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Mozambique: 3 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Mozambique – known for its seafood, beautiful beaches & the ability to swim with dolphins.

These are a few reasons why Mozambique is in the top 10 African countries with the most international tourist arrivals.

But what can you do in this country?

There are plenty of islands to see, including Medjumbe Island, the Island of Mozambique & Benguerra Island.

Perhaps you like to see national parks, including the Gorongosa National Park or Limpopo National Park.

Or the Case de Ferro, an old governor's home, can be a nice attraction to visit.

As you can see, there is no reason to be bored in Mozambique.

Before you post your beach-life photos online, note that international roaming can be expensive.

That is why you are better off getting a local SIM card, like a Mozambican one, to enjoy local rates – much cheaper than roaming.

Luckily, SIM cards in Mozambique are inexpensive.

You can get a Mozambican SIM card for 5 MZN up to 50 MZN in Vodacom, Movitel & Tmcel stores. But the average price is 25 MZN. SIM cards are also available at Maputo International Airport/Mavalane International Airport.

Those prices are not too bad, right? It could be much more expensive!

Another good thing is that the average cost of 1 GB of data is reasonable.

In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Mozambique. Let's get started, shall we?

Buying a SIM Card in Mozambique Guide (logos of Vodacom, Movitel & Tmcel)

Original publication: 14th of June 2020. Last updated: 30th of May 2023.


Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Mozambique?

Anyone living or visiting Mozambique can buy a Mozambican SIM card without restrictions.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

Additionally, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Mozambique).

Finally, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Mozambique?

You can get a Mozambican SIM card in the stores of Vodafone, Movitel & Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom (or authorized dealers). SIM cards are also available at Maputo International Airport/Mavalane International Airport (Vodacom Mozambique & Movitel).

You can expect to pay the following for Mozambican SIM cards:

  • Vodacom Mozambique: 25 MZN
  • Movitel: 5 MZN, 20 MZN & 50 MZN
  • Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom: 50 MZN
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Can You Use Your Phone in Mozambique?

Mozambique uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Mozambique. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).

Traditional European frequencies are used in Mozambique, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).

The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American Frequencies, which differ from the European ones.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Mozambique.

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Mozambique or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Mozambique (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Mozambique

Mozambique has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Vodacom Mozambique (Vodacom Moçambique)
  • Movitel
  • Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

The following frequencies are used in Mozambique:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in Mozambique, 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.

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5G NR in Mozambique

5G NR is not available in Mozambique as of 2021, and the Mozambican government has not made any indications of when it will auction 5G licenses.

Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom announced it would start 5G NR tests back in June 2021.

Best SIM Card in Mozambique

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Mozambique, I recommend going with Vodacom or Movitel. Vodacom is the best mobile operator overall. Movitel has the best coverage in rural Mozambique.

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Best eSIM in Mozambique

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

However, you can get travel eSIMs from Airalo.

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

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

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 two best eSIMs for Mozambique:

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Mozambique, 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 Mozambique, you better check out my Mozambique eSIM buying guide.

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

Buying an eSIM for Mozambique Guide (logos of Airalo, Holafly & Nacala)

SIM Card Registration in Mozambique

SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Mozambique. This will be done at the point of sale.

Mozambique Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of Mozambique

Mobile data rates can be affordable in Africa… if you look at it from a global perspective.

I do not think any local will actually tell you they believe the cost of mobile is low (or good, for that matter).

But still, some nations have inexpensive rates. Where others charge you an arm and a leg to access the web.

So, how expensive is mobile in Mozambique?

It is quite cheap.

The average price for 1 GB of data in Mozambique is 2.79 USD, far below the African average of 5.80 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.

That is not too bad. Especially if you see that the average cost of 1 GB of data has decreased by 78.2%.

You know what else has decreased? The average mobile download speed – somehow.

But mobile data speeds are fast enough in Mozambique.

Mozambique's average mobile download speed is around 25 Mbps, less than the global average.

There are quite some African nations that have faster mobile download speeds than Mozambique, including South Africa – 52.19 Mbps, Morocco – 39.52 Mbps, Togo – 36.08 Mbps, Tunisia – 35.57 Mbps & Cameroon – 31.18 Mbps.

However, there are many more with speeds that are basically useless.

One thing to note is that mobile coverage throughout Mozambique is… not the best. Even for regional standards.

