Description
Most people flying from the UK to the Republic of the Congo are going to see family in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire, or travelling for work in the oil, logistics or aid sectors. Either way, you will want WhatsApp, maps and email working from the moment you land, rather than relying on hotel Wi-Fi or a borrowed hotspot.
A travel eSIM gives you mobile data in the country without swapping SIM cards. It is installed next to your UK SIM, so your UK number stays in the phone for bank texts and calls from home, while the eSIM looks after data during your stay. Choose a plan that matches the length of your visit and how much you share photos and video call.
Choose your Republic of the Congo data plan
There are 4 plans for Republic of the Congo. 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 | £6.00 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £10.88 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £15.38 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £24.00 |
- Short business trip: 1GB for 7 days is enough for email, maps and messages over a working week.
- Two-week family visit: 2GB for 15 days covers WhatsApp calls with home and the photos you send back.
- Month with relatives: 3GB for 30 days suits light use, and 5GB for 30 days gives room for regular 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 Republic of the Congo.
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.
Using mobile data in the Republic of the Congo
International flights arrive at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville and at Pointe-Noire on the coast. Having data on arrival helps with messaging the person meeting you, sharing your location and finding your hotel or family home. French is the main language, so a translation app is handy for UK visitors who do not speak it.
Signal is usually strongest in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire and other towns, and can be patchy or missing on long road journeys and in forest areas in the north. Download offline maps before you set out on longer trips.
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 Republic of the Congo, 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 Republic of the Congo 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.
- Not the DRC: this plan covers the Republic of the Congo only. Kinshasa, across the river, is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is not included.
- Travel advice: check the latest FCDO travel advice for the Republic of the Congo before you book, as some areas have specific warnings.
More travel eSIMs
Visiting more than one country? We also have travel eSIMs for Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon. See all our travel eSIM destinations, or our UK eSIMs if you want a UK line on an eSIM too.
Questions
Will it work in both Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire?
The plan is for use across the Republic of the Congo, and the two main cities are where signal is generally most reliable. Rural areas can have gaps.
Can I use it if I cross to Kinshasa?
No. Kinshasa is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a separate country that this plan does not cover. Ask us about a plan for the DRC if you are going there too.
When should I buy my Republic of the Congo 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.
