Quick Answer
Yes, buy a Vodacom SIM at the airport for $5-10 (5-10GB data). Passport required for registration. 4G available in Maputo, Vilanculos, Tofo. Expect 3G or no signal in rural areas. Starlink also available in Mozambique.
Short Answer
Yes, you can use your phone in Mozambique. Buy a local SIM card at the airport (Vodacom is recommended for best coverage). A prepaid SIM with 5-10GB of data costs $5-10. 4G is available in Maputo and major towns; expect 3G or no signal in rural areas.
Getting a SIM Card
- Vodacom (recommended): Best coverage nationwide, 4G in Maputo, Vilanculos, Tofo, Beira
- Movitel: Good rural coverage, cheaper data
- TMcel: State-owned, least reliable
What You Need
- Passport (required for SIM registration)
- Unlocked phone
- ~$5-10 for SIM + data package
Data Packages (Vodacom, 2026)
- 1GB: ~$1.50 (7 days)
- 5GB: ~$5 (30 days)
- 10GB: ~$8 (30 days)
- 20GB: ~$15 (30 days)
Internet Speeds by Location
- Maputo: 4G, 10-50 Mbps (fiber available)
- Vilanculos: 4G, 5-15 Mbps
- Tofo: 4G, 3-10 Mbps
- Rural areas: 3G or no signal
- Starlink: Available in Mozambique since 2025, works anywhere
Tips
- Buy SIM at airport on arrival — fastest setup
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before leaving cities
- WhatsApp works on data (widely used in Mozambique)
- WiFi available at most hotels and lodges (quality varies)
- eSIM options: Airalo and Holafly offer Mozambique eSIMs
September 2, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can use your phone with a local SIM card, an international roaming plan, or a Mozambique eSIM. Your phone must be unlocked to use a local SIM.