Kigali - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I used a local provider because I used mobile money a lot. MTN is a good provider - Oct 2023
I got a local SIM card and paid for local minutes and air time. It’s so cheap compared to US plans. - Jan 2022
Local SIM cards and plans are easy to set up. You can also use GoogleFi. The local MTN network is super cheap, a few dollars a month or so. - Jul 2020
Both companies (MTN and Airtel/Tigo) are pretty good, especiallly considering being a hilly landlocked country. The 4G LTE coverage of bothuses the same Korean-built towers. Very cheap service options available if you are on a budget. - Sep 2019
MTN is the largest provider. There is also TIGO, and some other options. - Jun 2018
MTN is the best local provider. Not too expensive; bring an unlocked phone, buy a sim card, and load your phone as you need it from street vendors. - Dec 2017
Most people bring an unlocked phone and buy a local sim card. There are a variety of options depending on how much data you want. My only complaint is that you have to go into the office each month (or week) to renew the plan. It's basically pay as you go. - Jan 2017
Bring one that is unlocked. - Apr 2016
Generally fairly easy to get and cheap. To call the U.S. is usually about 10 cents/minute. - Oct 2014
There are two cell phone companies TIGO and MTN. You can bring an unlocked phone. Phones are expensive here so better to bring one from the states. - Jul 2014
Readily available. - Sep 2013
Cell phone service is reliable and inexpensive. It is very easy to buy a SIM card and airtime. MTN, Tigo, and Airtel all have footholds in the Rwandan market. - May 2012
Get a cell phone. Pre-paid minutes are cheap and this is very much a text messaging country. - Apr 2012
Cell phones are the norm here. You can obtain a cell phone easily. - Jul 2011
Hopefully you get issued one. BlackBerry's aren't a top of the line item in country yet. - Oct 2010
Cell phones are reliable and readily available. There are three phone companies, MTN and Tigo are pay as you go and Rwandatell offers packages. I am very happy with my MTN phone. - Jan 2010
Get prepaid phone if your work does not provide you on. Billed service can be expensive and getting the deposit back at the end of your stay can take a while. - Sep 2008
Cell phones can be purchased in Rwanda and/or you can import them. Landlines for the most part are limited to governmental agencies. - Aug 2008
