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Agadir airport SIM card vs eSIM: which is better for UK holidaymakers?
Should you queue at the SIM kiosks after landing, or arrive with an eSIM already installed? Both work, but they suit different trips. Here is an honest comparison.
How the airport SIM kiosks work
- Orange, inwi and Maroc Telecom each run a kiosk in the arrivals area, generally after passport control near baggage reclaim.
- You register with your passport, and staff usually set the SIM up for you on the spot.
- Many kiosks advertise a "free SIM". In practice you are typically saving the card fee (reported at a few dirhams) and paying for a data bundle.
- Sales patter is common. Ask for the total price and exactly what is included before you agree.
- Opening hours vary. If your flight lands very late, a kiosk may be closed.
Networks and coverage
Maroc Telecom is generally regarded as having the widest coverage, especially in rural areas. Orange and inwi are strong in cities and along main roads. For a beach holiday around Agadir and Taghazout any of the three should serve you well. If you plan to head into the mountains or the desert, coverage matters more and it is worth checking before you choose.
The eSIM route
Pros: ready before you land, a fixed price you know in advance, no passport registration at a counter, and your UK SIM stays put.
Cons: it is data only (no Moroccan number), your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked, you need Wi‑Fi to install it, and hotspot rules depend on the plan.
The dual-SIM catch
Most eSIM phones can keep a physical SIM and an eSIM active at the same time. That is how you keep your UK number for texts while the eSIM handles data. If you also buy a physical Moroccan SIM and your phone has one SIM slot, you would have to take your UK SIM out, losing your UK number for the trip unless you use an eSIM for one of the two.
What does each cost?
Kiosk prices vary by operator and bundle. Traveller guides report anything from around 50 MAD (about £4) for a basic starter up to 100 to 200 MAD (£8 to £16) for larger bundles. eSIM plans from Airalo currently run from €5.50 (1 GB, 3 days) to €38.50 (20 GB, 30 days), checked 28 September 2026. The price list on our homepage shows the full range.
Which should you choose?
| Your situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Short break, landing in the evening | eSIM installed at home |
| Family who all need to be online | eSIM plus hotspot (family guide) |
| You need a Moroccan number for deliveries or calls | Kiosk SIM, or eSIM now and a local SIM in town |
| Long stay, heavy use, trips beyond the cities | Kiosk SIM (Maroc Telecom for coverage) or eSIM with a top-up |
| Landing after midnight | eSIM |
| Unlocked phone with no eSIM support | Kiosk SIM |
Can you do both?
Yes. Install the eSIM for the journey from the airport, then pick up a local SIM in town later if you decide you need a Moroccan number. Just check your phone's SIM slots first (see the dual-SIM point above). For the full arrival sequence, read our Agadir airport eSIM guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a SIM card at Agadir airport?
Yes. Orange, inwi and Maroc Telecom operate kiosks in the arrivals area and sell tourist SIMs against your passport. Hours vary.
Do I need my passport to buy a Moroccan SIM?
Yes, SIMs are registered with your passport, and staff usually set the SIM up for you.
Can I keep my UK number with an eSIM?
Yes. Most eSIM phones can run your UK SIM and the eSIM together, so texts keep arriving on your UK number while the eSIM handles data.
See current Morocco eSIM plans
Fixed prices, set up before you fly, ready when you land.