SIM Card Sierra Leone 2026 — Africell vs Orange: Which to Buy?

Getting connected in Sierra Leone starts at the airport. Two main networks compete for your data — Africell and Orange. Here is a practical comparison to help you choose the right SIM card the moment you land at Lungi.

The Two Main Networks in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's mobile market is dominated by two operators: Africell and Orange Sierra Leone. A third operator, QCell, operates but has much smaller coverage and is generally not recommended for visitors. For most international travellers, the choice comes down to Africell vs Orange.

Africell Sierra Leone — Overview

Africell is the market leader in Sierra Leone in terms of 4G LTE coverage and data speeds. It is the preferred SIM card for most NGO workers, expats and tech-dependent travellers.

Africell pros

• Best 4G LTE coverage in Freetown, Lungi and along major highways
• Fastest data speeds in urban areas — often getting 15–30 Mbps on 4G
• Widely available at Lungi Airport and in Lungi town immediately
• SIM card cost: free to NL 5,000 (approximately USD 0.20)
• Straightforward USSD data bundle activation (*165#)
• Good roaming arrangements for incoming calls from international numbers

Africell cons

• Coverage drops significantly outside urban areas and in rural eastern Sierra Leone
• Network congestion in peak hours in Freetown can slow speeds

Orange Sierra Leone — Overview

Orange Sierra Leone (part of the global Orange Group) is the second major operator. It has broader rural coverage in some regions and is favoured by travellers heading outside the western area.

Orange pros

• Better coverage in rural areas and eastern provinces
• Reliable voice calling network
• Good for travellers visiting Bo, Kenema or Makeni
• Orange Money mobile wallet is widely accepted for payments

Orange cons

• Slower data speeds than Africell in urban areas
• 4G coverage less reliable in parts of Freetown
• Less commonly available at Lungi Airport itself — you may need to go to town

Africell vs Orange — Side-by-Side Comparison

Where to Buy a SIM Card at Lungi Airport

As you exit the arrivals terminal at Lungi International Airport, vendors selling SIM cards (primarily Africell) are stationed near the exit. You can buy and activate in under 5 minutes. Bring your passport — SIM registration requires ID under Sierra Leone's regulations.

If you are staying at Hariom Yogi Guest House, the team can assist you in getting set up with the right SIM and data bundle immediately after arrival. This is especially helpful if you land exhausted after a night flight and just want data sorted without any hassle.

Data Bundle Prices in 2026

Both networks price data bundles in New Leones (NL). Approximate 2026 bundle prices:

• 500 MB daily bundle: NL 10,000–15,000 (USD 0.40–0.60)
• 1 GB bundle (7 days): NL 20,000–30,000 (USD 0.80–1.20)
• 5 GB bundle (30 days): NL 75,000–100,000 (USD 3–4)
• Unlimited night data (midnight–6 AM): NL 5,000–10,000 (USD 0.20–0.40)

Top-Up Methods

Topping up your SIM is easy:

• Scratch cards: Available at almost every small shop, petrol station and market stall. Ask for "recharge card" or "credit".
• Mobile money transfer: If you have Africell Money or Orange Money linked to your number, direct transfer is possible.
• USSD codes: Africell uses *165# to check balance and buy bundles. Orange uses *144# for bundles.

Our Recommendation

For the vast majority of visitors — especially those staying in or passing through Lungi and Freetown — Africell is the clear first choice. Faster data, better urban coverage and easier to buy at the airport. If you are heading into rural Sierra Leone for aid work or conservation projects, carry both a pre-loaded Africell and an Orange SIM as a backup.

For more connectivity tips including Wi-Fi options, VPNs and laptop data, read our full Internet and Wi-Fi in Sierra Leone guide.