The Best eSIM Cards for Mobile Data in Tunisia

Quick Article Summary

For Tunisia, according to the local expert, it's best to choose an eSIM that uses networks Tunis Telekom or Orange Tunisia. Among all providers, there are two that even offer both networks. This means maximum possible coverage: eSIM4Travel and Yesim. While Yesim is slightly more well-known, we can recommend eSIM4Travel. It's cheaper in most cases and offers a slightly simpler installation without needing to install an app.

Introduction

Tunisia represents a popular tourist destination in North Africa. Each year, this country is visited by numerous travelers who come to admire sandy beaches, historical monuments, and authentic culture that combines Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences.

When traveling to Tunisia, many visitors face the question of internet connectivity. Traditional roaming can be financially demanding, and purchasing a local SIM card after arrival often means unnecessary complications. That's why more and more travelers choose eSIM – a digital SIM card that can be activated remotely without the need for physical exchange.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll present the most advantageous eSIM providers for Tunisia, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. We'll explore their most popular data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, or unlimited) and help you choose the optimal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you'll save not only money on expensive roaming but also time you would otherwise spend looking for a local operator. In the following sections, you'll find detailed installation guides, useful travel tips, and detailed comparisons of available plans – everything you need for trouble-free internet connection during your stay in Tunisia.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Tunisia

Advice from a Local Resident

Yasmine Ben Soltana

Místní expert, Tunis, Tunisko

"V Tunisku máme dvě hlavní telefonní sítě: Tunisie Telecom (TT) a Orange Tunisia. Pro nejlepší mobilní připojení doporučuji používat datový tarif, který využívá jednu z těchto sítí."

Main Tunisian Mobile Operators

Tunisie Telecom is the largest state operator with coverage of 98% of inhabited areas including rural regions. For trips outside tourist destinations, it offers the most reliable connection.

Orange Tunisia is the second largest operator with quality coverage of cities and tourist locations (Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse). It excels in speed, reliability, and implementation of modern technologies.

Ooredoo offers competitive prices and good coverage of urban areas. The network is smaller than Tunisie Telecom, but sufficient for tourist destinations. It specializes in data services with attractive packages for visitors.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local operators:

• Airalo: Orange and Ooredoo
• Holafly: Ooredoo and Tunisie Telecom
• Yesim: Tunisie Telecom and Orange
• eSIM4Travel: Tunisie Telecom and Orange
• Jetpac: Orange
• GigSky: Tunisie Telecom and Ooredoo

When choosing an eSIM, consider your travel plans. For cities and tourist areas, any provider works well. For remote regions, select a service with Tunisie Telecom. Use our eSIM comparison tool for Tunisia to select the most suitable solution.

Best eSIM Providers for Tunisia

eSIM4Travel in Tunisia

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in Tunisia uses the networks of Tunisie Telecom and Orange. These networks provide reliable coverage in most tourist areas of Tunisia. For travelers seeking an economical and effective solution, eSIM4Travel represents an excellent choice. Their eSIM works immediately after activation, customer support is available with quick response, and you'll always reach a real person who is ready to help. Price-wise, they're among the most affordable providers on the market. They don't reduce connection speed, don't require installation of additional applications, and if needed, allow you to purchase additional data on an already activated eSIM.

Airalo eSIM in Tunisia

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo collaborates in Tunisia with Orange and Ooredoo networks. Both networks offer quality coverage in major cities and tourist locations. Travelers often praise Airalo for reliability in many North African countries, including Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. The eSIM activation process takes approximately two minutes, and the user-friendly Airalo app allows easy monitoring of usage and potential data top-ups during the trip.

Holafly eSIM in Tunisia

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly in Tunisia uses the networks of Ooredoo and Tunisie Telecom. With these operators, you'll enjoy quality coverage in Tunis, Bizerte, Carthage, and other cities and tourist destinations in Tunisia. Holafly stands out by offering exclusively unlimited data packages, so you don't have to worry about running out of data. For visitors to Tunisia, unlimited data from Holafly is available in a price range from $6.90 to $139.90, with the option to purchase them for a period from one to 90 days.

It's important to mention that although the data is labeled as unlimited, with excessive use (for example, during long-term HD streaming or downloading large files), temporary speed reduction may occur. Users report that slowdowns may happen after using approximately 4.5 GB of data with intensive usage.

Yesim eSIM in Tunisia

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim collaborates in Tunisia with Tunisie Telecom and Orange networks. Thanks to this, you can enjoy seamless mobile connectivity in Ariana, Bizerte, Gabes, Gafsa, Kairouan, Nabeul, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, and other cities in Tunisia. More information about Yesim can be found in our detailed overview.

