Are you planning your trip to Namibia and thinking about staying connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Namibia including a comparison of the best Namibia eSIMs for 2025.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Namibia on the internet. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2025, including all specifications per tourist eSIM.
Find out how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM for Namibia, FAQ about eSIMs and more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Namibia eSIMs comparison
- What is the cheapest eSIM for Namibia?
- Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Namibia
- Where to buy an eSIM for Namibia?
- When to order/activate an eSIM for Namibia?
- How to activate an eSIM
- Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Namibia
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Which smartphones support eSIM?
- Can I trust these eSIM providers?
- Can I keep my phone number from home with a Namibia eSIM?
- Can I make phone calls with a Namibia eSIM?
- Does a Namibia eSIM come with a phone number?
- Can I use 5G on an Namibia eSIM?
- Are there eSIMs for Namibia with unlimited data?
- Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Namibia?
- eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In the past I used to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Namibia in 2025.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Namibia are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
If you are traveling around Namibia it is very important to get an eSIM that operates on the MTC network.
There are 2 mobile internet providers in Namibia: MTC and Telecom Namibia. The big difference between these providers is the mobile network coverage.
In my guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Namibia in 2025 I compared the network coverage maps and a simple conclusion is that MTC has a much stronger network than Telecom Namibia.
Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Namibia read the following carefully:
Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!
1. aloSIM eSIM for Namibia - 1 GB for $9.5 USD
- 1 GB data-only eSIM
- Only 3G data speed!
- Valid in Namibia only
- Valid for 7 days
- Operates on the Telecom Namibia network
Click here to order an aloSIM for Namibia.
Yes, only 3G is supported, not even 4G/LTE. aloSIM only has one eSIM plan for Namibia, but it is the best-buy Namibia eSIM as per January 2025.
Trust me there is nothing available on the internet, I really can't help it
2. SimOptions eSIM for Namibia - 1 GB for $54.90 USD
- 1 GB data-only eSIM
- 4G/LTE
- Valid in Namibia only
- Valid for 7 days
- Not specified which network it operates
Click here to order an eSIM for Namibia from SimOptions.
The SimOptions eSIM for Namibia at least offers 4G/LTE data speed, but 1 GB data for $54.90 USD is a bit outrageous!
I am sure you think I am crazy telling you that this is the best eSIM for Namibia, but ones you read through my eSIM comparison for Namibia you understand there really is nothing better available at the moment.
Both eSIM for Namibia from SimOptions and aloSIM are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported.
Namibia eSIMs comparison
As per 2025 you can now also get eSIMs in phone stores of MTC or Telecom Namibia. Your best bid is to buy your eSIM for Namibia on arrival at Windhoek Airport. Read all about it in my guide on how to buy a tourist sim card in Namibia.
Normally I would advice you to get your eSIM on the internet before your trip and be online as soon as the plane lands, but not for Namibia...
There are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.
As of January 2025 only Nomad, SimOptions, Roamless and aloSIM offer eSIMs for Namibia. All other eSIM providers do NOT offer Namibia eSIMs.
So before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!
aloSIM
Not a new kid on the block, aloSIM has earned its stripes already in the eSIM world, but Traveltomtom didn't use aloSIM much until lately. The Traveltomtom Team tested and reviewed aloSIM and came with positive notes.
Read all about it in our extensive and honest aloSIM review.
Here are the aloSIM plans for Namibia in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $9.5 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Namibia via aloSIM.
The aloSIM plans for Namibia operate on the Telecom Namibia network and the max data speed is 3G.
I am not sure if 3G is still a thing, but apparently for Namibia eSIMs it is.
What differentiates aloSIM from other eSIM providers is that they offer an eSIM for Namibia including an international phone number. This phone number that comes with the eSIM is via a separate application called Hushed.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another very reputed eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM for Namibia through SimOptions is done fast and easy. Check out our full SimOptions review for more detailed info.
Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals.
Here are the Namibia eSIMs plans from SimOptions:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $54.90 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Namibia via SimOptions.
This Namibia eSIM is super expensive, but the SimOptions eSIM for Namibia is the only eSIM that supports 4G/LTE.
Unfortunately SimOptions does not specify on which network their eSIMs operate in Namibia.
These SimOptions eSIMs are data-only and do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in Namibia. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Roamless
Roamless is a new eSIM operator and they are revolutionary in a way that their data plans have no expiry date and are valid in more than 180 countries and destinations.
This means that if you buy 3 GB data for Namibia and you only use 2 GB, you can use the other 1 GB data on your next trip to Europe or in India.
Interested to hear more then read our complete review of Roamless including all pros and cons.
Here are all the Roamless eSIM plans for Namibia in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $15.95 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $31.90 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $47.85 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Namibia from Roamless.
The Roamless eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and they operate on the 3G network of Telecom Namibia. Yes, also the Roamless eSIMs for Namibia do not support 4G/LTE.
Nomad
Nomad is another trusted eSIM provider that offers eSIM plans for Namibia. Nomad is in general not Traveltomtom's first pick, but sometimes they have decent eSIM plans.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Namibia in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $25 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $55 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Namibia from Nomad.
All the Nomad eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The Nomad eSIMs for Namibia also only support 3G and operate on the Telecom Namibia network.
