Prepaid Nigeria SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

David Smith

|

Published: July 2024

Learn all about prepaid Nigeria SIM Card for tourists, your key to staying connected and exploring this country with ease and confidence.

Using a prepaid Nigeria SIM card makes traveling in this country much easier for visitors. This guide offers crucial advice to ensure you stay connected throughout your trip, from where to get your SIM card to mobile operator data usage. 

I. What are the Best Nigeria SIM cards for Tourists?

The best Nigerian SIM card plans for travelers are provided by the three largest mobile operators: MTN, Glo, and Airtel. To meet the needs of both residents and visitors, each offers a range of prepaid plans, data bundles, and other mobile services.

1. Airtel SIM cards

For tourists looking for a prepaid SIM card that is dependable, Airtel has a range of options. Airtel offers competitive data plans and good coverage, especially in urban areas. Airtel provides a variety of travel packages, including:

• 1.5 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,000 ($2.17)
• 2 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,200 ($2.61)
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,500 ($3.26)
• 4.5 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 2,000 ($4.34)
• 6 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 2,500 ($5.43)
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 3,000 ($6.51)
• 11 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 4,000 ($8.68)

2. Glo SIM cards

Glo or Globacom is known for affordable data plans, but coverage might be slightly less extensive compared to MTN and Airtel. Glo provides travelers with multiple primary SIM-only plans:

• 3.9 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,000 ($2.17)
• 7.5 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,500 ($3.26)
• 9.2 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 2,000 ($4.34)
• 10.8 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 2,500 ($5.43)
• 14 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 3,000 ($6.51)
• 18 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 4,000 ($8.68)
• 24 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 5,000 ($10.86)
• 50 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 10,000 ($21.71)
• 93 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 15,000 ($32.57)

3. MTN SIM cards 

MTN is generally considered the most reliable network with widespread coverage. However, it can be pricier. MTN has several different prepaid plans available:

• 1.5 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,000 ($2.17)
• 2 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,200 ($2.61)
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 1,500 ($3.26)
• 4.5 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 2,000 ($4.34)
• 6 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 2,500 ($5.43)
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for NGN 3,000 ($6.51)

► Recommendation: 

• If you intend to purchase your SIM card in person, Airtel is your best option.
• If your phone supports eSIM, try using an Nigeria eSIM, which is 100% online. You may buy and activate it online with no trouble. We’ll explain more below.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Nigeria for Tourists?

To purchase a Nigeria SIM cards, there are 3 primary options:

1. Buy Nigeria SIM Card Online 

Getting a prepaid travel SIM card online can be convenient for travelers to Nigeria. These SIM cards typically offer data packages and may have call and text options. They can be delivered to your home before your trip. You can find them on websites like travSIM or Drimsim. 

Pros: 

• Saving time searching for a Nigeria SIM card upon arrival.
• Start using your phone as soon as you land in Nigeria
• Compare plans and prices for the best deal

Cons:

• You will have to wait for delivery when ordering online. Ensure your Nigeria SIM card arrives before your trip.
• There’s a small chance the Nigeria travel SIM card might not work properly upon arrival. Troubleshooting could be hard and time-consuming.

2. Buy SIM card at Nigeria airports

Many international airports in Nigeria, such as Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, have kiosks or stores where you can purchase SIM cards upon arrival.

Nigeria SIM card providers may require photo identification or a passport in order for you to register. Every airport will follow a similar set of actions, some of which may be intricate. For this reason, the next time you go to get a SIM card, you should bring your passport.

Pros: 

• Convenience: Buying a Nigeria SIM card at the airport is the quickest option upon arrival, saving you time searching for a local store.
• Immediate Connectivity: You can start using your phone immediately after landing in Nigeria, without having to wait for activation.

