Stay Connected in South Sudan
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
South Sudan remains one of the most challenging places in Africa for mobile connectivity. The telecommunications infrastructure is still developing, with limited coverage concentrated mainly in Juba and a few other urban centers. Internet speeds tend to be slow by global standards, and service can be unreliable. Power outages frequently affect network availability, so you'll want to manage expectations here. Most travelers find connectivity frustrating compared to neighboring countries. That said, staying connected is possible if you plan ahead. The mobile networks that exist work well enough for messaging and basic browsing, though streaming or video calls might be pushing your luck. Given the infrastructure challenges, having a backup connectivity plan makes sense for anyone traveling here.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in South Sudan.
Network Coverage & Speed
South Sudan's mobile market is served primarily by MTN South Sudan and Zain South Sudan, with these two carriers providing most of the available coverage. MTN generally has the more extensive network, particularly outside Juba, though that's relative—coverage drops off quickly once you leave major towns. Network speeds hover around 3G in most areas where service exists, with occasional 4G availability in parts of Juba. Don't expect consistent high-speed data.
Coverage is genuinely limited to urban areas and main roads. If you're traveling to rural regions or conflict-affected areas, assume you'll have no signal for extended periods. Even in Juba, service can be patchy depending on which neighborhood you're in. The networks handle calls and SMS reasonably well, but data connectivity tends to be slow and prone to dropping out. Power infrastructure issues mean cell towers sometimes go offline, adding another layer of unreliability. Worth noting that international roaming agreements exist but are limited, and roaming charges from most carriers are eye-wateringly expensive.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM options for South Sudan are extremely limited at the moment, and this is one destination where the technology hasn't really caught up yet. Providers like Airalo don't currently offer South Sudan-specific eSIM plans, though regional African packages sometimes include connectivity that might work through roaming agreements—coverage would be spotty at best and not particularly reliable.
The honest reality is that eSIM isn't a practical primary solution for South Sudan right now. If you have an eSIM-capable device and find a regional plan, you could try it as a backup option, but don't count on it for your main connectivity. The infrastructure challenges that make local networks unreliable also limit eSIM viability. For travelers who've used eSIMs successfully elsewhere in Africa, South Sudan is unfortunately an exception where the local SIM card route is pretty much your only real option at present.
Local SIM Card
Getting a local SIM is your most reliable connectivity option in South Sudan. MTN and Zain both sell SIM cards, typically available at their branded shops in Juba—you'll find MTN outlets near the airport and in the city center. Prices are relatively affordable, usually around $5-10 for a SIM with starter credit included.
You'll need your passport for registration, as SIM card registration is required by law. The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the shop is and whether their systems are working properly that day. Staff generally speak English and can help you get set up. Data bundles run roughly $10-20 for a few gigabytes, though speeds mean you won't burn through data as quickly as you might elsewhere.
Buy your SIM in Juba if possible rather than waiting until you reach more remote areas where shops are scarce. Keep some cash on hand for top-ups—mobile money and scratch cards are the main recharge methods, and credit card payments aren't widely available.
Comparison
For South Sudan specifically, local SIM cards are really your only practical option. International roaming will technically work if your home carrier has agreements with MTN or Zain, but costs are prohibitive—think $10-15 per megabyte in some cases. eSIM options are essentially non-existent for this destination at present. The local SIM route is both cheaper and more reliable, giving you the best connectivity available in-country. It's a bit of hassle to sort out, but unavoidable given the limited alternatives.
Staying Safe on Public WiFi
Public WiFi in South Sudan is scarce but does exist in some hotels and international NGO compounds in Juba. When you do find it, security is a genuine concern—networks are often poorly configured and unencrypted. Given that many travelers here are accessing sensitive work information, banking apps, or booking confirmations with passport details, you're handling exactly the kind of data that makes you a worthwhile target on unsecured networks.
Using a VPN encrypts your connection and protects your data from interception, which is particularly important on networks where you have no idea who else might be connected or monitoring traffic. NordVPN works reliably for creating that secure tunnel between your device and the internet, even on slower connections. It's worth having installed before you arrive, since downloading and setting up security software on an unreliable South Sudan connection isn't ideal.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
When using hotel WiFi, airport networks, or cafe hotspots in South Sudan, your personal data and banking information can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your passwords, credit cards, and private communications safe from hackers on the same network.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Get a local MTN SIM card as soon as you arrive in Juba—it's straightforward enough and gives you the connectivity that's actually available here. eSIMs aren't viable for South Sudan yet, so this is one destination where you'll need to go old-school.
Budget travelers: The local SIM is your only affordable option anyway. Skip international roaming entirely unless you enjoy burning money. A $10-20 local SIM with data will serve you far better than any alternative.
Long-term stays: Definitely go local SIM from day one. You'll want MTN for the better coverage if you're moving around the country. Stock up on credit when you're in Juba since recharge options get limited elsewhere.
Business travelers: Local SIM is non-negotiable here—there's no premium alternative that offers better service. Get it sorted at the airport if possible so you're not dealing with it during your first day of meetings. Keep expectations realistic about connectivity for video calls or large file transfers.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in South Sudan.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers