For travelers and residents alike, staying connected in Guinea requires navigating a unique telecommunications landscape. With improving but still developing infrastructure, choosing the right mobile provider can significantly impact your communication experience in this West African nation. This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Guinea’s prepaid SIM card options, coverage quality, and registration requirements.
Guinea’s Mobile Network Landscape: The Big Three
Guinea’s telecommunications market is dominated by three main operators, each with distinct strengths and coverage patterns:
Market Share and Network Quality
- Orange Guinea: The market leader with approximately 60% share
- MTN Guinea: Strong competitor holding around 30% of the market
- Cellcom Guinea: The smallest operator with approximately 10% penetration
The telecommunications sector has seen significant investment since the liberalization of the market, though network quality varies considerably between urban and rural areas.
Market Share and Network Quality
- Orange Guinea: The market leader with approximately 60% share
- MTN Guinea: Strong competitor holding around 30% of the market
- Cellcom Guinea: The smallest operator with approximately 10% penetration
The telecommunications sector has seen significant investment since the liberalization of the market, though network quality varies considerably between urban and rural areas.
Primary Purchase Locations
- Official operator stores in major urban centers
- Authorized (distributors throughout the country
- Conakry International Airport kiosks (limited hours)
- Local mobile phone shops and electronics stores
Official Websites
- Orange Guinea: https://www.orange.gn/
- MTN Guinea: https://www.mtnguinee.net/
- Cellcom Guinea: http://www.cellcomguinee.com/
Traveler’s Tip: Purchase from official stores whenever possible to ensure proper registration and avoid previously blocked SIM cards.
Network Technology and Frequencies
| Operator | 2G Bands | 3G Bands | 4G/LTE Bands | 5G Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 900/1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | Band 3 (1800 MHz) | Trials in 2024 |
| MTN | 900/1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | Band 3 (1800 MHz) | Not available |
| Cellcom | 900/1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | Limited availability | Not available |
Table: Network frequency bands used by Guinean mobile operators
Geographic Coverage Comparison
| Region | Orange Coverage | MTN Coverage | Cellcom Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conakry | Excellent (98%) | Very Good (95%) | Good (85%) |
| Kindia | Very Good (90%) | Good (85%) | Fair (70%) |
| Kankan | Good (80%) | Good (80%) | Limited (50%) |
| Labé | Good (85%) | Fair (75%) | Limited (45%) |
| Rural Areas | Variable (60-70%) | Variable (50-60%) | Poor (20-30%) |
Table: Estimated geographic coverage by region
Real-World Speed Experience
| Operator | Average Download (Mbps) | Average Upload (Mbps) | Network Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange 4G | 15-25 Mbps | 5-10 Mbps | 90-95% |
| MTN 3G | 5-8 Mbps | 2-3 Mbps | 85-90% |
| Cellcom 3G | 3-6 Mbps | 1-2 Mbps | 75-85% |
Table: Typical speed experiences in urban areas
Quick Comparison: Prepaid SIM Options at a Glance
| Feature | Orange | MTN | Cellcom |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM Price | 5,000 GNF | 5,000 GNF | 5,000 GNF |
| Initial Credit | 516 GNF | 1,000 GNF | 2,500 GNF |
| 4G Availability | Yes | Limited | No |
| Best For | Coverage & Speed | Balance & Value | Budget Users |
| APN | internet | internet | internet.cellcom.com |
Table: At-a-glance comparison of prepaid SIM card options
Biometric Registration Requirements
Guinea implemented strict SIM registration regulations to enhance security. The process requires:
- Valid passport (for foreigners) or national ID card
- Completed registration form with local address
- Biometric data capture (photograph and sometimes fingerprints)
- Immediate activation upon completion
Registration Challenges for Travelers
- Language barriers: Forms are primarily in French
- Address requirements: Hotels or temporary addresses are acceptable
- Processing time: Immediate activation when done at official stores
- Validity period: SIMs remain active with regular usage
Important Note: As of 2024, there were discussions about enhancing biometric requirements to include fingerprint scanning, though implementation timelines remain uncertain.
