + Instagram1024 hrs
TikTok1024 hrs
Social Combo (FB+WA+IG)257 days

Africell Data-Only SIM

  • Great for tourists needing internet only
  • 4G support
  • Price: GMD 75–100
  • Often includes bonus data

Africell Prepaid Plans – Data Add-Ons

Add-OnPrice (GMD)Validity
500 MB2524 hrs
1.5 GB757 days
5 GB1507 days
10 GB25030 days

QCell GAMBIA

Availability

  • Available nationwide
  • Strong in Greater Banjul
  • Airport kiosks sometimes available

QCell Mobile Data Feature Packages

BundlePrice (GMD)Validity
300 MB101 day
1 GB301 day
2 GB503 days
5 GB1007 days
10 GB20015 days
20 GB35030 days

QCell Social Media Bundles

PackagePrice (GMD)Validity
WhatsApp Only51 day
Facebook51 day
Instagram51 day
Social Combo (WA+FB+IG)207 days

QCell Data-Only SIM

  • Good for affordable data
  • Strong speeds in Banjul/Serrekunda
  • Price: GMD 50–75

QCell Mobile Prepaid Data Add-Ons

Add-OnPrice (GMD)Validity
500 MB201 day
2 GB403 days
7 GB1257 days
15 GB25030 days

GAMCEL GAMBIA

Availability

  • Available nationwide
  • Best rural reach
  • Government-owned; fewer shops but widely distributed through agents

Gamcel Mobile Data Feature Packages

BundlePrice (GMD)Validity
200 MB101 day
500 MB201 day
1 GB403 days
3 GB1007 days
8 GB25030 days

Gamcel Social Media Bundles

PlatformPrice (GMD)Validity
WhatsApp Only324 hours
Facebook Only324 hours
Social Combo107 days

Gamcel Data-Only SIM

  • Cheapest option for basic browsing
  • Price: GMD 50

Gamcel Prepaid Data Add-Ons

Add-OnPrice (GMD)Validity
300 MB1024 hrs
1 GB303 days
3 GB707 days
6 GB15030 days

Tourist SIM Cards in The Gambia

Currently, only Africell officially markets tourist SIMs.

Africell Tourist SIM Includes:

  • Price: GMD 150–250
  • Comes with data (1–3 GB)
  • Valid for 7–30 days
  • Free incoming calls

eSIM Options for Tourists

Local eSIM:

  • Africell (limited availability)

International eSIMs:

  • Airalo – “Gamtel Data Pack”
  • Nomad eSIM
  • Holafly Africa eSIM

These are the easiest options for short trips.

How to Activate a SIM Card in The Gambia

  1. Insert the SIM
  2. Complete biometric registration
  3. Restart phone
  4. Dial the activation USSD (varies by network)
  5. Buy credit or data bundle

How to Check Remaining Balance

OperatorCode
Africell*120#
QCell*335#
Gamcel*100#

Helpline Numbers

OperatorCustomer Care
Africell111
QCell123
Gamcel130

How to Top Up (Recharge)

You can top up by:

  • Scratch cards
  • Mobile money (QPay, Afrimoney)
  • Agents & corner shops
  • USSD recharge

USSD Recharge Codes

  • Africell: *123*PIN#
  • QCell: *133*PIN#
  • Gamcel: *101*PIN#

Conclusion

Buying a prepaid SIM card in The Gambia is affordable, fast, and straightforward. For most tourists, Africell is the best all-round choice thanks to its excellent coverage and fast data speeds. QCell is perfect for budget users, while Gamcel provides reliable rural coverage.

Whether you need a physical SIM, a data-only SIM, or an eSIM solution, staying connected during your trip to The Gambia has never been easier.

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