Prepaid SIM Cards in Angola

Prepaid SIM Cards in Angola

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Angola, a growing tourism and business destination in southern Africa, has a developing but expanding telecommunications infrastructure. If you’re planning a trip or long-term stay in Angola, getting a local prepaid SIM card is essential for affordable data, calls, and texting. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of prepaid SIM card options in Angola, including operators, coverage, prices, and how to buy a SIM card as a foreigner.

🇦🇴 Mobile Network Operators in Angola

There are three major telecom operators offering prepaid SIM cards in Angola:

  1. Unitel Angola
  2. Movicel
  3. Africell Angola — the newest player

Coverage and Speed

Unitel Angola

  • Coverage: The largest and most reliable provider in Angola. Strong presence in Luanda, Benguela, Huambo, Lubango, and coastal areas.
  • Data Speed: Offers 4G LTE in most major cities; 3G in rural areas.
  • Pros: Best for national coverage and consistency.

Movicel

  • Coverage: Good in urban areas but more limited in rural zones.
  • Data Speed: 4G LTE in Luanda and some cities; 3G elsewhere.
  • Pros: Affordable bundles and competitive local rates.

Africell Angola

  • Coverage: New entrant (launched in 2022), but rapidly growing.
  • Data Speed: Strong LTE in Luanda; still expanding to other cities.
  • Pros: Modern network, low-cost packages, and frequent promotions.

here to Buy a SIM Card in Angola

  • Airports: Luanda Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport has kiosks for Unitel and Africell.
  • Official Stores: Each provider has dedicated shops or partner resellers in major cities.
  • Street Vendors: Common in Angola, but only buy from licensed sellers to avoid scams or inactive SIMs.

SIM Registration Requirements

Due to Angolan government regulations:

  • All SIM cards must be registered with a valid ID.
  • As a foreigner, bring:
    • Your passport
    • Angolan visa or proof of entry
  • Registration is usually completed in-store and takes about 5–15 minutes.

Prepaid Data & Call Packages

Unitel Packages

  • Basic SIM price: AOA 900–1,200 ($1–1.50)
  • Data bundles:
    • 500 MB – AOA 500
    • 2 GB – AOA 1,500
    • 5 GB – AOA 3,000
  • Combo packs: Minutes + SMS + Data

Movicel Packages

  • SIM card cost: AOA 700–1,000
  • Data packs:
    • 1 GB – AOA 700
    • 3 GB – AOA 2,000
    • Unlimited Social Media pack (daily) – AOA 150
  • Flexible daily and weekly offers

Africell Angola

  • SIM price: Often free with activation promos
  • Data plans:
    • 1 GB – AOA 400 (valid 3 days)
    • 5 GB – AOA 1,500
    • Unlimited Night Plan – AOA 600
  • Best for: Budget travelers and heavy data users

How to Top-Up & Manage Your SIM

  • Recharge Vouchers: Widely available in shops, markets, and gas stations.
  • Mobile App: All three operators offer English-friendly apps for checking balance and purchasing bundles.
  • USSD Codes: Available for offline top-ups and balance checks:
    • Unitel: *105#
    • Movicel: *123#
    • Africell: *134#

Tourist Tips for Using SIM Cards in Angola

  • Check compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports Band 3 (1800 MHz) and Band 20 (800 MHz) for LTE.
  • Avoid roaming: International roaming in Angola is very expensive — local SIMs save you 80–90% on data and calls.
  • Offline maps: Download Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation since rural coverage may be patchy.

Conclusion

Whether you’re visiting Angola for business, tourism, or extended travel, getting a prepaid SIM card is affordable, straightforward, and essential for staying connected. Among the providers:

  • Choose Unitel for the best coverage,
  • Movicel for value and reliability, and
  • Africell if you want cheaper data and promotional offers.

Each network has strengths, so the best SIM card depends on where you’re going and how much data you need. With a local SIM in your phone, you’ll navigate Angola’s cities, beaches, and culture without missing a beat.

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