Mobile Applications and Digital Services
Operator Apps and Services
Orange Guinea:
- Orange et Moi app: Manage account, buy packages, pay bills
- My Orange self-care portal online
- Code USSD: *144# for main menu
MTN Guinea:
- MyMTN app: Airtime top-up, bundle purchases, bill payments
- MTN Mobile Money for financial services
- Code USSD: *130# for quick menu
Cellcom Guinea:
- Limited app availability
- Primary service through USSD codes
- Code USSD: *223# for balance check
Detailed Operator Analysis: Plans and Packages
Orange Guinea Prepaid Offers
SIM Card Pricing and Initial Value
- Cost: 5,000 GNF
- Includes: 516 GNF calling credit
- Activation: Immediate at point of purchase
Unlimited Data Plans (30-Day Validity)
| Data Allowance | Price (GNF) | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 GB | 50,000 | Unlimited Orange-to-Orange calls weekends |
| 6.5 GB | 105,000 | 10,000 GNF calling credit |
| 15 GB | 185,000 | 20,000 GNF calling credit + social media |
| 30 GB | 350,000 | 30,000 GNF calling credit + streaming |
Table: Orange monthly data plans
Feature Packages (Pass Internet)
| Package | Data | Validity | Price (GNF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Jour | 100 MB | 24 hours | 1,950 |
| Pass 3 Jours | 300 MB | 3 days | 4,500 |
| Pass Semaine | 800 MB | 7 days | 14,000 |
| Pass 2 Semaines | 2 GB | 15 days | 25,000 |
Table: Orange short-term data packages
Social Media Packages
| Platforms | Daily Price | Weekly Price | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter | 1,000 GNF | 5,000 GNF | 15,000 GNF |
| All Social Media | 1,500 GNF | 7,000 GNF | 20,000 GNF |
Table: Orange social media bundles
Data-Only SIM Options
Orange offers data-only SIM cards for tablets and mobile routers at similar pricing to regular SIMs, with specific data packages optimized for heavy usage.
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Data Volume | Price (GNF) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 50 MB | 1,000 | *144*1# |
| 200 MB | 3,000 | *144*2# |
| 500 MB | 6,000 | *144*3# |
| 1 GB | 10,000 | *144*4# |
Table: Orange data add-ons without validity extension
MTN Guinea Prepaid Offers
SIM Card Pricing and Initial Value
- Cost: 5,000 GNF
- Includes: 1,000 GNF credit + 30 SMS + 30 MB data
- Activation: Immediate with registration
Unlimited Data Plans (30-Day Validity)
| Data Allowance | Price (GNF) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 GB | 40,000 | Bonus social media access |
| 5 GB | 75,000 | MTN Music streaming included |
| 7.5 GB | 110,000 | Extra 2 GB nighttime data |
| 15 GB | 190,000 | Unlimited streaming partners |
Table: MTN monthly data plans
Mobile Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price (GNF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash 1H | 50 MB | 1 hour | 500 |
| Flash 24H | 250 MB | 24 hours | 3,000 |
| Flash 48H | 500 MB | 48 hours | 5,000 |
| Flash Week | 1.3 GB | 7 days | 15,000 |
Table: MTN short-term data packages
Social Media Packages
| Package | Platforms | Validity | Price (GNF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Lite | WhatsApp only | 7 days | 3,000 |
| Social Plus | All major platforms | 7 days | 7,000 |
| Social Max | All platforms + light browsing | 30 days | 20,000 |
Table: MTN social media bundles
Data-Only SIM Options
MTN provides data-specific SIM cards with optimized packages for internet-only devices, available at the same initial cost as regular SIMs.
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Data Volume | Price (GNF) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 100 MB | 2,000 | *130*1# |
| 300 MB | 5,000 | *130*2# |
| 750 MB | 10,000 | *130*3# |
| 2 GB | 25,000 | *130*4# |
Table: MTN quick data top-ups
Cellcom Guinea Prepaid Offers
SIM Card Pricing and Initial Value
- Cost: 5,000 GNF
- Includes: 2,500 GNF credit + 25 SMS
- Activation: Immediate with registration
Unlimited Data Plans (30-Day Validity)
| Data Allowance | Price (GNF) | Network Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 20,000 | 3G |
| 2 GB | 40,000 | 3G |
| 3 GB | 60,000 | 3G |
| 5 GB | 100,000 | 3G |
Table: Cellcom monthly data plans
Mobile Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price (GNF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 50 MB | 1 day | 1,000 |
| Medium | 100 MB | 3 days | 2,000 |
| Max | 500 MB | 7 days | 10,000 |
Table: Cellcom short-term data packages
Social Media Packages
| Package | Platforms | Validity | Price (GNF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Basic | WhatsApp, Facebook | 7 days | 5,000 |
| Social Complete | All major platforms | 30 days | 15,000 |
Table: Cellcom social media bundles
Data-Only SIM Options
Cellcom offers data-specific SIM cards primarily targeting the budget segment with competitive pricing for basic connectivity needs.
