Why an eSIM is Recommended for Burundi
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Burundi does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Limited Free WiFi
Free WiFi is limited in Burundian hotels and cafes:
- Availability: limited outside major hotels
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, essential for traveling in Burundi.
Network Coverage in Burundi
Burundi has 4G coverage in main cities thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Lumitel |
Urban areas |
Yes |
50% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Econet Leo |
Urban areas |
Yes |
35% |
Holafly, Saily |
| Onatel |
Urban areas |
Yes |
15% |
Ubigi |
Coverage by destination
- Bujumbura: good 4G coverage in the capital
- Gitega: moderate coverage in the political capital
- Rural areas: limited coverage, variable in remote areas
- National parks: variable coverage depending on location
How to Install Your Burundi eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Burundi (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Burundi eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Burundi eSIM 2026"
countryCode="BI"
countrySlug="burundi"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9",
highlight: "Global leader + Lumitel network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$10",
highlight: "Reliable network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Lumitel network (leader 50%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: best value for money, Lumitel network, code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- Ubigi: reliable network, good alternative option
Conclusion
For all travelers to Burundi, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: GoMoWorld 10 GB at ~$8 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: Saily 3 GB at ~$6 with VPN included remains very economical.
Burundi eSIM FAQ