How to Top Up Mobile Data in DR Congo (No eSIM Needed)
Updated 8/8/2026
If you already have an active SIM card on Vodacom or Airtel in DR Congo, you don't need a new eSIM to get more data — a data top-up adds data directly to the number you already use, with nothing to install. Here's how it works.
Top-up vs. eSIM: what's the difference?
An eSIM is a whole new mobile line — useful if you're arriving in DR Congo without a local SIM at all, or want a dedicated data-only line on a phone that supports it.
A data top-up does something simpler: it adds data straight to a phone number that already has an active SIM in DR Congo — yours, or someone else's, like a family member you're supporting from abroad. No new SIM card, no eSIM installation, nothing to scan.
Which networks are supported
Top-ups currently cover Vodacom and Airtel numbers in DR Congo. Orange doesn't have a data top-up option available yet from either of our providers — it's shown as "coming soon" rather than removed, since that could change.
Each top-up listing shows its price per GB, so you can compare value across sizes and validity periods at a glance before choosing.
Step 1: pick a top-up and enter the phone number
Browse the available top-ups, choose one that fits the data amount and validity period you need, and enter the phone number that should receive the data — in international format (e.g. +243 8xx xxx xxx). You can top up your own number or someone else's.
Step 2: pay
Pay the same way as everywhere else on MboteData: scan the Lightning QR code with a Bitcoin wallet, or pay straight from your mobile money balance via Machankura where available — no international bank card needed.
Step 3: data lands automatically
As soon as payment is confirmed, the data is added directly to the number you entered — usually within minutes. There's no QR code to scan and nothing to install; the recipient can just start using their data.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in DR Congo myself to send a top-up?
No — you can top up a DR Congo number from anywhere, which is why this is a common way to send data to family or friends in DR Congo without them needing a bank card or a Bitcoin wallet themselves.
How is this different from buying someone an eSIM?
An eSIM only helps if the recipient's phone supports eSIM and they're willing to install one. A top-up works on any phone with an existing SIM on a supported network — no installation required on their end.
What if the number I want to top up is on Orange?
Orange isn't available yet — it's marked "coming soon" on the top-ups page rather than hidden, since it depends on our providers adding support, not something we control directly.
How fast does the data arrive?
Typically within minutes of payment being confirmed — there's no installation step to wait on, unlike an eSIM.