Madagascar is a vast island with limited fixed internet infrastructure, so mobile data is the primary way to stay connected. Buying a prepaid SIM card is easy, affordable, and highly recommended for travelers, digital nomads, and backpackers.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Madagascar — including operators, prices, coverage, plans, activation codes, tourist options, eSIMs, and more.
Basics Information
Madagascar has three major mobile operators offering prepaid SIM cards:
- Telma Madagascar (Yas brand)
- Orange Madagascar
- Airtel Madagascar
All provide:
- Prepaid voice + data services
- 2G / 3G / 4G networks
- Mobile money services
- Nationwide coverage (varying quality)
Coverage outside cities can be patchy, and speeds vary significantly by location.
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available and easy to obtain.
- No contract required
- Available to foreigners
- Passport required for registration
- Activation may take minutes to a few hours
SIM cards are extremely cheap — often under $1.
Where to Buy
You can purchase SIM cards at:
- International airports (Antananarivo, Nosy Be)
- Official operator stores
- Electronics shops
- Supermarkets
- Authorized resellers
- Street vendors
Airports are the easiest option for tourists.
Frequencies
Madagascar uses standard global bands compatible with most unlocked phones.
| Technology | Frequency Bands |
|---|---|
| 2G GSM | 900 MHz |
| 3G UMTS | 2100 MHz |
| 4G LTE | 1800 MHz (B3), sometimes 800 MHz (B20) & 2600 MHz (B7) |
All major operators use similar bands.
Coverage & Speed
Coverage varies significantly between urban and rural areas.
| Operator | Coverage | Data Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telma (Yas) | Very wide | Fast | Strong 4G footprint |
| Orange | Wide | Good | Reliable in towns |
| Airtel | Moderate | Average | Good voice coverage |
Telma has the largest detected coverage footprint and strong 4G presence.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Telma (Yas) | Orange | Airtel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Data Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Rural Signal | Good | Moderate | Good (voice) |
| Tourist Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Biometric User Registration
Mandatory for all SIM cards.
Requirements:
- Passport copy
- Photo capture at purchase
- Personal details recorded
Unregistered SIM cards are deactivated.
Device Registration
Currently, Madagascar does not require IMEI registration for tourists.
Unlocked phones work normally.
SIM Card Price
Approximate prices:
- Telma: ~500 MGA (~$0.10–$0.20)
- Orange: ~1000 MGA (~$0.20–$0.40)
- Airtel: Similar range
SIM cards are among the cheapest in Africa.
Top-Up Methods
You can recharge using:
- Scratch cards (most common)
- Mobile money (MVola, Orange Money, Airtel Money)
- ATMs
- Online payments
- Retail shops
Cash is widely preferred, especially outside cities.
Telma (Yas)
Telma — now branded Yas — is often considered the best overall operator.
Strengths:
- Largest coverage footprint
- Fast 4G in major towns
- Reliable data performance
Telma (Yas) Prepaid Plans — Data Add-Ons
(Typical examples — exact prices change frequently)
| Validity | Data | Approx Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | 200–500 MB | Low | *111# |
| 7 Days | 1–3 GB | Moderate | *111# |
| 30 Days | 5–15 GB | Moderate | *111# |
Combo plans with calls + SMS are also available.
Orange Madagascar
Strong urban coverage and stable service.
Advantages:
- Good network reliability
- Extensive 2G coverage
- Mobile money widely accepted
Orange Madagascar Prepaid Plans — Data Add-Ons
| Validity | Data | Approx Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | ~200 MB | Low | #123# |
| 7 Days | 1–2 GB | Moderate | #123# |
| 30 Days | 5–10 GB | Moderate | #123# |
Orange data packages are often branded as “Be Connect.”
Airtel Madagascar
Historically strong for voice services, especially in remote areas.
Airtel Madagascar Prepaid Plans — Data Add-Ons
| Validity | Data | Approx Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | ~150–300 MB | Low | *121# |
| 7 Days | 1–2 GB | Moderate | *121# |
| 30 Days | 5–8 GB | Moderate | *121# |
Coverage and speeds can be less consistent than competitors.
How to Check the Remaining Balance
Telma (Yas)
- Credit: *358#
- Data: 35814#
Orange
- Dial #123#
Airtel
- Dial *121#
Official Websites
- Telma Madagascar — https://www.telma.mg
- Orange Madagascar — https://www.orange.mg
- Airtel Madagascar — https://www.airtel.mg
Apps (Mobile Management)
Available on Android and iOS stores.
How to Check the SIM Number
- Dial *#100# or *#62# (varies by operator)
- Check in phone settings
- Call another phone
Tourist SIM
Tourist-friendly SIMs are sold at airports and major cities.
Typical features:
- Preloaded data bundles
- Easy activation
- Passport registration
- Short validity
Some reports suggest Telma offers tourist eSIM options.
Roaming Data
International roaming is expensive.
Recommendation:
➡️ Buy a local SIM or eSIM instead.
Digital eSIM Providers
International travel eSIMs work in Madagascar:
- Airalo
- Holafly
- Yesim
- Global YO
These connect to local networks automatically.
Other Options
- Portable Wi-Fi routers
- Hotel Wi-Fi (often slow)
- Satellite internet (rare, expensive)
Mobile data remains the best solution.
Activation
Activation usually happens at the point of sale.
Steps:
- Insert SIM
- Register with passport
- Wait for network activation
- Purchase data package
Activation may take minutes to several hours.
Help Line Numbers
| Operator | Customer Service |
|---|---|
| Telma | 111 |
| Orange | 777 |
| Airtel | 121 |
Free from the operator’s network.
Conclusion
Prepaid SIM cards in Madagascar are cheap, easy to obtain, and essential for staying connected across the island. For most travelers:
- Best overall coverage: Telma (Yas)
- Best urban reliability: Orange
- Best rural voice coverage: Airtel
Because infrastructure varies greatly outside cities, many travelers carry SIMs from two networks for backup.
If you want the easiest experience:
👉 Buy a SIM at the airport immediately after arrival
👉 Register it with your passport
👉 Activate a monthly data package
You’ll enjoy affordable connectivity across Madagascar’s incredible landscapes.