Con:

• Higher Prices: SIM cards purchased at Nigeria airports tend to be more expensive than those bought at local stores or online.
• Limited Plan Options: The selection of plans available at NIgeria airport might be limited compared to what you can find in the city.
• Potential Crowds: Depending on the time of arrival, you might encounter long queues at the SIM card vendors at Nigeria airport. 

3. Buy SIM Card in Nigeria City

Stores selling SIM cards are readily available in major cities across Nigeria. Here are some options that you can find SIM card in Nigeria city: at mobile network stores or convenience stores.

Mobile network stores: Wider variety of plans and potentially better deals. You can find official stores near you from Nigeria MTN, Globacom and Airtel.

• Nigeria MTN Store: 1 Opebi Rd, Allen, Ikeja 100211, Lagos, Nigeria
• Nigeria Globacom Store: 96 Ikorodu-Ososun Rd, Fadeyi, Lagos 102216, Lagos, Nigeria
• Nigeria Airtel Store: 10 Ola Ayeni St, Ikeja, 101233, Lagos, Nigeria

Convenience stores: Limited options, but might be a quick solution if you need a SIM card urgently.

When buying SIM card in Nigeria city, you should consider its pros and cons below:

Pros:

• Broader range of plans and prices. 
• Staff can answer questions and help you choose the right plan.

Cons: 

• Buying a Nigeria SIM card from mobile network official stores requires registering SIM cards with a valid passport and ID. The seller will typically assist you with the registration process but you have to bring your identification with you.
• Finding a store can take some time compared to pre-ordering a Nigeria travel SIM card or eSIM online.

III. How Much is a Tourist Nigeria SIM Card? 

Tourist SIM cards in Nigeria typically range from around 500 NGN ($0.32) to 2000 NGN ($1.26) or more, depending on the network operator and the specific plan’s features. Many tourist SIM cards offer data packages that vary in size and validity period. The price of the SIM card may also depend on the data package included.

Across all three operators, packages with higher data allowances generally have higher prices in USD.  For instance, the 1.5GB option from Airtel costs $2.17, while the 6GB bundle costs $5.43. In terms of value, Glo appears to provide marginally higher data allotments for comparable pricing points than Airtel and MTN. For example, its 3.9GB plan costs $2.17, yet MTN and Airtel only offer 1.5GB for the same amount of money.

IV. What types of Nigeria SIM cards are available for tourists? 

There are 2 types of Nigeria SIM cards available for tourists include:

• Prepaid SIM card Nigeria
• Tourists eSIM for Nigeria

Here are the table show you the function and detail description about each of Nigeria SIM cards option:  

In conclusion, a tourist SIM card and eSIM is strongly advised for the majority of visitors to Nigeria. However, choosing between eSIM or SIM card depends on your needs and phone compatibility. Therefore, before buying a SIM you should carefully check your phone and ask the mobile operator for further advice. 

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Nigeria travel? 

Yes, a SIM card is highly recommended for travelers to Nigeria if you intend to use your mobile phone for calls, texts, and internet access. Here are a few reasons why getting a Nigeria SIM card can be beneficial:

• Cost-Effective Communication: Using a local SIM card can often be more cost-effective than roaming with your home country’s SIM card. You can take advantage of local rates for calls, texts, and data.
• Convenience: Having a Nigeria SIM card allows you to easily communicate with locals, make reservations, and navigate using local services and apps.
• Internet Access: If you rely on internet access for navigation, translations, or staying connected via social media and messaging apps, a local SIM card with data will provide you with affordable and reliable access.
• Local Services: Some services and apps may require a Nigerian phone number to function properly or to activate certain features. Having a Nigerian SIM card ensures you can access these services without any issues.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Nigeria? 

In order to register and receive a tourist Nigeria SIM card, you need to provide certain details. When purchasing a prepaid SIM card as a the visitor, you should be ready for the following:

• Passport: Since visitors won’t have an Nigeria address, this is required for identification and address verification. It also needs a photocopy of the passport.
• Visa: A photocopy of a current Nigeria tourist or short-term visa. This demonstrates the validity of the visit. 
• SIM Card Size: Ensure you know what size SIM card your device uses (standard, micro, nano) so you can request the correct one when purchasing.
• Knowledge of Networks: Familiarize yourself with the major telecom networks in Nigeria (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) to choose the one with the best coverage and data plans for your needs.

