If you’re planning a trip to Gabon or moving there temporarily, getting a prepaid SIM card is the easiest and most cost-effective way to stay connected. This guide covers everything you need to know — from where to buy SIM cards and how to activate them, to the best prepaid plans from Moov Africa (Gabon Telecom) and Airtel Gabon, plus eSIM availability and tourist options.
1. Basic Information
Gabon has two major mobile operators providing prepaid services:
- Moov Africa (Gabon Telecom)
- Airtel Gabon
Both networks offer 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE coverage in major cities such as Libreville, Port-Gentil, Franceville, and Oyem.
2. Official Websites
- Moov Africa (Gabon Telecom): https://www.moov-africa.ga
- Airtel Gabon: https://www.airtel.ga
These websites provide updated tariffs, promotions, and self-service tools.
3. Availability of SIM Cards
Prepaid SIM cards in Gabon are widely available for tourists and locals. You can easily get one within minutes.
Where to Buy
- Libreville Leon M’ba International Airport (LBV) – kiosks for both operators in arrival hall
- Official Moov & Airtel Stores – available in all cities
- Street Vendors & Corner Shops – widely available but prefer official channels
- Shopping Malls – e.g., Mbolo Mall, Libreville
- Hotels & Travel Agencies – some offer starter packs for tourists
4. Network Frequencies
Make sure your device supports these bands:
| Technology | Frequency Bands |
|---|---|
| 2G | 900 MHz |
| 3G | 2100 MHz |
| 4G/LTE | Bands B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800) |
Most modern smartphones are compatible.
5. Coverage & Speed in Gabon
Moov Africa
- Strong coverage in Libreville, Port-Gentil, and major towns
- Expanding LTE network
- Stable performance for calls and social media
- Internet speeds typically range: 5–25 Mbps
Airtel Gabon
- Good urban 4G coverage
- Stronger speeds in some city centers
- Great for streaming and heavy data users
- Typical speeds: 8–30 Mbps
6. At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Moov Africa | Airtel Gabon |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Price | 1,000 XAF | 1,000 XAF |
| Coverage | Broad urban reach | Strong 4G in big cities |
| Data Speeds | 5–25 Mbps | 8–30 Mbps |
| Best For | Basic users, wide coverage | Data-heavy users |
| eSIM | Limited | Limited/third-party |
7. Biometric User Registration
Gabon requires mandatory SIM registration.
You must present:
- Passport (for tourists)
- National ID (residents)
The registration includes photographing your ID and entering your personal details.
8. Device Registration
Gabon does not currently enforce mandatory IMEI device registration for visitors.
You can use any unlocked smartphone or mobile hotspot device.
9. Mobile Apps (with Links)
| Operator | App Name | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Moov Africa | MT Cash / Moov App | Search “Moov Africa Gabon” on Play/App Store |
| Airtel Gabon | Airtel Money / Airtel App | Search “Airtel Gabon” on Play/App Store |
Apps allow you to check balance, buy bundles, and manage your account.
10. SIM Card Price
| Operator | Price |
|---|---|
| Moov Africa | Starting from 1,000 XAF |
| Airtel Gabon | Starting from 1,000 XAF |
Often, starter packs include small bonus credits.
11. eSIM in Gabon
Local operators rarely issue eSIMs, but third-party travel eSIMs work very well.
Recommended eSIM Providers
- Airalo
- Holafly
- Nomad
- BNESIM
- Maya Mobile
Perfect for short trips or dual-SIM travelers.
12. Moov Africa (Gabon Telecom)
Availability
Moov SIMs are easy to find in all major towns, airports, and official outlets.
