Best eSIM provider and plan for eSIM Namibia in 2024
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Learn moreeSIM technology is revolutionizing the way we connect our devices, particularly while traveling. Unlike traditional SIM cards that you have to buy from a store and physically swap in your devices, eSIMs are built into your device and can be rewritten and activated online. This convenience is just one reason why eSIMs are gaining popularity in Namibia.
eSIMs offer quite a few advantages over traditional, physical SIM cards, including lower roaming fees, flexible data plans, easy top-ups, and faster internet speeds. However, finding the right eSIM for travel to Namibia is a challenging task because of the limited number of options and the instability of the Namibian telecommunications system. This instability has led to several eSIM providers having no availability or “out of stock” notifications on their eSIMs for Namibia, which constrains our choices. Airalo and GigSky are both excellent providers that normally provide eSIMs for Namibia, but they’re currently unavailable because of the turbulence in Namibia's telecom market. We’ll update you with more information when those providers seem to offer a good eSIM for Namibia again.
I’ve done the legwork to give you the details on the best eSIM providers for Namibia. I'll walk you through what they offer, explain the benefits, and highlight key factors to consider when choosing an eSIM.
Top 3 eSIMs for Namibia – my recommendations
- Nomad - best eSIM provider for Namibia
- easySim – easy-to-use eSIM provider for Namibia
- FlexiRoam - flexible short-term eSIM provider for Namibia
What to consider before buying an eSIM for Namibia
If you want the best eSIM for Namibia, there are a few things that you need to consider. Focus on the most crucial factors, such as network coverage, data allowance, compatibility, plans, and pricing. Let’s have a look at each of these in further detail:
- Device Compatibility. To use a Namibia eSIM, you must ensure your device supports eSIM technology. That said, you can either check this in your phone’s settings or open the specifications of your mobile device. Most devices since 2019 work with eSIMs, and some devices from 2017 onward will be compatible.
- Coverage. Check the coverage area of the eSIM provider in Namibia, especially if you travel frequently or reside in rural areas. You need to check the internet connections and the eSIM plans. Remember that you should also look for regional and global plans, not only single-country ones.
- Data Plans. Another fundamental factor is the eSIM data plans. As a result, you’ll be able to find available plans for Namibia that suit your data usage needs and budget.
- Activation Process. Usually, eSIMs have an effortless activation process. Still, you need to understand the steps involved in activating the eSIM and the additional requirements, such as identification documents.
Namibia currently has no widespread 5G network connectivity. The government has auctioned the wireless spectrum and lifted the legal moratorium on 5G wireless technology, so there are now plans for widespread 5G by 2026. Until then, it will be available minimally – at most – even though all these eSIM providers are fully 5G-ready.
The best eSIMs for Namibia travel – my detailed list
After searching for different eSIMs and testing key features, like country coverage, network coverage, activation process, and pricing, I found the best available eSIM Namibia providers in 2024. Based on this, let’s get more in-depth and see what each provider offers!
1. Nomad - the best eSIM provider for Namibia in 2024
Supported networks: | 3G, 4G (5G is not yet present in Namibia) |
Country coverage: | 180+ countries and regions, including Namibia (within Nomad’s Africa eSIM) |
Starting price: | $25/week |
Nomad stands out as the best eSIM provider for Namibia, offering a balance of quality service and reasonable pricing. Here's a breakdown of what Nomad offers:
Plan Options. Nomad keeps it simple with two single-country plans for Namibia: 1GB and 3GB data-only options. While you won't get a phone number for traditional calls or texts, these plans cater to most travelers' data needs. All plans are prepaid.
Namibia Plans Pricing. Nomad's pricing is competitive, sitting between easySim and FlexiRoam. Plans range from $25 to $50, offering good value for the data provided. This pricing structure makes Nomad an attractive option for both short trips and longer stays.
Network Coverage. Nomad offers 3G and 4G connections in Namibia. It is 5G-ready, but Namibia doesn’t plan to have widespread 5G connectivity until at least 2026.
Activation Process. Activating your Nomad eSIM is straightforward. After confirming your device's eSIM compatibility, you choose your plan, make the payment, and scan the provided QR code to install the eSIM.
Customer Support. Nomad provides 24/7 ticket support, along with a knowledge base and FAQ section. While it doesn't offer live chat, the round-the-clock availability ensures you can get help whenever you need it.
Advanced Features. Nomad Passport (discounted bundle of eSIMs for multiple countries), Nomad Perks, and multi-device support to share your eSIM plan across smartphones, tablets, and laptops. For more details, read our comprehensive Nomad review.
