Forget roaming charges. Forget hunting for a SIM card at the airport. Here is everything a Nigerian traveller needs to know about eSIM Plus before their next international trip.
QUICK VERDICT
✅ Coverage: 200+ countries including USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Europe
✅ Compatible with: iPhone XS and newer, most Android flagships
✅ Plans start from: approx. $0.36/day on regional plans
✅ Unique feature: Virtual phone numbers for calls and SMS
✅ Payment: Accepts cards, PayPal, and crypto
⚠️ Drawback: App interface feels dated; mixed reviews on customer support
⚠️ Not available for: Devices without eSIM hardware (older budget Android phones)
Every Nigerian traveller knows the drill at the airport.
You land in London, Dubai, or Toronto. Your Nigerian MTN or Airtel line is either completely dead or sending you a roaming charge notification that will cost more than your hotel breakfast. You either scramble for airport Wi-Fi, look for a local SIM kiosk, or spend the first few hours of your trip completely offline.
There is a better way, and more Nigerians are discovering it: travel eSIMs.
eSIM Plus is one of the most searched travel eSIM providers in Nigeria right now, and for good reason. It works in over 200 countries, lets you buy data before you even board your flight, and eliminates the physical SIM swap entirely. But is it the right choice for Nigerian travellers specifically?
This review covers everything: how eSIM Plus works, what it costs, which Nigerian phones support it, how to set it up, and how it compares to alternatives like Airalo. By the end, you will know exactly whether to use it on your next trip abroad.
What Is eSIM Plus?
eSIM Plus is an international virtual SIM service developed by Appvillis, a tech company based in Vilnius, Lithuania. It was launched in 2019 and has since facilitated over one million connections across more than 200 countries worldwide.
Unlike a physical SIM card that you need to insert into your phone, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lives inside your phone's hardware. You do not swap anything. You simply purchase a data plan through the eSIM Plus app, download it onto your phone, and activate it when you land at your destination.
What makes eSIM Plus stand out from most travel eSIM providers is that it offers two products in one:
Mobile data plans: prepaid data packages for 200+ countries, available as country-specific, regional, or global plans.
Virtual phone numbers: real phone numbers (primarily Estonian-registered) that can receive calls and SMS messages. This is particularly useful for 2FA verification, business use, or maintaining a second line without carrying a second phone.
For Nigerian travellers, the data plan side is the primary use case. The virtual number feature is a bonus that becomes useful if you need a foreign number for services like Uber, Bolt, or bank verifications in your destination country.
Does eSIM Plus Work in Nigeria?
This is the first question Nigerian users ask, and the answer requires some clarity.
eSIM Plus does not currently provide local Nigerian data coverage. If you are in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt and you want mobile data, your MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile SIM is still what you need.
What eSIM Plus does is cover you when you travel outside Nigeria. You purchase a data plan for your destination country or region before you depart, install it on your phone, and activate it when you land. Your Nigerian SIM remains in your phone as your primary line for calls and local messages, while the eSIM Plus data plan handles your internet connection abroad.
eSIM Plus is not for use inside Nigeria. It is for Nigerian travellers who need affordable data when travelling to other countries.
The countries most commonly visited by Nigerian travellers where eSIM Plus has confirmed coverage include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, UAE, Germany, France, South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya, among many others. Before purchasing any plan, verify that your specific destination is covered on the eSIM Plus app.
Is Your Nigerian Phone Compatible with eSIM Plus?
Before you purchase any eSIM plan, your phone must have eSIM hardware built in. Not every phone does, especially older and budget-range Android devices that are popular in Nigeria.
iPhones compatible with eSIM Plus
If you use an iPhone, eSIM support is built in from the iPhone XS (2018) onwards. This covers:
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (all models)
iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
Note: The iPhone X does not support eSIM. If you are using an iPhone X, you cannot use eSIM Plus or any other eSIM service.
