Description
For many people in the UK, a trip to Côte d’Ivoire means going home to see family in Abidjan or upcountry, or attending a wedding, funeral or business meeting. Others come for the lagoon city itself, the old colonial town of Grand-Bassam and the beaches along the coast.
Whatever the reason, a travel eSIM lets you get online as soon as you land, so you can message relatives, share your location with whoever is collecting you and keep in touch with home. The eSIM works next to your UK SIM, keeping your UK number in the phone, and takes care of your mobile data during the visit.
Choose your Côte d’Ivoire data plan
There are 4 plans for Côte d’Ivoire. Pick the one that matches the length of your stay and how much you stream, video call or share photos.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | £6.75 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £11.25 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £17.94 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £28.57 |
- Short business trip: 1GB for 7 days covers email, maps and messaging for a week in Abidjan.
- Two-week family visit: 2GB for 15 days suits regular WhatsApp calls and photo sharing.
- Month or more with relatives: 3GB or 5GB for 30 days, with 5GB the better pick if you make video calls often.
How ordering works
- Choose a plan and place your order. Pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we prepare your eSIM and send you the QR code by email or live chat. Orders are handled by hand, so we suggest ordering at least a day before you fly.
- Scan the QR code at home over Wi-Fi, then switch the eSIM on when you arrive in Côte d’Ivoire.
Installing your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM.
Install it before you travel, while you have a steady Wi-Fi connection. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM from your phone until your trip is over. The phone makers also have step-by-step guides: Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Staying connected in Côte d'Ivoire
International flights arrive at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. In the city, data helps with ride apps, finding addresses across districts such as Plateau, Cocody and Marcory, and translating French if you need to.
Coverage is strongest in Abidjan and other large towns. On long road journeys inland and in rural villages, signal can be patchy, so download maps and any documents you need before setting off. If you are heading to the beach at Grand-Bassam or Assinie for the weekend, coverage in the towns is usually fine, but it can fade along quieter stretches of the coast.
Check your phone first
Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later can use one. Some models sold in certain countries have no eSIM, so look for an Add eSIM option in your settings. If you are not sure, ask us before you order.
Good to know
- Travel advice: before you go, read the GOV.UK travel advice for Côte d'Ivoire, which covers entry requirements, safety and local laws.
- Data only: these plans give you mobile data, not a local phone number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages.
- For travel only: the plans work in Côte d’Ivoire and are not meant for use in the UK.
- Your UK SIM: keep it in the phone to receive texts such as bank codes, but turn off data roaming on it so it does not use data abroad.
- Côte d’Ivoire only: the plan does not cover neighbouring Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, Mali or Burkina Faso.
- Travel advice: check the latest FCDO travel advice before you go, especially if you plan to travel near the northern borders.
More travel eSIMs
Visiting more than one country? We also have travel eSIMs for Liberia, Ghana and Guinea. See all our travel eSIM destinations, or our UK eSIMs if you want a UK line on an eSIM too.
Questions
Can I use WhatsApp to call family while I am there?
Yes. The eSIM gives you mobile data, so WhatsApp and similar apps work for calls and messages wherever you have signal.
Will it work if I travel up to Yamoussoukro or Bouaké?
The plan covers Côte d’Ivoire, and larger towns usually have signal. Coverage on the roads between them can drop in places.
When should I buy my Côte d’Ivoire eSIM?
A day or more before you travel is best. That leaves time to receive the QR code and install it at home.
When do the days start counting?
The number of days is how long the plan lasts once it is active. Install it before you go and switch it on when you arrive.
Can I cancel after the QR code is sent?
No. Like our other codes, an eSIM cannot be returned once the QR code has been sent. See our refunds and cancellations page.
