Buying a SIM Card at Entebbe Airport (Uganda)
Landing in Uganda and wondering if you can buy a SIM card at Entebbe Airport? The answer is yes, and it is actually the easiest way to get connected as soon as you arrive.
At Entebbe International Airport you will find official Airtel and MTN shops where you can buy a prepaid SIM card for Uganda, register it with your passport and get mobile data on the spot. The whole process is straightforward, but knowing exactly where to go will save you time and confusion.
From my own experience arriving in Uganda multiple times, buying a SIM card at the airport is by far the most convenient option. It avoids the hassle of finding an official store in the city and dealing with the sometimes slow registration process later. If you want the full countrywide comparison, check my guide on the best prepaid SIM card in Uganda.
If you are still planning your trip, have a look at my Uganda itinerary and my tips for traveling to Uganda. And if gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, this is my guide for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
In this guide I will show you exactly where to buy a SIM card at Entebbe Airport, what it costs and which network to choose based on real travel experience.
Last updated: March 2026.
📍 Quick Recommendation
- ✈️ Buy at Entebbe Airport: easiest and most convenient on arrival
- 📶 Best SIM card: Airtel - strong performance and great value
- 🌐 Alternative: MTN - biggest network with reliable coverage
- 💰 Price: around 10 to 12 GB for ~$8 USD
- 🛂 Registration: done on the spot with your passport
- 📱 eSIM: instant connection: check out my complete Uganda eSIM guide
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on independent research and personal experience.
Arrival at Entebbe Airport
Entebbe Airport is the main international hub for traveling to Uganda. It is a fairly small airport and very easy to navigate, which makes it a great place to get connected right after landing.
After you get out of the plane you are guided to immigration. Several times I have experienced that there will be an immigration officer checking everyone's yellow fever vaccination, but not every time.
After you pass through immigration you will directly go through a bag check and a metal detector, only for your hand luggage.
If you carry a drone it will be confiscated. It happened to me, but I got it back when I left the country.
Then you get to the baggage claim hall to pick up your checked luggage before you walk into a small arrival hall where you will find SIM card shops, ATMs and transport options to continue your journey.
Entebbe itself is a laid-back town on Lake Victoria about 45 kilometer south of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. If you have some time, I recommend visiting Aero Beach, a unique plane graveyard right next to the airport.
If you are heading straight to the capital after landing, check out my guide with the best things to do in Kampala. From local markets to nightlife and cultural spots, Kampala is a great place to start your Uganda adventure.
Where to buy a SIM card at Entebbe Airport
As soon as you walk into the arrival hall you will see a Tourist Information desk right in front of you. On your right hand side you will see several ATMs and a yellow sign saying MTN shop.
MTN is one of the main mobile operators in Uganda, however at this particular kiosk they do not sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists. SIM card registration is only possible at official service counters, which can be a bit confusing if you don’t know what to look for.
Just behind the information desk in the direction of the restaurant there is an Airtel/MTN shop on your left hand side and this is where you can buy a SIM card at Entebbe Airport.
This SIM card and Money Transfer shop is supposed to be open 24 hours. If for some reason no one is there, don’t worry as there is another place to buy a SIM card at Entebbe Airport.
Just 50 meters on your left hand side when you leave the airport building (still within the gates) there are several kiosks that sell prepaid SIM cards for Uganda, including Airtel and MTN.
The kiosks are very colorful and easy to spot, so you can’t really miss them.
In the picture above you see what to expect when looking for the sim card kiosks. However, nowadays the Africell shop is not there anymore as they ceased all operations in Uganda.
For the best directions watch my vlog about buying a SIM card at Entebbe Airport below.
Tip: if you are unsure which SIM card to choose, go for Airtel. Based on my experience traveling around Uganda, Airtel often had a more stable connection in remote areas like Bwindi and national parks. MTN is also a very good option, especially in cities and along main travel routes.
There are also international SIM cards for travelers that work in Uganda, but they are more expensive compared to buying a local SIM card.
Prices of SIM cards at Entebbe Airport
Prices for prepaid SIM cards at Entebbe Airport are very similar to those in the city, so there is no real downside to buying your SIM card on arrival.
Here are some of the relevant tourist SIM card packages available.
Airtel Uganda
- 12 GB for 30 days - 30,000 UGX (~$8 USD)
- 22 GB for 30 days - 50,000 UGX (~$13.50 USD)
MTN Uganda
- 10 GB tourist bundle - 30,000 UGX (~$8 USD)
- 30 GB for 30 days - 85,000 UGX (~$23 USD)
SIM cards themselves are cheap or often free when you buy a data bundle.
Good to know: there are sometimes small differences in pricing depending on promotions, but in general you are not paying more at the airport compared to official stores in Kampala.
SIM card registration at Entebbe Airport
When buying a SIM card at Entebbe Airport, your SIM card will be registered on your name. This is a mandatory process in Uganda and there is no way around it.
- You need your passport
- Your fingerprint will be scanned
- A photo is taken of you holding the SIM card
- Your SIM card is activated on the spot
The registration process is handled by the staff at the airport shops and is usually straightforward.
In most cases the whole process takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy it is when you arrive.
Tip: always insert the SIM card in your phone and test your mobile data before leaving the shop to make sure everything is working properly.
What is the best SIM card at Entebbe Airport
At Entebbe Airport you will mainly find two options: Airtel Uganda and MTN Uganda. Both offer reliable 4G coverage and are easy to buy on arrival.
In cities and along main travel routes there is little difference between the two. Both networks perform well and will keep you connected throughout most of your trip.
From my own experience traveling around Uganda, Airtel had a slight edge in remote areas. Especially in places like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Airtel provided a more stable connection compared to MTN.
Conclusion: if you want the best overall performance and value for money, go for an Airtel SIM card at Entebbe Airport.
MTN is a very solid alternative and works well across the country, especially in cities and along major routes.
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Best eSIM for Uganda at Entebbe Airport
If you want to be connected immediately after landing and skip the SIM card registration process, then an eSIM for Uganda is the easiest solution.
With an eSIM you can install your data plan before your trip and start using mobile internet as soon as the plane lands. This is especially useful if you arrive late at night or simply want a hassle-free start to your journey.
- Instant connection on arrival
- No passport registration required
- Works on the Airtel or MTN network
The downside is that eSIMs are significantly more expensive than local prepaid SIM cards at Entebbe Airport.
Traveltomtom recommends Airalo eSIMs for Uganda, Nomad is a great alternative.
Conclusion: an eSIM is perfect for convenience and instant connection, but if you want the best value for money, buying a local SIM card at Entebbe Airport is the better option.
Buying a SIM card at Entebbe Airport is quick, easy and the best way to get connected as soon as you arrive in Uganda. With official Airtel and MTN shops available on arrival, there is no real reason to wait until you reach the city.
If you want the best balance between performance and price, go for Airtel. If you prefer convenience or arrive late at night, an eSIM is a great backup option to stay connected instantly.
For more Uganda travel tips have a look at my Instagram @traveltomtom and get inspired to explore more of The Pearl of Africa.
Enjoy your trip to Uganda and safe travels!