Jetpac eSIM in Tunisia

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac in Tunisia uses the Orange network. This network provides quality coverage primarily in larger cities and popular tourist destinations. More detailed information about Jetpac services can be found in our specialized guide.

Best eSIM Plans for Tunisia

Here you'll find an overview of selected most popular eSIM data packages for Tunisia. For a complete comparison of all available options, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool for Tunisia, which allows filtering offers by data volume, validity period, and other important parameters.

Free Data in Tunisia

If you need just minimal connectivity, for example, to check emails or quick searches, Roamless offers free 350 MB of data for Tunisia.

For more information about options for obtaining free data, we recommend our article Free eSIM | How to get free data for USA and abroad. A complete overview of all available solutions can be found in our eSIM comparison tool

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Tunisia

Setting up an eSIM for Tunisia is a quick and straightforward process that allows you to solve internet connectivity even before departure. The main advantage is the ability to activate the service from home, avoiding the search for SIM card vendors upon arrival and overcoming potential language barriers.

• Complete guide for activating eSIM on iPhone
• Clear procedure for setting up eSIM on Samsung phones
• Overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, verify whether your phone supports this technology. Most modern smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers are compatible with eSIM. To be sure, you can use our updated list of phones with eSIM support.

2. Choose a suitable provider: For Tunisia, you can choose from several proven providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO, or GigSky. When deciding on a data package, consider the length of stay and planned activities – for regular internet browsing and navigation, 2 GB is sufficient, for more demanding use, we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For detailed comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Tunisia, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Network" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you've received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection will configure automatically after installation is complete. If this doesn't happen, you may need to manually set the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Don't forget to activate data roaming for the eSIM profile – don't worry, you won't be charged any additional fees.

We recommend performing the installation and setup of eSIM before departing for Tunisia, ideally in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you the assurance that upon arrival, you'll be immediately connected to the internet without any complications. More useful information about first-time setup can be found in our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Tunisia

Tunisia offers visitors a diverse mix of history, culture, and natural beauty – from the ancient ruins of Carthage to the sandy beaches of Hammamet and the desert landscape of the south. Whether you're coming for relaxation, exploration, or business, reliable internet connection will significantly ease your journey. Here are practical tips for effective use of your eSIM during your stay:

Security and Data Protection

Using a VPN in Tunisia can be beneficial, even though internet censorship is not as strict as in some other North African countries. A quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) will ensure not only access to all services and websites you're used to from home but primarily protect your personal data when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, and tourist centers. We recommend installing and testing a VPN service before your trip.

Data Limit Management

Monitoring data usage is key for effective utilization of your data package. Most eSIM providers offer their own mobile applications for monitoring current usage. You can also use integrated tools on your phone to set data limits and alerts. For maximum data savings, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find useful tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps of Tunisia and tourist guides for offline use
• Optimizing quality of multimedia content streaming
• Deactivating automatic app updates and background synchronization
• Strategic use of Wi-Fi in accommodations for data-intensive operations

If you're unsure about how much data you'll need during your trip, study our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the optimal package. For precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period exactly according to your requirements.

Communication with Home

Most eSIMs for Tunisia provide only data services without the option for standard calls and SMS. However, this doesn't present an obstacle for maintaining contact with family and friends. With data connection, you can use applications like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free voice and video communication. If you need to call regular phone numbers, read our specialized article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other alternatives.

Financial Services and Payments

Digital banking and payment applications can significantly simplify your travel across Tunisia. Services like Revolut or Wise offer advantageous exchange rates for the Tunisian dinar and the ability to pay without excessive fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll have continuous access to your financial resources and the ability to flexibly respond to unplanned expenses.

Regional Travel

Planning to visit other North African countries? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages that cover, besides Tunisia, also Morocco, Egypt, and other destinations in the area. These packages usually represent a more economical solution than acquiring separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify exactly the countries you intend to visit. We also recommend studying our guides for Turkey or United Arab Emirates if you plan to extend your travel across the wider region.

✈️ Expert advice: Before traveling to Tunisia, save offline copies of important contacts and documents, including details about your accommodation, reservation numbers, and copies of travel documents. Even with quality data connection, you might find yourself in an area without signal, especially during trips to desert areas, and this information can be very useful.