If you stay in urban areas, you should be fine. If you travel by road from town to town, do not expect to stay connected.

With incredibly cheap SIM cards, low mobile data rates, decent nationwide coverage, and alright mobile data speeds, you should have an okay network experience in Mozambique.

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Currency in Mozambique

50 Mozambican Metical Bank Note
© Bank of Mozambique/Banco de Moçambique

Mozambique uses the Mozambican Metical with the symbol MZN (which will be used throughout this article).

Prices in Mozambique are listed in MT. For example, 25 MZN = 25 MT.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between MZN and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):

  • 1 MZN = 0.15 USD
  • 10 MZN = 0.15 USD
  • 100 MZN = 1.60 USD
  • 1000 MZN = 15.65 USD
  • 10 000 MZN = 156.50 USD

For up-to-date MZN:USD exchange rates, search MZN to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.

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!

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Mozambican Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through my.t by Vodacom Mozambique, Movitel & Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom, 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 Mozambique has to offer to us.


Vodacom Mozambique

Vodacom Logo New

Vodacom Mozambique, just Vodacom but officially Vodacom Moçambique, is the largest mobile operator in Mozambique.

It has held this #1 position for years, but it lost it to Movitel for a few quarters when Movitel had an aggressive pricing and expansion strategy.

Vodacom shut that down by lowering its prices itself. Since then, its market share has increased.

Vodacom uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)

This is what you will learn about Vodacom:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodacom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Vodacom Mozambique

Vodacom has the best 4G/LTE coverage.

However, its 4G/LTE reception is still sparse – only in highly populated areas.

Below is Vodacom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Vodacom Mozambique

You can buy a Movitel SIM card for 25 MZN with 5 MZN in Vodacom stores (1/2). SIM cards are also available at Maputo International Airport/Mavalane International Airport.

You can get an additional 20 MZN, 25 MB & 25 SMS – all for 30 days upon the first recharge.

You may have to dial *102# or call 84111 to activate this bonus.

  • 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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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodacom Mozambique

Vodacom top-up vouchers are sold in Vodacom stores (1/2), grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Mozambique.

The following top-ups are available:

Top-UpBonus CreditBonus SMS 1
10 MZN1 MZN (3 days)4 SMS
20 MZN2 MZN (3 days)8 SMS
50 MZN5 MZN (3 days)20 SMS
100 MZN50 MZN (7 days)40 SMS
200 MZN100 MZN (7 days)100 SMS
500 MZN250 MZN (30 days)200 SMS
1000 MZN500 MZN (30 days)200 SMS
2000 MZN1000 MZN (30 days)200 SMS

1 for 30 days

Vodacom Mozambique Top Ups

The number of bonus SMS increases the longer you stay with Vodacom.

Vodacom Mozambique Additional SMS for Top Ups

The following eTopUp (Super Recarga) options are available:

Top-UpBonus CreditBonus SMS 1Bonus Validity
5 MZN – 9 MZNN/AN/AN/A
10 MZN – 19 MZN2.50 MZN4 SMS3 days
20 MZN – 49 MZN5 MZN8 SMS3 days
50 MZN – 99 MZN12.50 MZN20 SMS3 days
100 MZN – 199 MZN50 MZN40 SMS7 days
200 MZN – 499 MZN100 MZN100 SMS7 days
500 MZN – 999 MZN250 MZN200 SMS30 days
1000 MZN – 1999 MZN500 MZN200 SMS30 days
2000 MZN1000 MZN200 SMS30 days

1 for 30 days

Vodacom Mozambique Super Recarga

You first have to register for Super Recarga by dialing *113#.

To top up your Vodacom SIM card, you would dial *100*01*VoucherCode# or call 84100 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *100*01*123456#.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

Dial *100# or call 84101 to check your Vodacom balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Meu Vodacom Moçambique (My Vodacom Mozambique) app (Android/iOS).

Vodacom Mozambique Meu Vodacom Moçambique App

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodacom Mozambique

Vodacom has nine data-featured prepaid plans:

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

AlwaysOn – Vodacom Mozambique

The AlwaysOn plans are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

AlwaysOn plans can be activated by dialing *248#:

PriceDataOn-Net MinutesInternational MinutesSMSValidity
150 MZN1 GB“Unlimited”, 120 minutes5 minutes600 SMS1 day
750 MZN1 GB/day (7 GB)“Unlimited”, 700 minutes15 minutes5000 SMS7 days
3000 MZN1 GB/day (30 GB)“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes30 minutes20 000 SMS30 days
Vodacom Mozambique Always On Net
Bundles – Vodacom Mozambique

The Bundles are data-only plans with higher data allowance when you activate a bundle on a Friday or Saturday (Bacela).

