Stay Connected in the Comoros: SIM & eSIM Travel Guide
The Comoro Islands—an often-overlooked gem in the Indian Ocean—are a remote archipelago brimming with volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and vibrant Swahili-Arab-French culture. Whether you're exploring the markets of Moroni, hiking Mount Karthala, or snorkeling off Moheli’s untouched coral reefs, staying connected is key to navigating this wild, unspoiled paradise.
Wi-Fi in Comoros is sparse and unreliable, especially outside the capital. If you're heading to the outer islands or remote villages, getting a local SIM card (or a supported eSIM) is essential for everything from navigating with GPS to contacting guesthouses—or just sharing those “nobody-else-is-here” moments with the world.
Why You Need Mobile Internet in the Comoro Islands
The Comoros may feel off-grid—but a good mobile connection gives you real freedom to explore. A SIM or eSIM means you can:
✔ Use GPS when exploring villages and natural sites
✔ Book ferries or check flight schedules between islands
✔ Translate between French, Arabic, and Comorian
✔ Communicate with local guides or eco-lodges
✔ Stay updated on weather, especially during cyclone season
✔ Share raw, beautiful content from one of Africa’s most secret destinations
Mobile Networks in the Comoros
Mobile coverage in Comoros is concentrated on the main islands—Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Anjouan, and Moheli. The two main telecom operators are:
1. Comores Telecom
📶 Coverage: Strongest on Grande Comore and in urban centers
📡 Network: 3G coverage, 4G in limited zones near Moroni
👍 Best For: Most reliable national network with widest reach
2. Telma Comores
📶 Coverage: Growing presence, especially in Moroni and Anjouan
📡 Network: 4G in select urban zones, 3G elsewhere
👍 Best For: Competitive data prices and decent urban performance
Where to Get a SIM Card in the Comoro Islands
✈️ 1. Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (Moroni)
📍 Some SIM vendors are available in the arrivals area or just outside
✅ Best option for instant connectivity upon arrival
🏙️ 2. Moroni (Capital City)
📍 Visit official Comores Telecom or Telma stores
📍 Local shops and vendors also sell top-up cards and SIM packs
✅ Ensure your phone is unlocked and bring your passport for registration
🏝️ 3. Other Islands (Anjouan, Moheli)
📍 Local stores may carry SIMs, but selection is limited
✅ Best to purchase your SIM on Grande Comore before traveling
Best Prepaid SIM Plans for Travelers
🐚 Comores Telecom Prepaid Plans
💰 Cost: KMF 2,000–KMF 5,000 (~$4–$10 USD)
📶 Data: 1GB–5GB, with options for local call minutes
📅 Validity: 7–30 days
✅ Best for national coverage, especially outside the capital
🏖️ Telma Prepaid Plans
💰 Cost: KMF 2,000–KMF 5,000
📶 Data: 2GB–8GB depending on the promo period
📅 Validity: 7–30 days
✅ Ideal if you’re mostly in Moroni or Anjouan
eSIM Options in the Comoro Islands
Local networks currently do not support eSIMs directly—but international eSIM providers offer roaming packages that work in Comoros (usually through Telma’s network).
🌐 International eSIM Providers:
- Airalo – Regional Africa plans (e.g. “Bonjour Africa”) starting at $9 USD for 1GB
- Nomad – Global roaming eSIMs with limited Comoros support
- GigSky – Basic connectivity, but data rates may be higher
💡 Pro Tip: eSIMs in Comoros often rely on roaming, so coverage and speeds may not be as stable. A local SIM offers more reliability and value.
Free Wi-Fi in the Comoro Islands
🛏️ Hotels & Guesthouses – Most offer Wi-Fi in Moroni, but speed and consistency vary
☕ Cafés & Offices – Limited to larger towns; ask staff if it’s available
🛳️ Ferry Ports & Terminals – Rarely offer free Wi-Fi—download your maps and plans beforehand
Tips for Staying Connected in the Comoros
✔ Buy your SIM in Moroni—options are limited on other islands
✔ Use offline Google Maps and translation tools in remote areas
✔ WhatsApp is widely used by locals for both text and calls
✔ Top up at local shops and kiosks—vendors are common in town centers
✔ Keep your phone charged—power outages are not unusual
Remote, Raw, and Still Connected 🏝️📶
The Comoro Islands are a true off-the-beaten-path treasure, but going remote doesn't have to mean going dark. With a local SIM card or an eSIM set up for roaming, you'll have the freedom to explore this unique Indian Ocean paradise with confidence—and connection.
Stay linked to the world’s most remote islands and get expert travel tips with Isla Guru Magazine—where rare islands become unforgettable adventures!
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