SIM Card Namibia: The ultimative Guide for Travellers and Digital Nomads

Flexible Data Plans

Providers in Namibia offer a wide range of plan options tailored to different usage habits. Whether you mainly use data, want to make local calls, or need to phone internationally, you can easily top up your preferred plan from your phone and will certainly find a package that suits your needs.

No Unexpected Roaming Charges

With a local prepaid SIM card for Namibia, you keep full control of your expenses. You don't have to worry about accidentally using an expensive data roaming option or being charged for incoming calls. You only pay for what you actually use.

Easy Top-Ups

Topping up credit for prepaid SIM cards in Namibia is straightforward. You can add credit at supermarkets, petrol stations, or dedicated top-up points, then use it to activate various plan options. Vouchers are purchased containing a code which you enter to load your credit. More on that later with detailed top-up instructions for your Namibia prepaid SIM.

In short, a local SIM card and phone number for Namibia are the key to a stress-free, connected travel experience. They allow you to get around comfortably and safely — whether for navigation, staying in touch with your loved ones, or sharing your experiences in real time.

Provider Overview and Plan Options

The Leading SIM Card Providers in Namibia

Namibia may be a vast country with a small population, but when it comes to mobile connectivity, travelers have some solid options to choose from. Here's a look at the country's leading SIM card providers and the various plan options they offer.

MTC (Mobile Telecommunications Company)

MTC is the largest and leading mobile network provider in Namibia, offering comprehensive coverage across the entire country, including remote areas. With a broad range of data and voice packages, MTC has something for everyone:

• Tango: The Tango option is used as basic credit — locally called "Tango Credit." You use this to top up your balance before choosing one of the other plan options or packages.
• Aweh Packages: Ideal for travelers, MTC's Aweh plans offer a combination of data, free minutes, and SMS for periods ranging from one hour to one week.
• Monthly Data Packages: For longer-term visitors or digital nomads, there are monthly packages with various data amounts tailored to different usage needs.

Network coverage of MTC Namibia. GSM 2G (light blue), 3G (dark blue) and LTE 4G (red). Source: MTC.

TN Mobile (Telecom Namibia)

TN Mobile also offers solid network coverage, particularly in urban areas. The provider focuses on affordable rates and good deals for data and voice:

• Smartphone Combo Packages: Well suited for travelers who primarily want to browse the internet, with options ranging from daily to monthly validity.
• Voice and SMS Packages: For those planning to make many calls or send a lot of SMS messages, there are dedicated packages tailored to exactly that. These are mainly for local calls within Namibia, not necessarily for international calls.

Network coverage of TN Mobile in Namibia. Source: TN Mobile Namibia.

Comparison of the Best Prepaid Plans

Here's a quick comparison of the best plan options:

SuperAweh:

• Ideal for: Travelers who use lots of data and internet, with the option to also make local calls within Namibia.
• Includes: 3GB data, 700 free minutes (local calls), 1,500 SMS, plus 700MB extra data for WhatsApp and Facebook.
• Validity: One week.
• Cost: N$53 (~€2.60)
• Advantage: Best all-round package for heavy users.

Aweh Oh-Yeah:

• Ideal for: Travelers who want to build their own package, including data for internet access and local calls.
• Includes (example): 3GB data, 700 free minutes (local calls), 1,500 SMS, plus 700MB extra data for WhatsApp and Facebook.
• Validity: One week.
• Cost: From N$25 minimum.
• Advantage: Best package for those who want full customization.

Mega Data Package (available during the holidays):

• Ideal for: Travelers who use large amounts of data — for example, uploading photos, working online, or using a WiFi hotspot tethering for other devices.
• Includes: Data packages from 10GB to 300GB.
• Validity: One week.
• Cost: N$59 (~€2.90) – N$300 (~€14.60)
• Advantage: Best individually customizable package for data-heavy use.

More information on these and other Aweh offers can be found here.

eSIM in Namibia – Can I Use an eSIM in Namibia?

eSIMs have become a popular option in recent years for enabling mobile phone and data use when traveling abroad.

Namibian provider MTC also advertises its eSIM offering, promising "the most comprehensive international network coverage." Ironically, the eSIM works in other countries — but not in Namibia itself.

Can I buy an eSIM in Namibia?

Yes, it is possible to buy an eSIM in Namibia. However, the MTC Namibia eSIM also does not work within Namibia — only abroad.

Can I use my eSIM in Namibia?

