Democratic Republic of the Congo eSIM — questions, answered
When does my Democratic Republic of the Congo eSIM start counting?⌄
Your validity window starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in Democratic Republic of the Congo, not when you buy it — so you can install it before you fly and it only begins on arrival.
Will my phone work in Democratic Republic of the Congo?⌄
You need an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone (iPhone XR+, Pixel 3+, recent Samsung Galaxy). Check the compatibility page before you buy — and if it turns out your phone can’t use it, you get a full refund since nothing was installed.
Can I keep my number and WhatsApp in Democratic Republic of the Congo?⌄
Yes. Your vigxo plan is data-only, so your primary SIM stays active for calls, texts and your usual number. WhatsApp, iMessage and all your apps keep working over the eSIM data.
What if I run out of data in Democratic Republic of the Congo?⌄
If your plan supports it, you can top up an active eSIM in seconds from your dashboard — no reinstall needed. Otherwise just buy another plan; it stacks onto your eSIM.
How do refunds work?⌄
Full refund any time before installation, up to 120 days from purchase. Once an eSIM is installed the data is released to you, so it can’t be refunded after that.
Setup
Land in Democratic Republic of the Congo already connected
Set up your eSIM before you travel — it takes about a minute. Scan once, switch it on when you arrive, and you’re online.
On iPhone (iOS)
1After purchase, open the confirmation email and tap the install link — the eSIM adds itself (iOS 17.4+). Older iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR from the same email.
2Label the plan (e.g. “vigxo travel”) and set your home line to keep calls/SMS.
3Turn on Data Roaming for the vigxo line — this uses the local partner network, not your home carrier.
On Android
1Tap the Android install link in your email (recent Android) — or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
2Download the profile and set vigxo as your Mobile data line.
What you can actually buy for Democratic Republic of the Congo
8 plans for Democratic Republic of the Congo, from 3 to 20 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. None of these run on 5G — Democratic Republic of the Congo is LTE only on the networks we resell. We would rather say so here than let you find out on arrival.
5 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Airtel.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
Regional plans that also cover Democratic Republic of the Congo
No regional bundle covers Democratic Republic of the Congo — a single-country plan is the only option here, which is usually the cheaper one anyway.
How eSIMs work in Democratic Republic of the Congo
A travel eSIM for Democratic Republic of the Congo is a digital SIM your phone downloads — no plastic card, no airport pickup counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (a QR code is included too), and it installs a second line alongside your existing SIM. It stays dormant until you arrive in Democratic Republic of the Congo, then connects automatically to Airtel on LTE. Your home number keeps working for calls and texts; the eSIM simply carries your data.
How much data do you need in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Maps, messaging and rideshare apps are light — roughly 300–500 MB a day. Add photos, social and the occasional video and you’re closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip a 5 GB plan is comfortable; for two weeks, sharing, or heavy use, choose 10 GB or more, or a reloadable plan you can top up on the go. Democratic Republic of the Congo plans start at $17.99 across 5 sizes, with the per-GB price shown on every one so the right choice is obvious.
Will you pay roaming charges in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
No. A travel eSIM for Democratic Republic of the Congo is a local data plan, not international roaming — you pay the price you see up front, with no per-megabyte bill from your home carrier. Set the eSIM as your data line and switch data roaming off on your home SIM, and there are no surprises when you get home. Full refund any time before you install, so there’s no risk in buying ahead.
3
Enable Roaming for the vigxo line so it connects to the local network on arrival.
Good to know
•Works on eSIM-capable phones (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, recent Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Z). Older or carrier-locked phones may not support eSIM.
•Install before you fly on Wi‑Fi — you only need to enable it when you land, no signal required to set up.
•Data-only plans: keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. Use WhatsApp/FaceTime over data.
•Prices are final at checkout. Full refund any time before you install the eSIM.
Setting up your Democratic Republic of the Congo eSIM
1. Buy a plan — your install link and QR code arrive by email within seconds.
2. While you’re still on Wi-Fi before you fly, tap the install link in your confirmation email — or open Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
3. Land in Democratic Republic of the Congo, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, and you’re online in about a minute.
