Buying a SIM card for Burundi in 2024
Buying a SIM card in Burundi is a straightforward process, and you can find them readily available at various locations throughout the country. Here’s a comprehensive guide to purchasing a SIM card in Burundi in 2023:
Where to Buy SIM Cards in Burundi
• Airports: Upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport, you’ll find SIM card kiosks operated by the major providers: Lumitel, Econet, and Smart.
• Telecom Stores: Official telecom stores of Lumitel, Econet, and Smart are widely available in cities and towns.
• Authorized Retailers: Many convenience stores, supermarkets, and kiosks sell SIM cards of all major providers.
Documents Required for SIM Card Registration
To register your SIM card in Burundi, you’ll need to present a valid passport or national ID card. This is a regulatory requirement to combat fraud and maintain security.
SIM Card Registration Process
• Visit an authorized SIM card seller or telecom store.
• Provide your passport or national ID card for identification.
• Fill out a registration form with your personal details, including name, passport number, and address.
• Pay for your SIM card and starter pack.
• Your SIM card will be activated and ready to use.
Top SIM Card Providers in Burundi
• Lumitel: Lumitel is the largest and most popular provider in Burundi, offering the widest network coverage and fast data speeds.
• Econet: Econet is the second-largest provider, known for its competitive prices and reliable network performance.
• Smart: Smart is the third-largest provider, offering affordable SIM card packages and good coverage in urban areas.
Top Prepaid SIM Card Packages in Burundi
Each provider offers a variety of prepaid SIM card packages with different data allowances, call minutes, SMS bundles, and validity periods. Choose a package that suits your usage patterns and budget.
• Lumitel: Lumitel offers a range of packages with generous data allowances and affordable prices.
• Econet: Econet provides a variety of packages with flexible data options and competitive rates.
• Smart: Smart offers SIM card packages with affordable data plans and value for money.
Additional Tips for Using Your SIM Card in Burundi
• Top Up Regularly: Keep your SIM card balance topped up to avoid unexpected service interruptions.
• Use Data Wisely: Data charges can be expensive, so use data sparingly and consider using Wi-Fi whenever available.
• Purchase Local Packages: Local packages often offer better value and more affordable rates compared to roaming plans.
• Dial International Numbers Correctly: When making international calls, use the correct country code and area code to avoid unnecessary charges.
• Seek Help from Provider: If you encounter any issues with your SIM card or service, contact your provider’s customer service for assistance.
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
- LUMITEL (by VIETTEL)
- ECONET
- SMART MOBILE
LUMITEL DATA PACKAGES:
One of the most variant and offer able data packages are provided by the Claro internet
service provider. It has packages of data starting from 40MB to unlimited plan. The structure of the internet packages and their prices as follows:
- 140MB costs 500 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 400MB costs 700 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 5GB costs 1400 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 300MB costs 1000 FBU with a net duration of 7 days.
- 5GMB costs 1000 FBU with a net duration of 15 days.
- 7GB costs 9000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 7GB costs 20000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 23GB costs 50000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
ECONET DATA PACKAGES:
ECONET DATA PACKAGES provide DATA from 40 MB to 45 GB. The various data plans are listed below:
- 40MB costs 199 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 140MB costs 550 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 400MB costs 1000 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 1GB costs 2500 FBU with a net duration of 2 days.
- 500MB costs 3000 FBU with a net duration of 15 days.
- 1GB costs 5500 FBU with a net duration of 15 days.
- 8GB costs 11000 FBU with a net duration of 30days.
- 5GB costs 22000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 9GB costs 35200 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 19GB costs 55000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 45B costs 132000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
SMART MOBILES DATA PACKAGES:
SMART MOBILES DATA PACKAGES provide DATA from 40 MB to 25 GB. The various data plans are listed below:
- 100MB costs 399 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 500MB costs 1000 FBU with a net duration of 1 day.
- 1GB costs 1999 FBU with a net duration of 2 days.
- 500MB costs 2000 FBU with a net duration of 7 days.
- 1GB costs 5500 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 2GB costs 9000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 5GB costs 14000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 5GB costs 20000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 10GB costs 38000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
- 25GB costs 90000 FBU with a net duration of 30 days.
According to internetlivestats.com, internet users in BURUNDI are 167,512 (2016*) which constitutes about 1.5% of its population. In recent years, due to the advent of technologies, there has been a constant rise in the usage of the Internet by the citizens of Burundi and it is also expected to increase much more in the coming years.
Lumitel (by Viettel) Data Packages
| Data | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 40 MB | 1 day | 135 Fbu |
| 70 MB | 300 Fbu | |
| 140 MB | 500 Fbu | |
| 400 MB | 700 Fbu | |
| 1.5 GB | 1000 Fbu | |
| 200 MB | 7 days | 770 Fbu |
| 300 MB | 1000 Fbu | |
| 1.5 GB | 15 days | 1000 Fbu |
| 150 MB | 30 days | 1000 Fbu |
| 300 MB | 1500 Fbu | |
| 675 MB | 3000 Fbu | |
| 1 GB | 5000 Fbu | |
| 1.3 GB | 5000 Fbu | |
| 2.7 GB | 9000 Fbu | |
| 4.5 GB | 14000 Fbu | |
| 7 GB | 20000 Fbu | |
| 13 GB | 38000 Fbu | |
| 23 GB | 50000 Fbu | |
| unlimited | 200,000 Fbu |
Econet Leo Data Packages
| Data | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 40 MB | 24 hours | 199 Fbu |
| 70 MB | 330 Fbu | |
| 140 MB | 550 Fbu | |
| 400 MB | 1000 Fbu | |
| 50 MB | 2 days | 500 Fbu |
| 1 GB | 2500 Fbu | |
| 200 MB | 7 days | 1100 Fbu |
| 500 MB | 15 days | 3000 Fbu |
| 1 GB | 5500 Fbu | |
| 100 MB | 30 days | 1000 Fbu |
| 250 MB | 2000 Fbu | |
| 1 GB | 8800 Fbu | |
| 1.8 GB | 11000 Fbu | |
| 5 GB | 22000 Fbu | |
| 9 GB | 35200 Fbu | |
| 19 GB | 55000 Fbu | |
| 45 GB | 132000 Fbu |
Smart Mobile Data Packages
| Data | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 40 MB | 24 hours | 199 Fbu |
| 100 MB | 399 Fbu | |
| 500 MB | 1000 Fbu | |
| 1 GB | 2 days | 1999 Fbu |
| 200 MB | 7 days | 1000 Fbu |
| 500 MB | 2000 Fbu | |
| 200 MB | 30 days | 1000 Fbu |
| 500 MB | 2500 Fbu | |
| 1 GB | 5500 Fbu | |
| 2 GB | 9000 Fbu | |
| 3.5 GB | 14000 Fbu | |
| 5 GB | 20000 Fbu | |
| 10 GB | 38000 Fbu | |
| 25 GB | 90000 Fbu |
References:
https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/africa/burundi/sim-card-burundi
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1272807/price-for-mobile-data-in-burundi/