Best eSIM providers and plans in Nigeria in 2024

Are you planning to visit Nigeria? Just imagine relaxing on some of its long beaches, exploring rainforests with impressive waterfalls, or even visiting historic sites. You can feel the Nigerian spirit in the traditional villages, see cool crafts, and meet welcoming people. However, you also want to stay connected without worrying about high roaming costs.

Well, eSIMs will help you with the connection portion of that dream! An eSIM is a built-in embedded Subscriber Identity Module that does away with the hassle of using a physical SIM card. The best part is that you’ll enjoy flexible local plans, won’t need to switch physical SIMs, and you’ll even have global roaming, meaning your costs will stay low and predictable.

With the multiple eSIM providers available, it can be daunting to choose the right one. So, we’ve conducted comprehensive tests and evaluations to provide reliable recommendations. Let’s explore the best eSIM Nigeria providers to meet your needs.

Top 5 eSIMs in Nigeria – shortlist

1. Saily – best eSIM for Brazil overall
2. Airalo – perfect for frequent travelers
3. Nomad – ideal for short trips to Brazil
4. Jetpac – the best value on South American data
5. aloSIM – for reliable South American coverage

How to choose an eSIM plan for Nigeria

Using an eSIM for travel is a great choice, but selecting the right one can be tricky with Nigeria's numerous eSIM providers. Therefore, you must consider crucial factors like your destination, trip duration, and data needs. So, let’s have a look at our shortlist, which will help you choose the right eSIM plan for your travel needs in Nigeria and beyond:

• Destination. When choosing a Nigeria eSIM, the most crucial thing is to check the network coverage in your travel destination. This will ensure a seamless experience that reduces roaming costs and allows you to use the internet wherever you are.
• Use case. The use case is another important factor. For example, if you’re looking for data-only plans, you have plenty of options, but if you need to make international phone calls through the cellular network, you must look for a provider with a phone number.
• Duration. You may travel for a few days or stay in Nigeria for a month or more (depending on the purpose of your travel). That’s why you need to check the duration of the eSIM plan you select and ensure you won’t find yourself without internet access during your trip.
• Tethering. Not all devices support eSIMs, so if you want internet on other devices, you should go for a provider with tethering functionality. More precisely, this means you can use the device with the eSIM as a Wi-Fi hotspot and browse the internet on another device.
• Price. Finally, you need to consider the provider’s price. Not all Nigeria eSIMs cost the same, so see what they offer, compare their prices, and make an informed decision.

The best eSIMs for Nigeria – our full list

There are many eSIM providers in Nigeria, so you need to pick the right one. We've tested the most prominent providers and created a list of the top five. We considered their plans, activation process, pricing, and network coverage. Based on this, let’s see what each provider offers!

1. Saily – the most affordable eSIM Nigeria

Supported networks:	3G, 4G, 5G
Country coverage:	150+
Starting price:	$7.49/week

Visit Saily

Saily is one of Nigeria’s best eSIM providers, offering affordable prices, flexibility options, and no mandatory KYC verification.

Plan Options. While Saily only has data plans for Nigeria, you can choose from four options. The plans are 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB for 7 or 30 days, depending on the plan you select. They’re all prepaid.

Plans Pricing. Saily is one of the most budget-friendly eSIM providers on this list. You can activate the initial 1GB plan for only $7.49/week.

Network Coverage. Another fantastic thing is Saily’s coverage. With local plans in 150+ countries, you can use Nigeria's 3G, 4G, or 5G networks. However, this eSIM provider doesn’t disclose its network partners. You can also read our full Saily review if you want information for other destinations.

Activation Process. Saily allows you to complete activation without a physical SIM card. You just choose the eSIM plan and make a purchase. You can download the Saily app via a QR code and purchase with your credit or debit card, PayPal, or Google Pay.

Customer Support. Saily offers 24/7 customer support, allowing you to contact its staff through live chat, email, and the help center or browse the FAQs section.

