Verified Facts
The internet in Ivory Coast is relatively well-developed, with a growing number of users and improving infrastructure, making it possible for tourists and remote workers to stay connected during their stay.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet quality in Ivory Coast is generally good, especially in urban areas such as Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, where fiber optic connections and 4G networks are widely available. However, the urban-rural divide is still significant, with rural areas often experiencing slower speeds and less reliable connections. The internet infrastructure in Ivory Coast has been improving in recent years, with investments in undersea cables and cellular networks, but outages and slow speeds can still occur, especially during peak hours or in areas with high demand.
Despite these challenges, the internet has become an essential tool for many Ivorians, with a growing number of users accessing the internet for education, entertainment, and business purposes. The government has also launched initiatives to improve internet access and affordability, including the development of community networks and public WiFi hotspots. However, more needs to be done to address the urban-rural divide and ensure that all citizens have access to reliable and affordable internet services.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Ivory Coast, tourists can visit the offices of one of the main carriers, such as MTN, Orange, or Moov, and provide a valid passport and proof of address. The SIM card cost is approximately 5 USD, and data plans are available for as low as 1 USD per day. It is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a authorized dealer or carrier office to avoid any issues with activation or coverage. The documents needed to buy a SIM card include a valid passport, proof of address, and a completed registration form.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | Prepaid | 1 GB | 5 | Valid for 7 days |
| Orange | Internet Package | 2 GB | 10 | Valid for 30 days |
| Moov | Data Plan | 500 MB | 2 | Valid for 1 day |
| YooMee | Tourist SIM | 5 GB | 20 | Valid for 30 days |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with many hotels offering free WiFi to their guests
- Cafe WiFi culture is growing, with many cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi to customers
- Coworking spaces are available in major cities, offering high-speed internet and shared office space
- Public WiFi is available in some areas, such as airports and shopping malls
- Many restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi to customers
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces such as Hub Africa and Workstation offer high-speed internet and shared office space
- Reliable cafe chains such as Cafe Paul and Cafe Noir offer free WiFi and a comfortable working space
- Backup internet options such as mobile hotspots and portable WiFi routers are available for purchase or rent
- VPNs are recommended to ensure online security and access to blocked sites
- Many hotels and guesthouses also offer dedicated workspaces and high-speed internet for remote workers
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is not a major issue in Ivory Coast, but some sites may be blocked for security reasons
- VPN use is recommended to ensure online security and access to blocked sites
- Roaming alternatives such as eSIM and portable WiFi routers are available for purchase or rent
- Public WiFi should be used with caution, as it may not be secure
- Regular backups of important data are recommended to prevent data loss in case of outages or internet disruptions
- Power outages can occur, so it is recommended to have a backup power source and a portable charger for your devices