Mobile Phones and Internet in The Gambia
Mobile phones are widely used throughout The Gambia, with prepaid SIM cards and mobile data being the most common ways to stay connected. This guide explains local mobile networks, internet access, the +220 country code, the new nine-digit numbering system, SIM cards, mobile data, Wi-Fi and practical considerations for visitors. At the end of 2025, The Gambia had an estimated 3.19 million active cellular connections, equivalent to about 112% of the population. This does not mean every person owns a phone: many people use more than one SIM card or mobile connection. An estimated 1.30 million people were using the internet, representing approximately 45.9% of the population.
Step by step
- 1. Check whether your phone is unlocked Before travelling, check that your phone can accept a SIM or eSIM from another mobile operator. An unlocked smartphone is generally the easiest option for visitors who want to use a Gambian mobile network.
- 2. Understand The Gambia's country code The international calling code for The Gambia is: +220 When giving a Gambian telephone number to someone outside the country, include +220 before the national number.
- 3. Be aware of the new nine-digit mobile numbers The Gambia began transitioning mobile telephone numbers from seven digits to nine digits on 4 September 2026. The change currently applies to Africell, QCell and Comium, while Gamcel was not included in this phase. The existing seven-digit telephone number remains the same, but a two-digit network identifier is added to the beginning: Africell: add 87 before the existing number. QCell: add 83 before the existing number. Comium: add 86 before the existing number. For example, an Africell number previously written as 7677033 would now be written as 877677033. When calling from outside The Gambia, add the country's international code +220 before the new nine-digit number. Because this change is recent, visitors may still encounter older seven-digit numbers on websites, business cards, signs and other printed materials.
- 4. Choose a mobile network The Gambia has several mobile network operators, giving visitors a choice of providers depending on their location, data needs and length of stay. The main mobile operators are: Africell — the country's largest operator by active mobile subscriptions according to PURA's 2024 figures. QCell — another major operator providing mobile voice and data services, including 3G+, 4G+ and 5G services in supported areas. Comium — provides mobile voice and data services and remains one of the established operators in the Gambian telecommunications market. Gamcel — The Gambia's national mobile operator, also providing prepaid voice and data services. According to PURA's 2024 Annual Report, The Gambia had approximately 3.48 million active mobile subscriptions across these four operators. Africell accounted for about 1.94 million, QCell 873,000, Comium 616,000, and Gamcel approximately 52,500. These figures represent active subscriptions, not individual users. It is common for one person to have more than one SIM card or mobile connection. Visitors should compare current coverage, data packages, prices and validity periods directly with the operators before choosing a network, as these can change over time.
- 5. Buy a SIM card Prepaid mobile service is common in The Gambia. Visitors who want a local number can purchase a SIM from an authorised operator outlet or dealer. Take your passport or other accepted identification with you when obtaining a SIM, and follow the operator's current registration requirements. Avoid purchasing an already-registered SIM from an unknown individual.
- 6. Purchase mobile data Mobile data is widely used for everyday internet access. Operators sell data bundles covering different amounts of data and periods of validity. For example, QCell advertises mobile services including 3G+, 4G+ and 5G, as well as fibre and fixed broadband products. Qcell Gamcel also publishes prepaid data subscription and bundle options. Gamcel Because packages and prices change regularly, this website should not publish a fixed list of data prices. Visitors should check the operator directly for current offers.
- 7. Use Wi-Fi where available Many hotels, offices, restaurants and other establishments in the Greater Banjul Area provide Wi-Fi. However, connection quality can vary considerably between establishments and locations. Travellers who depend on internet access for work may therefore wish to maintain a local mobile-data connection as a backup.
- 8. Prepare for travel outside the main urban area Mobile coverage is available beyond the Greater Banjul Area, but the quality and speed of data service may vary by network and location. If travelling extensively around the country, particularly to rural communities, download important documents, maps, accommodation details and contact information before departure.
- 9. Use internet calling and messaging WhatsApp and other internet-based communication services are commonly practical ways of communicating when mobile data or Wi-Fi is available. Visitors staying for an extended period may therefore find a local SIM and data bundle particularly useful.
- 10. Protect your phone and personal information Use normal precautions when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Avoid conducting sensitive financial transactions over unsecured networks where possible, use strong passwords or biometric security, and keep your phone's operating system updated. If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your mobile operator promptly to ask about blocking the SIM and protecting the account.
Staying connected in The Gambia
Mobile communication forms an important part of everyday life in The Gambia. Phones are used not only for calls and messages but increasingly for internet access, business communication, social media and digital financial services.
The number of cellular connections is consequently higher than the country’s population because individuals may maintain multiple SIM cards or connections. At the end of 2025, there were approximately 3.19 million cellular connections, compared with an estimated 1.30 million individual internet users.
The telecommunications market is competitive, and PURA describes it as a fully liberalised market, with operators competing in areas including calls, data and other telecommunications services.
For visitors, the practical approach is simple: bring an unlocked phone, obtain a properly registered SIM if needed, purchase a suitable data bundle and keep important information available offline when travelling beyond your normal coverage area.
Important note
Mobile numbering, data packages, tariffs and network services can change. Visitors should confirm current information directly with the relevant operator or PURA before relying on specific prices, prefixes or service availability.
Questions and answers
What is The Gambia's international calling code?
The country code is +220.
Can I use my foreign phone in The Gambia?
Usually, provided the handset is compatible with the available networks and is not locked to your home operator. International roaming may also be available, depending on your provider.
Should I use roaming or buy a Gambian SIM?
For a short visit, roaming may be convenient. Visitors expecting significant data use may prefer to compare their roaming charges with local prepaid options.
Why do some Gambian numbers have seven digits while others now have nine?
The Gambia began migrating Africell, QCell and Comium mobile numbers to a nine-digit system on 4 September 2026. Gamcel was not affected during this phase. As a result, older contact information may still display the previous format.
Is internet access widely available?
Mobile internet and Wi-Fi are available, particularly in the Greater Banjul Area and other populated areas. However, national internet use remains below universal coverage: DataReportal estimated 1.30 million internet users and 45.9% penetration at the end of 2025.
Does The Gambia have 4G or 5G?
Operators offer different generations of mobile technology. QCell, for example, currently advertises 3G+, 4G+ and 5G services. Availability depends on the operator, device and location.
Can I use WhatsApp in The Gambia?
Yes. Internet-based messaging and calling applications can be used when you have a suitable mobile-data or Wi-Fi connection.
Should I rely entirely on hotel Wi-Fi?
If reliable connectivity is important to your visit, having mobile data as a backup is sensible because Wi-Fi quality varies between establishments.