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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Airalo Mozambique Nacala eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (top pick)
- Holafly Mozambique eSIM with one 6 GB option
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 😜.
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
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.
Currency in Mozambique
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.
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 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)
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-Up | Bonus Credit | Bonus SMS 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 MZN | 1 MZN (3 days) | 4 SMS |
| 20 MZN | 2 MZN (3 days) | 8 SMS |
| 50 MZN | 5 MZN (3 days) | 20 SMS |
| 100 MZN | 50 MZN (7 days) | 40 SMS |
| 200 MZN | 100 MZN (7 days) | 100 SMS |
| 500 MZN | 250 MZN (30 days) | 200 SMS |
| 1000 MZN | 500 MZN (30 days) | 200 SMS |
| 2000 MZN | 1000 MZN (30 days) | 200 SMS |
1 for 30 days
The number of bonus SMS increases the longer you stay with Vodacom.
The following eTopUp (Super Recarga) options are available:
| Top-Up | Bonus Credit | Bonus SMS 1 | Bonus Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 MZN – 9 MZN | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 10 MZN – 19 MZN | 2.50 MZN | 4 SMS | 3 days |
| 20 MZN – 49 MZN | 5 MZN | 8 SMS | 3 days |
| 50 MZN – 99 MZN | 12.50 MZN | 20 SMS | 3 days |
| 100 MZN – 199 MZN | 50 MZN | 40 SMS | 7 days |
| 200 MZN – 499 MZN | 100 MZN | 100 SMS | 7 days |
| 500 MZN – 999 MZN | 250 MZN | 200 SMS | 30 days |
| 1000 MZN – 1999 MZN | 500 MZN | 200 SMS | 30 days |
| 2000 MZN | 1000 MZN | 200 SMS | 30 days |
1 for 30 days
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).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodacom Mozambique
Vodacom has nine data-featured prepaid plans:
- AlwaysOn (combo)
- Bundles (data)
- Jackpot Internet (short-term data)
- YÁ/Already (data for the youth)
- Turno da Noite/Night Shift (nighttime data)
- Always On: Net 12h & Net All Day (short-term data for the youth)
- Facebook Flex (Facebook data)
- WFT (WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter data)
- Oferta YouTube – YÁ/YouTube Offer – Already (app data for the youth)
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#:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | International Minutes | SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 MZN | 1 GB | “Unlimited”, 120 minutes | 5 minutes | 600 SMS | 1 day |
| 750 MZN | 1 GB/day (7 GB) | “Unlimited”, 700 minutes | 15 minutes | 5000 SMS | 7 days |
| 3000 MZN | 1 GB/day (30 GB) | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | 30 minutes | 20 000 SMS | 30 days |
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#:
| Price | Data | Data with Bacela 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 MZN | 40 MB | 40 MB 2, 3 | 6 hours |
| 6 MZN | 100 MB | 100 MB 2, 4 | 1 hour |
| 7 MZN | 30 MB | 37 MB | 1 day |
| 12 MZN | 60 MB | 72 MB | 1 day |
| 20 MZN | 100 MB | 120 MB | 1 day |
| 30 MZN | 250 MB | 280 MB | 1 day |
| 50 MZN | 500 MB | 550 MB | 1 day |
| 30 MZN | 200 MB | 230 MB | 7 days |
| 50 MZN | 400 MB | 450 MB | 7 days |
| 120 MZN | 1 GB | 1.1 GB | 7 days |
| 250 MZN | 2 GB | 2.25 GB | 7 days |
| 300 MZN | 2.5 GB | 2.8 GB | 30 days |
| 500 MZN | 5 GB | 5.5 GB | 30 days |
| 1000 MZN | 10 GB | 11 GB | 30 days |
| 1500 MZN | 15 GB | 16.5 GB | 30 days |
| 2500 MZN | 25 GB | 27.5 GB | 30 days |
| 4000 MZN | 45 GB | 49 GB | 30 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
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.
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 MZN | 100 MB | 1 hour | *162*6# |
YÁ (Already) – Vodacom Mozambique
The YÁ (Already) plans are data-only plans for those up to 25 years old.
YÁ can be activated by dialing *225#:
| Price | Bonus Credit | Data | Nighttime Data 1 | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 MZN | 30 MZN | 100 MB | 100 MB | 40 SMS | 1 day |
| 20 MZN | 60 MZN | 200 MB | 200 MB | 80 SMS | 3 days |
| 50 MZN | 150 MZN | 500 MB | 500 MB | 200 SMS | 7 days |
1 between 00:01 and 6:59
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#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 20 MZN | 350 MB | 1 night (00:01 – 6:59) |
| 50 MZN | 1 GB | 3 nights (00:01 – 6:59) |
| 100 MZN | 3 GB | 3 nights (00:01 – 6:59) |
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:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 MZN | Net 12h | Unlimited | 12 hours |
| 40 MZN | Net All Day | Unlimited | Until midnight |
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#.
