Staying connected in Libya is essential for navigation, communication, and online services. The country has a mobile-first telecom market, and prepaid SIM cards are the most popular and practical option for locals, business travelers, and tourists. This guide covers everything you need to know about Libyan prepaid SIM cards, including operators, prices, coverage, data plans, registration rules, and alternatives such as roaming and eSIMs.
Basics Information
Two state-owned operators dominate Libya’s mobile market:
- Al Madar Al Jadeed
- Libyana Mobile Phone
Both provide 2G, 3G, and limited 4G/LTE services, mainly in urban areas. Prepaid SIM cards are widely used due to flexibility, no contracts, and easy top-ups.
Key facts:
- Prepaid SIMs are mandatory for most users
- Passport or national ID required
- Biometric registration may apply
- International roaming is limited and expensive
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available across Libya, especially in:
- Tripoli
- Benghazi
- Misrata
- Sabha
- Zawiya
Network availability may vary due to regional infrastructure conditions.
Where to Buy
You can buy prepaid SIM cards from:
- Official operator stores (recommended)
- Authorized mobile dealers
- Electronics markets
- Airport telecom kiosks (limited availability)
⚠️ Tip: Always activate your SIM at an official store to avoid registration issues.
Mobile Frequencies in Libya
Network Frequency Bands
| Technology | Frequency Bands |
|---|---|
| 2G (GSM) | 900 / 1800 MHz |
| 3G (UMTS) | 2100 MHz |
| 4G (LTE) | Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz – limited) |
📱 Most unlocked international smartphones will work in Libya.
Coverage & Speed
| Operator | 2G Coverage | 3G Coverage | 4G/LTE | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Madar | Nationwide | Major cities | Limited | 5–25 Mbps |
| Libyana | Nationwide | Major cities | Limited | 5–30 Mbps |
4G is mainly available in Tripoli and Benghazi, while rural areas rely on 2G/3G.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Al Madar | Libyana |
|---|---|---|
| Network coverage | Very good | Very good |
| Data speed | Moderate | Slightly faster |
| Prepaid plans | Flexible | Affordable |
| Unlimited data | Available (fair use) | Available (fair use) |
| Social media bundles | Yes | Yes |
| Tourist SIM | No dedicated | No dedicated |
Biometric User Registration
Libya requires SIM registration linked to:
- Passport (foreigners)
- National ID (locals)
- Facial photo or fingerprint (store-dependent)
Unregistered SIMs may be blocked after activation.
Device Registration
Currently, IMEI registration is not strictly enforced, but authorities may restrict unregistered devices in the future.
SIM Card Price
| Operator | SIM Price |
|---|---|
| Al Madar | 5–10 LYD |
| Libyana | 5–10 LYD |
SIM cards usually include starter credit.
Top-Up Methods
- Scratch recharge cards
- USSD recharge codes
- Official mobile apps
- Authorized dealers
Al Madar Al Jadeed
Prepaid Plans – Data Add-Ons & USSD Codes
| Data Package | Price (LYD) | Validity | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 10 LYD | 7 days | *121# |
| 3 GB | 25 LYD | 30 days | *121# |
| 10 GB | 70 LYD | 30 days | *121# |
Al Madar SIM Card Unlimited Data
| Package | Speed Policy | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Basic | Fair use | 7 days | 40 LYD |
| Unlimited Monthly | Fair use | 30 days | 120 LYD |
Al Madar Feature Packages
| Feature | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Calls + SMS bundle | 15 LYD | 7 days |
| Combo voice + data | 35 LYD | 30 days |
Social Media Offers Al Madar
| Platform | Data Allowance | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 GB | 30 days | 15 LYD | |
| Unlimited chats | 30 days | 10 LYD | |
| YouTube | 3 GB | 30 days | 20 LYD |
Al Madar Data-Only SIM
- Available for tablets & routers
- Same data bundles apply
- No voice/SMS services
Libyana Mobile Phone
Prepaid Plans – Data Add-Ons & USSD Codes
| Data Package | Price (LYD) | Validity | USSD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | 15 LYD | 14 days | *122# |
| 5 GB | 35 LYD | 30 days | *122# |
| 15 GB | 80 LYD | 30 days | *122# |
Libyana Unlimited Data SIM
| Package | Fair Use | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Unlimited | Yes | 7 days | 45 LYD |
| Monthly Unlimited | Yes | 30 days | 130 LYD |
Libyana Data Feature Packages
| Feature | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Data rollover | Free | Monthly |
| Night data bonus | Free | Selected plans |
Social Media Offers Libyana
| App | Allowance | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook & Messenger | Unlimited | 30 days | 15 LYD |
| Unlimited | 30 days | 10 LYD | |
| TikTok | 5 GB | 30 days | 25 LYD |
Libyana Data-Only SIM
- Ideal for modems & MiFi
- No voice services
- Same data pricing
How to Check the Remaining Balance
| Operator | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Al Madar | *100# |
| Libyana | *111# |
How to Check SIM Number
| Operator | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Al Madar | *221# |
| Libyana | *220# |
Tourist SIM
Libya currently does not offer official tourist SIM cards. Visitors must purchase a regular prepaid SIM with passport registration.
Roaming Data
- International roaming is limited
- Very expensive
- Not recommended for data usage
Digital eSIM Providers
eSIM availability in Libya is minimal. Some global providers may work via roaming, but:
- Speeds are slow
- Costs are high
- Coverage is inconsistent
Other Options
- Pocket Wi-Fi (local SIM required)
- Hotel Wi-Fi (often slow)
- Satellite internet (business use)
Activation
- SIM is activated at purchase
- Registration is mandatory
- Data packages activated via USSD or app
Help Line Numbers
| Operator | Customer Care |
|---|---|
| Al Madar | 121 |
| Libyana | 122 |
Official Websites
- Al Madar: https://www.almadar.ly
- Libyana: https://www.libyana.ly
Mobile Apps
(Search operator name in app stores due to regional restrictions.)
Conclusion
Prepaid SIM cards in Libya are affordable, flexible, and essential for staying connected. Al Madar is ideal for stable nationwide coverage, while Libyana offers slightly better speeds and competitive data plans. Although 4G is limited, prepaid options remain the best connectivity solution for travelers and residents alike.
For hassle-free usage:
- Buy from official stores
- Complete biometric registration
- Use prepaid data bundles instead of roaming