There is so much to see and capture when in Lesotho that it would be a good idea to get yourself a SIM card while in Lesotho so that you can post all your Lesothan experiences online.
But how much will you pay for a SIM card in Lesotho?
You can purchase a Lesothan SIM card for as low as 30 LSL (2 USD) in Vodacom and Econet Telecom Lesotho stores. You can get 1 GB of data for as little as 19 LSL (1.25 USD).
When knowing this, there should be no reason to pay expensive international roaming rates while in Lesotho.
However, there are many other things you need to know when wanting to buy a SIM card in this country.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Lesotho. Let’s go.
Original publication: 6th of August 2020. Last updated: 31st of October 2021.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Lesotho?
Anyone, including visitors, can buy a SIM card in Lesotho without any restrictions.
You have to get your SIM card registered with your personal information, have a phone that supports Lesotho's frequencies, and an unlocked decide (SIM-lock free).
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Lesotho?
You can buy a Lesothan SIM card in the official stores of Vodacom Lesotho and Econet Telecom Lesotho.
Here is a list of what to expect to pay for a Lesothan SIM card:
- Vodacom Lesotho: 30 LSL
- Econet Telecom Lesotho: “Free”, but a minimum top-up of 50 LSL is required
Can You Use Your Phone in Lesotho?
Lesotho uses GSM technology for mobile communication services. This means you need a GSM-supported phone to use your device in Lesotho.
There is a 99% chance that your phone supports GSM anyway.
Lesotho uses standard European frequencies for its networks, which are used throughout Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3). Phones sold in ITU Regions 1 and 3 will have no connectivity issues when in Lesotho.
In the Americas (North-, Central- & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2), however, they use American frequencies. Those are different from European frequencies. Phones sold in ITU Region 2 may experience connectivity issues when in Lesotho.
If you have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, there is a possibility that you cannot use your phone at all in Lesotho or only older networks.
Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, the likelihood of using your phone in Lesotho without any or some hindrance is large.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Lesotho
Lesotho has two mobile network operators:
- Vodacom Lesotho
- Econet Telecom Lesotho
The following frequencies are used by the Lesothan operators:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
Note: only Vodacom Lesotho has a 5G network. It is unknown whether 5G is available to prepaid customers already.
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Lesotho, check out this page by Will My Phone Work.
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
Best SIM Card in Lesotho
If you want to buy a SIM card in Lesotho, then Vodacom is the best option. Not only do they have the best coverage in Lesotho, but the average price per GB with Vodacom is almost the same compared to Econet Telecom Lesotho (38 LSL/GB vs. 36 LSL/GB).
SIM Card Registration in Lesotho
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Lesotho. This will be done at the point of sale.
Lesotho Internet Prices & Insights
So far, you have learned how much SIM cards cost in Lesotho and which SIM card is the best.
But how much should you expect to pay for data in Lesotho?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Lesotho is 2.13 USD, which is far below the Sub-Saharan average of 5.91 USD (6.91 USD including Saint Helena). The world average is 5.03 USD.
Because Lesotho is a tiny country, setting up nationwide network coverage is easier than larger nations. You can expect good network reception throughout Lesotho for relatively affordable rates.
Currency in Lesotho
Lesotho uses the Lesotho Loti with the symbol LSL (which will be used throughout this article). Prices in Lesotho are listed in M. For example, 25 LSL = M25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between LSL and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 1 LSL = 0.05 USD
- 10 LSL = 0.60 USD
- 100 LSL = 5.80 USD
- 1000 LSL = 57.80 USD
Do note that the Lesotho Loti is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), meaning that 1 LSL = 1 ZAR.
ZAR is accepted in Lesotho, but you will get your change back in LSL.
LSL is not a legal tender in South Africa and will not be accepted as a form of payment.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Lesotho Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Vodacom Lesotho & Econet Telecom Lesotho and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge / top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Lesotho has to offer to us.
Vodacom Lesotho
Vodacom Lesotho, just Vodacom, is the largest operator in Lesotho.