The Nomad Namibia eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 30 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Namibia. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Airalo
Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.
Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders, but has not innovated much over the last years and prices have not changed either. But Airalo is rock solid and Traveltomtom has never faced an issue using Airalo eSIMs.
However...
The Airalo eSIMs for Namibia are already out of stock for a long period and also as of January 2025 you can not buy an eSIM for Namibia via Airalo.
MTC
Besides all the above eSIMs that you can order on the internet you can also buy an eSIM in a phone store in Namibia or even better at Windhoek Airport.
Here are the MTC eSIMs for tourists:
- 2 GB data + 60 minutes + 60 sms for 7 days = N$50 - $2.7 USD
- 5 GB data + 100 minutes + 100 sms for 7 days = N$100 - $5.4 USD
- 18 GB data + 300 minutes + 150 sms for 30 days = N$290 - $15.5 USD
- 15 GB data + 1,500 minutes +1,000 sms for 30 days = N$290 - $15.5 USD
Telecom Namibia
In Telecom Namibia stores tourists can get the following eSIM plans:
- unlimited data for 1 week = N$300 - $16 USD
- unlimited data for 1 month = N$1,000 - $53 USD
In Traveltomtom's guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Namibia you can find much more info about tourist sim cards for Namibia.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Namibia?
The cheapest eSIM for Namibia is from aloSIM. They only charge $9.5 USD for 1 GB data.
All other eSIMs are super expensive and not worth considering.
Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Namibia
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Namibia in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Namibia without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Namibia with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Namibia, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Namibia so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Bali, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Asia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.
Overseas data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Namibia there is 4G/LTE available.
And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how cheap the eSIMs for Namibia are.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Namibia. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM for Namibia?
Online
You can buy an eSIM for Namibia on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Namibia. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers in 2025.
When buying an eSIM for Namibia through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Namibia
There are 2 main mobile internet providers in Namibia: MTC and Telecom Namibia. You can get an eSIM for tourists in their phone stores around Namibia.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Namibia in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Namibia, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
Flying into Windhoek Airport then you can also buy a tourist sim card for Namibia on arrival at the airport.
When to order/activate an eSIM for Namibia?
You can order an eSIM for Namibia pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Namibia or before. When in Namibia you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much every international airport in Namibia has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.
My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Namibia before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.
How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Namibia 3 times in the last couple years and traveled all around this absolutely amazing country.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM plan for Namibia you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Namibia eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Namibia eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Namibia
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply to Namibia eSIMs, but are general things you have to know before buying an eSIM.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Namibia. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Namibia or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Namibia and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIM?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Namibia.
However, you can still order a physical sim card for Namibia on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Namibia or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Namibia recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Namibia.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.
On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Namibia eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Namibia.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Namibia eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Namibia. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Namibia eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with a Namibia eSIM?
No, unfortunately all the tourist eSIMs for Namibia available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting.
All eSIMs from Nomad, Airalo, Roamless, aloSIM and SimOptions are data-only eSIMs and outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
If you buy a prepaid eSIM in Namibia you get calling and texting included.
Does a Namibia eSIM come with a phone number?
No, none of the data-only eSIMs come with a phone number which means these eSIMs can not receive any phone calls or sms.
aloSIM has a calling service including in their eSIM, but it is via an app called Hushed, not directly on the eSIM. This calling service is complimentary when buying an aloSIM eSIM.
Can I use 5G on an Namibia eSIM?
No, as per 2025 there is not even 5G in Namibia. Even worse...
SimOptions is the only eSIM provider that has an eSIM for Namibia that supports 4G/LTE. The max data speed on the eSIMs from Roamless, aloSIM and Nomad is only 3G!
Are there eSIMs for Namibia with unlimited data?
No, there are no eSIMs for Namibia with unlimited data.
However, if you buy an eSIM in a phone store from Namibia from Telecom Namibia you can opt for an unlimited data plan.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Namibia?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Namibia, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Namibia:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards for Namibia are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Namibia prepaid sim cards offer bigger data plans than the tourist eSIMs you order online and on top of that local prepaid sim cards come with (unlimited) local calls and sms.
The big difference is that a local Namibia prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Namibia in a phone store and NOT on the internet.
More info about the best Namibia sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Namibia in 2025.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Namibia. Some of them are great for Namibia as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Namibia you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
But look at the only sim card for Namibia that is available. Who pays $49.90 USD for just 50 MB!?
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Namibia directly online.
eSIMs
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Namibia in a mobile internet provider store
As shown in the comparison of the best eSIMs for Namibia, all of the mobile internet providers in Namibia offer eSIMs. A prepaid sim card plan can be bought as an eSIM or as a physical prepaid sim card.
On arrival at Windhoek International Airport in Namibia there is an MTC and a Telecom Namibia phone store. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a tourist sim card in Namibia.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Namibia, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Namibia. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Namibia.
As soon as the plane lands, you are online!
Price difference
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
Well, for Namibia it is very clear that buying a prepaid sim card in Namibia is much cheaper than ordering an eSIM for Namibia on the internet.
For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for Namibia in 2025.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Namibia sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Namibia were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Namibia right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Namibia!