Reduce your rates by using a local SIM.
While in Djibouti, using your home phone network can be expensive, so consider switching over to a local SIM card to take advantage of better deals and plans. Djibouti has some good prepaid SIM cards available, including deals that could reduce your bills. You can buy 1GB of data from Djibouti’s leading telco provider for as little as DJF500 (less than US$2.80). So, whether you’re planning a short trip, longer stay or tour of east Africa, check out the best SIM card options on finder.com. SimCorner's prepaid SIM cards let you enjoy local call, text and data rates in dozens of countries around the world.
Travel Sim Card from SimCorner
Telco in Djibouti
There is only one main telco operator in Djibouti: Djibouti Telecom, with some of its services marketed as Evatis. This provider has been tried and tested by both locals and travelers, and can be trusted. Although Djibouti is a relatively small country, there are some good rates and services being offered. According to OpenSignal’s network coverage map, Djibouti has a good network with an all-over signal.
About Djibouti Telecom (Evatis)
Djibouti Telecom offers good roaming rates and sells prepaid credit that allows users to take advantage of cheap local offers and deals. Locals call their SIM cards “SIM SIMs” or “SIM”. Those SIM cards can be purchased after showing your passport to the store assistant. Below, we have broken down exactly what’s available during your visit to Djibouti.
Djibouti Telecom (DT) is the only operator in the country, and it offers customers both GSM and CDMA network coverage. GSM prepaid SIM cards are sold under the Evatis brand name, and both the GSM and CDMA networks have good coverage throughout the African nation. DT offers customers 2G and 3G wireless platforms, but 4G/LTE is currently being tested in the capital city and is expected to be rolled out nationwide in 2017.
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased for DJF1,000 and come with DJF500 credit. Only standard SIM cards are sold, but for an extra DJF1,000 a micro or nano SIM can be purchased. SIM cards will only be issued once you provide the store assistant with your passport or a valid form of ID.
Credit vouchers can be bought from almost anywhere at varying amounts between DJF500 and DJF10,000. Check with the store assistant at the time of purchase, because there are often bonus offers plus deals and promotions that could save you even more money. Dial *168# to check your balance.
The standard data rate is DJF15 per MB. The following packs can also be added:
| Express | 50MB | Valid for 1 day | DJF100 |
| Avantage | 250MB | Valid for 2 days | DJF300 |
| Comfort | 1GB | Valid for 3 days | DJF500 |
| Classic | 30 domain minutes, 20 MB, 20 SMS, 10 MMS | Valid for 30 days | DJF500 |
| BusinessPremium | 120 domain minutes, 100MB, 50 SMS, 20 MMS | Valid for 30 days | DJF2,000 |
| BusinessGold | 180 domain minutes, 500MB, 100 SMS, 50 MMS | Valid for 30 days | DJF5,000 |
Dial *164# and select the relevant package to activate. Dial *165# to check your balance.
Djibouti Telecom’s APN: dtinternet
Website in French: djiboutitelecom.dj
Some top tips from finder.com staff:
- French and Arabic are spoken in Djibouti, so if you don’t know either language, you may want to download Google Translate onto your phone before you travel. English is not widely spoken, so be prepared to use the translate option if necessary.
- Locals call a SIM card a “SIM” or “SIM SIM”.
- Ask the sellers to set up the SIM card for you, because they should know how to do it. If not, follow the instructions we have highlighted above or go to the official operator website to seek advice.
- Djibouti Telecom requires you to have a SIM-unlocked, GSM-compatible international phone. To double check you have this phone, or to find out whether it’s possible for your provider to unlock your device, contact your provider before you start your travels.
- Be careful of street sellers and only purchase SIMs and credit from official stores or supermarkets
- Remember, it’s always better to get things done early, before the shops get too busy.
Pros and cons of Djibouti’s top telco providers
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Djibouti has good coverage
- Prepaid credit when required
- No in-store contract needed
- Could be compatible with your current phone
- Cheap handsets are sold in stores
Cons:
- No devices offered with the SIM card packages
- Can only be used on SIM-unlocked GSM phones
An important question about finding the best SIM
Q: What shall I do if I lose my phone?
A: Your phone is your lifeline, especially when traveling around Africa. The importance of having a direct link to family and friends via social media or through phone services can never be underestimated. If you do lose your phone, then retrace your steps and ask around. If you still have no luck, then cancel any plans or payment methods associated with the phone, report it missing and make a note of the crime number to claim on insurance. Finally, find a cheap replacement to keep in touch with the outside world, and don’t let this one out of your sight!
I am coming to Djibouti , can I purchase sim card online at India
Hello Vivek,
Upon checking their website, it looks like sim card purchases may not be done online. Please see quote below coming directly from Djibouti Telecom website.
“Anyone wishing to acquire a Sim Evatis card must be physically present and be provided with their identity card.”
You may visit one of their shops in Djibouti or inquire from the airport concierge if they have stalls available at the airport so you can immediate purchase simcard upon your arrival.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Ron