Consider getting an eSIM if your phone allows it if you’d rather not go through the registration and verification procedures. Comparing this to standard SIM cards, it may be more practical and private. 

VII. Nigeria eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

eSIM, the perfect alternative to regular Nigeria SIM card, offers significant convenience for tourists. With the eSIM technology, you don’t have to swap physical SIM cards and keep your main SIM card in your device. eSIM activation is typically done by scanning a QR code online, making it very convenient for tourists.

You can find Nigeria eSIMs for sale on eSIM retailer websites such as Gigago. The price is affordable for all tourists, starting from $9.50 – $37.50 . Gigago Nigeria eSIM has the lowest package of 7 days use with 1GB of data for $9.50 . After purchasing, you will receive an email from Gigago including Nigeria eSIM QR code and guide to activate your travel eSIM.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Nigeria?

Most tourist SIM cards in Nigeria offer validity periods ranging from 7 days to 30 days. The validity period of a tourist SIM card in Nigeria depends on the specific plan you purchase. The validity will be clearly displayed on the product description when you search for Nigeria SIM card plans on the provider website or on the packaging of the SIM card. Make sure to buy a plan that covers all days of your travel in Nigeria.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Nigeria 

Activating both a physical SIM card and an eSIM in Nigeria involves distinct processes. Here’s a detailed guide for each:

1. Using Prepaid Nigeria tourist SIM Cards

Activating a prepaid Nigeria SIM card typically involves a few straightforward steps:

• Insert the prepaid Nigeria tourist SIM card into your unlocked mobile phone
• Turn on your mobile phone. If prompted, enter your PIN code provided with the SIM card packaging (Some SIM cards may come pre-activated or without a PIN requirement).
• Once your phone is powered on and the SIM card is inserted, it will search for available networks. It may take a few moments to register on a network in Nigeria.
• Your phone may automatically select a network, or you may need to manually select one. In Nigeria, the available networks may include MTN, Airtel, Glo,… 
• To verify that the settings and SIM number are properly active, dial *555#.
• Depending on the prepaid plan included with your Nigeria SIM card, you may need to top-up (recharge) the SIM card with credit to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data.
• Remove SIM before leaving Nigeria to avoid ongoing charges after validity.

2. Setting up and activating Nigeria eSIM:

Activating a Nigeria eSIM in Nigeria involves a different process compared to a physical SIM card. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up and activate a eSIM in Nigeria:

• Ensure your mobile device supports eSIM technology.
• Open the Settings app on your mobile device
• Look for the section in Settings related to cellular or mobile network settings. In some devices, this may be under “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” settings. Look specifically for “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM” option.
• Choose the option to add a new cellular plan using eSIM. You will be prompted to scan the QR code provided by the Nigeria eSIM provider. Position your device so that the QR code is within the scanning area.
• After scanning the QR code, your device will start the activation process. It may take a few moments for the eSIM to be provisioned and activated on your device.
• Once activated, your device may automatically connect to an available network in Nigeria.
• Ensure that your eSIM is working properly by making a test call, sending a message, or using mobile data. If you encounter any issues, restart your device and check your network settings.
• When leaving Nigeria, remove the eSIM from your phone settings to avoid further charges (if any)

X. FAQs about Nigeria SIM card

XI. Conclusion 

In conclusion, opting for a Nigeria SIM card during your travels offers cost-effective and convenient connectivity for tourists. Alternatively, an eSIM provides a convenient way to access data immediately upon arrival. With both physical SIM cards and virtual eSIMs accessible, travelers have reliable options to remain connected while exploring Nigeria.