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Vodacom:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodacom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Reload Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN Settings
Coverage – Vodacom Lesotho
Vodacom has extensive coverage in Lesotho.
Vodacom covers almost all of Lesotho. Although 4G/LTE availability is low.
SIM Card Price – Vodacom Lesotho
You can buy a Vodacom SIM card 30 LSL in Vodacom stores.
You may have to call 100 to activate your SIM card.
Top-Up & Recharge – Vodacom Lesotho
Vodacom recharge vouchers are widely available throughout Lesotho, including official Vodacom stores, grocery stores, and corner shops
To top-up, dial *100*01*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *100*01*123456#.
Dial *100# to check your Vodacom balance.
The same can be done by dialing *111# and selecting option 1 (Balances).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodacom Lesotho
Vodacom offers three different types of data-featured bundles, such as:
- 3G Data Plans (data-only)
- Data Plans (data-only)
- LTE Data Plans (data-only)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
3G Data Plans – Vodacom Lesotho
The 3G Data Plans are data bundles restricted to Vodacom's 3G network.
The following 3G Data Plans can be purchased by dialing *111#:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 20 LSL | 90 MB |
| 50 LSL | 300 MB |
| 100 LSL | 900 MB |
| 173 LSL | 1.8 GB |
| 235 LSL | 2.7 GB |
| 275 LSL | 3.6 GB |
| 409 LSL | 6 GB |
| 584 LSL | 10 GB |
| 819 LSL | 20 GB |
| 1229 LSL | 30 GB |
| 1845 LSL | 50 GB |
| 2255 LSL | 100 GB |
| 2459 LSL | 150 GB |
Data Plans – Vodacom Lesotho
The Data Plans are data bundles valid for a day, a week, or a month.
Unlike the 3G and LTE bundles, it is not sure whether you can use Vodacom's 4G with the Data Plans.
The following Data Plans can be activated by dialing *111#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 LSL | Daily Data Bundle | 15 MB | 1 day |
| 3 LSL | Daily Data Bundle | 25 MB | 1 day |
| 5 LSL | Daily Data Bundle | 49 MB | 1 day |
| 5 LSL | Power Hour Data Bundle | 200 MB | 1 hour |
| 6 LSL | Daily Data Bundle | 82 MB | 1 day |
| 10 LSL | Daily Data Bundle | 245 MB | 1 day |
| 12 LSL | 3 Day Data Bundle | 240 MB | 3 days |
| 18 LSL | Weekly Data Bundle | 375 MB | 7 days |
| 18 LSL | 3 Day Data Bundle | 500 MB | 3 days |
| 19 LSL | Daily Data Bundle | 1000 MB | 1 day |
| 24 LSL | 3 Day Data Bundle | 1000 MB | 3 days |
| 25 LSL | Weekly Data Bundle | 850 MB | 7 days |
| 37 LSL | Weekly Data Bundle | 1250 MB | 7 days |
| 50 LSL | Weekly Data Bundle | 2048 MB | 7 days |
| 80 LSL | Weekly Data Bundle | 3000 MB | 7 days |
| 82 LSL | Monthly Data Bundle | 750 MB | 30 days |
| 154 LSL | Monthly Data Bundle | 4 GB | 30 days |
| 265 LSL | Monthly Data Bundle | 7 GB | 30 days |
| 410 LSL | Monthly Data Bundle | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 590 LSL | Monthly Data Bundle | 15 GB | 30 days |
| 725 LSL | Monthly Data Bundle | 20 GB | 30 days |
Multiple Data Plans can be activated at the same time.
LTE Data Plans – Vodacom Lesotho
The LTE Data Plans are data plans that can use Vodacom's 4G network.