Alternative Internet Connections in Tunisia

eSIM technology represents an innovative and practical solution for travel, but it's not the only way to stay online in Tunisia. If for any reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, you have several alternative options:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Tunisian SIM cards are easily available - you can purchase them at airports, in tourist zones, electronics stores, and many regular shops. The main operators are Tunisie Telecom, Orange, and Ooredoo, who offer special tourist packages including data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include favorable price (usually $5-15 for a basic package) and the ability to use a local phone number for calls and SMS. The disadvantages are the necessity of personally visiting a sales point after arrival, potential communication problems during purchase, and the risk of acquisition from unauthorized vendors who may sell unregistered cards with limited functionality.

If you decide for a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing exclusively from official vendors, preferably directly at the airport or in official operator stores. Remember that you'll need an unlocked phone (without simlock) and if you don't have a device with dual SIM support, you'll need to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices offer a versatile alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create a local Wi-Fi network to which you can connect multiple devices simultaneously - smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart watches. They're ideal for families or groups of travelers who want to share one internet connection.

Portable hotspots can either be rented before the trip from specialized companies or purchased directly in Tunisia. Some models also function as a power bank, which is a practical advantage during long trips away from the hotel. More information about these devices can be found in our specialized guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is that they represent another item you must carry with you and regularly charge. Also, the purchase price or rental costs tend to be higher compared to eSIM or local SIM card.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator represents the simplest, but usually most expensive solution. Roaming works based on partnership agreements between your American operator and local Tunisian providers, which allows you to use your existing phone number and plan abroad as well.

Prices for roaming outside the United States can be very high - commonly around $200 for 1 GB of data. This means that even regular browsing of websites or using navigation can quickly lead to a bill in the thousands of dollars. Some US operators offer special roaming packages for traveling outside the US, which can be more affordable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Tunisia offers reasonable coverage with public Wi-Fi networks, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. Free Wi-Fi connection is available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, and some public spaces. However, the quality and speed of these connections can vary considerably.

The main risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security. Without adequate protection, your personal data and online activities can be vulnerable to cyber attacks. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into internet banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be offline whenever you leave an area with coverage. This can be problematic for navigation, searching for transport information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having an alternative solution for internet connection available.

How to Call from Tunisia

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important aspect of every trip. With eSIM in Tunisia, you have several options for effective communication without having to pay exorbitant amounts for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for Tunisia include only mobile data, not standard voice services. However, this doesn't present an obstacle because with data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is a globally widespread application for sending messages and internet calling. It's commonly used in Tunisia as well and offers quality voice and video calls. Other popular alternatives include Facebook Messenger, which is practical for communication with contacts from your Facebook list, and Skype, which allows calling standard phone numbers for acceptable fees.

For communication with local residents, the Viber application can be useful, which has a significant user base in Tunisia. It works similarly to WhatsApp and is often used by local businesses, tourist agencies, or taxi drivers.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data e-SIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services that offer more advantageous rates than traditional international calling.

Rebtel is among the most reliable services for international calling with competitive rates. It works via Wi-Fi or mobile data and provides quality connection. Calls to the US start at prices from $0.10 per minute, which is significantly less than standard international rates. Rebtel also offers the possibility to receive calls, which is useful during longer stays.

Google Voice represents another popular alternative, which provides an American phone number usable for calls and SMS. Calls to many countries are free or for very low fees. The disadvantage is that for registration, you need an American phone number, although there are methods to bypass this limitation.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM services are starting to offer packages that include, besides data, also traditional calls and SMS. These services work through local networks and allow you to make phone calls just like with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in some destinations including Tunisia. You can activate this service as an extension to your data package and thus gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive prices.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Tunisia

Summary

Traveling around Tunisia becomes much more comfortable thanks to eSIM technology. There's no need to look for physical SIM card vendors, deal with language barriers, or pay high roaming fees. You can arrange internet connection from home before departure and be fully online immediately after arrival.

In this guide, we've presented the most important eSIM providers and their services for Tunisia, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each of these providers offers specific advantages, and the optimal choice depends on the length of your stay, planned data usage, and personal preferences.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or an unlimited plan for demanding users working remotely or regularly streaming multimedia content.

For an affordable and reliable solution, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel. Their service works immediately after activation, customer support is prompt and easily accessible, and their pricing policy is among the most favorable on the market. Moreover, they don't limit connection speed, don't require installation of special applications, and allow purchasing additional data on an already activated eSIM.

For unlimited data connection, the best choice is Holafly, which is the only one offering truly unlimited data packages for Tunisia.

We recommend performing the installation and setup of eSIM before your trip. This ensures a trouble-free start and immediate connection upon arrival in Tunisia.

For the most accurate and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for Tunisia, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your requirements.