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Data Volume | Price (GNF) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 50 MB | 1,000 | *777*50# |
| 100 MB | 2,000 | *777*100# |
| 500 MB | 10,000 | *777*500# |
Table: Cellcom data add-ons
How to Check Your SIM Number
Orange Guinea:
- Dial
*124#and press call - Check via Orange et Moi app
- Call 124 from your phone and follow voice prompts
MTN Guinea:
- Dial
*135*8#and press call - Check via MyMTN app account info
- Call 135 and navigate menu options
Cellcom Guinea:
- Dial
*223#and press call - Check welcome SMS received after activation
- Visit Cellcom boutique with registration documents
Tourist SIM Considerations
Recommended for Tourists:
- Orange: Best coverage for travel outside Conakry
- Purchase at Airport: Limited availability, better prices in city
- Document Requirements: Passport essential for registration
- Language: Basic French helpful but not mandatory in official stores
Digital eSIM Providers for Guinea
For travelers with eSIM-compatible devices:
| Provider | Coverage | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Orange network | $9 (1 GB, 7 days) | Short stays |
| Holafly | Multiple networks | $19 (3 GB, 15 days) | Heavy usage |
| Nomad | Best network available | $12 (1 GB, 7 days) | Flexible plans |
Table: eSIM providers offering Guinea coverage
eSIM Advantage: Instant activation before arrival, no physical SIM required, dual SIM capability on supported devices.
Activation and Account Management
New SIM Activation Process
- Purchase from authorized seller
- Registration with valid ID document
- Biometric data capture (photograph)
- Immediate activation typically within minutes
- APN settings automatically configured or manually set
How to Check Remaining Balance
Orange Guinea:
- Balance: Dial
*124# - Data: Dial
*144#or use Orange et Moi app
MTN Guinea:
- Balance: Dial
*135# - Data: Dial
*130*2#or use the MyMTN app
Cellcom Guinea:
- Balance: Dial
*223# - Data: Dial
*777#
Customer Service and Help Lines
| Service | Orange | MTN | Cellcom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 124 | 135 | 3000 |
| Data Support | 144 | 130 | 3000 |
| Top-Up Issues | 125 | 136 | 3000 |
Table: Customer service helplines
Top-Up Methods (Recharge)
All Operators Support:
- Voucher cards: Scratch and dial code
- Electronic top-up: Through authorized agents
- Mobile banking: Via Orange Money or MTN Mobile Money
- Operator apps: Direct top-up with bank cards
Top-Up Codes:
- Orange: Dial
*123*[voucher number]# - MTN: Dial
*136*[voucher number]# - Cellcom: Dial
*224*[voucher number]#
Conclusion
Tourists and Short-Term Visitors:
- Primary Choice: Orange SIM for best coverage
- Backup: MTN for areas with weaker Orange signal
- Consider: eSIM if device compatible for convenience
Business Travelers:
- Primary Choice: Orange for reliability and 4G speeds
- Essential: Local number for vendor/contact communication
- Advise: Purchase multiple SIMs for critical connectivity needs
Long-Term Residents:
- Primary Choice: Orange for overall performance
- Secondary: MTN for competitive pricing
- Consider: Device with dual SIM capability
Budget-Conscious Users:
- Primary Choice: Cellcom for lowest cost options
- Alternative: MTN for balance of price and coverage
Final Considerations
Network quality in Guinea continues to improve, though significant disparities remain between urban and rural connectivity. The expansion of 4G services by Orange represents the most significant recent advancement, with other operators expected to enhance their networks in response.
When choosing a provider, consider your specific travel itinerary, data needs, and budget constraints. For most users, starting with an Orange SIM provides the best balance of coverage and speed, with MTN serving as a reliable alternative in areas with weaker Orange signals.
The implementation of biometric registration, while adding complexity to the purchase process, has contributed to reduced SIM-related fraud and enhanced overall network security.