When visiting Morocco, one of the top options for picking up a local SIM card is from inwi. This leading Moroccan telecommunications company offers prepaid SIM cards with strong 4G coverage, fast speeds, and affordable data packages. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know about getting connected with inwi sim card during your time in Morocco.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts About inwi
- inwi is the 2 mobile operator in Morocco with a 36% market share
- It launched commercially in 2010 as Wana Corporate
- inwi uses both 3G and 4G/LTE on 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands
- Popular prepaid plans include a 15GB package for 89 MAD (~$9 USD)
- SIM card costs 20 MAD (~$2 USD), including 20 MAD of credit
- eSIM support available for certain Apple iPhone models
- Wide network reaching 99% of population with over 7000 cities/towns covered
- Owned by SNI/NMCI Consortium (48.9%), Zain Group (31.1%), and Endowment Fund (16.3%)
II. Morocco inwi Coverage & Speed
Getting reliable service during your travels is hugely important. You want to ensure the operators you choose provide strong overall coverage and fast data speeds no matter where you are exploring in the country.
1. inwi Coverage in Morocco
inwi boasts coverage reaching 99% of Morocco’s population, with service spanning 7,000+ cities and towns across the kingdom. This makes it a very solid choice in terms of network reach for tourists visiting both major cities as well as more rural destinations.
The carrier utilizes a mix of 3G and 4G/LTE technology on 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz frequency bands. Its network now covers over 99% of Moroccans after major expansion efforts in recent years.
So visitors can depend on their inwi SIM for connectivity almost anywhere they travel around Morocco. The depth of coverage is very impressive overall.
2. inwi Speed in Morocco
Alongside extensive population and geographic reach, inwi also offers excellent 4G LTE speeds that can meet demanding modern usage needs. Based on the OpenSignal report, its download speeds experience up to 16.9 Mbps on supported devices.
While Inwi continues expanding its network, average mobile data speeds according to independent Opensignal metrics remain lower than competitors in Morocco, suggesting potential for slower connectivity experiences on the Inwi network compared to Orange Morocco or Maroc Telecom.
III. inwi Connectivity Options for Travelers to Morocco
Now that you know about inwi’s excellent coverage and speeds for Morocco, what are your connectivity options for getting service as a visiting tourist?
Option | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Pre-paid Local SIM | Inexpensive, no contract, purchase locally | Coverage limitations, slow speeds, need to top up |
Monthly Plan | Possible “unlimited” plans, monthly data bundle | Higher upfront cost, still limited by fair use, unclear for tourists |
eSIM | Use across devices, purchase before travel | Very high per GB costs, limited compatibility |
Mobile Hotspot | Share network across devices | Higher per GB costs, additional device to carry |
VPN | Access restricted sites, hide activity/location | Monthly subscription, improper use may be illegal |
So visitors have flexibility to use many conectivity options but the most convenient is eSIMs. Next let's go over the best plan options available with both connectivity choices.
IV. Best inwi SIM Cards/Plans for Tourists & Costs
Deciding which inwi plan to purchase for your trip to Morocco may seem complicated given the wide range of data allotments available.
Data | Validity | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
1 GB | 7 days | $0.91 |
3 GB | 14 days | $2.73 |
5 GB | 30 days | $4.55 |
10 GB | 30 days | $9.10 |
20 GB | 30 days | $18.20 |
For longer vacations or heavier usage though, the better choice is the prepaid 10GB plan. You get a very generous 10GB of blazing fast 4G to use for 30 days. The excellent value is just $9.1 for this flexible monthly data package too.
With 10GB you can freely stream videos, use social media, get Google Maps directions and make VoIP calls each day without worrying about limits. Only super data-hungry users might need an additional plan mid-month.
V. Does inwi Morocco Support eSIM?
Yes, Inwi offers eSIM profiles for Morocco which allow activating its prepaid/postpaid plans digitally on compatible devices without a physical SIM.
