Esim Namibia: What you need to know!
Do you want to use an eSim in Namibia during your holidays? Here’s everything you should know about mobile network connectivity.
Do you want to use a esim in Namibia during your holidays?
Currently it's not possible to buy a local Esim in Namibia
As of 2025 it is not possible to purchase a local Esim in Namibia as the country still relies on physical prepaid sim cards (that are are available to tourists).
International Esim providers don't work as expected
eSim services from Airalo, GigSky and other providers do NOT work as well as expected in Namibia from our experience and are mostly only reliable in major towns like Windhoek and Swakopmund.
MTC Namibia esim does not work in the country
You may come across the MTC Namibia eSim page which is a service available to Namibian if they travel abroad. There is currently no local eSim package available if you visit Namibia.
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For the best experience, buy a prepaid sim card in Namibia
Buying a prepaid sim card in Namibia is a very quick and simple procedure. You only need your passport document.
Best mobile network provider for travellers?
There are three local mobile network providers in Namibia as listed below. We rated them mainly on the overall coverage in Namibia, as that would be the most important aspect for tourists.
MTC Namibia
Over 95% of phone users in Namibia make use of MTC Namibia. They have an excellent coverage of all regions and either 4G or 3G in all major towns of Namibia.
TN Mobile
TN Mobile offers very affordable prepaid data packages, however the overall coverage is not as good as with MTC Namibia who have the best mobile network infrastructure.
Paratus
Paratus offers 3G, 4G and 5G with affordable prices but unfortunatley coverage is only available in some bigger towns so it would not be suitable to use as a tourist.
MTC Namibia Prepaid Sim Card
It’s simple and fast process to buy a prepaid sim card from MTC Namibia in any mobile home across Namibia. As a foreigner you will only need to present your passport to register the sim card in your name.
MTC Namibia prepaid packages
MTC offers a wide variety of prepaid packages. You can purchase another package when the data or minutes are used up. We recommend to choose one of the following packages to stay connected during your holidays in Namibia:
Aweh YoData L
Valid for 7 days-
7GB Data
-
200 Minutes
-
100 SMS
Aweh Ultra 30
Valid for 30 days-
16GB Data
-
1,500 Minutes
-
1,000 SMS
Aweh YoData 30
Valid for 30 days-
25GB Data
-
500 Minutes
-
150 SMS
Disclaimer: We are NOT affiliated with or sponsored by MTC Namibia.
Prepaid packages should be bought directly from MTC Namibia or from a 3rd party like service stations or retail shops. Don’t buy any package online from suspicious websites.
MTC Namibia Tourist Sim Card
The tourist sim card is only available at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in the baggage collection room at a dedicated counter before proceeding to customs.
MTC Namibia tourist packages
Please take note that with the tourist sim card you are only limited to using the 2 packages below and you will not be able to subscribe to any other prepaid packages.
Tourist Sim Leisure
Valid for 14 days-
10.1GB Data
-
N$65 Free Money (Local & International)
Tourist Sim Premium
Valid for 30 days-
20.1GB Data
-
N$125 Free Money (Local & International)
Disclaimer: We are NOT affiliated with or sponsored by MTC Namibia.
Prepaid packages should be bought directly from MTC Namibia or from a 3rd party like service stations or retail shops. Don’t buy any package online from suspicious websites.
A visa may be required for you to enter Namibia
As of 1st April 2025 visitors from 60 countries across Europe, Asia and America will require a visa on arrival to enter Namibia. It is recommended to apply online in advance to avoid long queues upon arrival.
Where to buy a Namibia sim card
You can buy a prepaid sim card at any MTC mobile home
There’s a mandatory registration for sim cards in Namibia and therefore you can only purchase sim cards in Namibia directly from the network provider. MTC Namibia has multiple branches (Mobile Homes) across the country where you can buy and register your sim card.
Take note that some of the branches will have very long queues, therefore it’s recommended to buy them directly at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Once you have the sim card you can purchase airtime at most service stations and retail shops & convert the airtime to prepaid data packages on your mobile device. Dial *140*682# on your MTC phone for data packages.
A tourist sim is only available at the airport
MTC Namibia’s tourist sim card is only available at the Hosea Kutako International Airport near Windhoek where all of the international flights arrive. Note that you are limited to 2 data packages with the tourist sim but it’s less time consuming when you buy it at the airport.
Esim Namibia Frequently asked questions
Faq's
Does esim work in namibia?
The majority of esim services do not work as expected in Namibia. Also there are no local esim options available so for the best connectivity it is advised to purchase a prepaid sim card in Namibia.
Namibia prepaid simcard: What does it cost?
A prepaid sim card in Namibia only costs N$10 (approximately 0.50 USD) and is available at any branch of either MTC Namibia or TN Mobile (Telecom Namibia).
Can foreigners buy a prepaid sim card in Namibia?
Anyone can purchase a sim card in Namibia. The sim card will need to be registered to become active. As a foreigner you only need your passport document to buy and register a sim card.
What is the difference between MTC prepaid sim and tourist sim?
With the prepaid sim card from MTC Namibia you have access to many different prepaid data packages. If you have the tourist sim you are only limited to 2 prepaid packages. Both sim cards can be topped up with any amount of airtime though.
What is is the MTC Namibia Esim?
MTC Namibia offers an Esim, however there is currently no package available for Namibia. The eSim services from MTC are mainly for Namibians that travel abroad so you will not be able to use it as a tourist visiting the country.