Why Nigeria eSIM is a must-have for your travels
- Published on
Hi everyone, I'm Heidi, a blogger who loves traveling. This time my 6 days journey in Nigeria gave me a better understanding of eSIM services. Here, I will share my experience of using eSIM in Nigeria and how to choose the right eSIM service provider. I hope this information will help you in your travel.
1. Choosing the right eSIM service provider
Glo Mobile Limited
- Coverage:
- Glo Mobile is one of the leading telecom operators in Nigeria, covering most major cities and tourist hotspots. During my visit to Victoria Island in Lagos, the signal was very stable. Even in busy markets and by the beach, I was able to use navigation and social media smoothly and share my travel photos and videos in real time.
- Package Options:
- Glo offers a wide range of eSIM packages that can meet the needs of different travelers. For the local market in Abuja, I chose a traffic package that was suitable for social media use, ensuring that I could always be online and find information on local food and attractions. This package allowed me to instantly search for recommendations and reviews when trying local food, avoiding the chance of missing out on a delicious meal.
- Activation Process:
- Upon arrival in Nigeria, I easily purchased my eSIM through Glo's official website. the activation process was also very simple, just scanning the QR code on my phone to get started. This ease of activation allowed me to travel without any delays at the beginning of my trip and was able to quickly connect to the internet at my hotel in Lagos to find things to see and do around the area.
PhoneSIMGo
- Value for Money:
- For travelers on a budget, the eSIM packages offered by PhoneSIMGo are relatively inexpensive. During my visit to Kano, I met a number of backpackers who recommended the use of PhoneSIMGo because of its reasonable price point and extensive coverage. In particular, I was able to rely on PhoneSIMGo's eSIM to stay online and look up historical context and relevant information when I visited cultural sites in Kano.
- Quick Buy:
- The eSIM purchase process for PhoneSIMGo was very simple. I completed the purchase and activation via my cell phone in a cafe in Lagos and it was very convenient. In just a few minutes, I was able to easily connect to the internet and find local tourist information while enjoying my coffee.
- Package Flexibility:
- PhoneSIMGo packages are designed to be flexible and can be adapted to suit the needs of the traveler. During my visit to a nature park in Enugu, I chose a package that suited my high traffic needs, making it easy for me to share my adventures and upload photos and videos whenever I wanted.
2. eSIM coverage in Nigeria
- Supported throughout the country:
- eSIM has relatively wide coverage in Nigeria, but can suffer from poor signal in remote areas. I experienced some signal issues during my trip to Nook Town, but in the main city and tourist hotspots, eSIM performed very well. At the museums and cultural centers in Lagos, the eSIM allowed me to be online at all times and find information and explanations of exhibitions.
- Compatibility issues:
- It's important to make sure your device supports eSIM. I was using an iPhone, which activated and worked fine, while some of my friends had older phones that didn't support eSIM. during my visit to Abuja, I met a fellow traveler whose phone wasn't compatible with eSIM, and as a result, had to go out and buy a physical SIM, which made me realize the importance of checking for compatibility of your device before you travel.
3. Difference between eSIM and Data Roaming
3.1 Short distance traveling
Advantages of eSIM
For short distance travelers who plan to stay in Norway for a few days, eSIM offers great convenience. For example, upon arrival in Oslo you can activate your eSIM immediately, without waiting for roaming to be set up. With a simple online purchase, you can quickly get online and find information on attractions or share travel moments whenever you want.
Limitations of data roaming
In comparison, data roaming can be cumbersome. On short trips, using roaming services may require speaking with your carrier in advance to activate roaming options and you may face high fees. When visiting historical sites in Bergen, roaming may make you worry about overspending on traffic and dampen your travel mood.
3.2 Traveling in transit
eSIM flexibility
The flexibility of eSIM is especially important if your trip is planned to stay in Norway for a week or so. You can choose a traffic package that suits your needs in different areas. For example, while enjoying the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, you may need a lot of data to share in real time, while a museum visit in Stavanger requires relatively little traffic. eSIM allows you to adjust your package at any time to ensure smooth internet access on different occasions.
Limitations of data roaming
When using data roaming, traffic costs are often fixed and difficult to adjust to actual demand. If you find that you don't have enough traffic in remote areas of the Lofoten Islands, you may face additional high charges, affecting your budget and travel experience.
