Why an eSIM is Recommended for Congo?
No EU roaming
Congo is not in the European Union, so free roaming doesn't automatically apply. European plans typically charge roaming in Congo, which can quickly become expensive. An eSIM is therefore strongly recommended to avoid bill surprises.
When an eSIM is recommended
- Extended stay: if your home plan charges roaming in Congo
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, hotspot
- Budget plan: plans with no Congo coverage
- Simplicity: no need to check conditions, immediate activation upon arrival
- Major cities: good 4G coverage guaranteed with local carriers
Network Coverage in Congo
Congo has good 4G coverage in major cities thanks to two major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Airtel Congo |
85%+ (major cities) |
Yes |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| MTN Congo |
80%+ (major cities) |
Yes |
Saily, Ubigi |
Coverage by destination
- Brazzaville: excellent 4G coverage in the capital
- Pointe-Noire: excellent 4G coverage in the economic capital
- Dolisie: decent 4G coverage
- Major cities: good 4G coverage
- Rural areas: variable coverage, often limited to 3G or 2G
- National parks: very limited or absent coverage
How to Install Your Congo eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Congo (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Congo eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Congo eSIM 2026"
countryCode="CG"
countrySlug="congo"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + Airtel Congo network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$10.70",
highlight: "Airtel Congo network (best coverage)",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9.70",
highlight: "MTN Congo network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Airtel Congo network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: Airtel Congo network (best national coverage), code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for secure public WiFi, code ESIMP (-5%)
- Ubigi: MTN Congo network, good urban alternative
Conclusion
Congo is not in the EU, so no free roaming. An eSIM is strongly recommended to avoid high roaming charges.
If you choose an eSIM: Airalo 5 GB at $8.50 with code ESIMP15 offers the best value on the Airtel Congo network.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress.
Congo eSIM FAQ