So, you’re planning a trip to Africa, but you’re not sure if you can use your cell phone. This isn’t a simple yes or no question—there are many factors involved in whether or not you can get cell phone coverage.
Firstly, you must make sure with your cell phone service provider that your plan covers international calling and that you have a phone that is compatible with international calling. Many of the older phones cannot call internationally so it is essential that you check.
As for the international calling plan, we recommend either calling your cell phone coverage provider or visiting them in person (Verizon, AT&T, etc.). Below are some important questions to ask them:
- Is my phone compatible with international calling?
- How can I ensure I don’t end up with a huge bill?
- What are the costs per minute for making and taking phone calls? How much is it to receive and send a text message?
- How do I make a phone call while in Africa? (NOTE: The outgoing international code is 00 for the United States)
- What are the data charges while I’m abroad?
NOTE: To prevent roaming charges, leave your cell phone on airplane mode at all times unless you are making a phone call. If the camp, lodge, or hotel you are staying at has Wi-Fi (which most do), you can sign into Wi-Fi while you are still in airplane mode and still send text messages and use messaging apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber. If you plan on using one of these messaging apps, make sure that the recipient also has the app on their phone (they cannot receive your messages on these platforms unless they too have the app).
There are also options for renting a cell or satellite phone specifically for your African safari vacation. Inquire with your African safari specialist / travel agent to have them assist you in rentals.
It’s also important to note that if you need to get in touch with family while in the African bush, a satellite phone is your best option as cell phone coverage is extremely scarce. And then if there is an emergency and you do not have a cell or satellite phone, you are welcome to use the satellite phone at the camp, lodge, or hotel you are staying at, but rates will apply.
Once you have activated your international calling plan, you can make phone calls during your trip to Africa. There is actually pretty good network coverage in major cities and most of South Africa, Northern Tanzania, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya (in the areas that clients typically travel in). With the exception of urban centers, the coverage is not very good and even nonexistent in some areas in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, and Southern Tanzania.
