How to Buy a prepaid SIM Cards for Namibia? (Tourist Guide)

This guide covers everything you need to know about purchasing and using a prepaid SIM card in Namibia. 

As a tourist visiting Namibia, getting a local prepaid SIM card for your mobile device is highly recommended. This will allow you to make calls, send text messages, and access the internet during your trip, all at much more affordable rates than using your regular carrier’s international roaming.

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

1. MTC

When visiting Namibia, getting a prepaid SIM card from the country’s leading mobile network provider, MTC, is a great way to stay connected during your trip. 

• 2GB data + 60 minutes + 60 SMS for 7 days = N$50 ($2.70 USD).

• 5GB data + 100 minutes + 100 SMS for 7 days = N$100 ($5.40 USD).

• 18GB data + 300 minutes + 150 SMS for 30 days = N$290 ($15.80 USD).

• 15GB data + 1,500 minutes + 1,000 SMS for 30 days = N$290 ($15.80 USD).

These special tourist SIM card packages are available at the MTC store located at Windhoek Airport, providing excellent value with generous data, calling, and texting allowances.

Topping Up Your SIM Card: If you need to add more credit to your MTC prepaid SIM card, you can easily do so at convenient stores, gas stations, and other authorized retailers throughout Namibia.

2. Telecom Namibia

While the leading mobile network in Namibia is MTC, the country’s other major provider, Telecom Namibia, also offers some budget-friendly prepaid SIM card options that may be worth considering for tourists.

Telecom Namibia Tourist-Focused Packages at Windhoek Airport:

• Unlimited data for 1 week = N$300 ($16.30 USD).

• Unlimited data for 1 month = N$1,000 ($54 USD).

These unlimited data plans available at the Telecom Namibia store in Windhoek Airport can be especially convenient for visitors who want to avoid worrying about data limits during their stay in Namibia.

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

As a tourist visiting Namibia, you have 03 primary options for getting a SIM card to stay connected during your trip:

• Buy Namibia SIM Cards Online.

• Purchase SIM Card at Namibia Airports.

• Obtain SIM Card in Namibia’s City Centers.

1. Buy Namibia SIM Cards Online.

Several reputable online resellers allow you to purchase Namibia SIM cards before your flight. Sites like Gigago let you choose a plan that best fits your expected length of stay and usage needs. They’ll email you a code or QR code, which you can scan upon arrival to instantly activate your digital SIM card.

Pros:

• Have internet access as soon as you land in Namibia.

• Time to compare different offers and select the best plan.

Cons:

• Your phone must be capable of using a digital SIM card.

2. Purchase SIM Card at Windhoek Airport.

One of the most convenient places to get connected right away is by purchasing a local SIM card at the airport.

The MTC and Telecom Namibia stores are both located in the Arrivals Hall, making it easy to pick up a SIM as soon as you land. The MTC store is on your left-hand side when you enter the Arrivals area, while the Telecom Namibia shop is on your right.

Opening Hours:

• MTC: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

• Telecom Namibia: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

These hours may vary slightly depending on the schedule of incoming international flights.

At both stores, you can purchase a Namibian SIM card using your international credit card. There are also ATMs and currency exchange offices conveniently located in the Arrivals Hall.

 Pros

• Convenient option for getting a SIM card right away.

• Ensures you have cellular data as soon as you arrive in Namibia.

Cons:

• Potentially more expensive than purchasing in-town.

• Requires presenting your passport for ID verification.

3. Obtain SIM Card in Namibia’s City Centers.

You can also wait until you reach your destination in Namibia and purchase a SIM card from a mobile provider’s retail store in the city center. In Windhoek city center, close to the Wernhill Park Mall, you can find the MTC shop and the Telecom Namibia shop there. 

Pros: Have time to find out the best options that suit your need. 

Cons: 

• Extra travel to the retail locations.

• It can take time to wait in line to make a purchase.

III. How Much is a Tourist Namibia SIM Card ?

Purchasing a prepaid SIM card is a highly affordable way for tourists to stay connected during a trip to Namibia. The price you’ll pay depends on the specific plan you choose, which can vary in terms of included call minutes, text messages, and mobile data.

• Some starter packages cost as little as N$50 ($2.70 USD) and provide 2 GB of data + 60 minutes + 60 SMS for 7 days of use. 2GB data + 60 minutes + 60 SMS for 7 days = N$50 ($2.70 USD).

• For a full month of service, you can get unlimited data for N$1,000 ($54 USD).

Regardless of which mobile network provider you go with, such as MTC or Telecom Namibia, they offer great value options designed specifically for foreign visitors to Namibia.

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

When visiting Namibia, tourists have two main options for getting connected with a local SIM card:

1. Prepaid SIM Card : This is a physical SIM card that you can buy at stores in Namibia. It’s easy to find and use – you just need to insert the SIM card into your phone and activate the plan.

