There is a good mobile and data network in Mozambique and several mobile companies, with a variety of prices and quality. Mozambicans seem to often have a variety of numbers and SIM cards and switch between networks and numbers depending on location, price and what is working best at the time.
Providers
Vodacom
Vodacom is by far the most reliable and the one with the best country coverage in most areas. But there are some areas where the Vodacom network is poor. Network down-time is almost unheard of and the infrastructure is good. But this means it is the most expensive provider in the country. But prices both for calls and data are very low compared with South Africa and non African countries. Once you are on the Vodacom network they allow you access to Facebook and WhatsApp (without images) even if you run out of data. They also have a system called Txuna credit which allows you to go a very small amount into debt. This can be a lifeline if you run out of data or call time and have no way to top up.
Movitel
Movitel’s coverage in cities is good, but it is more patchy in rural areas. However there are some areas where Movitel’s coverage is better than Vodacom, so it is worth asking on the Enjoy Moz Chat about the area you are going to. Calls and data on Movitel are much cheaper than Vodacom.Â
MCell
MCell is a cheap, basic network. The prices are very low, but the network is poor, often having long periods of down time. The data network is very basic.
Getting a SIM
All SIM cards in Mozambique must be registered to a user using their identification. So to get a SIM card you need to go to a shop of the relevant mobile provider. It is probably best to avoid vendors trying to sell you SIMs at the border, these will be pre-registered. Some accommodation providers can also arrange SIM cards for you. For those coming over the popular Resanno Garcia crossing from South Africa, Jo Moz is just a few km inside Mozambique and you can pre-order Vodacom SIM cards from there.
eSIM
The rise of the eSIM means you can get eSIMS online before you travel (if your phone is able to take an eSIM). Movitel also offer an eSIM in their shops. Vodacom do not offer eSIMs at the time of writing.
Electronic money
There are several systems of electronic money in Mozambique that operate from your phone, as in most African Countries. If you are a regular visitor or will be here for a while, these can be a really useful way of paying for things while avoiding carrying too much cash. Vodacom’s system is called MPesa while Movitel’s system is eMola. The systems are now well integrated so it is easy to transfer money between the two systems. If you want these on your phone just ask when getting your SIM. There is an app that operates MPesa, as well as the USSD codes (see below). You can put money in and take it out using agents with bibs that you will find all over any city. You can also use cash machines for this, although it is quite complicated to do.
Buying data and airtime
You can buy this in the shop when you get your SIM but during your travels you will probably need to top up again. Garages and many shops sell airtime and data, even if they don’t advertise it. Just ask in the shop. If they only sell airtime on Vodacom you can then convert the airtime into data on your phone. Be careful on Vodacom if you run out of data. They let you carry on using it but charge your airtime at a very high rate. You can also buy top up vouchers from street vendors with the relevant vest on. These vouchers and the paper voucher you get from garages contain a USSD code you need to enter (see below for details). If you have set up MPesa or eMola you can use those to buy data and airtime quickly and easily within your own phone using USSD codes or the MPesa app.
USSD Codes
Those travelling from African countries will be used to using these and will just need the codes as listed below. For those from other countries, this may be less familiar. Mozambique is a country where almost everyone has a phone, but for very many people this is not a smart phone. So systems need to be accessed from phones with nothing more than a numerical keypad. On this basis there is a system of codes that can be dialled that allow you to manage your data, airtime and electronic money. To use them, simply dial the code as if it was a phone number. This will then either display the information you need or bring up a menu, where you can dial a number to choose an option
Vodacom USSD codes
*100*03# This gives you you airtime and data balance
*111# This is the main Vodacom menu that seems to have an extraordinary number of options. You can easily change this menu into English. At the time of writing this was option 11, but this does change on a regular basis. This gives you access to Txuna credit, the system that allows you to get a small amount of data or call time, which you can pay back at a later date.Â
*150# This is the MPesa menu. It allows you to buy airtime, pay people, get money in (via cash machines or agents on the street) and many more things.
Topping up airtime and data using MPesa can be done both from *111# and *150# but at the time of writing it is cheaper to do it via the MPesa menu *150#
If you buy a voucher from a garage or street vendor they will have the USSD code you need to activate the voucher printed on them.
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