If you’re a digital nomad arriving in Namibia, securing a reliable and affordable data connection is a must. While eSIMs might be your go-to solution in many destinations, Namibia operates a bit differently, and we've gathered everything you need to know to stay connected during your time here.
Skip the eSIMs – They Don’t Work in Namibia!
(As of November 2024)
Many travelers have found out the hard way that popular eSIM services, like Airalo, simply don’t work here, despite what providers may tell you. Currently, eSIM compatibility is virtually non-existent in Namibia, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. If your phone doesn’t have a SIM card slot, we recommend bringing a spare smartphone that can hold a physical SIM card. Not only will this save you connectivity headaches, but using a local SIM card is also much cheaper than eSIM data packages.
MTC officially launched Namibian E-Sims recently. Unfortunately, we have not experienced anyone successfully using it. If you know more and experienced it working, send us a message!
Get Connected Right at the Airport – Don’t Wait!
As soon as you land in Namibia, head to the MTC shop at the arrival hall's exit, after you walked through immigrations and claimed your baggage. The process is simple but requires in-person registration with your passport, so it’s easiest to handle it upon arrival. This way, you’ll be connected right from the start, saving you the trouble of hunting down a SIM card provider later in the city. In Windhoek you will see that you quickly need to use Uber like apps called "LEFA", as Windhoek is not the most walkable. This is why it is helpful to have mobile internet from the beginning.
Top Choice: MTC Namibia
The largest and most reliable mobile provider in Namibia is MTC Namibia. With broad coverage and a range of data plans, MTC is the best choice for reliable service across the country.
MTC App for Easy Top-Ups
Once you have your MTC SIM card, managing and topping up your data is possible with the MyMTC Namibia app. While the app is not the most intuitive and sometimes down you can keep track of your balance, purchase additional data, and manage your plan all from your phone. If the app is not working or you want to top up data in a shop you can do so at every fuel station in the city. You can request topping up data at the cashier or using a yellow vending machine standing in most fuel stations or supermarkets. Make sure to have the exact amount in cash for the machine.
Recommended Data Plans
MTC offers several plans tailored to different needs. Here are a few options we recommend for digital nomads:
Monthly Plan: “YoData” Bundle
Perfect for those staying 30 days or more, the YoData bundle offers:
501 minutes
150 SMS
25GB of data (including “Happy Hour” bonus data from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.)
Price: NAD 249 (excl. VAT)
Remember that the YoData Bundle is a monthly plan, so you’ll need to recharge it every 30 days.
Weekly Plan: “SuperAweh” Bundle
For those who need data on a short-term basis, the SuperAweh bundle is a good option:
Free Minutes: 700
Free SMS: 1,500
Data: 3GB (plus 700MB specifically for social media)
Happy Hour (free data): Midnight to 6 a.m.
Price: Approximately €3 (valid for 7 days)
Remember that the SuperAweh bundle is a weekly plan, so you’ll need to recharge it every seven days.
Handy Codes to Manage Your MTC Account
Keep track of your data and minutes using these quick MTC codes:
Main Menu: *682# (to access all MTC options and services)
Check Data and Minutes: *139#
Find Your Mobile Number: *1#
With these codes, you can easily manage your account and check your balance on the go.
SIM Cards as a WiFi back up
The WiFi connection in Windhoek has improved tremendously over the past few years. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and Airbnbs have invested in quality internet, making it easy to stay connected. However, fast WiFi can still be costly, so you may occasionally encounter places with weaker or unstable connections. For those situations, having a local SIM card as a backup can be a lifesaver, allowing you to create a hotspot. With reliable 4G, you can keep working seamlessly and enjoy uninterrupted calls, no matter where you are.
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