In Tunisia, Ooredoo is one of the biggest mobile service providers. With broad coverage, quick speeds, and a range of connection options for guests, they offer great value for the money and connectivity across Tunisia.
Let’s see what Ooredoo SIM card options are?
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about Ooredoo
In Tunisia, Ooredoo is one of the top 3 mobile network operators along with Tunisie Telecom and Orange. Let’s see some quick facts about them:
- Ooredoo is the brand name used by Qatar’s Ooredoo group in Tunisia and several other countries.
- It is the largest mobile operator in Tunisia with over 7 million subscribers (over 60% market share).
- Provides 3G and 4G/LTE coverage on 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands.
- Popular prepaid SIM card options like Mobilis, and Mobidat with great data bundles.
- Also offers high-speed home broadband and business connectivity services.
II. Ooredoo Coverage and Speed in Tunisia
1. Ooredoo Coverage in Tunisia
Ooredoo has made big advancements in improving mobile coverage across Tunisia in recent years. As one of the country’s leading operators, alongside Tunisie Telecom and Orange, Ooredoo has focused on expanding its 4G LTE network to reach more customers. It was the first provider to launch a high-speed 4G network back in 2014 and has since grown its 4G footprint to cover over 80% of the population nationwide.
Ooredoo’s 3G network currently blankets most of Tunisia, ensuring basic connectivity is available across the country. Moving forward, Ooredoo will continue investing in infrastructure to deliver its 4G services to even more remote towns and villages.
2. Ooredoo speed
Ooredoo has invested heavily in improving data speeds across its 4G network in Tunisia in recent years. The operator claims average download speeds between 15-25 Mbps. Speed test results have validated Ooredoo’s 4G network delivers speeds sufficient for high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and other data-heavy activities in these more developed areas.
However, speeds can dip to between 5-10 Mbps in smaller towns and rural areas still undergoing upgrades to 4G infrastructure. 3G speeds also range from 2-10 Mbps depending on location.
III. Ooredoo connectivity options for travelers to Tunisia
Ooredoo provides 3 connectivity options for travelers to Tunisia, including Ooredoo SIM card, Pocket Wifi and Roaming. Let’s check their pros and cons:
Connectivity Options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Ooredoo SIM Card | - Enables calls/data on local number | - Need to purchase upfront |
| - Low cost long-term solution | - Takes time to activate | |
| - Works with any device | - May require passport details | |
| Pocket WiFi | - Plug and play portable device | - Higher daily/weekly rental fees |
| - Covers multiple devices | - Limited data allowances | |
| - No SIM required | - Device must be returned | |
| Roaming | - Uses existing carrier/number | - Much higher call/data rates |
| - No need to change SIM card | - Coverage depends on roaming agreements | |
| - Familiar billing system | - Rates can significantly increase costs |
So in summary, an Ooredoo SIM provides the most cost-effective, practical and accessible connectivity solution for most Tunisia trip durations and budgets.
IV. Best Ooredoo SIM cards for tourists & cost
The main prepaid SIM card options from Ooredoo for travelers are:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Validity Period | Price (USD) |
| Starter Pack | 300MB | N/A | $1.50 |
| Le WiFi 5GB | 5GB | 7 days | $4 |
| Jaw 10GB | 10GB | 30 days | $7 |
| Le WiFi 10GB | 10GB | 30 days | $8 |
| Le WiFi 20GB | 20GB | 30 days | $11 |
| Le WiFi 30GB | 30GB | 30 days | $14 |
In summary, the Le WiFi plans such as 10GB or 20GB offer excellent value for multi-week trips. For shorter stays, the 5GB or Jaw 10GB plans suit basic-moderate use. While Starter Pack is sufficient for light travelers.
V. Does Ooredoo support eSIM?
Yes, Ooredoo launched eSIM support in Tunisia in 2022. With eSIM you can digitally activate plans without a physical SIM.
- Available on the latest iPhones and Android phones with eSIM capability.
- Plans and pricing are similar to physical SIM cards.
- Activates using the Ooredoo eSIM app by scanning passport.
- More convenient than buying a local physical SIM if your phone supports eSIM.