2. easySim﹘easy-to-use eSIM provider for Namibia in 2024
Supported networks: | 3G, 4G (5G is not yet present in Namibia) |
Country coverage: | 150+ countries and regions, including Namibia |
Starting price: | $36/week |
easySim is a reliable eSIM Namibia provider with two single-country offers for this country. Read on to see everything you’ll get!
Plan Options. easySim might come with only two single-country plans, but you’ll receive 1GB or 3GB of data-only plans. In other words, you won’t receive a phone number for making calls or sending text messages. Also, all of its plans are prepaid.
Namibia Plans Pricing. The biggest drawback is that easySim is a pretty expensive eSIM provider. Its 1GB data plan costs $36/week, while the 3GB data plan is available for $100 for 30 days.
Network Coverage. easySim works with 3G and 4G in Namibia. It is 5G-ready, but Namibia doesn’t plan to have widespread 5G connectivity until at least 2026.
Activation Process. You will activate easySim in no time. Just check your phone’s compatibility with eSIMs, select an eSIM data plan, scan the QR code to install it, and that’s it. You can pay with your debit, credit, or prepaid card, as well as with Google/Apple Pay and PayPal.
Customer Support. If you encounter an issue, easySim offers support via live chat, email, FAQs, and a knowledge base. Thus, you can solve any problem immediately and continue your issue-free journey.
Advanced Features. easySim doesn’t have any advanced features to speak of.
3. FlexiRoam - ultra-flexible short-term eSIM provider for Namibia
Supported networks: | 3G, 4G (5G is not yet present in Namibia) |
Country coverage: | 200+ countries and regions, including Namibia |
Starting price: | $19/week |
FlexiRoam is a very flexible eSIM provider for Namibia, offering a range of plans to suit different needs. Here's what you can expect:
Plan Options. FlexiRoam offers more variety with five single-country plans for Namibia. You can choose from 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB data-only plans. As with easySim, you won't get a phone number for calls or texts. All plans are prepaid.
Namibia Plans Pricing. FlexiRoam provides more competitive pricing than easySim and even beats Nomad on a 1GB, 7-day plan. Plans start at $19 and go up to $85, with various options in between. This pricing structure offers more flexibility for different trip durations and data needs.
Network Coverage. FlexiRoam works with 3G and 4G networks in Namibia. It is 5G-ready, but Namibia doesn’t plan to have widespread 5G until at least 2026.
Activation Process. The activation process for FlexiRoam is straightforward. After checking your device's eSIM compatibility, you select a plan, pay for it, and scan the provided QR code to install the eSIM. Payment options include debit, credit, prepaid cards, and other common payment methods.
Customer Support. FlexiRoam offers 24/7 support via a ticketing system, email, a comprehensive knowledge base, and FAQs. This ensures you can get help whenever you need it, regardless of time zones.
Advanced Features. FlexiShare allows data sharing with another FlexRoam user with an eSIM in the same country. However, FlexiShare is available only on certain plans and is variable in availability. If this feature is important to you, check for the FlexiShare icon on your plan before checkout.
Summary of the best eSIM providers for Namibia
I’ve broken down your top options for an eSIM for travel to Namibia. You would normally have a few more choices, but many providers cannot reliably sell their Namibia eSIMs. Let’s see what you can expect:
Brand | Plan durations | Data sharing | Unlimited data | Calls | GB per plan | Support | Price |
Nomad | 7 and 30 days | Yes | No | No | 1GB and 3GB | 24/7 ticket support, knowledgebase, FAQ | $25-$50 |
easySim | 7 and 30 days | Yes | No | No | 1GB and 3GB | In English via live chat, email, knowledge base, and FAQs | $36-$100 |
FlexiRoam | 7, 15, and 30 days | Yes | No | No | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB and 5GB | 24/7 Support via ticketing system, email, knowledgebase, and FAQs | $19-$85 |
How I tested and ranked these eSIMs for Namibia
To determine the best eSIM provider for Namibia, I focused on the most important criteria, such as coverage, network connection, compatibility, and price. Before I explain more about the testing and ranking process, let’s understand each factor in more detail:
Coverage: | Does it have regional and local plans? |
Network connection: | Does it support 4G and 5G networks? Is connecting to the network fast and seamless? |
Compatibility: | Is it compatible with iOS and Android? Does it support multiple devices? |
Price: | Is it reasonably priced? Does it offer good value for the money? |
- Coverage. The first thing I always check before ranking the providers is the coverage of the eSIM for Namibia. If no local plans will fulfill your needs, then this provider is unsuitable. However, I also look for providers offering regional and global plans so you can use them in multiple countries.
- Network connection. The next thing I test is the network connection. I’m primarily interested in ultra-fast 4G and 5G connections, but since Namibia doesn’t support 5G, I pick an eSIM with 3G and 4G speeds. Overall, I stick to fast and stable internet connections.
