Description
Most UK visitors to Chad travel for humanitarian work, the energy sector, research or business, and some go to see family. Trips are usually based in N’Djamena, with organised travel to other areas. A few travellers visit wildlife areas such as Zakouma National Park with specialist operators.
A travel eSIM gives you mobile data for WhatsApp, email and maps from the moment you switch it on. It sits alongside your UK SIM, so your usual number stays in the phone for security texts while the eSIM handles data where there is signal.
Choose your Chad data plan
There are 4 plans for Chad. 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 | £4.88 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £9.07 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £11.51 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £18.82 |
- Short work trip to N'Djamena: 1GB for 7 days covers email and messaging.
- Two-week assignment: 2GB for 15 days or 3GB for 30 days suits regular contact with home.
- Month-long stay: 5GB for 30 days gives more room for video calls.
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 Chad.
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 Download a SIM instead.
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. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Using mobile data in Chad
International flights arrive at N’Djamena’s airport, close to the city. In the capital, data is useful for keeping in touch with colleagues and family, sharing your location with drivers and checking maps. A translation app helps with French and Arabic.
Chad is very large, and outside N’Djamena and the main towns, signal can be limited or absent, especially in the desert north and remote parks. Plan other ways to stay in contact if you travel far from the capital. The plan covers Chad only.
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
- 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 Chad 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.
- Travel advice: the FCDO advises against travel to much of Chad. Read the latest FCDO travel advice before planning any trip.
Questions
Will it work outside N'Djamena?
It works where there is signal, but coverage beyond the main towns is limited, so do not rely on it in remote areas.
Does it cover Cameroon if I travel across the border?
No. The plan is for Chad only. You would need a separate Cameroon plan.
When should I buy my Chad 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.