3.3 Long distance travel
Continuous connectivity with eSIM
For long-term travelers who plan to stay in Norway for a few weeks or months, eSIM provides a constant internet connection. For example, as a digital nomad, you can work from a café in Oslo or video conference in the beautiful nature of Norway. eSIM's flexibility and stability allows you to stay productive from any location.
The high cost of data roaming
Long-term use of data roaming can often be costly, especially in a country with relatively extensive network coverage like Norway. When delving into remote areas such as Svalbard, roaming services may not provide a stable internet connection, affecting your work and social needs.
3.4 Choosing the right plan for you
When choosing an eSIM or data roaming, it is crucial to consider the length of your trip and your usage needs:
- Short-haul travelers: Choose eSIM for fast connectivity and ease of use.
- Mid-haul travelers: eSIM offers flexible traffic options to adapt to different needs.
- Long-term travelers: eSIM lets you stay constantly connected and avoid costly roaming charges.
Whether you're under the Norwegian Aurora Borealis or on the shores of a Norwegian fjord, choosing the right network plan can enhance your travel experience. Understanding the difference between eSIM and data roaming will help you make an informed decision and make every trip fun and convenient!
4. When is the best time to install eSIM?
- Prepare in advance:
- I recommend installing and activating your eSIM a few days before you leave so that you don't have your hands full when you arrive. The night before I left, I spent some time completing the setup on my phone to make sure everything went smoothly. This allowed me to connect to the internet effortlessly upon arrival in Nigeria.
- Adjustments while traveling:
- The eSIM is also very easy to remove and reinstall if you need to change your package while traveling. During my visit to Kano, I needed more traffic due to the number of photos I took, at which point I easily adjusted my package to accommodate the higher traffic demand.
5. How to buy an eSIM in Nigeria
When traveling to Norway, it is vital to maintain a good internet connection, especially when exploring beautiful sites such as the Norwegian Fjords and Norwegian Northern Lights. For travelers from Nigeria, choosing the right eSIM service can make your trip smoother. Here, we will explore how to buy an eSIM in Nigeria and recommend PhoneSIMGo as the ideal choice.
1. Official Operator Purchase
In Nigeria, Glo Mobile Limited is a major telecom operator that offers eSIM services. You can purchase an eSIM through their official website or brick and mortar stores, but the process may require some personal information and sometimes involves tedious real name verification.
2. Recommendation: PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service
In addition to official carriers, PhoneSIMGo offers a more convenient and cost-effective eSIM service. Here are details of my experience with PhoneSIMGo during my trip to Norway:
- Quality customer service: I was impressed with PhoneSIMGo's customer service throughout my trip. They provide 24/7 support to ensure that I can always get help when I have network issues. For example, when I experienced an unstable network at my hotel in Bergen, customer service responded quickly and helped me solve the problem.
- Privacy Protection: Unlike other carriers, purchasing an eSIM from PhoneSIMGo does not require real-name registration, which fully protects my privacy. This is especially important when traveling, as we all want to keep our personal information safe while enjoying the sights.
- Great value for money: PhoneSIMGo works with official carriers to offer high-quality eSIM services at prices that are often cheaper than the official ones. During my visit to Tromsø, the fast data connection made it easy to share beautiful moments of the Northern Lights without worrying about going over budget.
3. Traffic management and alerts
Traffic management is crucial when traveling, especially when you're in remote areas such as the Lofoten Islands where the network may be limited. The eSIM service from PhoneSIMGo excels at this:
- Traffic Alert: When the traffic is running out, PhoneSIMGo sends a warm reminder to help me adjust my usage strategy in time to avoid going over budget. This allows me to rationalize my data usage when shooting the spectacular scenery of the Norwegian fjords, ensuring that I capture every moment.
- Discounts and Cashback: there are discounts on every order and a 5% cashback on purchases. This allows me to save a significant amount of money when I plan to visit Oslo, after all, there are many other expenses to consider during the trip.
4. Compatible with multi-country networks
Network coverage is crucial when traveling, especially when exploring natural attractions, and PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service offers significant advantages in this regard:
- Multi-country compatibility: The eSIM from PhoneSIMGo is not only available in Norway, but is also compatible with several other countries. This makes it easy to stay connected without having to worry about switching cards when I'm visiting Svalbard.
