How to Buy a SIM Card at Nairobi airport (NBO) for Tourists: Where and Price

In this post, you’ll learn about the costs, the registration process, and alternatives for getting a SIM card at Nairobi airport.

If you want to stay connected while traveling, buying a SIM card at Nairobi airport (NBO) is a good option. This article will help you understand the available SIM card plans, where to buy one, and what you need to prepare.

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Nairobi airport (NBO)?

You can easily get a SIM card at Nairobi airport in several ways:

• Order Online in Advance : Reserve your SIM card online and pick it up at the airport when you arrive for a hassle-free experience.

• Buy Upon Arrival : Purchase a SIM card from one of the airport stores as soon as you land. It’s quick and straightforward.

• Get an eSIM : If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a digital SIM online for fast activation and save space.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Nairobi airport (NBO)?

If you arrive at Terminal 1A, getting a SIM card is very easy. As soon as you pass through the last customs check and exit through the sliding door, you’ll find three small shops right in front of you: Safaricom, Telkom, and Airtel.

Buying a local SIM card at Nairobi Airport is a simple way to get connected upon arrival. While you may pay a little extra for this convenience, the prices are still reasonable compared to those in Nairobi city center. 

All three mobile provider shops accept credit cards, so you don’t need to exchange money or visit an ATM first. However, there is an Absa Bank ATM nearby if you want to withdraw local currency.

III. Do SIM card shops at NBO airport open after midnight?

Depends on each mobile operator. The Airtel and Telkom shops are open 24 hours, but the Safaricom shop closes around 9:00 PM. 

It’s important to keep in mind that SIM card stores might not always be available at the airport. For the latest information, it’s best to check with airport authorities or the specific phone carrier.

IV. How Much is a Prepaid SIM card at Nairobi airport (NBO)?

All SIM card shops at the airport charge 200 KES (about $1.50 USD) for a Kenya prepaid SIM card, which comes with around 150 KES in credit (or airtime) that you can use for data or local calls.

At the Safaricom store in Nairobi Airport, you can sometimes buy eSIM cards for tourists. The Safaricom eSIM costs an extra 250 KES (about $2 USD).

Telkom and Airtel do not offer eSIM cards; they only sell physical prepaid SIM cards.

1. Safaricom

Safaricom may be more expensive, and their data packages offer fewer gigabytes compared to others.

At Safaricom Nairobi Airport, they offer five packages, all valid for 30 days and including free WhatsApp:

• 5 GB data + 400 minutes : 1,000 KES (about $7.50 USD).

• 15 GB data + 1,000 minutes : 2,000 KES (about $15 USD).

• 25 GB data + 1,500 minutes : 3,000 KES (about $22.50 USD).

• 35 GB data + 400 minutes : 5,000 KES (about $37.50 USD).

• 50 GB data + 400 minutes : 10,000 KES (about $75 USD).

2. Telkom 

Telkom’s data packages are much cheaper than Safaricom’s, and they are all valid for 30 days:

• 12 GB data + 100 minutes : 1,500 KES (about $11.30 USD).

• 30 GB data + 100 minutes : 2,500 KES (about $19 USD).

• 50 GB data + 100 minutes : 3,500 KES (about $26 USD).

• UNLIMITED data + 100 minutes : 4,500 KES (about $34 USD).

They also have data-only packages:

• 12 GB data : 1,000 KES (about $7.50 USD).

• 30 GB data : 2,000 KES (about $15 USD).

Keep in mind that the prepaid SIM card already comes with 150 KES in credit for calling, so a data-only package is a good choice.

Telkom also offers weekly data packages:

• 10 GB data + 150 minutes : 1,000 KES (about $7.50 USD).

• 25 GB data + 400 minutes : 2,000 KES (about $15 USD).

3. Airtel

Airtel’s prices for prepaid SIM cards at Nairobi Airport are similar to Telkom’s:

• 10 GB data + 400 minutes : 1,000 KES (about $7.50 USD).

• 24 GB data + 1,200 minutes : 2,000 KES (about $15 USD).

They also offer various data-only packages and a weekly package.

► Recommendation: When comparing prices, Safaricom is more expensive than Telkom and Airtel. However, getting a Safaricom SIM card for traveling in Kenya may be a good choice because they have the best mobile network. Safaricom’s 4G/5G coverage is the most extensive in the country.

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Nairobi airport (NBO). 

To buy a SIM card at Nairobi airport, tourists should prepare the following:

• Passport : You’ll need a valid passport for identification.

• Unlocked Phone : Make sure your phone is unlocked and works with local network frequencies.

• Payment Method : Have cash or a credit/debit card ready to pay for the SIM card and plan.

The registration process at the airport can be complicated and may require sharing personal information, which can be inconvenient for many tourists.

VI. eSIM at Nairobi airport (NBO) – Alternative to Nairobi airport (NBO) SIM Card

Buying a Kenya eSIM is a convenient alternative to physical SIM Card at Nairobi airport. Instead of purchasing a physical SIM card at the airport, you can buy an eSIM online before your trip. Kenya eSIM eliminates the need to change your physical SIM.

One popular eSIM provider is Gigago, which offers plans on the Airtel mobile networks in Kenya.

For Kenya, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $9.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Kenya eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $9.90 – $40.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Kenya, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. FAQs

While you can buy a SIM card at Nairobi airport, availability and prices may vary. To make sure you get the best deal and can communicate right away, it’s a good idea to compare offers from different providers. You might also find better deals once you reach your destination, giving you more time to complete the registration process.