Just remember, eSIMs are only supported currently on iPhones from the XS, XR forward. Many Android devices sold may not allow eSIM activation quite yet.
So having the SIM card choice is still highly relevant until the technology matures across more phones.
But with travel-friendly iPhones, you absolutely can utilize inwi eSIM when visiting major Moroccan destinations. Next let’s go over exactly where you can readily buy SIM cards and eSIM plans.
VI. Where You Can Buy an inwi SIM Card & eSIM
Purchasing an inwi SIM card or eSIM plan when you land in Morocco is very convenient. Physical nano-cards are available widely across thousands of stores and shops nationwide. Meanwhile eSIM profiles can be purchased direct through the inwi app.
1. Where to Buy an inwi SIM Card for Morocco
As the second largest mobile carrier in the country, inwi prepaid SIM cards can be bought just about anywhere you travel. The combination of official stores, authorized resellers and independent outlets means wide availability.
Here are some of the most common spots you’ll easily find standard or nano-SIM packs across Moroccan airports, cities and towns:
- inwi company owned stores
- Mobile phone shops
- Grocery stores & supermarkets
- Airport kiosks upon arrival
- Small independent outlets
Expect to pay the standard 20 Moroccan dirhams for your starter inwi SIM. This includes 20 MAD (~$2 USD) of domestic call and data credit to use immediately after inserting the card and rebooting your device.
2. Where to Buy inwi Morocco eSIM
- Online at inwi.ma: Purchase an eSIM profile directly from Inwi’s website. Payment is by credit or debit card. Profiles are delivered digitally via email.
- Inwi App: The mobile app allows purchasing an eSIM the same way as the website. just log in or create an account in the app.
- Inwi Stores: Select Inwi retail locations now offer the option to purchase and activate an eSIM in-store. Store staff can assist with the process.
- Authorized Dealers: Some third-party dealers licensed by Inwi may also sell eSIM profiles for activation. Options may be limited outside major cities.
- Top-Up Stores: A growing number of corner shops, supermarkets and kiosks selling Inwi top-ups can also provide eSIM profiles for purchase.
For maximum availability and payment options, purchasing directly from the Inwi website is recommended. The app is also convenient.
VII. How to Activate Morocco inwi SIM Card & eSIM
We’ve covered where to buy inwi SIMs and eSIMs in Morocco. But how do you actually activate each one to start enjoying 4G data across the kingdom?
The good news is activation is quick and convenient for both physical SIM cards and eSIM profiles:
1. How to Activate & Use Morocco inwi SIM Card
Here are step-by-step instructions to activate your new inwi SIM when inserting into a mobile phone or hotspot device:
- Insert standard or nano-SIM and reboot phone
- Launch phone dialer and call *144# to begin activation
- Choose language preference
- Enter SIM card’s PIN printed underneath
- Select prepaid plan when prompted
- Payment will be deducted from SIM balance
- Wait 2 minutes and cellular data starts!
You’ll now see the 4G or 3G symbol activate allowing internet usage. Be sure to turn off any roaming data with your home carrier to avoid charges.
2. How to Activate inwi Morocco eSIM
Activating an inwi eSIM on newer iPhones involves just a few taps within the mobile app:
- Download and install inwi smartphone app
- Launch app and select eSIM option
- Scan passport with phone camera
- Pick from prepaid data packages
- Enter payment details on file
- Confirm email address
- Cellular activates in minutes!
You’ll receive an email and SMS confirming when your inwi eSIM is successfully setup. Then turn off any home carrier roaming and enjoy affordable data!
VIII. Morocco inwi Call & SMS Rates
Beyond awesome domestic data, inwi also offers excellent pay-as-you-go call and text rates. This gives you affordable pricing options for communicating with local contacts or internationally over VoIP apps.