- Compatibility. While we know that eSIMs work on devices launched in 2019 and later, we can’t rely solely on this. It’s important to check the compatibility of your device, specifically with your manufacturer. It’s also important to confirm compatibility with each provider.
- Price. Last but not least, I always compare prices. The cost of the eSIM can be the determining factor in many cases, so I carefully check what each provider offers for the money. Ultimately, I pick those eSIMs that have excellent value for your money.
Do I need an eSIM in Namibia?
To put it simply, yes, you need an eSIM in Namibia. But you can’t just get an eSIM and not know why you’re using it. The main reason for purchasing this traveling solution is to get a data plan for Namibia that will reduce the expensive roaming costs.
The Namibia eSIM also provides instant connectivity to the internet, allowing you to navigate Namibia easily, check your social media accounts, and browse the internet at any time.
Also, remember that it is way more affordable than traditional SIM cards. More precisely, you can’t always trust local sellers, as you might end up paying more for the same amount of data or even less.
Pros and cons of eSIM
As I was testing numerous providers, I noticed different advantages and disadvantages regarding eSIMs vs. traditional SIM cards. Due to this, I decided to make you more familiar with both sides of using the innovative eSIM technology. Here’s everything you need to know:
- Pros. The Namibia eSIM comes with many advantages. Some of the main ones are the excellent data plan flexibility, ease of switching between carriers, no need for a physical SIM card, and reduced risk of loss or damage. However, I always point out the significantly reduced roaming charges and the immediate internet connections in Namibia.
- Cons. As eSIMs are a relatively new technology, you can’t use them on any device. In fact, my chosen eSIM for Namibia is compatible mainly with devices launched in 2019 and later. Also, there might be some potential challenges in transferring eSIM profiles between devices.
Does my device support eSIM?
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s that eSIM technology is mainly compatible with phones launched in 2019 or later. So, if you have a device developed earlier than this, you need to double-check if it works with this technology.
Now, I decided to list a few of the most popular phone models that support eSIMs. Let’s explore it together:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Huawei P40
- Huawei P40 Pro
However, if you want to check out all the devices that work with eSIMs and let you use the best eSIM Namibia provider, check out our full list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Can I call from Namibia with an eSIM?
Yes, you can call from Namibia with an eSIM. However, as the provider on my list doesn’t have any calling services, here are a few ways that you can implement for making phone calls and sending texts. Let’s go through them:
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) with data
The easiest way to call your friends and family from Namibia is to get a data-only eSIM and explore different VoIP apps. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, Telegram, or Viber allow you to call anyone using only data. The best part is that these services won’t contribute to roaming costs.
eSIMs with airtime
Another option is to go for an eSIM that includes an international phone number. This way, you won’t only get data services but also enjoy free calling and texting minutes. As a result, you won’t break the bank, yet you’ll still be able to contact anyone at home and tell them everything about your Namibia journey.
International calling apps
The international calling apps are very similar to VoIP apps. Therefore, you can search for some of the best apps and use them to make calls in Namibia. Some of the best are Talk360, Facetime, Google Voice, and WeChat. Thanks to international calling apps, you will forget about expensive phone bills.
Best eSIM for Namibia: my final verdict
After extensive testing and evaluation, the Cybernews research team and I have determined that Nomad is the best overall eSIM provider for Namibia. Its balance of competitive pricing, reliable coverage, and flexibility make it ideal for most travelers. Nomad's Africa plans offer excellent value, especially for stays of 30 days or more.
FlexiRoam is a strong contender, offering more plan options and slightly cheaper rates for shorter stays. However, Nomad edges ahead with its multi-country capabilities, which make it perfect for exploring beyond Namibia.
Although easySim is a reliable eSIM provider for Namibia, it is generally more expensive and less flexible than its competitors here.
It's worth noting that Namibia's telecom market is evolving, and 5G network spectrum has already been auctioned off by the government, with widespread adoption planned for 2026. This may bring more eSIM options in the future. For now, Nomad provides the best combination of value, coverage, and ease of use for most travelers to Namibia.
More eSIM guides from Cybernews
FAQ
Is eSIM available in Namibia?
Yes, eSIM is available in Namibia. However, a limited number of eSIM providers offer data plans for this country, and 5G is not yet widely available.
Can I use eSIM in multiple countries?
Yes, you can use an eSIM in multiple countries. You must find an eSIM provider with regional or global plans that won’t restrict you to a single country. Nomad has this option, and its Nomad Passport program lets you buy a bundle of eSIM plans for different countries simultaneously.
Can I set up eSIM by myself?
Yes, you can set up an eSIM by yourself. To do this, you need to pick a reliable provider, download the app, select a plan you want to use, and scan the QR code to complete the installation. Afterward, open your phone’s settings, add the eSIM, and you’re good to go.
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