Does the network also work in nature reserves such as Andasibe or the Tsingy de Bemaraha?

In the most remote nature reserves coverage is very limited or absent. Andasibe, being relatively close to the capital, may have a sporadic 4G signal, but in the Tsingy de Bemaraha or in the Kirindy forest the signal is almost non-existent. We recommend downloading offline maps before leaving the main cities.

Can I use the eSIM in Nosy Be and on the smaller islands too?

Yes, Nosy Be is one of the areas with the most reliable coverage in the country, thanks to its strong tourist presence. Orange Madagascar and Airtel guarantee a 4G signal in most areas of the island. For the surrounding smaller islands, such as Nosy Komba, the situation varies: there is a signal but it can be unstable.

Do I need an electrical adapter in Madagascar?

Madagascar mainly uses Type C sockets, compatible with standard Italian two-round-pin plugs. In most hotels and lodges you will not need an adapter. However, in some older properties you may come across Type D, J or K sockets: bring a universal adapter just in case.

Does roaming with my Italian SIM work in Madagascar?

Madagascar is not among the areas covered by free European roaming ('roam like at home'). Using your Italian SIM means potentially very high roaming costs, often more than €20–30 per day for data. A dedicated Datiovunque eSIM is almost certainly the cheapest and most practical choice.

When is the best time to visit Madagascar and does the connection change with the season?

The best season runs from April to November, with dry weather and more passable roads. During the rainy season (December-March), some areas of the island become inaccessible and infrastructure, including the mobile network, can suffer. Planning the trip in the dry season also means a generally more stable connection.

How much does an eSIM for Madagascar cost?

eSIM plans for Madagascar start from €11.51. You pay once for the amount of data you choose — no subscription, no monthly fees and no hidden roaming charges. Plans with more data or longer validity cost more.

Can I keep my Italian number with the eSIM in Madagascar?

Yes. Your Italian SIM and number stay active — the travel eSIM works alongside it as a data-only line. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or Wi-Fi while you use the local network to browse. Traditional calls and SMS still go through your Italian number.

Should I activate the eSIM before or after I leave?

Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, before you leave. The data plan then activates automatically when you connect in Madagascar. That way you are online as soon as you arrive, without looking for airport Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM.

Can I top up or renew the plan for Madagascar?

Yes. When the data runs out or the validity expires, just buy a new plan — the eSIM profile already installed is kept and does not need to be installed again. You stay connected without interruption.

Can I share the connection (hotspot) in Madagascar?

Yes. You can share the connection in Madagascar through a personal hotspot with a computer, tablet or other devices. Shared data is deducted from your plan, so allow a few extra gigabytes if you expect to use the hotspot often.

How many GB do I need for Madagascar?

For a normal trip, 1–3 GB a week is enough for maps, messages and occasional browsing. With social media and photo sharing allow about 5 GB; for streaming, video calls or a hotspot count on 10 GB or more. If the volume is not enough, you can buy an additional plan at any time.

Is the eSIM compatible with my phone?

The eSIM works with all compatible devices — including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. The phone must also be free of operator locks (not blocked). You can check compatibility in the settings under "Mobile data", or by dialling *#06# to see whether an EID code is shown.

eSIM plans for Madagascar

Instant delivery

Your eSIM for Madagascar is available from €11.51 and active straight away: in Madagascar it connects to the Airtel Madagascar, Orange Madagascar, Telma (Yas) networks (4G/LTE, 5G where available), coverage 45%. Install it by QR code before you leave — no roaming and no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day returns
Support in Italian
Visa · Mastercard · PayPal (including Pay in 3) · Apple Pay · Google Pay · Satispay

eSIM for Madagascar — at a glance

From: €11.51
Local networks: Airtel Madagascar, Orange Madagascar, Telma (Yas)
Technology: 4G/LTE
Network coverage: 45%
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Recommended data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for Madagascar

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€12.63
Unlimited	3 days	€35.22
Unlimited	5 days	€57.81
Unlimited	7 days	€80.41
Unlimited	10 days	€114.28
Unlimited	15 days	€170.76
1 GB	7 days	€11.51
2 GB	15 days	€20.53
3 GB	30 days	€28.45
5 GB	30 days	€43.70
10 GB	30 days	€69.11
20 GB	30 days	€114.28

Madagascar is a world apart: an island-continent where baobabs stand out like thousand-year-old sculptures, lemurs watch you from the trees and rainforests hide species that exist nowhere else on the planet. Getting around here means immersing yourself in wild landscapes, crossing dirt roads towards isolated reserves and handling complex logistics without always finding a currency exchange office or a phone operator nearby. Having a stable data connection is not a tourist whim — it is the way to find the right accommodation inland, check ferry times to Nosy Be or call a local guide at the last minute. With a Datiovunque eSIM activated before leaving Rome, your phone is ready as soon as you touch down in Antananarivo.

Flight from Rome

About 11–14 hours (always with one or two stopovers, usually via Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Paris)

Time zone

UTC+3 (2 hours ahead of Rome in summer, 2 hours ahead in winter)

Best season

April–November (dry season, passable roads and mild weather)

Power socket

Mainly Type C — generally compatible with Italian two-pin plugs

Why an eSIM is essential in Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the most adventurous destinations in the Indian Ocean, but its tourist infrastructure is still developing. Finding a local prepaid SIM in Antananarivo is possible, but it involves long waits at counters, forms in Malagasy-French and sometimes requests for additional documents. Outside the capital, the chances of buying a physical SIM thin out quickly. With an eSIM all of this is eliminated at the root: it is activated from home in a few minutes, even before boarding the plane. The 4G/LTE coverage of the main operators — Airtel Madagascar and Orange Madagascar — is concentrated mostly in urban areas and along the busiest coastal corridors, including Nosy Be, Toamasina and Mahajanga. In the most remote nature reserves the signal may be poor or absent, but having data where the network is available means being able to plan later stops, download offline maps and stay in touch with Rome, which in summer is 2 hours behind Madagascar.

Network coverage in Madagascar

Operator

Airtel Madagascar

+ Orange Madagascar

Technology

4G/LTE

Coverage

45%

Installing an eSIM for Madagascar: how does it work?

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Madagascar and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Madagascar and get online straight away.

1
Buy the plan
Choose the right data plan for Madagascar and complete your purchase.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email that holds the QR code and point your smartphone's camera at it.
3
Activate the eSIM
Follow your device's instructions to add the eSIM as a data plan.
4
Start browsing
Turn the eSIM on once you land in Madagascar and get online straight away.

Which eSIM plan fits you best?

Holidaymakers

Going away for 1-2 weeks? Pick a plan with 3-5 GB for maps, photos and messages.

Business travellers

For video conferencing and email while travelling, we suggest at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpackers

A longer trip is better served by 10+ GB, or by a regional plan that spans multiple countries.

Families

For families with several devices we recommend a plan with tethering support and enough data.

Which suits Madagascar best: an eSIM, a local SIM or a Wi-Fi hotspot?

	eSIM	Local SIM	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Bought locally	Pick-up/delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €11.51	€5–30	€5–15/day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up at any time	Fixed data allowance	Daily rental
Recommended	Ideal for travellers	For long stays	For groups/families

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