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 20 MB | Until midnight | *213# |
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.
| Price | WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter (WFT) data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 MZN | 250 MB | 24 hours |
1 @ 3 Mbps
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.
| Price | Google Drive/Maps/Search & YouTube Data 1 | Apps | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 MZN | 2.5 GB | 4 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.
Movitel
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:
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)
The following SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | On-Net Minutes Credit | Call Credit | Data | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 MZN | Para05 | 30 MZN | N/A | 30 MB | 30 SMS | 30 days |
| 20 MZN | Para20 | N/A | 15 MZN | 30 MB | 30 SMS | 30 days |
| 50 MZN | Para50 | N/A | 45 MZN | 30 MB | 30 SMS | 30 days |
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movitel
Movitel top-up vouchers are sold in Movitel stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Mozambique.
The following top-ups are available:
| Top-Up | On-Net Credit | Bonus Data | WhatsApp Data | Bonus Local SMS (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 MZN | 1 MZN (3 days) | N/A | N/A | 4 SMS |
| 20 MZN | 2 MZN (3 days) | N/A | Unlimited (2 days) | 8 SMS |
| 50 MZN | 5 MZN (3 days) | N/A | Unlimited (3 days) | 20 SMS |
| 100 MZN | 60 MZN (7 days) | N/A | Unlimited (5 days) | 48 SMS |
| 200 MZN | 120 MZN (7 days) | 200 MB (7 days) | Unlimited (15 days) | 120 SMS |
| 300 MZN | 180 MZN (7 days) | 300 MB (7 days) | Unlimited (15 days) | 120 SMS |
| 500 MZN | 500 MZN (30 days) | 500 MB (7 days) | Unlimited (20 days) | 240 SMS |
| 700 MZN | 500 MZN (30 days) | 700 MB (7 days) | Unlimited (20 days) | 240 SMS |
| 1000 MZN | 600 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).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Movitel
Movitel has six data-featured prepaid plans:
- Elite Básico/Basic Elite (combo)
- Elite Ilimitado/Unlimited Elite (combo)
- Internet Móvel/Mobile Internet (as the name implies)
- Elite Datos/Elite Data (data)
- Novas Promoções – Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp (social media data)
- Novas Promoções – YouTube (YouTube data)
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:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local/International Minutes 1 | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MZN | Prata | 1 GB | 100 minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days |
| 300 MZN | Prémio | 1.5 GB | 180 minutes | 250 SMS | 30 days |
| 500 MZN | Ouro | 2 GB | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
| 700 MZN | Platina | 3.5 GB | 500 minutes | 700 SMS | 30 days |
1 to Brazil, Canada (except Northern Territories), China, France, India, Pakistan, United States & Vietnam
Elite Ilimitado (Unlimited Elite) – Movitel
The Elite Ilimitado (Unlimited Elite) are combo plans with data, minutes & SMS.
The following Elite Ilimitado are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local/International Minutes 1 | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 MZN | Diamante | 4 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 1200 MZN | Diamante Plus | 7 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 1500 MZN | Supremo | 12 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 1700 MZN | Supremo Plus | 27 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 to Brazil, Canada (except Northern Territories), China, France, India, Pakistan, United States & Vietnam
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:
| Price | Plan | Data | WhatsApp Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 MZN | H5 | 50 MB | N/A | 6 hours | H5 |
| 7 MZN | D7 | 45 MB | Unlimited | 1 day | D7 |
| 30 MZN | S30 | 290 MB | Unlimited | 1 week | S30 |
| 30 MZN | D30 | 350 MB | Unlimited | 1 day | D30 |
| 50 MZN | S50 | 570 MB | Unlimited | 1 week | S50 |
| 100 MZN | S100 | 1.2 GB | Unlimited | 1 week | S100 |
| 120 MZN | S120 | 1.4 GB | Unlimited | 1 week | S120 |
| 200 MZN | M200 | 2 GB | N/A | 1 month | M200 |
| 200 MZN | S200 | 2.4 GB | Unlimited | 1 week | S200 |
| 250 MZN | S250 | 3 GB | Unlimited | 1 week | S250 |
| 500 MZN | M500 | 7 GB | N/A | 1 month | M500 |
| 1000 MZN | M1000 | 27 GB | N/A | 1 month | M1000 |
| 2000 MZN | M2000 | 25 GB | N/A | 30 days | M2000 |
| 3000 MZN | M3000 | 150 GB | N/A | 1 month | M3000 |
| 4000 MZN | M4000 | 200 GB | N/A | 1 month | M4000 |
| 5000 MZN | M5000 | 300 GB | N/A | 1 month | M5000 |
Elite Datos (Elite Data) – Movitel
The Elite Datos (Elite Data) are data-only plans.
