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SIM Cards in Liberia: The Best Prepaid Plans | 2024 Guide

Getting yourself a Liberian SIM card when visiting the country will save you a lot of money, especially compared to international roaming.

Roaming can be expensive in many cases, especially in Liberia. Luckily, Liberian SIM cards are quite affordable.

You can buy a Liberian SIM card for 1 USD or 100 LRD in the official operators' official stores (LoneStar Cell MTN and Orange). You can get 1 GB of data for as low as 2 USD.

These numbers may sound intriguing, but there are many other things you need to be aware of when wanting to buy a SIM card in Liberia.

In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Liberia. Let's do this.

Buying a SIM Card in Liberia Guide (Lonestar Cell MTN & Orange)

Original publication: 5th of August 2020. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.

Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Liberia?

Everyone visiting or living in Liberia can buy a prepaid SIM card from either LoneStar Cell MTN or Orange Liberia without any restrictions.

You have to get your SIM card registered with your personal information, have a phone that supports Liberia's frequencies, and an unlocked decide (SIM-lock free).

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Liberia?

Liberian SIM cards are sold in the local operators' official stores (LoneStar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia) or through Point of Sales (POS).

Suppose you somehow manage to get a SIM card through an unauthorized vendor. In that case, you still have to visit an operator store or POS to get the SIM card registered and activated because of the SIM card registration regulations in Liberia.

SIM cards are also available for purchase at Roberts International Airport (Monrovia Airport).

Here is a list of what to expect to pay for a Liberian SIM card:

  • LoneStar Cell MTN: 100 LRD
  • Orange Liberia: 1 USD

For up-to-date USD: your currency (let's say GBP) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
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Can You Use Your Phone in Liberia?

Liberia uses GSM technology for mobile communication services. This means you need a GSM-supported phone to use your device in Liberia.

There is a 99% chance that your phone supports GSM anyway.

Liberia used 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 Liberia.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

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 Liberia.

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 Liberia 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 Liberia without any or some hindrance is large.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Liberia

Cellular Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

Liberia has two mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • LoneStar Cell MTN
  • Orange Liberia

The following frequencies are uses by the Liberian operators:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Liberia, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

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 Liberia

If you want to buy a SIM card in Liberia, then both LoneStar Cell MTN and Orange are good options. The coverage with both operators is similar, and so are the prices. However, Orange's 4G/LTE network is more extensive than the one of LoneStar Cell MTN.

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Best eSIM in Liberia

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM (to prepaid customers) in Liberia yet.

However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.

The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Liberia.

But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.

Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).

So here are the three best eSIMs for Liberia:

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Liberia, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).

If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Liberia, you better check out my Liberia eSIM buying guide.

It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.

Buying an eSIM for Liberia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Hello Africa, Discover+, Mariocom, Alosim & Airalo)

SIM Card Registration in Liberia

SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Liberia. This will be done at the point of sales.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Liberia Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of Liberia

Mobile data in Africa can be considered to be relatively cheap compared to other regions around the world.

In Africa's case, Western Africa has, on average, lower data rates than other regions in Africa.

But how expensive is mobile data in Liberia?

The average price for 1 GB of data in Liberia is 3.25 USD, which is below the Sub-Saharan average of 5.91 USD (6.91 USD including Saint Helena). The world average is 5.03 USD.

While mobile data may seem relatively affordable in Liberia, network coverage and reception throughout the country may be disappointing to some.

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Currency in Liberia

Liberia uses the Liberian Dollar with the symbol LRD and the US Dollar with the symbol USD. Liberia has been a dual-currency country for a long time.

In 2017, the Liberian Lower House passed a law to make the Liberian Dollar the sole legal tender in the country.

Unfortunately, Liberia has been plagued with high inflation (especially after 2017), so the US Dollar is still actively being used in Liberia, and it is also used for prices.

The symbol USD will be used throughout this paper unless the operator lists a cost in Liberian Dollar, then LRD will be used.

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 Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

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Liberia Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through LoneStar Cell MTN & Orange Liberia 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 Liberia has to offer to us.

LoneStar Cell MTN

LoneStar Cell MTN Liberia Logo

LoneStar Cell MTN is the largest operator in Liberia. The company is an acquisition of MTN buying Investcom LLC, which owned LoneStar Cell.

