What is an eSIM and how does it work in Tunisia?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that’s built directly into your phone, tablet, or laptop. Instead of inserting a physical SIM, you download a mobile data profile from a provider using a QR code or their app. This profile stores your connection details and automatically links your device to local Tunisie Telecom and Orange Tunisie networks. In Tunisia, that includes Tunisie Telecom and Orange Tunisie.
Once activated, your eSIM works just like a regular SIM card: it connects your device to the network, authenticates your data plan, and enables mobile internet access. The only difference is that everything happens digitally, allowing you to install, switch, or remove plans in just a few taps; no need to visit a store or handle plastic SIM cards.
For travellers and digital nomads, that means you can set up your eSIM before departure and go online the moment you arrive in Tunisia.
What’s better for Tunisia: an eSIM or a local SIM card?
An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected in Tunisia. You can purchase and install your plan before your trip, avoid the queues at airport kiosks, and connect to local Tunisie Telecom and Orange Tunisie networks as soon as you land. Most international eSIMs in Tunisia work with Tunisie Telecom and Orange Tunisie, providing reliable 4G and 5G coverage in cities, along the coast, and even in desert regions.
Advantages of using an eSIM in Tunisia
✅ Quick setup: install before you fly and activate on arrival
✅ Dual-network coverage for more consistent signal strength
✅ Manage data or top up easily in the provider’s app
✅ No ID verification or registration required
✅ Ideal for short or medium stays (7–30 days)
Local SIM cards from operators like Tunisie Telecom, Orange, or Ooredoo can sometimes offer slightly cheaper rates for long stays but often require passport registration and may be harder to find outside major cities.
For most travellers, an eSIM is the simpler and faster option, ensuring seamless data access throughout Tunisia, from Tunis to Djerba and beyond.
Best eSIMs for Tunisia in 2025: Ubigi vs Saily
The best eSIM for Tunisia depends on your travel style and data needs. Below is a comparison of two trusted providers, Ubigi and Saily, both offering strong nationwide coverage, easy app setup, and affordable data plans.
Ubigi Tunisia eSIM: reliable coverage and easy app management
Ubigi is a great option if you want dependable performance and a simple user experience. It connects to Tunisia’s top local networks, Tunisie Telecom and Orange Tunisie, ensuring strong 4G and 5G coverage across cities, beaches, and desert regions.
Why Ubigi is good for Tunisia:
- Dual-network connectivity for stable signal and fast speeds
- Instant QR-code activation before arrival
- Manage or top up directly in the Ubigi app, even without Wi-Fi
- Works across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and Windows laptops
- Global reusability in 200+ destinations
- Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first Ubigi plan
Saily is ideal for travellers who value security, flexibility, and great pricing. Plans start from just a few dollars and include privacy tools that help reduce tracking and ads.
Why choose Saily for Tunisia:
- Plans from 1 GB – 20 GB (7 or 30 days)
- Reliable 4G/5G coverage on Tunisia’s main networks
- Automatic activation via the Saily app when you arrive
- 24/7 in-app chat support
- Built-in ad blocker and virtual location tools for added privacy
- Earn 3–10 % credits for future top-ups
- Use code NOMADWISE5 for 5% off your Saily plan
Both providers are secure, traveller-friendly, and easy to set up. The best eSIM for your Tunisia trip depends on whether you value network reliability and app convenience (Ubigi) or affordability and privacy (Saily).
See more Tunisia eSIM providers in our directory.
How to choose the right eSIM for Tunisia
Choosing the right eSIM depends on your travel style, trip duration, and data habits. Here are a few quick tips to help you pick the best plan for your stay in Tunisia:
- Check your data needs: For light use such as maps, messages, and browsing, a 3–5 GB plan is usually enough. If you plan to work remotely, join video calls, or stream content, choose a larger data package (10 GB or more) to avoid interruptions.
- Match your plan to your trip length: Short holidays or business trips under 10 days work best with smaller data packs, while longer stays are more convenient with 30-day plans.
- Verify device compatibility: Most recent phones, including iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy models, support eSIM. You can confirm this in your settings under Mobile Network → Add eSIM before buying.
- Check coverage areas: Expect strong 4G and 5G coverage in Tunis, Sousse, Hammamet, Djerba, and Tozeur. In more remote desert areas, speeds may vary, so consider downloading maps or key travel info in advance.
- Look for good support and clear setup: Pick a provider with an easy activation process and helpful support. Both Ubigi and Saily offer simple in-app guidance and live help if you need assistance while travelling.
Taking a few minutes to compare plan sizes, coverage, and features before your trip will ensure smooth connectivity across Tunisia, from historic towns to the Sahara dunes.
How to set up your eSIM in Tunisia
You can install and activate your eSIM for Tunisia in just a few minutes. Here’s how:
1. Check compatibility: Ensure your phone supports eSIM. Most recent iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy models do. You can verify this under Settings → Mobile Network → Add eSIM before purchasing.
2. Choose your plan: Select an eSIM provider with reliable coverage in Tunisia, such as Ubigi or Saily. Pick a plan that fits your trip duration and expected data usage.
3. Install the eSIM: After checkout, you’ll receive a QR code or in-app installation option. Scan the code or follow the app instructions to download the eSIM profile to your device.
4. Activate on arrival: When you land in Tunisia, switch on your eSIM line and enable data roaming. Most plans will activate automatically once your phone connects to Tunisie Telecom or Orange Tunisie.
5. Test your connection:
Open your browser or map app to confirm data is working. If it doesn’t connect right away, restart your device or check the APN settings provided by your eSIM provider.
💡 Tip: Rename your eSIM profile (for example, “Tunisia – Ubigi”) to easily manage multiple data plans while travelling.
Final recommendation: best eSIM for Tunisia in 2025
Staying connected in Tunisia is simple with international eSIMs. They give you instant access to fast local Tunisie Telecom and Orange Tunisie networks without the paperwork or waiting times of a physical SIM card. Whether you’re working remotely from a café in Tunis, exploring the ancient ruins of Carthage, or relaxing on the beaches of Djerba, an eSIM keeps you online from the moment you land.
- Choose Ubigi if you want reliable coverage on both Tunisie Telecom and Orange Tunisie, an easy-to-use app for top-ups, and secure connections across multiple devices. Use the code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first purchase.
- Choose Saily if you prefer an affordable, privacy-focused eSIM with flexible plans and 24/7 in-app support for short or medium stays. Use the code NOMADWISE5 for 5% off.
Both make staying connected in Tunisia simple, secure, and completely hassle-free.
