How to Activate Safaricom Roaming While Abroad
If you want to know how to activate Safaricom roaming while abroad, this guide shows you what to do before travel, how to turn it on, and how to use roaming safely.
Quick Answer — At a Glance
If you’re PrePay, roaming is usually auto-activated; just enable roaming in your phone settings. Roaming+2Roaming+2
If you’re PostPay, dial *200# or *456#, choose “Safaricom Roaming”, then activate “Voice & SMS”, or “Data, Voice & SMS”. Safaricom+1
Enable Data Roaming in your phone’s Mobile Data settings and ensure VoLTE / 4G is enabled when required. Roaming+1
Confirm your roaming is active via SMS from Safaricom and check roaming tariffs or bundles before using services. Safaricom+1
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Before Traveling
Check eligibility: PrePay or PostPay. Safaricom roaming is open to both. Safaricom
For PostPay customers, make sure to activate roaming service before leaving Kenya using USSD (*200# or *456#). Safaricom+1
Ensure your device supports required network features (VoLTE / 4G) for some destinations. Roaming
2. Activate Roaming via USSD (if needed)
Dial *200# (or *456#) from your Safaricom line. Safaricom+1
Select “Products and Services”.
Find “Safaricom Roaming”.
Choose the roaming option you need (Voice & SMS only, or Full roaming: Data + Voice + SMS).
Accept the Terms & Conditions and authenticate (using M-PESA PIN if requested). Safaricom
3. Enable Roaming Settings on Your Phone
Go to your phone settings → Mobile / Cellular Data → Data Roaming → turn it ON. Roaming+1
If your phone has VoLTE settings, enable “HD / VoLTE” under voice & data. Roaming
Occasionally, you may need to manually select a partner network if automatic network fails. Safaricom
4. Check & Use Roaming Bundles
Safaricom offers roaming bundles which may offer discounted rates for voice, SMS, data in selected countries. Roaming+1
Dial *444# or go via Safaricom’s roaming portal to view bundles and purchase. Roaming
5. Confirm & Test Roaming
You’ll receive an SMS confirming roaming activation.
Send or receive a text / call, or lightly use data to confirm network is working.
Keep enough airtime or for PostPay ensure you have a credit limit. Roaming+1
Important Notes & Tips
Roaming charges are higher — check rates for your destination ahead of travel via Safaricom’s roaming rates page. Roaming+1
Disable automatic background app data updates to avoid surprise charges.
Always keep your Safaricom-registered SIM active (top up if needed).
Use WiFi where possible to save on data roaming.
FAQs
Q: Does PrePay need manual activation of roaming?
A: Usually no. PrePay lines are often roaming-ready by default; you may still need to enable roaming in phone settings. Roaming
Q: Can I activate roaming while already abroad?
A: For many PostPay customers yes (via USSD), but it’s safer to activate before departure to avoid interruption.
Q: Will I be charged just for turning on roaming?
A: No, you are only charged when you use voice, SMS, or data while roaming based on Safaricom’s roaming tariffs. Safaricom
Q: What if my line doesn’t work abroad even after activation?
A: Check that data roaming is on, VoLTE/4G settings are enabled, network is manually selected if needed, and your phone’s software is updated.