This is what you will learn about LoneStar Cell MTN:

* Coverage
* How to Get a LoneStar Cell MTN SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Reload Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN Settings

Coverage – LoneStar Cell MTN

LoneStar Cell MTN has decent coverage around the coastline of Liberia.

If you visit one of the larger Liberian cities, like Monrovia (capital city), Gbarnga, and Kakata, mobile coverage will be fair. If you plan on exploring rural Liberia, expect no or awful coverage.

Below is LoneStar Cell's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – LoneStar Cell MTN

You can buy a LoneStar Cell MTN SIM card for 100 LRD in LoneStar Cell MTN stores. You will get 0.50 USD credit in your Mobile Money wallet.

As part of the Welcome Package, you will get a top-up bonus of 300% when recharging with a voucher and 400% if recharging with Mobile Money.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Liberia, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from LoneStar Cell MTN (in some cases).

Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular African destinations if you do not stay in just Liberia or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.

My Liberia eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Here is a quick introduction to them:

  • Airalo: Mariocom (Liberia only), Hello Africa (26 countries in Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Liberia – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Liberia – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Liberia eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Liberia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Hello Africa, Discover+, Mariocom, Alosim & Airalo)

But let's continue with LoneStar Cell MTN for now.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – LoneStar Cell MTN

LoneStar Cell MTN top-up cards are sold in LoneStar Cell MTN stores and many other stores, including grocery stores, corner shops, and gas stations.

To activate your voucher, dial *125*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125*123456#.

Dial *124# to check your LoneStar Cell MTN balance.


Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – LoneStar Cell MTN

LoneStar Cell MTN has several combo plans and data-only plans, which are

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

MTN X5 – LoneStar Cell MTN

The MTN X5 bundles are plans that 5X your reload value by dialing *555# (1 USD top-up = 5 USD credit). Each recharge features SMS, and your credit can be used for data, on-net minutes, or off-net minutes.

You have the freedom to choose how to spend your credit. It could be all on data, all on off-net minutes, or a combination of all.

Below is a table of your potential MTN X5 benefits – SMS allowance is always a given:

PriceValueDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesSMSValidity
0.50 USD2.50 USD Up to 150 MB Up to 20 minutesN/A 50 SMS1 day 
1 USD5 USDUp to 400 MBUp to 55 minutesUp to 15 minutes1000 SMS2 days
2 USD10 USDN/AN/AN/A1000 SMS5 days
5 USD25 USDUp to 1 GB Up to 100 minutesUp to 35 minutes1000 SMS10 days
10 USD50 USDUp to 5 GB Up to 500 minutesUp to 240 minutes1000 SMS30 days
20 USD 100 USDUp to 12 GB Up to 1000 minutesUp to 480 minutes1000 SMS30 days
Da Yor Own – LoneStar Cell MTN

The Da Yor Own plan is a 1 USD 3-day combo plan with data, minutes, and on-net SMS.

Da Yor Own features the following perks:

PriceDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesOn-Net SMSValidityActivation Code
1 USD50 MB 45 minutes10 minutes50 SMS3 days *143#

Multiple Da Yor Own plans can be activated at the same time.

Dial *143*3# to check your Da Yor Own balance. Dial *143*9# to deactivate Da Yor Own.

MTN Plug – LoneStar Cell MTN

MTN Plug is a lifestyle-branded plan focusing on the youth (ages 18 to 30) with data, social media data, minutes, and SMS. MTN Plug also gives its users a discount to select sites and brands.

The following discounts are available with MTN Plug:

  • 15% discount at Monroe
  • 50% discount at Silverbird
  • 15% discount at Proticana
  • 15% discount with MyCab

MTN Plug is available as combo plans or data-only plans.

MTN Plug Combo – LoneStar Cell MTN

The combo version of MTN Plus includes data, social media data, local minutes (Plug, on-net & off-net), and local SMS (Plug, on-net & off-net).

Do note that your On-Net (Plug) call allowance is for Plug to Plus numbers only, whereas On-Net (MTN) minutes be used for both Plug and regular LoneStar Cell MTN numbers.