Android phones compatible with eSIM Plus
Android eSIM compatibility is less universal. These popular Android models used in Nigeria support eSIM:
Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
Google Pixel 3 and newer
Motorola Razr series
Huawei P40 series (with limitations)
Most budget Android phones from Tecno, Itel, Infinix, and lower-range Samsung A-series models do NOT support eSIM. If you are not sure whether your phone supports eSIM, go to Settings on your Android phone and search for eSIM or SIM card settings. If no eSIM option appears, your phone does not support it.
One critical requirement: your phone must be unlocked
Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked to use a third-party eSIM provider like eSIM Plus. A phone purchased directly from a carrier and tied to that carrier's network may reject third-party eSIM profiles. Most phones purchased unlocked or bought outright (not on a carrier contract) are already unlocked. If you are unsure, contact your original carrier to confirm.
eSIM Plus Plans and Pricing: What Nigerian Travellers Actually Pay
eSIM Plus pricing varies by destination and data volume. Here is a breakdown of the plan structures most relevant to Nigerian travellers, based on the most popular travel destinations.
How eSIM Plus pricing works
eSIM Plus offers three types of plans:
Country-specific plans: data coverage in a single country. Best if you are visiting one destination.
Regional plans: data coverage across multiple countries in a region (Europe, Africa, Asia, etc.). Best for multi-country trips.
Global plans: data coverage across 200+ countries. Best for frequent travellers or complex multi-continent itineraries.
Plans are prepaid and pay-as-you-go. There is no monthly subscription. You purchase the data you need for your trip duration and top up if you need more. Plans range from 1GB short-stay options to unlimited data packages, with validity periods from 7 days to 365 days.
Sample pricing for popular Nigerian travel destinations
Destination | Plan Type | Approx. Starting Price | Best For |
United Kingdom | Country plan | From ~$4 for 1GB / 7 days | Short visits, business trips |
United States | Country plan | From ~$4.50 for 1GB / 7 days | Short visits, study trips |
UAE (Dubai) | Country plan | From ~$3.50 for 1GB / 7 days | Tourism, business, transit |
Canada | Country plan | From ~$5 for 1GB / 7 days | Japa travellers, students |
Europe (multiple countries) | Regional plan (34+ countries) | From ~$5 for 1GB / 15 days | Multi-city European trips |
South Africa | Country plan | From ~$3 for 1GB / 7 days | Business travel, tourism |
Global (200+ countries) | Global plan | From ~$0.36/day on longer plans | Frequent travellers, digital nomads |
For context, MTN Nigeria’s standard international roaming rates can charge NGN 5,000 to NGN 15,000 or more per day depending on the destination. A 7-day trip to the UK using MTN roaming could cost you NGN 35,000 to NGN 105,000 in data charges alone. An eSIM Plus plan for the same trip costs a fraction of that.
A Nigerian traveller using MTN international roaming in the UK for 7 days could pay 10 to 20 times more than the equivalent eSIM Plus plan. That is not a small saving.
How to Set Up eSIM Plus: Step-by-Step for Nigerian Users
Setting up eSIM Plus is straightforward. Here is the exact process:
Check your phone is compatible. Confirm your phone supports eSIM (see the compatibility section above). Confirm it is unlocked.
Download the eSIM Plus app. Available on the Apple App Store (for iPhone) and Google Play Store (for Android). Search “eSIM Plus” and download the official app.
Create your account. Register with your email address. The process is quick and does not require KYC verification for basic data plans.
Select your destination. Choose the country or region you are travelling to. The app will show you available plans with pricing, data size, and validity periods.
Purchase your plan. Pay with a debit card, credit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency. The app accepts international payment methods. Nigerian cards (Visa and Mastercard) that are enabled for international transactions work here.
Install the eSIM. After purchase, you receive a QR code. Scan it with your phone’s camera in your SIM settings, or use the in-app installation if your device supports it. The eSIM profile downloads in seconds.