The following LTE Data Plans are available by dialing *111#:
| Price | Plan | Data |
|---|---|---|
| 240 LSL | Smart Personal | 3 GB |
| 544 LSL | Smart Home S | 8 GB |
| 919 LSL | Smart Office M | 20 GB |
| 1299 LSL | Smart Office L | 30 GB |
| 2729 LSL | Smart Unlimited | 150 GB |
APN Settings – Vocacom Lesotho
- Name: Vodacom Lesotho
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Econet Telecom Lesotho
Econet Telecom Lesotho, also known as ETL, is the other operator in Lesotho. The company is a merger between Econet Ezi-Cel Lesotho and Telecom Lesotho.
Econet Telecom Lesotho uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
This is what you will learn about Econet Telecom Lesotho:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Econet Telecom Lesotho SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Reload Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN Settings
Coverage – Econet Telecom Lesotho
Econet Telecom Lesotho has great coverage in Lesotho.
Its coverage is not as extensive as Vodacom's. However, network reception in populated should be strong.
SIM Card Price – Econet Telecom Lesotho
You can get an Econet Telecom Lesotho SIM card, called Buddie and Libertie, for free (although a minimum top-up of 50 LSL is required) in Econet Telecom Lesotho stores throughout the country.
The difference between Buddie and Libertie is the standard rates you pay for data, minutes, and SMS. If you plan on getting a plan, it does not matter which SIM card you have.
Top-Up & Recharge – Econet Telecom Lesotho
Econet Telecom Lesotho top-up vouchers are sold in the official stores and many other retailers, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and corner shops.
To activate your top-up voucher, dial *133*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *133*123456#.
Dial *134# to check your balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Econet Telecom Lesotho
Econet Telecom Lesotho has two types of data-featured bundles: the Data Bundles and the Social Media Bundles.
Data Bundles – Econet Telecom Lesotho
The Data Bundles are data-only plans.
The following data bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *100#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2 LSL | 20 MB | 1 day |
| 5 LSL | 80 MB | 1 day |
| 8 LSL | 200 MB | 1 day |
| 10 LSL | 250 MB | 7 days |
| 20 LSL | 800 MB | 7 days |
| 50 LSL | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 80 LSL | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 155 LSL | 4 GB | 30 days |
| 450 LSL | 12 GB | 30 days |
| 600 LSL | 18 GB | 30 days |
The Social Media Bundles are data-only plans for WhatsApp and Facebook.
The following Social Media Bundles can be activated by dialing *100#:
| Price | Data | App | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 LSL | 200 MB | 1 day | |
| 3 LSL | 300 MB | 1 day | |
| 15 LSL | 1400 MB | 7 days | |
| 15 LSL | 2100 MB | 7 days | |
| 50 LSL | 6000 MB | 30 days | |
| 60 LSL | 9000 MB | 30 days |
APN Settings – Econet Telecom Lesotho
- Name: Econet Lesotho
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Other Ways to Use the Internet When Traveling in Lesotho
Getting a Lesothan SIM card is probably the cheapest way to connect to the internet when traveling in Lesotho.
However, for some, getting local SIM cards is not an option. For example, if you have a SIM-locked device.
Luckily, there are other ways to get online when in Lesotho.
However, these methods may be more expensive than getting a SIM card from the local operators.
International Roaming
International roaming is the most convenient way to stay connected when traveling in other countries because you do not have to buy a new SIM card, have to deal with SIM card registration regulations, nor have multiple phone numbers to deal with.
However, international roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases, especially compared to buying local SIM cards. That is why many travelers are not fond of international roaming.
International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works. This in-depth guide explains it all.
Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for Lesotho here.
Using an International SIM Card or Travel SIM Card
International SIM cards are SIM cards made for the traveler in mind. Using them is often cheaper than international roaming. However, they are almost always more expensive than using a local SIM card.
There are many other advantages and disadvantages of getting international SIM cards, which you can learn about here.
Using a Mobile Hotspot (Pocket WIFI)
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local operators of the country you are visiting. Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Using Free WIFI Networks
Using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free. The major downside of trying to use WIFI hotspots is that you will have to locate them, and they are not available on every corner in Lesotho.
Make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Lesotho
Getting a SIM card from Vodacom (best coverage and affordable) would do you well considering a Lesothan SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other African Countries
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