VI. Where can you buy an Ooredoo SIM card and eSIM?
Where to buy Ooredoo SIM for Tunisia
As Ooredoo is the dominant provider in Tunisia, you can easily find their SIM cards at:
- Ooredoo stores in cities
- Kiosks at airports
Stores will need a photocopy of a passport to activate the SIM. Top-up vouchers are available at the above locations.
Where to buy Ooredoo eSIM
Ooredoo eSIM can be purchased directly using their app:
- Ooredoo eSIM app (Android/iOS): Download the app and purchase a plan by scanning your passport. Digitally activated.
- At Ooredoo stores: Showing passport. Store executive will assist in app activation.
No physical SIM required, the eSIM app allows digital activation quickly.
VII. How to activate Ooredoo SIM card/eSIM
1. How to use Ooredoo SIM card
- Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
- Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
- Activate the SIM card
- Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
- Check your services.
2. How to activate Ooredoo eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM, you can activate Ooredoo plans easily without a physical SIM:
- Install the eSIM
- Activate the eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.
eSIM activation is quick and avoids the need to buy local SIM card on reaching. With the eSIM app, you can purchase data when required.
VIII. Ooredoo Call & SMS rates
Ooredoo has competitive rates for calls and text messages in Tunisia:
Call & SMS Rates
| Type of Call/SMS | Destination | Rate (USD) |
| Local call | Within Ooredoo network | $0.05/min |
| Local call | Other Tunisian networks | $0.10/min |
| International call | Varies by country | $0.30/min and above |
| Local SMS | Within Ooredoo network | $0.03/SMS |
| Local SMS | Other Tunisian networks | $0.05/SMS |
| International SMS | Many countries | $0.09/SMS |
Local communications within Tunisia on Ooredoo’s network are very affordable, making it easy for travelers to stay in touch while overseas. International calls/SMS require more credit allocation in travel plans and budgets.
IX. Useful USSD codes for Ooredoo SIM card/eSIM
Ooredoo has useful USSD access codes to check balance, packages and other settings:
*122#– Check balance*555#– Remaining data*100#– Main menu*101#– Activate data pack*555*4#– Check ISD minutes
Enter the codes above and press call to check or activate settings quickly without installing any app.
X. How to top-up Ooredoo SIM card/eSIM
You can easily recharge Ooredoo SIMs using:
- Vouchers – Sold across Tunisia in denominations 5 to 20 TND.
- Ooredoo App – Recharge using international credit/debit cards.
- Stores – Pay cash at Ooredoo stores and resellers to top-up.
For eSIM, recharges can be done through Ooredoo app or buying vouchers. Ooredoo has partnerships with international payment platforms for online recharges.
XI. Alternatives to Ooredoo
The main alternative eSIM providers in Tunisia are:
- Orange Tunisia: The second largest mobile network with around 6 million customers.
- Tunisie Telecom – Has state owned operator, also has good coverage. But limited stores and weaker data speeds compared to Ooredoo.
For most tourists, eSIM would be a better choice. With Tunisia eSIM , travelers can conveniently pre-purchase data packages before their trip without worrying about procuring a physical SIM card upon arrival. Find the best option for your trip below:
Plan that may interest you
XII. FAQs about Ooredoo in Tunisia
Can I use an Ooredoo SIM card in Europe/Middle East?
Yes, Ooredoo SIM cards allow roaming in Europe and Middle East but at high costs without a roaming pack activated. Enable roaming before travel.
Does Ooredoo SIM work in the USA or Asia?
No, Ooredoo does not provide direct roaming outside Europe/Middle East regions. You will need to buy a local SIM in those regions.
How to enable mobile data on Ooredoo?
Dial *101# and choose your preferred data pack for enabling mobile internet. Without a pack, data usage is very expensive.
How to check Ooredoo data balance?
To check the remaining data balance, dial *555# from your Ooredoo SIM and press Call. This USSD code will show active and expired data packs.
How to refill Ooredoo prepaid SIM?
You can easily recharge or top-up an Ooredoo prepaid SIM via vouchers, Ooredoo app, stores, VOILA app as mentioned earlier.
XIII. Final words
With extensive 4G coverage, fast speeds, and easy availability, Ooredoo is undoubtedly the best mobile provider for tourists visiting Tunisia. Their prepaid SIM cards provide great value plans with generous data bundles for travel connectivity.
Using eSIM is also an option for tourists in Tunisia. Tunisia eSIM is the worry-free way to stay connected while exploring.