2. Airalo – Nigeria eSIM with top-up options

Supported networks:	LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G
Country coverage:	200+
Starting price:	$8.50/week

Visit Airalo

In the second place, we have Airalo. This fantastic eSIM provider has everything you need, from flexible plans to various top-up options.

Plan Options. Airalo is one of the many eSIM providers that offer data-only plans. These plans are all prepaid, and you can choose from 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, or 5GB of data for Nigeria.

Plans Pricing. You can choose from a few eSIM plans, the most basic being the most affordable. Seven days of 1GB of mobile data costs $8.50.

Network Coverage. Airalo comes with one of the biggest network coverage ranges. It has eSIMs for more than 200 countries, including Nigeria. However, there are also regional or global plans. This eSIM provider offers its services in Nigeria through the Airtel 4G network.

Activation Process. Conveniently, Airalo doesn’t require KYC verification for your Nigeria eSIM. Therefore, you just need to pick a plan and download the app. To complete the process, scan the QR code, and you’re ready. Regarding your payment, Airalo supports credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and Airmoney.

Customer Support. Like Saily, Airalo offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, knowledge base, blog page, and FAQs. This means you can find an answer to any of your questions.

3. Nomad – eSIM for Nigeria with 4G/5G internet speeds

Supported networks:	LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G
Country coverage:	170+
Starting price:	$11/week

Visit Nomad

Nomad is a superb choice for a Nigeria eSIM. With it, you can access the internet while on the go and avoid costly roaming fees.

Plan Options. Like the previous providers, Nomad has only data plans for Nigeria. This means you won’t be able to make network-based phone calls or texts. Also, keep in mind that all of its plans are prepaid.

Plans Pricing. Unfortunately, Nomad is a bit expensive, as its 1GB plan costs $11/week. However, this price includes all of the fees, and there are no hidden charges.

Network Coverage. Nomad is available in 170+ countries, including Nigeria. There is even a global plan. However, the local eSIM works on the Airtel network and has fast 4G speeds. You can get additional info on Nomad’s performance in other countries in our full Nomad Review.

Activation Process. Nomad does not require KYC verification for an eSIM in Nigeria, and the activation process is a breeze. You just open the Nigeria plans and pick the one you want to get, and that’s it. You can pay with credit, debit, or prepaid cards, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.

Customer Support. Unlike the providers we’ve seen above, Nomad only has a ticket support system. So, for any issue that appears, you can submit your ticket and then wait for a reply. Luckily, the Nomad support team responds quickly and offers effective solutions.

4. Jetpac – eSIM for Nigeria with the largest plan selection

Supported networks:	3G, 4G
Country coverage:	100+
Starting price:	$1 for four days

Visit Jetpac

As we approach the end of this list, Jetpac takes 4th place. It's one of the most prominent providers due to its fast internet speeds and fantastic price for new users.

Plan Options. Jetpac currently has seven prepaid eSIM plans, which are data-only. Although you won't be able to make phone calls, you’ll certainly find a suitable plan for your travel.

Plans Pricing. Jetpac has 1GB, 3GB, 10GB, 15GB, 25GB, 30GB, and 40GB data plans for Nigeria. As we mentioned, the starting plan of 1GB is the most affordable, at only $1 for four days.

Network Coverage. Regarding its coverage, you can use Jetpac in 100+ countries, including Nigeria. However, it only offers 3G and 4G networks.

Activation Process. You can choose the plan you want to use and pay with your credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Jetpac does not require KYC verification for an eSIM in Nigeria.

Customer Support. Regarding its customer support, you can contact the team of experts via email, i.e., by submitting a ticket. Even though there is no live chat, they are kind and usually reply in a few hours.

5. aloSIM – eSIM provider with an international phone number

Supported networks:	LTE, 4G, 5G
Country coverage:	175+
Starting price:	$8.50/week

Visit aloSIM

Lastly, aloSIM is another fantastic eSIM provider in Nigeria. It has coverage in 175+ countries and offers several different plans.