Bundles can be activated by dialing *111# and select option 4 or dial *162#:

PriceDataData with Bacela 1Validity
5 MZN40 MB40 MB 2, 36 hours
6 MZN100 MB100 MB 2, 41 hour
7 MZN30 MB37 MB1 day
12 MZN60 MB72 MB1 day
20 MZN100 MB120 MB1 day
30 MZN250 MB280 MB1 day
50 MZN500 MB550 MB1 day
30 MZN200 MB230 MB7 days
50 MZN400 MB450 MB7 days
120 MZN1 GB1.1 GB7 days
250 MZN2 GB2.25 GB7 days
300 MZN2.5 GB2.8 GB30 days
500 MZN5 GB5.5 GB30 days
1000 MZN10 GB11 GB30 days
1500 MZN15 GB16.5 GB30 days
2500 MZN25 GB27.5 GB30 days
4000 MZN45 GB49 GB30 days

1 when activated on a Friday or Saturday
2 @ 3 Mbps
3 can be activated twice a day
4 can be activated thrice a day

Vodacom Mozambique Bundles
Jackpot Internet – Vodacom Mozambique

The Jackpot Internet plan is a data plan with 100 MB for 1 hour. It costs 6 MZN and can be activated up to three times a day.

Another activation method is by dialing *111*, select option 3, select option 4, and select option 1.

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
6 MZN100 MB1 hour*162*6# 
YÁ (Already) – Vodacom Mozambique

The YÁ (Already) plans are data-only plans for those up to 25 years old.

Vodacom Mozambique YÁ Banner

YÁ can be activated by dialing *225#:

PriceBonus CreditDataNighttime Data 1Local SMSValidity
10 MZN30 MZN100 MB100 MB40 SMS1 day
20 MZN60 MZN200 MB200 MB80 SMS3 days
50 MZN150 MZN500 MB500 MB200 SMS7 days

1 between 00:01 and 6:59

Vodacom Mozambique YÁ
Turno da Noite (Night Shift) – Vodacom Mozambique

The Turno da Noite (Night Shift) are data-only plans that can only be used between 00:01 and 6:59.

Turno da Noite can be activated by dialing *111#:

PriceDataValidity
20 MZN350 MB1 night (00:01 – 6:59)
50 MZN1 GB3 nights (00:01 – 6:59)
100 MZN3 GB3 nights (00:01 – 6:59)
Vodacom Mozambique Turno da Noite
Always On: Net 12h & Net All Day – Vodacom Mozambique

The Always On: Net 12h & Net All Day are data-only plans exclusively for those up to 25 years old for 12 hours or until midnight.

The following Always On: Net 12h & Net All Day are available:

PricePlanDataValidity
25 MZNNet 12hUnlimited12 hours
40 MZNNet All DayUnlimitedUntil midnight
Vodacom Mozambique Always On Net 12h & Net All Day
Facebook Flex – Vodacom Mozambique

The Facebook Flex plan is a data plan exclusively for Facebook. It is free and gives you 20 MB for Facebook if you dial *213#.

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
Free20 MBUntil midnight*213#
Vodacom Mozambique Facebook Flex Banner
WFT (WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter) – Vodacom Mozambique

The WFT plan is a data-only plan for WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter. For 10 MZN, you get 250 MB for the WFT apps for 24 hours by dialing *162#. Do note that speeds are throttled to 3 Mbps.

PriceWhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter (WFT) data 1Validity
10 MZN250 MB24 hours

1 @ 3 Mbps

Vodacom Mozambique WFT Banner
Oferta YouTube – YÁ (YouTube Offer – Already) – Vodacom Mozambique

The Oferta YouTube – YÁ (YouTube Offer – Already) is a data-only plan for Google Drive, Google Maps & Google Search & YouTube exclusively for those up to 25 years old.

The plan costs 10 MZN, is valid for 4 hours, and can be activated by dialing *255# and selecting option 2. There is no limit on how often you can enable this plan.

