Zambia offers around 160 travel eSIM providers and more than 4, 200 prepaid data plans. With such a wide selection, travelers will easily find a plan that meets their needs.

Are there any unlimited data eSIM plans available for Zambia?

Unlimited data eSIM plans for Zambia are available from several providers. Truely offers plans that run for 1 to 30 days at prices ranging from about $6.32 to $151.07 USD, with a 5G network and tethering permitted; speed may be throttled at times. Roamify provides similar 1‑to‑30‑day options, with pricing between roughly $9.80 and $268.29 USD, using a 5G network and also allowing tethering, though the data may be throttled after certain thresholds. Yesim supplies 1‑day unlimited plans priced between $27.36 and $50.17 USD, also on 5G with tethering allowed and possible throttling. In summary, the available unlimited data eSIM plans for Zambia range from as low as $6.32 to as high as $268.29 USD, all of which allow tethering but may experience speed throttling after a certain amount of usage.

What are the major mobile networks available for a travel eSIM in Zambia?

Zambia's mobile telecommunications sector is served by several major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs):

MTN Zambia: A subsidiary of the South African-based MTN Group, offering a comprehensive range of mobile services, including 2G, 3G, and 4G data services.
Airtel Zambia: Part of the Indian multinational Bharti Airtel, providing extensive mobile services such as 2G, 3G, and 4G data services.
Zamtel: A state-owned telecommunications company offering various mobile services, including 2G, 3G, and 4G data services.
ZedMobile: Launched in December 2022 by Beeline Telecoms, ZedMobile is a Zambian-owned operator aiming to expand its network coverage and services.

Zambia does not have Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs); therefore, all mobile services are provided directly by these MNOs.

Can I get a travel eSIM with a phone number and SMS for Zambia?

Travel eSIM plans that include a phone number and SMS support are available for Zambia from several providers. The cheapest options start around $6.00 for 1 GB 7‑day plans, with prices ranging up to roughly $90 for 20 GB 365‑day packages. Providers offering such plans include GlobaleSIM, JamboSim, ESIM.DOG, Esimtofly, LinkeSIM and EtravelSIM. All these plans support voice calls (inbound and/or outbound) and SMS messaging, and many allow tethering and 5G connectivity where available.

The phone numbers supplied by these eSIMs use foreign dialing codes: +1 (the United States) for GlobaleSIM, JamboSim and ESIM.DOG, and +33 (France) for Esimtofly, LinkeSIM and EtravelSIM. Consequently, the numbers are not local Zambia (+260) numbers; travelers will receive international numbers that can receive calls and texts but will not appear as local Zambia numbers. The plans do provide inbound and outbound voice and SMS capabilities, so you can communicate with local contacts in Zambia using these numbers, although you may incur international rates for incoming or outgoing traffic depending on the provider’s terms.

Summarized by AI, Last updated: Jul 22, 2026