- Fast internet in remote areas: Even in remote areas, PhoneSIMGo's internet speeds are quite reliable. As I hiked to Gairangerfjord, I was still able to smoothly use navigation and social media to share the beautiful scenery with friends.
5. eSIM services designed for traveling
The eSIM service of PhoneSIMGo is designed for travelers, taking into account the needs and challenges of travel. I experienced this deeply during my trip to Norway:
- Convenient Purchase Process: Through PhoneSIMGo's website, I was able to purchase an eSIM quickly and easily, and the entire process was straightforward and free of red tape.
- Adaptable to different uses: Whether I need traffic to watch a video or take a photo to share at Hardangerfjord, PhoneSIMGo offers the appropriate data package to ensure that I can use the network without any problems at each destination.
6. What to do if your phone is not eSIM compatible
- Rent a device:
- For those travelers whose phones don't support eSIM, you can rent eSIM-enabled devices or buy physical SIM cards locally in Nigeria. At the Tourist Information Center in Lagos, I saw that they offer such a service which is very convenient and especially suitable for those traveling for a short period of time.
- Use Wi-Fi:
- In some towns or attractions, public Wi-Fi can also provide basic internet service. When I visited some historical sites, I utilized Wi-Fi to look up information and learn more. If your phone is not compatible with eSIM, choosing Wi-Fi in a hotel or café is also a good solution.
7. eSIM is suitable for which travelers
In modern travel, keeping communications open is a basic need for every traveler, especially when exploring beautiful destinations like Norway. With the popularity of eSIM technology, more and more travelers are considering using this convenient solution. But what types of travelers is eSIM really suitable for? Let's analyze the suitability of eSIM from the perspective of different travel durations.
Short-haul travelers: fast connection
If you're traveling to Norway for a short period of time, for example just a few days, eSIM can be extremely convenient for you.
1. City explorers
For travelers planning a short trip to Oslo or Bergen, eSIM has the advantage of a fast connection. You can activate your eSIM as soon as you arrive and use maps to navigate, find information on restaurants and attractions whenever you want, and avoid wasting time looking for Wi-Fi hotspots.
2. Social media enthusiasts
Sharing your experience anytime during a short trip is also a great fun. Using eSIM allows you to quickly upload photos and videos while visiting Norwegian fjords to record every moment. In particular, being able to share your excitement instantly when you see the Northern Lights is an unrivaled experience.
Midway travelers: more options
If your trip to Norway is planned for a week or so, eSIM can provide you with flexible options as well.
1. In-depth travel explorers
For travelers who prefer in-depth tours, eSIM's flexibility makes it easy to switch between different cities and attractions. For example, after experiencing the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, you can quickly switch to Lofoten Islands to stay connected and not miss a single opportunity for adventure.
2. Family travelers
Staying connected is especially important when traveling with your family. Using an eSIM allows each family member's device to stay online, ready to share the fun of the trip. Whether it's at a museum in Stavanger or on a hike in Gairangerfjord, communication and information sharing between family members is much smoother.
Long-distance travelers: comprehensive coverage
For travelers who plan to stay in Norway for a longer period of time (e.g. a few weeks or months), eSIM not only meets basic communication needs, but also brings additional protection.
1. Digital nomads
If you are a digital nomad, eSIM makes working and living in Norway seamless. Whether you're in a café in Bergen or a park in Oslo, you can quickly access the network you need to do your job, ensuring that productivity is not compromised.
2. Long-term explorers
For travelers who plan to go deep into remote areas of Norway, such as Svalbard or Hardangerfjord, eSIM provides network coverage that helps you stay connected in remote locations. Even when you're in a nature reserve, you can always upload your travel logs and share what it's like to be in close contact with nature.
Summary
When traveling in Nigeria, whether you're exploring the rainforest, enjoying the spectacular natural scenery, or immersing yourself in the rich and colorful culture, it's crucial to maintain a good internet connection. PhoneSIMGo's Nigerian with eSIM serves as a flexible and convenient solution to keep in touch with your family and friends and share your moments while traveling.