PriceGoogle Drive/Maps/Search & YouTube Data 1AppsValidityActivation Code
10 MZN2.5 GB4 hours*225# -> 2

1 @ 3 Mbps

APN/Internet Settings – Vodacom Mozambique

  • Name: Vodacom
  • APN: internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Movitel

Movitel Mozambique Logo

Movitel is the second-largest mobile operator in Mozambique.

It held the number one position for one or two quarters until Vodacom Mozambique dropped its prices and regained market share.

Movitel, by the Vietnamese Viettel (operated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence), focused on areas with no coverage or limited coverage first before expanding to more urban areas.

Because of this strategy, it managed to gain four million customers within two years of operating.

It also had, and still has, the lowest prices. However, Vodacom Mozambique followed Movitel's pricing strategy to not fully bleed of all its customers.

Now, Movitel is still a solid mobile operator with plans and room to grow.

Movitel uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)

This is what you will learn about Movitel:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Movitel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Movitel

Movitel has the best coverage in Mozambique.

It has the best reception in rural Mozambique.

By focusing on underserved regions, Movitel proliferated because Vodacom Mozambique and Tmcel had awful reception there.

However, its 4G/LTE coverage is still behind on Vodafone Mozambique's.

Below is Movitel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

Movitel Mozambique Coverage Map

SIM Card Price – Movitel

You can buy a Movitel SIM card for 5 MZN, 20 MZN, or 50 MZN in Movitel stores. SIM cards are also available at Maputo International Airport/Mavalane International Airport.

You may have to call 150 to activate your SIM card.

Dial *86125# to see your Movitel phone number.

  • 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

The following SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardOn-Net Minutes CreditCall CreditDataLocal SMSValidity
5 MZNPara0530 MZNN/A30 MB30 SMS30 days
20 MZNPara20N/A15 MZN30 MB30 SMS30 days
50 MZNPara50N/A45 MZN30 MB30 SMS30 days
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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movitel

Movitel top-up vouchers are sold in Movitel stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Mozambique.

Movitel Mozambique Top-Up Cards

The following top-ups are available:

Top-UpOn-Net CreditBonus DataWhatsApp DataBonus Local SMS (30 days)
10 MZN1 MZN (3 days)N/AN/A4 SMS
20 MZN2 MZN (3 days)N/AUnlimited (2 days)8 SMS
50 MZN5 MZN (3 days)N/AUnlimited (3 days)20 SMS
100 MZN60 MZN (7 days)N/AUnlimited (5 days)48 SMS
200 MZN120 MZN (7 days)200 MB (7 days)Unlimited (15 days)120 SMS
300 MZN180 MZN (7 days)300 MB (7 days)Unlimited (15 days)120 SMS
500 MZN500 MZN (30 days)500 MB (7 days)Unlimited (20 days)240 SMS
700 MZN500 MZN (30 days)700 MB (7 days)Unlimited (20 days)240 SMS
1000 MZN600 MZN (30 days)1000 MB (7 days)Unlimited (20 days)240 SMS

To top up your Movitel SIM card, you would dial *130*VoucherCode# or call 150 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *130*123456#.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *130# to check your Movitel balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Super Movitel app (Android/iOS).

Movitel Mozambique Super Movitel App

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Movitel

Movitel has six data-featured prepaid plans:

All Movitel plans can be activated by dialing *155#.

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

Elite Básico (Basic Elite) – Movitel

The Elite Básico (Basic Elite) are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

The following Elite Básico are available:

PricePlanDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local SMSValidity
200 MZNPrata1 GB100 minutes200 SMS30 days
300 MZNPrémio1.5 GB180 minutes250 SMS30 days
500 MZNOuro2 GB300 minutes300 SMS30 days
700 MZNPlatina3.5 GB500 minutes700 SMS30 days

1 to Brazil, Canada (except Northern Territories), China, France, India, Pakistan, United States & Vietnam

Movitel Mozambique Elite Básico
Elite Ilimitado (Unlimited Elite) – Movitel

The Elite Ilimitado (Unlimited Elite) are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

The following Elite Ilimitado are available:

PricePlanDataLocal/International Minutes 1Local SMSValidity
1000 MZNDiamante4 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
1200 MZNDiamante Plus7 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
1500 MZNSupremo12 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
1700 MZNSupremo Plus27 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days

1 to Brazil, Canada (except Northern Territories), China, France, India, Pakistan, United States & Vietnam

Movitel Mozambique Elite Ilimitado
Internet Móvel (Mobile Internet) – Movitel

The Internet Móvel (Mobile Internet) are, as the name suggests, data-only plans.