No. Unfortunately, eSIM cards do not work in Namibia. The MTC Namibia eSIM works in neighbouring countries South Africa and Zambia, but not in Namibia itself. This means you must purchase a physical SIM card in a store.

Buying and Activating Your SIM Card for Namibia

Here's where to buy your SIM card and how to activate it.

Where Can You Buy Your SIM Card?

• At the airport: Immediately upon arrival in Namibia, you'll already find SIM card stands from local providers in the arrivals hall. The first — and perhaps best — MTC option is available right at baggage claim.

MTC store in the entrance hall at Hosea Kutako.

In the city: In larger cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund, or Lüderitz, you'll find stores and service centers from both MTC and TN Mobile.

Guide to Activating Your SIM Card

Activation normally happens immediately at the point of purchase. You simply need to show a valid ID or passport to register the SIM card in your name.

1. Insert the SIM card — Open your smartphone's SIM tray and insert the new SIM card.
2. Activate the SIM card — In most cases, the seller will activate it for you. You'll receive a confirmation once activation is complete. If needed, restart your phone to search for and connect to the network.
3. Configure internet settings — Sometimes it's necessary to adjust the APN settings on your smartphone to establish a data connection. When your phone connects to the network for the first time, you should automatically receive the APN settings via SMS.
4. Check your connection — Verify that you have a signal and that the data connection is working. Try opening a website or sending a message.

Top up credit and select a plan

• If you've chosen a prepaid plan, make sure you have enough credit to use your desired package.
• You can top up at many stores, supermarkets, or directly at provider branches.

You're all set! You should be online and able to enjoy the internet throughout your trip without any issues.

Tip: Save the USSD numbers or keep them handy for when you want to top up your Tango credit or activate a data package.

Topping Up Your Credit: How It Works

While there are different processes for different providers, we'll focus here on the MTC top-up process.

MTC Tango cards are used to top up credit.

Topping Up Credit

Credit can be purchased and loaded directly at a counter, or by using so-called Tango Cards. These Tango Cards contain a 16-digit code which you enter on your phone to load the credit:

1. Dial *682# to reach the main menu.
2. Enter 6 (6. Airtime Top-up) and press "Send."
3. Enter 1 (1. Own Number) and press "Send."
4. Enter the 16-digit code (without the # symbols) and press "Send."
5. You should then receive a confirmation SMS.

Entry of the 16-digit code to top up.

Confirmation SMS after the top-up process.

Selecting a Data Package or Plan

Once you've topped up your credit, you can select one of the many available packages:

1. Dial *682# to reach the main menu.
2. Enter 2 (2. Bundles) and press "Send."
3. Select your preferred package in the same way from the menu.

Selecting data and voice packages.

APN Settings for a Smooth Data Connection

When your phone connects to the network for the first time, you should automatically receive the APN settings via SMS.

If you haven't received them, you can send an SMS to the following numbers to get the settings:

• For internet settings: send GPRS to 1251
• For MMS settings: send MMS to 1251

To set up APN settings on your Android phone, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap Mobile Network and select Mobile Data Network.
• Enter the following APN settings:

Name: MTC Internet
APN: internet
MCC: 649
MNC: 01
APN type: default, mms, supl, hipri, fota, cbs, mcx, xcap

If this doesn't work, your best bet is to ask a local for help with the settings.

Phone Numbers in Namibia and Calling Abroad

With your local SIM card, you'll receive a Namibian phone number. The country code for Namibia is +264, and your mobile number with MTC starts with 081, followed by seven more digits.

You can be reached worldwide at your local number, which looks like this: +264 81 123 4567

To call abroad — for example to Germany, Austria, or internationally — you need to use the country code of the respective country. Here are a few useful codes:

• Namibia: +264
• Germany: +49
• Austria: +43
• Switzerland: +41
• France: +33
• USA: +1
• South Africa: +27
• Botswana: +267
• Zimbabwe: +263
• Angola: +244

Additional Tips for Mobile Internet Use in Namibia

WiFi Hotspot

Your Namibia prepaid SIM is also perfect for tethering and creating an internet connection for other devices like your laptop or camera.

If you're traveling with friends or in a group, it also helps if not everyone needs to buy their own SIM card — instead, one person can create a WiFi hotspot that everyone shares.

Conclusion and Recommendation

In this article, we've tried to describe the best options for staying well connected in Namibia. The best option naturally depends on how, where, and when you actually plan to use your phone. With your local phone number, you're reachable at any time and can make calls both within Namibia and internationally without hefty fees.