🇹🇩 Chad Internet & SIM Cards — Connectivity Guide

The internet in Chad is limited, with slow speeds and a significant urban-rural divide, but it is possible to get a SIM card and access mobile data and WiFi in major cities like N'Djamena.

Internet Overview

The internet in Chad is characterized by slow speeds and limited availability, particularly in rural areas. The average internet speed is around 2 Mbps, which is one of the slowest in Africa. The urban-rural divide is significant, with major cities like N'Djamena having better internet access and speeds than rural areas. The reliability of the internet is also a concern, with frequent outages and disconnections. However, the government has been working to improve the internet infrastructure, and there are plans to increase the availability of high-speed internet in the country.

The internet quality in Chad is also affected by the lack of competition among internet service providers, which has led to high prices and poor services. However, there are some efforts to improve the internet quality, including the introduction of new technologies like 3G and 4G. Despite these efforts, the internet in Chad remains one of the most challenging in Africa, and users often have to rely on mobile networks and satellite internet to access the web.

Getting a SIM Card

Getting a SIM card in Chad is relatively easy, and there are several mobile network operators that offer tourist-friendly plans. The main carriers, Airtel, Tigo, and Moov, have shops and authorized dealers in major cities, where you can buy a SIM card and register for a plan. To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide a valid passport and a copy of your visa, if required. The cost of a SIM card is around 5 USD, and data plans start from around 10 USD per month for 1 GB of data.

The recommended carriers for tourists are Airtel and Tigo, which have the best coverage and speeds in the country. Airtel offers a tourist plan that includes 1 GB of data, 100 minutes of local calls, and 100 SMS for around 15 USD per month. Tigo also offers a similar plan that includes 1 GB of data, 100 minutes of local calls, and 100 SMS for around 15 USD per month.

WiFi Availability

• Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most hotels offering free WiFi to their guests.
• Cafe WiFi culture is not well developed in Chad, and it is rare to find cafes with free WiFi.
• Coworking spaces are limited, but there are a few in N'Djamena that offer reliable WiFi and other amenities.
• Public WiFi is not available in most parts of the country, and it is not recommended to use public WiFi due to security concerns.
• Some restaurants and bars may offer free WiFi, but the speeds are often slow and unreliable.

For Remote Workers

• Coworking spaces like Hub Africa and Chad Coworking offer reliable WiFi and other amenities like meeting rooms and printing services.
• Reliable cafe chains like Cafe de la Paix and Cafe du Lac offer good coffee and WiFi, but the speeds may be slow.
• Backup internet options like mobile hotspots and satellite internet are available, but they can be expensive and unreliable.
• VPNs are recommended to access blocked sites and to protect your data when using public WiFi.
• Some hotels and guesthouses offer coworking spaces and reliable WiFi, making them a good option for remote workers.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet censorship is a concern in Chad, and some sites may be blocked by the government.
• VPN services can help you access blocked sites and protect your data when using public WiFi.
• Roaming alternatives like purchasing a local SIM card or using a mobile hotspot can be cheaper and more reliable than roaming with your home carrier.
• eSIM options are not widely available in Chad, and it is recommended to purchase a physical SIM card.
• Be cautious when using public WiFi, as it may not be secure and may put your data at risk.
• Keep your devices and software up to date to protect yourself from cyber threats and malware.