Activate when you land. Keep the eSIM Plus profile switched OFF until you arrive at your destination. When you land, go to your phone’s settings, switch on the eSIM Plus line, and you are online immediately.
Important: Do the setup and installation before you travel. Once you are at the airport or in-flight, you want your data ready to activate the moment you land, not scramble to set it up at the arrival hall.
Nigerian card payments: what you need to know
To pay for eSIM Plus from Nigeria, your bank card must be enabled for international/online transactions. Most GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and First Bank naira Mastercards and Visa cards work for international online payments, but you may need to enable this in your bank app or contact your bank. Some users find it easier to pay using a dollar-denominated card (like a Domiciliary account card or a card from Chipper Cash, Grey, or Flutterwave) to avoid naira conversion issues.
eSIM Plus Features: What You Actually Get
Data plans with no expiry pressure
eSIM Plus operates on a top-up model. You purchase a minimum balance (usually equivalent to about €5) and your account credit does not expire as long as your account is active. This means you can load data now and use it on a trip six months from now without losing your balance. This is a significant advantage over providers that expire unused data 30 days after activation.
Virtual phone numbers
This feature is unique to eSIM Plus among mainstream travel eSIM providers. You can purchase a virtual phone number (primarily Estonian numbers) that can receive calls and SMS messages. For Nigerian travellers, this is useful for:
Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) on international services without using your Nigerian number
Registering for local services in your destination country that require a local phone number
Maintaining a second business line without carrying a second phone
Note: Virtual numbers are an add-on feature and cost extra. They are not included in standard data plans.
Crypto payment support
eSIM Plus accepts cryptocurrency payments, making it one of the few travel eSIM providers accessible to Nigerian users who prefer crypto transactions or who face difficulties with naira card international payments. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies are accepted.
Hotspot and tethering
eSIM Plus generally supports mobile hotspot use on most of its plans, meaning you can share your data connection with a laptop or tablet. Check the specific plan details before purchasing, as some destination-specific plans may have hotspot restrictions.
24/7 customer support
Support is available around the clock via the app and website. This is important for travellers who encounter connection issues at unusual hours across time zones. Response times and quality are mixed in user reviews, with some customers reporting excellent experiences and others noting slow responses to billing disputes.
eSIM Plus Honest Review: The Good and the Bad
What works well
Coverage breadth: 200+ countries is competitive with the best providers in the market. For most Nigerian travellers’ common destinations, coverage is solid.
Virtual number feature: No other mainstream travel eSIM provider at this price point offers real phone numbers alongside data. This is a genuine differentiator.
No physical SIM needed: You set everything up digitally from Nigeria before your trip. No hunting for a SIM kiosk at your destination airport.
Credit does not expire easily: The top-up model means your balance stays available long-term, unlike providers where data expires 30 days after purchase.
Crypto payment: A real advantage for Nigerian users who face naira card limitations on international platforms.
Dual SIM functionality: Keep your Nigerian MTN or Airtel SIM active for calls and SMS while eSIM Plus handles your international data. No need to choose one or the other.
What to be aware of
App interface: The eSIM Plus app is functional but feels dated compared to cleaner competitors like Airalo or Saily. It gets the job done, but navigation is not as intuitive as it could be.
Mixed customer support reviews: Trustpilot shows a solid 4.3 out of 5 overall, but there are notable complaints about billing issues, difficulty cancelling virtual number subscriptions, and slow support responses for complex problems.
Not a voice call data plan: The standard data plans are data only. You cannot make regular phone calls through your eSIM Plus data plan the way you can with your Nigerian SIM. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other VoIP apps for calls.
Virtual numbers have had reliability complaints: Some users report issues with virtual numbers not working for specific bank verifications or services. If you need a virtual number for a specific critical purpose, test it before depending on it.
eSIM Plus vs Airalo: Which Is Better for Nigerian Travellers?