Internet Móvel can be activated by testing the Activation Code to 155:

PricePlanDataWhatsApp DataValidityActivation Code
5 MZNH550 MBN/A6 hoursH5
7 MZND745 MBUnlimited1 dayD7
30 MZNS30290 MBUnlimited1 weekS30
30 MZND30350 MBUnlimited1 dayD30
50 MZNS50570 MBUnlimited1 weekS50
100 MZNS1001.2 GBUnlimited1 weekS100
120 MZNS1201.4 GBUnlimited1 weekS120
200 MZNM2002 GBN/A1 monthM200
200 MZNS2002.4 GBUnlimited1 weekS200
250 MZNS2503 GBUnlimited1 weekS250
500 MZNM5007 GBN/A1 monthM500
1000 MZNM100027 GBN/A1 monthM1000
2000 MZNM200025 GBN/A30 daysM2000
3000 MZNM3000150 GBN/A1 monthM3000
4000 MZNM4000200 GBN/A1 monthM4000
5000 MZNM5000300 GBN/A1 monthM5000
Movitel Mozambique Internet Móvel Plans
Elite Datos (Elite Data) – Movitel

The Elite Datos (Elite Data) are data-only plans.

Elite Datos can be activated by dialing *155#:

PricePlanDataValidity
500 MZNEasyNet10 GB30 days
1000 MZNMovNet 1K27 GB30 days
2000 MZNMovNet 2K80 GB30 days
3000 MZNMovNet 3K150 GB30 days
5000 MZNMovNet 5K300 GB30 days
8000 MZNMovNet 8K600 GB30 days
Movitel Mozambique Elite Dados
Novas Promoções (Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp) – Movitel

The Novas Promoções – Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp bundles are data-only plans for Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp.

Novas Promoções – Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp can be activated by dialing *155#:

PriceFacebook Instagram & WhatsApp dataValidity
10 MZN400 MB24 hours
50 MZN3 GB7 days
200 MZN14 GB30 days
Movitel Mozambique Novas Promoções - Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp
Novas Promoções (YouTube) – Movitel

The Novas Promoções – YouTube bundles are data-only plans for YouTube.

Novas Promoções – YouTube can be activated by dialing *155#:

PricePlanYouTube DataValidity
10 MZNYouTube IlimidatoUnlimited5 hours
40 MZNDaily YouTube UnlimitedUnlimited24 hours
50 MZNYouTube 50900 MB7 days
200 MZNYouTube 2004 GB30 days
Movitel Mozambique Novas Promoções - YouTube

APN/Internet Settings – Movitel

  • Name: Movitel
  • APN: internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

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TMCEL by Moçambique Telecom

TMCEL Mozambique Logo

Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom is the smallest mobile operator in Mozambique.

The mobile operator is partially state-owned and is debt-stricken.

Its debt is so bad that Vodacom Mozambique threatened to cut off interconnection due to unpaid connection fees for three years (600 million MZN – or 9.6 million USD) – and that was in 2021.

Tmcel uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)

This is what you will learn about Tmcel:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Tmcel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

Tmcel has the worst coverage in Mozambique.

While reception throughout Mozambique is already sparse, even for African standards, Tmcel's is skimpy.

It was also the last mobile operator to introduce 4G/LTE, even though 4G/LTE was launched relatively late in Mozambique, even for regional standards.

Tmcel is, however, immediately beginning 5G NR tests, being a pioneer in the country.

Below is Tmcel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

Tmcel Mozambique Coverage Map

SIM Card Price – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

You can buy a Tmcel SIM card for 50 MZN in Tmcel stores. Tmcel does not sell SIM cards at Maputo International Airport/Mavalane International Airport.

  • 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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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

Tmcel top-up vouchers are sold in Tmcel stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Mozambique.

