Buying Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

David Smith

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Published: August 2024

Learning how to get and activate Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs as a visitor to Nigeria enables you to travel freely and economically with strong nationwide coverage.

Whether you’re a local resident or a foreign visitor, understanding your options for purchasing Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs is crucial for staying connected. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from finding the right plan to activating your SIM or eSIM.

I. Overview about Globacom Nigeria – What you need to know 

GLO, also referred to as Globacom Limited, is one of Nigeria’s leading mobile network providers.  

• Foundation: established in 2003, offers a variety of telecommunication services, including Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs,  international roaming, text messaging, mobile internet,  and mobile voice.
• Speed: the third-fastest internet speed
• Subscribers: Over 55 million (February 2023)
• Coverage: 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
• Network of Stores & Agents: Over 100,000 including exclusive GLO World stores, dealers, and agents

II. Globacom Coverage in Nigeria 

Globacom (Glo) ranked the third place in network coverage in Nigeria, providing 2G, 3G, 4G services. Based on the Nigeria Mobile Quality Report (2023), here’s a breakdown of their coverage:

• Globacom is third with 62.2 million subscribers with 28% of the market share in Nigeria
• Glo provides 4G coverage 62% of the time, while MTN stands out from the rest of the operators by offering 4G coverage 75% of the time
• Glo’s 4G network covers major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, ensuring high-speed internet access for urban dwellers.

III. Globacom Speed in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Globacom presently has the third-fastest internet speed among other providers. According to a recent analysis, Nigeria’s Barometer of Mobile Internet Connections (2023), here are the key points:

• Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs have download speeds of 5 Mb/s and upload speeds of 2 Mb/s.
• Glo has a latency of 138 ms, which is competitive in the market.
• Glo’s web browsing and YouTube streaming rates of 28% and 61%, respectively, indicate areas for improvement

Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs lagged behind MTN and Aritel. It remains a crucial player in the Nigerian telecommunications market, with growth potential and improved service delivery. 

IV. Types of Globacom Nigeria SIM Card Options for Tourists

When visiting Nigeria, there are 4 primary ways for visitors to connect to Globacom:

• Globacom SIM card
• Globacom eSIM
• Roaming services
• Portable WiFi Hotspot Rental

Here is a comparison of their pros and cons so you can see it clearly:

When visiting Nigeria, tourists can choose from a variety of alternatives for mobile access with Globacom. The least expensive option is to buy Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs locally.

► Our recommendation: Purchasing an eSIM plan in advance from Globacom is a more smooth solution. The digital activation process eliminates the need to switch SIM cards. But, eSIM plans are more expensive than prepaid cards for brief visits because they have to be paid for in advance.

V. Top Globacom SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

Globacom stands out from MTN and Airtel with significantly higher data volumes for similar price points, making it potentially the most attractive option for heavy data users. Here are some plans for tourists to look for:

However, you should consider their coverage and speed in Nigeria to have a smooth internet experience. Moreover, purchasing a Nigeria network SIM card can be a complex process, often requiring the presentation of a passport or other personal identification documents. Therefore, you better buy your Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs from home before departure. 

VI. Where to buy Globacom Nigeria SIM cards for tourists?

Tourists can buy Globacom SIM cards: buy directly at Nigeria airports, buy after arriving in Nigeria at the city center, buy online before departure.

1. Buy Globacom SIM at Nigeria airports

You can buy a Globacom SIM card at several major airports in Nigeria. Similar to MTN, Glo has kiosks or stores in these airports where you can purchase and register a SIM card. At Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos), or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja), Glo has a presence in the arrivals area where you can purchase a SIM card and register it.

When buying a Globacom SIM card at the airport, follow these tips:

• Have Identification Ready: Bring a valid ID, such as a passport, for the mandatory SIM card registration.
• Locate Official Kiosks: Look for official Glo kiosks or stores to ensure you are getting a legitimate SIM card.
• Check for Bundles: Inquire about available data, call, and SMS bundles to find a package that suits your needs.
• Test the SIM Card: Before leaving the kiosk, insert the SIM card into your phone to ensure it is working correctly.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth experience purchasing and setting up your Globacom SIM card at Nigeria airports.

2. Buy Globacom SIM in Nigeria city center

In Nigeria’s city centers, you can purchase a Globacom SIM card at various locations, including official Glo shops, authorized retailers, and mobile phone stores. Here are some specific options for major cities:

• Globacom Service Centers: Visit official Glo shops like the Glo World outlets. Some popular locations include: Nigeria Globacom Store: 96 Ikorodu-Ososun Rd, Fadeyi, Lagos 102216, Lagos, Nigeria
• Computer Village: Located in Ikeja, this is a major hub for mobile phones and accessories, where you can find authorized Glo retailers.
• Banex Plaza: A popular shopping complex in Wuse II where many mobile phone stores sell SIM cards and accessories.
• Shopping Malls: Many malls, such as the Ikeja City Mall and Port Harcourt Mall, have stores or kiosks selling SIM cards.

But since purchasing SIM cards in-store necessitates extensive paperwork, many consumers tend to restrict their use of this approach.

3. Buy Globacom SIM online before departure

Some companies offer international SIM cards that work in Nigeria and can be purchased online before your trip. These may not be specifically Glo SIM cards but can provide reliable connectivity in Nigeria:

• Amazon (search for travel SIM cards that include Nigeria in their coverage)
• SimOptions (offers SIM cards with international coverage)

You can save yourself the trouble of looking for a shop or kiosk when you arrive by ordering your SIM card online. The SIM may be easily ordered online and delivered to your address while you relax in the comfort of your own home. 

VII. A Better Alternative to Globacom SIM cards – Nigeria eSIM

If your phone supports eSIM, forget the physical SIM card, enjoy mobile internet in Nigeria with an eSIM. Nigeria eSIM is a more convenient solution. It is quick and easy activation with cost-effective data plans.

Experience Nigeria happily with Gigago Nigeria eSIM. Enjoy competitive pricing and a wide range of data plans from $9.50 – $37.50 . If you are a light user, there is an option with 1GB data in 7 days for just $9.50 . Gigago is definitely your perfect travel companion.

VIII. How to top up your Globacom Nigeria SIM

Enjoy the convenience of topping up for yourself by easily adding data to your Glo SIM directly from your bank account. Here is how:

• Step 1: Link your phone number to your bank 
• Step 2: Dial *805# to access the Glo Simple Recharge menu. 
• Step 3: Follow the on-screen prompts to select your preferred recharge option, amount, and payment method.

IX. FAQ about Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs

X. Conclusion 

In conclusion, Globacom Nigeria SIM cards & eSIMs options cater to the diverse needs of users in Nigeria. By understanding the different plans, activation processes, and requirements, you can choose the best option for your communication needs. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, Glo can provide reliable mobile services. Remember to keep your account information secure and explore the various data packages and value-added services offered by Glo.