Roaming, local SIM or eSIM: your options
Each option has its strengths and its limits. The right choice depends on the length of your stay, your usual plan and whether you need a Senegalese number.
Roaming with your own provider
You keep your SIM and your number, with nothing to install. Senegal is not covered by the EU's ‘Roam like at home’ rules, so prices and allowances depend on your provider. Check before you travel to avoid an unpleasant surprise on your bill.
A local SIM card
A SIM bought locally gives you a local number. That is useful for a long stay, for calling people on the spot or for opening a mobile money account. You will need to find a shop, usually show ID and insert the card into your phone.
A data eSIM
An eSIM is installed before you leave and gives you data from the moment you arrive. Your usual SIM stays in place for calls and texts. An Alizeoo eSIM provides data only: no number and no standard calls, but WhatsApp and other apps that work over the internet run as normal. For a detailed comparison, read eSIM, local SIM or roaming.
Networks and coverage in Senegal
The country's main mobile operators are Orange, Free and Expresso. Senegal's mobile networks run on 4G and 4G+. The partner networks for each Alizeoo plan are listed on its page before you buy, as they can change.
- Dakar and the large cities: coverage is generally good.
- Rural areas: in some rural areas, and in Casamance, signal can be weaker.
- Islands, deltas and parks: in natural areas far from towns, the connection can be patchy or absent.
The eSIM uses the partner operators' networks: where they have no signal, no SIM will do better. Before a trip away from the towns, download offline maps and keep your travel documents on your phone.
Wi-Fi: handy, but use it with care
Many hotels, guesthouses and cafés offer Wi-Fi, and its quality varies from place to place. It is useful for app updates and large uploads, but it does not come with you on the road.
On an open network, avoid entering passwords or card details. Use your mobile data for that kind of thing instead.
Apps and mobile money
- Messaging: WhatsApp is widely used to talk to accommodation, drivers and guides. It works on your eSIM data.
- Maps: a maps app such as Google Maps or Apple Maps helps you get around; download offline maps of the regions you visit.
- Mobile money: services such as Wave and Orange Money are very widely used in Senegal. They are tied to a local phone number, so a data eSIM is not enough to open an account.
If you want to use mobile money during a long stay, you will still need a local SIM, possibly alongside the eSIM for data. Verification codes sent by text from your apps arrive on your usual number, so keep your usual SIM active, as explained in keep your main number.
Installing and activating your eSIM for Senegal
Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked. If in doubt, see is my phone eSIM compatible?.
- Compare the plans for Senegal, including regional plans that cover the country: check the exact list of countries, the duration, data allowance and hotspot use on each plan's page. Prices include tax and are in US dollars.
- Before you leave, install the eSIM over Wi-Fi by scanning the QR code or tapping the installation link.
- When you arrive, turn on the Alizeoo line, set it as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for that line.
- On your usual SIM, turn off mobile data and roaming to avoid charges, and keep it for calls and texts.
The validity usually starts when you first connect in a covered country. Detailed steps are in install an eSIM on iPhone and install an eSIM on Android. If something goes wrong when you arrive, see my eSIM has no signal.
How much data will you need?
Your usage decides. Text messaging, maps and light browsing use little. Video calls, sending lots of photos and streaming use considerably more. WhatsApp calls also run on your data, so allow more if you call often.
The estimator on the Senegal page gives you a rough figure based on how long you are staying and how you use your phone. For a trip that takes in several West African countries, try the trip planner.
Before you go: a quick checklist
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- Install the eSIM at home, over Wi-Fi, and do not delete it afterwards.
- Download offline maps of Dakar and the regions you are heading to.
- If you need mobile money, plan on getting a local SIM.
- Plan on one eSIM per phone: an eSIM can only be installed on one device.
Keep your usual SIM active so you receive texts from your bank and verification codes, but turn off its mobile data and roaming so you are not hit with unexpected charges.