Elite Datos can be activated by dialing *155#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 MZN | EasyNet | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 1000 MZN | MovNet 1K | 27 GB | 30 days |
| 2000 MZN | MovNet 2K | 80 GB | 30 days |
| 3000 MZN | MovNet 3K | 150 GB | 30 days |
| 5000 MZN | MovNet 5K | 300 GB | 30 days |
| 8000 MZN | MovNet 8K | 600 GB | 30 days |
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#:
| Price | Facebook Instagram & WhatsApp data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 MZN | 400 MB | 24 hours |
| 50 MZN | 3 GB | 7 days |
| 200 MZN | 14 GB | 30 days |
Novas Promoções (YouTube) – Movitel
The Novas Promoções – YouTube bundles are data-only plans for YouTube.
Novas Promoções – YouTube can be activated by dialing *155#:
| Price | Plan | YouTube Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 MZN | YouTube Ilimidato | Unlimited | 5 hours |
| 40 MZN | Daily YouTube Unlimited | Unlimited | 24 hours |
| 50 MZN | YouTube 50 | 900 MB | 7 days |
| 200 MZN | YouTube 200 | 4 GB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Movitel
- Name: Movitel
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
TMCEL by Moçambique Telecom
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:
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)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom
Tmcel has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Malta M (combo)
- Ofertas a Tua Medida/Cuztomized Offers (combo)
- NetGiro (data)
- Recargas GIGA/Data Reloads (data)
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#:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 MZN | 3 MB | 3 minutes | N/A | 3 SMS | 1 day |
| 3 MZN | 3 MB | N/A | 2 minutes | 3 SMS | 1 day |
| 5 MZN | 5 MB | 5 minutes | N/A | 5 SMS | 1 day |
| 5 MZN | 5 MB | N/A | 3 minutes | 5 SMS | 1 day |
| 10 MZN | 10 MB | 10 minutes | N/A | 10 SMS | 2 days |
| 10 MZN | 10 MB | N/A | 5 minutes | 10 SMS | 2 days |
| 15 MZN | 15 MB | 13 minutes | N/A | 15 SMS | 2 days |
| 20 MZN | 20 MB | 15 minutes | N/A | 20 SMS | 3 days |
| 20 MZN | 20 MB | N/A | 10 minutes | 20 SMS | 2 days |
| 30 MZN | 30 MB | 23 minutes | N/A | 30 SMS | 3 days |
| 30 MZN | 30 MB | N/A | 15 minutes | 30 SMS | 3 days |
| 40 MZN | 40 MB | 30 minutes | N/A | 40 SMS | 4 days |
| 50 MZN | 50 MB | 38 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS | 5 days |
| 50 MZN | 50 MB | N/A | 25 minutes | 50 SMS | 4 days |
| 100 MZN | 100 MB | 75 minutes | N/A | 100 SMS | 6 days |
| 100 MZN | 100 MB | N/A | 50 minutes | 100 SMS | 5 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:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 MZN | Plus 300 | 6 GB | Unlimited (15 days) | 150 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
| 600 MZN | Plus 500 | 12 GB | Unlimited (30 days) | 300 minutes | 600 SMS | 30 days |
| 1200 MZN | Plus 1200 | 25 GB | Unlimited (30 days) | 1000 minutes | 600 SMS | 30 days |
| 2000 MZN | Max 2000 | 35 GB | Unlimited (30 days) | 1500 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 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#:
| Price | Data | Happy Hour Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 MZN | 25 MB | N/A | 6 hours |
| 2 MZN | 100 MB | N/A | 1 hour |
| 2 MZN | 25 MB | 50 MB | 1 day |
| 5 MZN | 60 MB | 120 MB | 1 day |
| 9 MZN | 110 MB | 220 MB | 1 day |
| 20 MZN | 245 MB | 490 MB | 1 day |
| 30 MZN | 310 MB | 520 MB | 7 days |
| 35 MZN | 450 MB | 900 MB | 1 day |
| 60 MZN | 1 GB | 2 GB | 1 day |
| 65 MZN | 700 MB | 1.4 GB | 7 days |
| 100 MZN | 3 GB | 6 GB | 1 day |
| 125 MZN | 1.5 GB | 3 GB | 7 days |
| 160 MZN | 1.6 GB | 3.3 GB | 30 days |
| 200 MZN | 3.3 GB | 6.6 GB | 7 days |
| 400 MZN | 7.5 GB | 15 GB | 7 days |
| 480 MZN | 5.6 GB | 11 GB | 30 days |
| 800 MZN | 10 GB | 20 GB | 30 days |
| 1500 MZN | 22 GB | 44 GB | 30 days |
| 1800 MZN | 27 GB | 55 GB | 30 days |
| 2800 MZN | 44 GB | 88 GB | 30 days |
| 3800 MZN | 61 GB | 122 GB | 30 days |
1 between 0:00 and 6:00. You may have to dial *123# and select option 2 to activate Happy Hour.
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#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 30 MZN | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 80 MZN | 3 GB | 15 days |
| 150 MZN | 5 GB | 15 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Tmcel by Moçambique Telecom
- Name: Tmcel
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Mozambique
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other African Countries
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