Plan Options. All of aloSIM’s plans are prepaid and include an international phone number. That said, you can call and text anyone without paying extra.

Plans Pricing. In its pool of subscriptions, you can find 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB data plans, which start at $8.50/week. However, if you want to use the eSIM longer, you can check its 5GB plan for 30 days, which costs $34.

Network Coverage. As we said, aloSIM operates in more than 175 countries. It has partnerships with numerous local networks, such as the Nigerian Airtel, allowing you to enjoy decent LTE speeds.

Activation Process. In Nigeria, aloSIM does not require KYC verification, and you’ll likely be able to activate your eSIM within five minutes. Select your plan, download the app, and install it on your mobile device.

Customer Support. You can now contact aloSIM through its 24/7 live chat and email or explore its FAQs section. You’ll find detailed information about any problem regardless of your chosen channel.

Compare the best eSIM providers in Nigeria

After many thorough tests, we have ranked Nigeria's best eSIM providers and plans according to their features and benefits. That's why we put it all together into a detailed comparison table. Let’s check it out:

Brand	Plan duration	Data sharing	Unlimited data	Calls	GB per plan	Support	Price
Saily	7 and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB	In English via knowledgebase, email, and FAQs	$7.49-$48.99
Airalo	7, 15, and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1GB, 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB	In English via live chat	$8.50-$35
Nomad	7 and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1GB, 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB	In English via the help center, email, and FAQs	$11-$45
Jetpac	4, 7, and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1GB, 3GB, 10GB, 15 GB, 25GB, 30GB, and 40GB	In English via live chat	$1-$80
aloSIM	7, 15, and 30 days	Yes	No	Yes	1GB, 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB	In English via live chat	$8.50-$34

How did we test and rank these eSIMs for Nigeria?

We conducted various tests to rank the best eSIMs for Nigeria and checked their coverage, network connection, compatibility, and price. Before we move on to more details, let’s briefly go through some details about our selection factors:

Coverage:	Does it have regional and local plans?
Network connection:	Does it support 4G and 5G networks? Is connecting to the network quick and seamless?
Compatible:	Is it compatible with iOS and Android? Does it support multiple devices?
Price:	Is it budget-friendly? Is everything included in the price?

• Coverage. An eSIM's coverage is crucial to us. That’s why we always check its local plans for Nigeria, see if it has regional and global plans, and check its local operator partners.
• Network connection. The second factor we consider is the network connection of the eSIM providers we list. Here, we focus on their network types, such as LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G. However, we’re primarily interested in 4G and 5G networks, as they are the fastest.
• Compatible. Another crucial factor we always test is the compatibility of eSIMs. They must work with numerous devices, as you wouldn’t want to buy it and find out it’s not functioning. So, we always try to list providers that work with almost all the mobile phones on the market.
• Price. Ultimately, we pick the most budget-friendly eSIM providers for Nigeria. While not all of them are the most affordable, they are the best in the pool of multiple eSIM providers. We also ensure that the price includes all costs and no hidden ones.

How to activate an eSIM card in 5 different ways

There are several straightforward ways to activate your new eSIM. However, the process depends on your chosen provider and the activation method. So, regardless of whether you install it on an iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, or any other phone, here are the five methods you should be familiar with:

