Will I get cell phone service in Virunga national park?

Will I get cell phone service in Virunga national park? The major cellular phone providers in Democratic republic of Congo are Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo, Orange and Africell. Other cell phone companies in DR Congo include; U-Com, SemaTel, Supercell, and Congo Chine Telecoms. Yes, there is cell phone service in the whole of Virunga national park. In order to avoid likely high international roaming rates, we recommend international travelers to buy a Congolese SIM card on arrival to the country.

Buying a SIM card is very easy in DR Congo if you intend to have it during your tour to Virunga national park. Yes, you just need to have an unlocked phone and a passport with a valid visa; and this comes with a number of benefits:

A better and cheaper internet connection: You will enjoy cheap mobile internet connection and remain connected with your friends and families while in Virunga national park DR Congo. You can buy low-cost data bundles using a local SIM which makes you to avoid hefty roaming expenses. Look a gigabyte costs around a dollar, and it gets cheaper when you buy a bigger bundle. This will further save you from the hustle of connecting on weak WiFi network available in large hotels of Goma city and lodge around.

Low-cost calls and bundles: Local and international calls become significantly less expensive if you buy a local SIM card and if you intend to buy bundles to call other continents, the tariffs start from $1 for like 15 minutes.

Mobile money: This secure electronic wallet service linked to the SIM card allows you to keep and manage your money. Local kiosks are available around Goma and Gisenyi town where travelers can send, receive, deposit and withdraw funds from their account. With the money in your electronic wallet you can buy airtime, data and call bundles, as well as buying other goods and services from registered merchants.