2. eSIM : This is a digital SIM card that you can set up on your phone before your trip. It doesn’t require a physical SIM card – instead, you scan a QR code or manually enter the eSIM details to activate it.

Here’s a quick comparison of these two options:

Feature	Prepaid SIM Card	eSIM
Convenience	Can be easily purchased at stores in Namibia.	Can be set up online before your trip, no physical card needed.
Compatibility	Works with any mobile phone.	Only works with phones that have eSIM capability.
Activation	Insert the SIM card into your phone and activate the plan.	Scan a QR code or enter the details to activate the eSIM plan.
Plan Options	Variety of plans offered by different mobile providers.	May have fewer plan options compared to physical SIM cards.

In general, both a prepaid SIM card and an eSIM can be good options for tourists visiting Namibia. The best choice for you will depend on your phone’s capabilities, your travel needs, and the availability of eSIM plans. It’s a good idea to do some research and talk to the mobile providers to find the solution that works best for your trip.

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

Yes, absolutely. Getting a SIM card for your phone is highly recommended if you’re traveling to Namibia and want to use your mobile device for making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet.

Here are a few key reasons why having a Namibia SIM card can be useful:

• Cost-Effective Communication : Using a local SIM card is often much cheaper than relying on your home country’s SIM card and roaming services. You can take advantage of the local rates for making calls, sending texts, and using mobile data.

• Convenient Access : Having a Namibia SIM card allows you to easily communicate with local people, make reservations, and use navigation or other apps that work better with a local phone number.

• Reliable Internet Access : If you need to access the internet frequently during your trip for things like maps, translations, or staying connected on social media, a local SIM card with a data plan will provide you with affordable and stable internet connectivity.

• Access to Local Services : Some services and apps in Namibia may require you to have a Namibia phone number to use certain features or to activate the services. Using a local SIM card ensures you can fully utilize these local resources without any issues.

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

If you’re a visitor to Namibia and want to get a local Namibia SIM card for your phone, there are a few things you’ll need to provide when making the purchase:

• Passport : Since you won’t have a Namibia address as a visitor, you’ll need to show your passport for identification and address verification purposes. You should also have a photocopy of your passport ready.

• Visa : You’ll need to provide a photocopy of your current Namibia tourist or short-term visa. This helps demonstrate that your visit to the country is legitimate.

• SIM Card Size : Before you go to buy the SIM card, make sure you know what size SIM card your phone uses (standard, micro, or nano). That way, you can request the right size when making your purchase.

Alternatively, if your phone supports it, you could consider getting an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. eSIMs can be more practical and private, as you don’t have to go through the same registration and verification procedures as with a standard SIM card.

VII. Namibia eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards.

Using an eSIM can be a very convenient option for tourists visiting Namibia, instead of getting a traditional physical SIM card.

With an eSIM, you don’t have to worry about swapping out your regular SIM card when you arrive in Namibia. You can simply activate the eSIM on your phone, without having to physically insert a new SIM card.

The activation process is typically very easy – you just need to scan a QR code or manually enter the eSIM details. This makes it a hassle-free solution for tourists.

You can purchase Namibia eSIMs from various online retailers, such as Gigago. The prices are quite affordable. 

For Namibia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Namibia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Namibia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

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

The length of time the Namibia SIM card is active can vary based on the specific plan you choose.

Short-Term Options:

• 1-day and 3-day SIM cards provide basic connectivity for a brief period, suitable if you only need minimal usage during a short stay.

Weekly Plans:

• 7-day SIM cards are a popular choice among many tourists. They offer a week’s worth of calling, texting, and data access, which is perfect for those exploring Namibia for around a week.

Month-Long Validity:

• 30-day SIM cards allow you to use your phone freely for the entire duration of a month-long trip in Namibia. This ensures reliable connectivity throughout your time in the country.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Namibia? 

Here’s how to activate a Namibia SIM card or eSIM: 

1. Activating a Namibia SIM Card:

• Purchase a Namibia SIM card from an authorized retailer, mobile network provider, or airport kiosk.

• Insert the SIM card into your unlocked mobile device.

• Entering your personal information (name, address, etc.).

• Choosing a tariff plan or package.

• Funding your account with airtime or data.

• Once activated, your Namibia SIM card will be ready to use for making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet.

• Choosing a tariff plan or package.

• Funding your account with airtime or data.

• Once activated, your Namibia SIM card will be ready to use for making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet.

2. Activating a Namibia eSIM:

• Obtain a Namibia eSIM plan from an authorized eSIM provider or retailer.

• Scan the provided QR code or manually enter the eSIM details on your compatible device.

• Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the eSIM profile.

• Select the newly installed Namibia eSIM as the active cellular plan on your device.

• Your Namibia eSIM is now activated and ready for use.

X. FAQs

In summary, getting a SIM card for your phone is highly recommended for travelers visiting Namibia. It provides cost-effective and convenient ways to stay connected during your trip. Whether you choose a physical SIM or an eSIM, having a local connection ensures you can stay reliably connected, communicate with ease.