• QR code entry. If you want to use the QR code, you must find it on the eSIM’s website. After that, you must open your phone settings and find “Cellular.” Then, you can add the eSIM and scan the QR code to activate it.
• Manual entry. You can also install the eSIM manually, which is useful when QR or app options are unavailable. However, it’s also more complex. You must contact the network carrier for the SM-DP+ address, activation code, and link. Once you have these stuff, open settings, click “Cellular,” and add the eSIM. Then, click on Manual entry and select “Enter Details Manually.” Lastly, enter the SM-DP+ address and the activation code.
• Use the provider’s app. Download the app, select your plan, and continue to checkout. Once finished, go to settings. You may need to enter your device's IMEI number and other details. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your eSIM.
• Use a provider's website. Another way to get your eSIM is to use your chosen provider's website. You just open the eSIM’s website, find the QR code, and follow the steps we’ve explained for the first method.
• Activate in the store. Last, you can activate your eSIM in the provider's store. To do this, you should reach out to customer support, who will guide you through the installation process using some of the methods we’ve discussed above.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Finding out if your phone supports eSIM is very simple. But we’re here to simplify this process by explaining how to do it on both Samsung and iPhone. You can also use a compatibility checker to confirm compatibility with other devices. Let’s explore the process!

eSIM compatability on iPhone

Unfortunately, not all iPhones support eSIMs. While iPhone XR and later models can work with eSIM technology, older ones, such as the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8, don't.

Also, remember that the latest iPhone 15 series comes in a model that only works with an eSIM. This is the USA version. However, check out this link to learn more about eSIMs on iPhone.

1. Go to your iPhone Settings.
2. Click on ‘General.’
3. Select ‘About.’
4. Search for ‘Digital SIM’ (on older iPhones) or ‘Available SIM’ (iOS 15 and later).
5. If you see a 15-digit IMEI number listed here, your iPhone supports eSIMs.

eSIM compatability on Android phone

While the Samsung S20 is eSIM compatible, you should check if other models also work with this innovative technology. Later models usually also support eSIMs. However, to check, you need to check the "Status" or "IMEI information" choices in the "About Phone" or "Settings" menu.

Benefits of using an eSIM in Nigeria

eSIMs help you reduce your roaming costs and increase your flexibility. However, there are many other reasons. Unfortunately, you can't get an eSIM card from the local mobile operators, as they only offer physical SIM cards. So, it's even more relevant to get the best eSIM plan for Nigeria in 2024 before you reach Nigeria! Here are some of the benefits of eSIMs:

• Flexible. eSIMs allow you to switch between network providers without changing physical SIM cards.
• Convenient. As you need to purchase and configure the eSIM before arriving in Nigeria, you will have instant connectivity upon landing without finding a local SIM vendor.
• Secure. Another incredible benefit is that your eSIM hardware is embedded in the device, reducing the risk of theft or loss of a SIM card and providing a secure environment for mobile services and personal information.
• Compact. If there’s one reason why eSIMs are beneficial, it is because they eliminate the need for a physical SIM slot, allowing for slimmer device designs and making space for additional features or larger batteries.
• Sustainable. Ultimately, eSIMs reduce the need for plastic SIM cards, contributing to environmental sustainability by minimizing electronic waste.

How to make calls with eSIM in Nigeria

Making network-based calls with eSIMs is not always possible, as most eSIM providers have data-only plans. However, we have a few tips on how you can get around this:

• Check if the eSIM provider allows calls and SMS. First and foremost, you need to find an eSIM provider that offers plans with a phone number for making calls. A great eSIM provider like this is aloSIM, which has Nigeria eSIM plans with international calls and SMS messages.
• Use a domestic SIM card. If you can’t find an eSIM that includes a free international phone number in Nigeria, you can use your existing physical SIM card to make calls and use the eSIM only for data. However, note that international calls via the physical SIM come with high roaming charges.
• Try VoIP apps. However, the most straightforward solution is to explore popular VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice. These apps use a data connection to make calls over the internet, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional cellular networks.

Final thoughts on eSIMs for Nigeria

It's essential to have internet access no matter where you go. This way, you can browse online or find directions easily. Either way, you need to go for some of the best eSIM providers in Nigeria, such as Saily.

While they cut roaming costs and offer superb flexibility, they are also convenient. As you can’t get an eSIM within Nigeria, it’s great that they’re all prepaid, allowing you to configure them from home and use them when you arrive.

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