Jarrod Suda
Guide
Apr 21, 2024
Advertiser disclosure
These days, it’s almost impossible to imagine visiting a foreign country without mobile connection. You may need to call a rideshare, find your hotel on maps, connect to the internet when away from Wi-Fi, or translate signs in a foreign language.
However, using international roaming with your home carrier to get data could cost hundreds of dollars. This is why prepaid eSIM cards are the fastest growing option for international tourists who own an eSIM-compatible device.
In this guide, you’ll find the 5 best prepaid SIM and eSIM options available for tourists in Namibia in 2024, including their pricing and data plans. Let’s get going!
Airalo is our top choice to avoid expensive international roaming fees. Airalo offers eSIMs tailored to you, from 5 days up to months at a time, covering hundreds of countries, with both multi-country and various GB plans available.
The Best Prepaid SIM Cards in Namibia For Travel in 2024
- 01. Where can I buy prepaid SIM cards in Namibia? scroll down
- 02. Do I need to register my prepaid SIM in Namibia? scroll down
- 03. Physical prepaid SIM cards in Namibia scroll down
- 04. Best prepaid eSIMs in Namibia scroll down
- 05. What are the largest mobile network operators in Namibia? scroll down
Facts About Prepaid SIMs in Namibia
| 📞 Need a local phone number? | Consider a physical SIM card |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Only need access to data? | Get an eSIM instead |
| 📱 Does your phone accept eSIMs? | Read our list of devices |
| 📊 Unlimited data for N/A days | N/A with Holafly |
| 💸 1GB for 7 days | Out of Stock with Airalo |
| 🌟 20GB for 30 | Out of Stock with Airalo |
Where to Buy Physical Prepaid SIM Cards For Namibia
For tourists in Namibia, getting prepaid SIM cards can be challenging due to the limited number of telecom providers. We generally recommend Airalo, since it is the only eSIM provider to offer service in Namibia.
Anete Lūsiņa 
1. namibia Airports
Prepaid SIM cards, particularly from MTC, at Windhoek Airport, will be your best bet, offering cheap options with extensive mobile internet coverage.
2. Network Provider Retail Stores in Namibia
However, it's not advisable to purchase SIM cards from MTC or Telecom Namibia shops in Windhoek city center, making Airalo's eSIM service the most convenient option.
3. Online
You could also consider having a physical prepaid SIM card shipped to your house before you travel by shopping on online sites (like Amazon). You’ll often find destination-specific travel SIM cards that partner with the large namibia networks (like MTC Namibia or Telecom Namibia) to connect your phone to mobile data.
Alternatively, you could consider buying a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device.
Shopping online requires a little travel pre-planning but allows you to search around for better prices and data plans that meet your needs.
The easiest online option, and the one that we highly recommend, is to purchase an eSIM. These digital SIMs can be instantly activated straight from your smartphone from apps like Airalo and Holafly, which then give you seamless access to data in your travel destination.
Registration Process For Prepaid SIM Cards in Namibia
In Namibia, registration is necessary, and you'll need to show your passport to the issuer.
It's worth noting that an increasing number of countries are requiring registration from mobile phone users for security reasons, where purchasing a prepaid SIM card requires consumers to provide proof of identity.
For the countries that have these Know-Your-Customer (KYC) laws, registration will also apply to eSIMs. However, eSIMs do have the benefit of digital registration as opposed to the hassle of an in-person process. If your eSIM is data only (no local phone number), then you may be able to get connected without registering your info.
Cheap Physical Prepaid SIM Card Options For Namibia Travel
Here are some of the most popular options for plastic SIM cards for tourists in Namibia:
1. MTC Namibia
MTC Namibia offers prepaid SIM cards for tourists, with a basic SIM card costing 10 N$.
At Windhoek Airport, options include 1 GB data and 100 minutes for 40 N$ (valid for 1 week), 3 GB data and 700 minutes for 65 N$ (valid for 1 week), 3 GB data for 410 N$ (valid for 2 months), and 15 GB data for 1230 N$ (valid for 2 months).
2. Telecom Namibia
Telecom Namibia, while cheaper, has a weaker network.
Basic SIM cards cost 7 N$, with plans such as 1 GB data for 15 N$ and 5 GB data for 69 N$. At Windhoek Airport, tourists can also get unlimited data for 1 week for 300 N$ or unlimited data for 1 month for 1000 N$.
Best Digital Prepaid e-SIMs For Tourists in Namibia
Want to ditch physical plastic SIM cards? You can conveniently download and active the following international eSIMs from your smartphone instead.
3. Airalo
Airalo is an excellent eSIM provider for international travel. For Namibia, they offer eSIMs from 1GB for 7 days at Out of Stock up to 20GB for 30 days at Out of Stock, and other plans in between. It was super easy for us to set up in the app and purchase instantly.
More info: Read our Airalo review or visit their website.
4. Holafly
Holafly offers unlimited data volume packages for international travel. Holafly's data packages for Namibia cost between N/A and N/A once off and are valid from N/A to N/A days, offering peace of mind that you'll never run out of data.
Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Namibia, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.
More info: Read our Holafly review or visit their website.
5. Yesim
Yesim, a Swiss-based eSIM service, offers flexible plans for 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB. The pricing of these eSIMs for Namibia range from N/A to N/A.
The 3GB plan is good for 7 days while the 5GB one is good for 15 days. The 15GB and 30GB plans both last for 30 days.
To make sure your phone can support eSIM cards, read our list of eSIM-compatible phones.
Largest Mobile Network Operators in Namibia
eSIMs are great because they connect to the best network available wherever you are. Your phone might connect to MTC Namibia or Telecom Namibia, depending on your location, at no extra cost. In contrast, if you buy a SIM card directly from one namibia telecom provider, then your phone will only access that provider's network.
In Namibia, expect to see these names as you connect to data on your travels:
- TN Mobile: Broad network, affordable plans, innovative solutions, providing ubiquitous connectivity and convenience to users across Namibia.
- Telecom Namibia: Extensive coverage, dependable services, competitive pricing, serving the communication needs of customers nationwide.
- MTC Namibia: Comprehensive network, reliable connectivity, innovative services, ensuring seamless communication for urban and rural customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prepaid SIM Cards For Travel in Namibia
Should I buy a SIM card before traveling to Namibia?
Yes, it is wise to plan ahead, but you can also opt for an eSIM even 24 hours before your trip if you have an eSIM-compatible phone. The best part about eSIMs like Airalo and Holafly is that the plans won’t activate until you connect within the plan’s designated country. This means you won’t be on the clock until your trip finally starts.
What is the best prepaid SIM card for Namibia in 2024?
We believe Airalo offers the best prepaid eSIMs in Namibia and around the world in 2024, with options that are 5G compatible, starting from 1GB for 7 days at Out of Stock up to 20GB for 30 days at Out of Stock.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Check our list to make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology.
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