Here are the latest prepaid call and SMS rates with an inwi Morocco SIM card or eSIM:
Calls/SMS | Rate (USD/Minute or SMS) |
---|---|
Calls to Inwi Numbers | $0.009/minute |
Calls to Other Operators | $0.018/minute |
Calls to Landlines | $0.018/minute |
SMS to Inwi Numbers | $0.0036 |
SMS to Other Operators | $0.0036 |
International Calls* | Varies |
International SMS** | $0.009 |
For even cheaper calling, use WhatsApp, FaceTime and Skype over 4G. But it’s nice having the flexibility to call or text local Moroccan numbers with such reasonable rates if needed.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for Morocco inwi SIM card/eSIM
Morocco inwi offers lots of helpful USSD codes that activating features or check account info right from you phone dial pad. Just enter these short number strings and tap call to trigger handy tools:
- 100# – Check credit balance
- 12310# – Recharge by 10 MAD
- 12320# – Recharge by 20 MAD
- 12350# – Recharge by 50 MAD
- 123100# – Recharge by 100 MAD
- 1351# – Enable/disable international roaming
- *137# – Retrieve number and IMEI
For the full list of USSD shortcuts, visit the inwi support site. Now let’s go over the different ways to top-up your account balance which allows calling, messaging or adding data packs.
X. How to Top-Up Morocco inwi SIM card/eSIM
Adding more prepaid credit to your inwi mobile account requires just couple quick steps. You have various convenient ways to re-load your SIM card balance for calls, texts or getting data packages:
- SMS Top-Up: Text code RECHARG with recharge PIN to 6363
- Online Top-Up: Use credit card within inwi app / website payments section
- In-Store Top Up: Purchase top-up cards from phone shops and convenience stores across Morocco
So it’s simple to add more funds anytime by mobile payment, voucher cards or on the app/site. This gives you flexibility when needing extra credit anytime while visiting the country.
XI. Alternatives to inwi Morocco
While inwi is an excellent choice for prepaid connectivity, visitors do have various alternative networks to consider too for service.
Here are the other major operators in Morocco beside inwi:
- Morocco eSIM – Offers eSIM for tourists to Morocco with the best high speed data and great experience without any disruption. From only $15, you can get an 1GB eSIM for 3 days and easily top-up when running out of data. So don’t hesitate to check the best eSIM data plans from Morocco eSIM.
- Maroc Telecom (IAM) – 1 telco with 41% market share
- Orange Morocco Morocco (formerly Meditel) – 3 player with 22% share
Still, don’t rule out checking rates if visiting a specific region. Doing a comparison ensures you get the right carrier to meet your travel connectivity needs.
XII. FAQs about inwi Morocco
Here are fast answers to some frequently asked questions about getting an inwi SIM card or eSIM when visiting Morocco:
Do I need to show ID to buy prepaid SIM in Morocco?
Yes, you’ll need to provide your passport when purchasing any Moroccan SIM card. This standard KYC regulation helps verify identity.
Can tourists get inwi eSIM in Morocco?
Yes, visitors with iPhone XS models or newer with eSIM support can download inwi data plans over-the-air upon arrival.
Is inwi or Orange Morocco better in Morocco?
Overall, inwi rates as the best performing mobile network in Morocco for combined 4G speeds, coverage and customer satisfaction.
Does inwi SIM card work all Morocco?
Yes, inwi prepaid SIMs provide connectivity across 99% of Morocco spanning 7000+ cities and towns nationwide.
How long does inwi SIM card last without using?
An unused inwi SIM card will stay active for 120 days after activation before any credit expires.
How to check inwi SIM number?
You can check an inwi SIM number by dialing the USSD code *100# on your phone.
So in summary – travelers should have all key questions answered about seamlessly getting connected on vacation using inwi networks across magnificent Morocco!
XIII. Final Words
We hope this guide gives you complete confidence in utilizing inwi SIMs or eSIM plans during your upcoming Morocco travels. Finding reliable, low-cost cellular data abroad takes research. So don’t forget to purchase an inwi SIM card or eSIM when your flight lands in a Moroccan airport. Staying connected from a leading local network like this one ensures smooth access to Google Maps, travel apps, hotspot wi-fi and more throughout your amazing journey ahead in the kingdom!