The following MTN Plug Combo plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *231#:

PricePackageDataWhatsApp DataTwitter DataFacebook DataInstagram DataSnapchat DataOn-Net Minutes (Plug)On-Net Minutes (MTN)Off-Net MinutesOn-Net SMS (PlugOn-Net SMS (MTN)Validity
0.50 USDWah-BlohN/AN/AN/A50 MBN/AN/A15 minutesN/AN/A50 SMSN/A24 hours
1 USDTripple Connect25 MB50 MBN/A50 MBN/AN/A35 minutesN/AN/A200 SMS100 SMS3 days 
2 USDWeekly Stpark70 MB50 MBN/A50 MB50 MBN/A35 minutes35 minutes5 minutes500 SMS300 SMS7 days 
5 USDMTN Swift300 MB100 MB50 MB100 MB100 MB100 MB70 minutes70 minutes20 minutes1200 SMS700 SMS15 days 
10 USD The Boss550 MB 150 MB50 MB250 MB250 MB250 MB180 minutes150 minutes60 minutes20 000 SMS2000 SMS30 days 
MTN Plug Data – LoneStar Cell MTN

The data version of MTN Plus includes data and social media data.

The following MTN Plug Data plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *231#:

PricePackageDataWhatsApp DataTwitter DataFacebook DataInstagram DataSnapchat DataValidity
0.50 USDWah-Bloh50 MB50 MBN/A50 MBN/AN/A24 hours
1 USDTripple Connect150 MB80 MBN/A100 MB50 MBN/A3 days 
2 USDWeekly Stpark400 MB80 MB20 MB100 MB100 MB100 MB7 days 
5 USDMTN Swift1 GB 150 MB80 MB275 MB100 MB250 MB15 days 
10 USD The Boss2.5 GB 220 MB150 MB300 MB200 MB400 MB30 days 
Data Bundles – LoneStar Cell MTN

The Data Bundles are data-only bundles available as daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly bundles.

You can activate one of the following Data Bundles by dialing *352#:

PricePackageDataValidity
0.35 USDDaily75 MB24 hours
0.40 USDDaily100 MB24 hours
0.50 USDDaily180 MB24 hours
1 USDDaily400 MB3 days
2 USDB-Monthly819.2 MB14 days
2 USDMonthly600 MB30 days
2 USDWeekly1288.8 MB7 days
5 USDB-Monthly1.7 GB14 days
5 USDMonthly1946 MB30 days
5 USDWeekly600 MB7 days
8 USDMonthly3 GB30 days
10 USDB-Monthly3.5 GB14 days
10 USDMonthly3.9 GB30 days
10 USDWeekly5.2 GB7 days
12 USDB-Monthly4.5 GB14 days
12 USDMonthly4.3 GB30 days
20 USDB-Monthly7.5 GB14 days
20 USDMonthly7.9 GB30 days
20 USDWeekly10 GB7 days
30 USDB-Monthly10 GB14 days
30 USDMonthly12 GB30 days
30 USDWeekly15 GB7 days
36 USDB-Monthly12 GB14 days
50 USDB-Monthly18 GB14 days
50 USDMonthly20 GB30 days
60 USDB-Monthly22 GB14 days
60 USDMonthly25 GB30 days

You can check your data balance by dialing *352# and selecting option 7. Dial *352# and option 9 to deactivate your data bundle.

APN Settings – LoneStar Cell MTN

  • Name: Lonestar Cell
  • APN: internetlcc

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Orange Liberia

Orange Logo

Orange Liberia, just Orange, is the other operator in Liberia. Although they are not the largest operator in Liberia, they do almost have a market share of 50%.

This is what you will learn about Orange:

* Coverage
* How to Get an Orange SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Reload Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN Settings

Coverage – Orange Liberia

Orange has decent coverage around the coastline of Liberia. However, Their 4G/LTE coverage seems to be more extensive than the one of LoneStar Cell MTN.

If you visit one of the larger Liberian cities, like Monrovia (capital city), Gbarnga, and Kakata, mobile coverage will be fair. If you plan on exploring rural Liberia, expect no or awful coverage.

Below is Orange Liberia's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Orange Liberia

You can buy an Orange SIM card for 1 USD in Orange stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Liberia because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Orange.

Especially if you get an Africa-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.

I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Liberia in my Liberia eSIM buying guide, which are:

  • Airalo: Mariocom (Liberia only), Hello Africa (26 countries in Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Ghana – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Liberiaunlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

As I said, check out my Liberia eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Orange for now.