Moov Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price (XAF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Mini | 100 MB | 1 day | 200 |
| Daily Plus | 300 MB | 1 day | 300 |
| Weekly 1 | 1.5 GB | 7 days | 2,000 |
| Weekly 2 | 2.5 GB | 7 days | 3,500 |
| Monthly 1 | 5 GB | 30 days | 7,500 |
| Monthly 2 | 10 GB | 30 days | 10,000 |
| Monthly Max | 20 GB | 30 days | 20,000 |
Moov Social Media Packages
| Plan | Apps Included | Price (XAF) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Pack | WhatsApp only | 200 | 1 day |
| Facebook Pack | Facebook only | 200 | 1 day |
| Social Combo | WhatsApp + Facebook + Instagram | 1,000 | 7 days |
Moov Data-Only SIM
Ideal for tablets, MiFi, and hotspots.
| Data-Only Plan | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Box Mini | 10 GB | 30 days | 10,000 |
| Internet Box Pro | 25 GB | 30 days | 25,000 |
| Internet Box Max | 50 GB | 30 days | 40,000 |
Moov Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Add-On | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost 1 | 500 MB | 3 days | 500 |
| Boost 2 | 1 GB | 5 days | 800 |
| Boost 3 | 2 GB | 7 days | 1,500 |
13. Airtel Gabon
Availability
Airtel SIM cards are broadly available in all cities and widely sold through official shops, kiosks, and airport counters.
Airtel Mobile Data Feature Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price (XAF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Lite | 150 MB | 24 hours | 300 |
| Daily Max | 500 MB | 24 hours | 500 |
| Weekly Basic | 2.5 GB | 7 days | 5,000 |
| Weekly Pro | 5 GB | 14 days | 8,000 |
| Monthly Smart | 7 GB | 30 days | 10,000 |
| Monthly Ultra | 15 GB | 30 days | 20,00 |
Airtel Social Media Packages
| Plan | Apps Included | Price (XAF) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Only | Unlimited texting | 150 | 24 hours |
| Facebook Only | Unlimited browsing | 200 | 24 hours |
| Social Combo | WhatsApp + Facebook | 1,000 | 7 days |
Airtel Data-Only SIM (Internet Packs)
| Data Pack | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Box Basic | 10 GB | 30 days | 10,000 |
| Data Box Pro | 25 GB | 30 days | 25,000 |
| Data Box Ultra | 50 GB | 30 days | 40,000 |
Airtel Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Add-On | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Up Mini | 300 MB | 1 day | 300 |
| Top Up Plus | 1 GB | 3 days | 700 |
| Top Up Max | 2 GB | 7 days | 1,300 |
14. Tourist SIM Options in Gabon
Best for Visitors (Short Trips)
- 7-day 2.5 GB plan (Moov or Airtel)
- Airport SIM packages
- Travel eSIM (Airalo, Nomad)
Tourists typically prefer Airtel for faster 4G, while long-term visitors often prefer Moov Africa for stability.
15. Activation Process
How to Activate
- Insert SIM card into your phone.
- The SIM registers automatically after network connection.
- You receive a welcome SMS.
- Dial the operator’s USSD menu to select plans.
16. How to Check Remaining Balance
| Operator | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Moov Africa | *123# |
| Airtel Gabon | *123# or *130# |
These menus allow you to check airtime, data balances, and activate bundles.
17. Help Line Numbers
| Operator | Customer Care |
|---|---|
| Moov Africa | 888 |
| Airtel Gabon | 111 |
Both are toll-free from any prepaid line.
18. How to Top Up (Recharge Methods)
You can recharge using:
1. Scratch Cards
Available everywhere (kiosks, pharmacies, shops).
2. Mobile Money
- Moov Money
- Airtel Money
3. Electronic Recharge
Provided by local retailers.
Common Top-Up Method
Dial:
- Moov: *104*PIN#
- Airtel: *121*PIN#
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Gabon is simple, fast, and very affordable. Both Moov Africa and Airtel Gabon offer excellent prepaid plans, strong 4G coverage in major cities, and cheap data bundles for social media, internet browsing, and streaming.
- Moov Africa is great for stability and wider traditional coverage.
- Airtel Gabon is ideal for faster data speeds and heavy internet use.
- Tourists should consider quick airport SIM activation or using a global eSIM for maximum convenience.
With the right prepaid plan, staying connected in Gabon is effortless and budget-friendly.