Stay Connected in Lome
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Staying connected in Lomé has improved significantly in recent years, though the experience can vary depending on your location and needs. Togo's capital offers decent 3G and 4G coverage in urban areas, with major carriers providing reasonable data speeds for most travelers. The city center, hotels, and business districts generally have reliable connectivity, while some residential areas may experience slower speeds. Internet cafes are still common but becoming less necessary as mobile data becomes more accessible. For travelers, the main decision comes down to convenience versus cost - you can get connected quickly with an eSIM before arrival, or save money by purchasing a local SIM card once you're in the city. WiFi is available at most hotels and many restaurants, but having your own mobile data connection gives you much more freedom to navigate and stay connected while exploring Lomé.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Lome.
Network Coverage & Speed
Lomé's mobile network is primarily served by three major carriers: Togocel (the national operator), Moov Togo, and Moov Africa. Coverage is generally good throughout the city center, around the port area, and in major commercial districts like the Grand Marché. 4G LTE is available but coverage can be patchy - you'll often find yourself switching between 3G and 4G depending on your exact location. Data speeds typically range from 5-25 Mbps on 4G networks, which is adequate for most travel needs including maps, messaging, and social media. The network tends to be more reliable during off-peak hours, with some congestion during busy periods. Coastal areas near the Atlantic generally have better coverage than inland residential neighborhoods. Power outages can occasionally affect cell towers, though this is less common in central Lomé. The infrastructure continues to improve, with carriers investing in network expansion and upgraded equipment. Voice call quality is generally reliable across all networks, and SMS services work consistently throughout the city.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is becoming increasingly practical for Lomé, offering immediate connectivity without the hassle of finding SIM card vendors or dealing with activation processes in French. You can purchase and activate your eSIM before departure through providers like Airalo, ensuring you're connected the moment you land. This is particularly valuable in Lomé where legitimate SIM card vendors can be hard to identify at the airport, and language barriers may complicate the purchase process. eSIM plans typically cost $10-25 for 1-7GB of data, which covers most short-term visits. The main advantage is convenience and security - you avoid potential overcharging by airport vendors and don't need to provide passport copies to unknown sellers. However, eSIM data rates are generally higher per GB compared to local options, and your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked. For stays under two weeks, the convenience factor usually outweighs the cost difference, especially when you factor in time saved and peace of mind.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards in Lomé offer the best value for data, with 1GB typically costing 1,000-2,000 CFA francs ($1.50-3.00). You can purchase SIMs at the airport, though prices there are inflated - better deals are found at official carrier stores in the city center or authorized dealers throughout Lomé. You'll need your passport for registration, and the activation process usually takes 15-30 minutes. Togocel tends to have the widest coverage, while Moov offers competitive data packages. Top-up cards are widely available at small shops, gas stations, and street vendors. The main challenge is communication - staff may have limited English, and understanding plan details can be difficult. There's also the risk of buying from unauthorized dealers who might sell inactive or problematic SIM cards. For budget-conscious travelers staying longer than a month, local SIMs provide significant savings. However, for shorter visits, the time investment and potential complications often aren't worth the cost savings unless you're on an extremely tight budget.
Comparison
For most travelers, eSIM offers the best balance of convenience and reliability, despite costing 2-3x more than local SIMs. International roaming is expensive and often unreliable in Lomé, making it suitable only for emergency use. Local SIMs provide the cheapest data rates but require time, language skills, and carry risks of overcharging or fraud. eSIM eliminates these hassles while providing immediate, guaranteed connectivity. The cost difference - perhaps $15-20 extra for a week's data - is usually worthwhile when you consider the time saved and stress avoided.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors should definitely go with eSIM through providers like Airalo. You'll avoid airport SIM vendor hassles, language barriers, and potential scams while ensuring immediate connectivity for maps and communication. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind and convenience. Budget travelers on extremely tight budgets can save money with local SIMs, but factor in the time cost and potential complications - for most budget-conscious travelers, eSIM's convenience justifies the modest price premium. Long-term stays (1+ months) should consider local SIMs for better rates and unlimited data options, but start with an eSIM for your first week while you get oriented and find reliable local vendors. Business travelers should absolutely use eSIM - immediate connectivity is essential, and the time saved is worth far more than the cost difference. The reliability and professional setup process make eSIM the only sensible choice for business needs.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Lome.
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