Buying an eSIM for Liberia Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Hello Africa, Discover+, Mariocom, Alosim & Airalo)

Top-Up & Recharge – Orange Liberia

Orange top-up cards are sold from 1 USD to 100 USD in Orange stores and many other stores, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and newsstands. You can also recharge with eRecharge. You will get a bonus of 50 MB (valid for 24 hours) with eRecharge top-up.

To top-up, dial *125*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125*123456#.

Dial *124# to check your Orange balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Orange Liberia

Orange has several combo plans and data-only plans, which are:

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

My Way Flex – Orange Liberia

My Way Flex is a flexible combo plan that comes with data, minutes, and SMS.

My Way Flex, formerly known as simply My Flex, used to have a rather complex system in terms of the flexibility options.

While the plan has been updated a bit in terms of the offering, it is unknown whether the Flex rules have changed. Below is an explanation of the old rules.

Take the 1 USD plan, for example, with 50 on-net minutes/5 off-net minutes or 500 MB. For each minute you call, 11.1 MB will be deducted from your data balance. If you use 11.1 MB, 1 minute will be deducted from your call allowance.

The 2 USD My Flex plan has a 1 minute:13.3 MB ratio. The 29 USD plan has a 1 minute:14.28 MB ratio. The ratios for the 5 USD to 20 USD plans are unknown.

International minutes and SMS do not use a ratio system.

Moreover, some of the My Way plans do not use the flexible system, meaning that you can use your full call allowance and data allowance independently.

Below is an overview of the My Way Flex plans, which can be activated by dialing *888#:

Table format got ruined. Updated version on its way!

Unused allowances will roll over when you renew your plan.

My Way Regular – Orange Liberia

The My Way Regular Plans are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS.

The following My Way Regular plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *888#:

PricePlanDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesMinutes to Canada & USAOn-Net SMSOff-Net SMSValidity
29 USDMy Way Regular 292000 MB700 minutes150 minutes100 minutesUnlimited50 SMS30 days 
49 USDMy Way Regular 4920 000 MBUnlimited500 minutes100 minutesUnlimited50 SMS30 days 
79 USDMy Way Regular 7930 000 MBUnlimited500 minutes150 minutesUnlimitedUnlimited30 days 
99 USDMy Way Regular 9950 000 MBUnlimited500 minutes200 minutesUnlimitedUnlimited30 days 

Unused allowances will roll over when you renew your plan.

My Pack – Orange Liberia

My Pack is a plan allowing you to set your data allowance and validity.

The price of data will differ depending on how long you want the data to be valid for.

Below is an overview of the My Pack data options:

  • 1.67 USD/GB for 7 days
  • 2.22 USD/GB for 15 days
  • 3.33 USD/GB for 30 days

My Pack can be activated and customized by dialing *352#.

Data Packs – Orange Liberia

The Data Packs are data-only plans.

The following packs are available, which can be activated by dialing *474#:

PricePlanDataValidity
0.50 USDData Pack 180 MB180 MB24 hours
1 USDData Pack 400 MB400 MB3 days
25 USDData Pack 10 GB10 GB30 days
50 USDData Pack 25 GB25 GB30 days
99 USDData Pack 60 GB 60 GB30 days
Orange Money Daily Data Packs – Orange Liberia

The Orange Money Daily Data Packs are data packs that can only be purchased with Orange Money.

The following Orange Money Daily Data Packs are available:

PricePlanDataValidityActivation Code
0.10 USDOrange Money Packs 25 MB25 MB24 hours*144*11#
0.30 USDOrange Money Packs 80 MB80 MB24 hours*144*31#
1 USDOrange Money Packs 300 MB300 MB24 hours*144*101#
2 USDOrange Money Packs 650 MB650 MB 24 hours*144*201#

APN Settings – Orange Liberia

  • Name: Orange Liberia OR Cellcom Liberia
  • APN: web.cellcomnet.net

Note: Orange Liberia used to be known as Cellcom Liberia, which is why “cellcomnet.net” is used for their APN. Leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

The Preferred Way to Stay Online When Traveling in Liberia

Getting a SIM card from LoneStar Cell MTN (more choice in data packages) or Orange (best 4G/LTE coverage) would do you well when considering a Liberian SIM card.