Airalo is the most popular travel eSIM provider globally and the most common alternative to eSIM Plus. Here is how they compare for a Nigerian user:
| eSIM Plus | Airalo |
Country coverage | 200+ countries | 200+ countries |
Virtual phone numbers | ✓ Yes (extra cost) | ✗ No |
App quality | Functional but dated | Clean, modern, easy to use |
Trustpilot rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
Crypto payment | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
Credit expiry | Flexible top-up model | Plans expire by set date |
Starting price | From ~$0.36/day (regional) | From ~$1/day (varies) |
Best for | Users who need a virtual number or prefer crypto payment | Users who want the simplest, most polished experience |
The honest verdict: for most Nigerian travellers who just want reliable data abroad without hassle, Airalo’s cleaner app and slightly higher trust rating make it the simpler recommendation. But if you need a virtual phone number, prefer paying with crypto, or want the top-up credit model, eSIM Plus is the stronger choice.
They are not dramatically different in price or coverage. The choice comes down to which features matter most to you.
Who Should Use eSIM Plus as a Nigerian Traveller?
eSIM Plus is the right choice if you:
Need a virtual phone number alongside your travel data
Prefer paying with cryptocurrency or have limited naira card international access
Travel frequently to multiple countries and want a single account with non-expiring credit
Are travelling to a destination where eSIM Plus has a cheaper plan than competitors for that specific route
Have an eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XS or newer, or flagship Android)
eSIM Plus is not the right choice if you:
Are using an older or budget Android phone without eSIM hardware (Tecno, Itel, Infinix, iPhone X or older)
Need voice calling through the data plan itself (use WhatsApp instead)
Want the simplest possible setup with the most polished app experience (consider Airalo or Saily)
Are only travelling within Nigeria (eSIM Plus has no Nigerian local coverage)
The Bottom Line: Is eSIM Plus Worth It for Nigerians?
Yes, with the right expectations.
eSIM Plus is a legitimate, well-established travel eSIM provider that can save Nigerian travellers significant money compared to international roaming charges. The coverage is broad, the pricing is competitive, and the virtual number feature is genuinely useful for travellers who need a second number abroad.
It is not perfect. The app could be better, and some customer support reviews give pause. But for the core use case — affordable mobile data when you land in the UK, UAE, US, Canada, or anywhere else Nigerians commonly travel — it works well.
The comparison to MTN or Airtel international roaming is not even close. A week of roaming charges in London or Dubai can cost more than a return flight upgrade. An eSIM Plus plan for the same trip costs the price of two or three meals. Every Nigerian traveller with a compatible phone should at minimum have a travel eSIM option set up before their next international trip.
Stop paying NGN 5,000 per day for international roaming. A travel eSIM costs a fraction of that and takes 10 minutes to set up.
Whether you choose eSIM Plus, Airalo, or another provider, the principle is the same: buy your data before you fly, activate when you land, and spend your first hour in a new country exploring it rather than hunting for airport Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use eSIM Plus in Nigeria?
No. eSIM Plus does not provide local Nigerian data coverage. It is for use when travelling outside Nigeria.
Does eSIM Plus work with MTN Nigeria SIM?
Yes. You keep your MTN or Airtel SIM in your phone for calls and Nigerian messages. eSIM Plus runs as a second line on your phone’s eSIM slot and handles your international data independently.
Can I pay for eSIM Plus with a Nigerian bank card?
Yes, if your card is enabled for international online transactions. Dollar-denominated cards or fintech cards (Grey, Chipper Cash, Flutterwave) tend to work most reliably.
Does my phone need to be unlocked?
Yes. Your phone must be unlocked to accept a third-party eSIM. Most phones purchased outright (not on a carrier contract) are already unlocked.
What is the minimum top-up for eSIM Plus?
The minimum account top-up is approximately €5. Your balance does not expire while your account remains active, giving you flexibility to top up well before you travel.
Can I use eSIM Plus for WhatsApp calls?
Yes. Once your eSIM Plus data plan is active, any internet-based app including WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet works normally through that data connection.
Comments
Post a Comment