The following top-ups are available:

Top-UpBonus CreditDataBonus DataLocal SMSBonus Local SMSBonus Validity
10 MZN20 MZN10 MB40 MB5 SMS (7 days)5 SMS2 days
20 MZN40 MZN20 MB80 MB10 SMS (15 days)10 SMS2 days
50 MZN100 MZN50 MB275 MB25 SMS (15 days)25 SMS3 days
100 MZN200 MZN100 MB570 MB50 SMS (15 days)50 SMS5 days
200 MZN400 MZN200 MB800 MB100 SMS (15 days)100 SMS7 days
300 MZNN/A500 MB500 MB100 SMS (30 days)N/A7 days
600 MZNN/A1 GB500 MB100 SMS (30 days)N/A10 days
2000 MZNN/A2 GB1 GB100 SMS (30 days)N/A15 days

To top up your Tmcel SIM card, you would dial *133*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *133*123456#.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

Dial *123# to check your Tmcel balance.


Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

Tmcel has four data-featured prepaid plans:

All Tmcel plans can be activated by dialing *123#.

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

Malta M – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

The Malta M plans are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

Malta M plans can be activated by dialing *123#:

PriceDataOn-Net MinutesLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity
3 MZN3 MB3 minutesN/A3 SMS1 day
3 MZN3 MBN/A2 minutes3 SMS1 day
5 MZN5 MB5 minutesN/A5 SMS1 day
5 MZN5 MBN/A3 minutes5 SMS1 day
10 MZN10 MB10 minutesN/A10 SMS2 days
10 MZN10 MBN/A5 minutes10 SMS2 days
15 MZN15 MB13 minutesN/A15 SMS2 days
20 MZN20 MB15 minutesN/A20 SMS3 days
20 MZN20 MBN/A10 minutes20 SMS2 days
30 MZN30 MB23 minutesN/A30 SMS3 days
30 MZN30 MBN/A15 minutes30 SMS3 days
40 MZN40 MB30 minutesN/A40 SMS4 days
50 MZN50 MB38 minutesN/A50 SMS5 days
50 MZN50 MBN/A25 minutes50 SMS4 days
100 MZN100 MB75 minutesN/A100 SMS6 days
100 MZN100 MBN/A50 minutes100 SMS5 days
Ofertas a Tua Medida (Cuztomized Offers) – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

The Ofertas a Tua Medida (Cuztomized Offers) are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.

Ofertas a Tua Medida can be activated by dialing *123# and selecting option 12:

PricePlanDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
300 MZNPlus 3006 GBUnlimited (15 days)150 minutes300 SMS30 days
600 MZNPlus 50012 GBUnlimited (30 days)300 minutes600 SMS30 days
1200 MZNPlus 120025 GBUnlimited (30 days)1000 minutes600 SMS30 days
2000 MZNMax 200035 GBUnlimited (30 days)1500 minutes1000 SMS30 days
NetGiro – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

The NetGiro plans are data-only plans with dedicated nighttime (Happy Hour) data allowances for between 0:00 and 6:00.

NetGiro plans can be activated by dialing *123#:

PriceDataHappy Hour Data 1Validity
2 MZN25 MBN/A6 hours
2 MZN100 MBN/A1 hour
2 MZN25 MB50 MB1 day
5 MZN60 MB120 MB1 day
9 MZN110 MB220 MB1 day
20 MZN245 MB490 MB1 day
30 MZN310 MB520 MB7 days
35 MZN450 MB900 MB1 day
60 MZN1 GB2 GB1 day
65 MZN700 MB1.4 GB7 days
100 MZN3 GB6 GB1 day
125 MZN1.5 GB3 GB7 days
160 MZN1.6 GB3.3 GB30 days
200 MZN3.3 GB6.6 GB7 days
400 MZN7.5 GB15 GB7 days
480 MZN5.6 GB11 GB30 days
800 MZN10 GB20 GB30 days
1500 MZN22 GB44 GB30 days
1800 MZN27 GB55 GB30 days
2800 MZN44 GB88 GB30 days
3800 MZN61 GB122 GB30 days

1 between 0:00 and 6:00. You may have to dial *123# and select option 2 to activate Happy Hour.

TMCel Mozambique NetGiro Plans
Recargas GIGA (Data Reloads) – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

The Recargas GIGA (Data Reloads) are, as the name suggests, data-only plans.

The following Recargas GIGA are available, which can be activated by dialing *123#:

PriceDataValidity
30 MZN1 GB7 days
80 MZN3 GB15 days
150 MZN5 GB15 days
TMCEL Recargas GIGA Data Reloads

APN/Internet Settings – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom

  • Name: Tmcel
  • APN: internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

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