In 2024, Nigerian companies spent a total of ₦164.4 billion on business travel and logistics. This was a 93.2% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing importance of international business engagements for Nigerian enterprises.
If you’re one of the many Nigerians travelling for business, you already know the struggle of staying connected abroad. Roaming charges are ridiculously high, buying a local SIM is stressful, and being offline at the wrong time can ruin your plans.
But there’s a smarter way! eSIMs make it easier and cheaper to stay connected no matter where you go and for Nigerians travelling for business, this changes everything.
In this article, we will be talking about how eSIMs make life easier for Nigerians travellers, why they are cheaper and more reliable than traditional SIMs, and how you can get one before your next trip.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is like a virtual SIM card built right into your smartphone. Instead of fiddling with tiny SIM cards or searching for shops in every airport, you simply buy and activate a data plan online. All you have to do is to scan a QR code and follow simple app instructions, and you’re connected as soon as you land.
Why eSIMs Work Better for Nigerians Travelling for Business
1. Skip SIM Card Stress
Forget queues at airport kiosks or struggling with language barriers just to buy a SIM. With an eSIM, you purchase your plan before leaving Nigeria, activate it in minutes, and land already connected.
2. Save Money with Transparent Pricing
Roaming with Nigerian SIMs can burn through your budget in days. eSIMs let you compare affordable data plans for your destination upfront, so you always know what you’re paying. No surprise bills later.
3. Keep Your Nigerian Number Active
Don’t worry about missing important calls, SMS alerts, or bank OTPs. You can keep your Nigerian SIM in your phone for calls and texts, while your eSIM handles data abroad.
4. One Device, Multiple Countries
Travelling across several countries on the same trip? You can store multiple eSIM plans on your phone and switch between them in settings — no more juggling or losing SIM cards.
5. More Secure & Reliable
Physical SIMs can get lost, stolen, or cloned. eSIMs are built into your phone, making them safer and more reliable, especially for professionals handling sensitive information.
What to Look for When Choosing an eSIM for Business Travel
- Coverage & partnerships: The first thing you should look for is coverage and partnerships. You should make sure your eSIM works across multiple networks and provides good service even in remote areas. This is important because as a Nigerian travelling for business, you don’t want to lose connectivity just because you’re outside a city center. The good news is that Nexar offers coverage in 180+ countries, so you can travel widely without worrying about losing connection.
- Transparent pricing: The most important thing you should look for is transparent pricing. You should make sure the eSIM clearly shows the cost of data, calls, and SMS with no hidden fees. If you want to plan your travel budget properly, transparent pricing will help you avoid surprise charges at the end of your trip. Nexar makes this easy by showing all costs upfront in naira, so there are no hidden surprises.
- Security features: Security features are another key thing to consider. You should make sure the eSIM offers encryption and protection against SIM swap attacks. Unlike physical SIM cards that can be lost or cloned, a secure eSIM keeps your number and data safe while you travel. Nexar uses secure protocols to protect your information at all times.
- Reliable support: Reliable support is essential. If you want peace of mind, choose an eSIM like Nexar that offers 24/7 customer support. Unlike using a physical SIM card where it’s hard to find help, you have someone to contact immediately if your connection drops or your plan doesn’t activate.
How Nexar eSIM Makes It Easier for Nigerian Travellers
Most eSIMs apps were built for Western travelers. They charge in dollars, require foreign cards, and often hide fees. Nexar eSIM was designed with Africans in mind.
With Nexar, you can:
- Pay in naira or with Crypto. You don’t need to worry about card restrictions or exchange rate.
- Choose plans for multiple destinations, from the US to Europe to Africa.
- Activate your eSIM before you fly so you land already connected.
- Enjoy a simple, transparent interface with no hidden charges.
It’s everything you need for a stress-free travel experience.
How to Get Your eSIM Before Travelling
1. Sign up on Nexar
2. Select eSIM and Choose Your Destination
3. Pay in Naira or Your Local Currency
4. Activate Instantly by following the in-app instructions or scanning the QR code to load your eSIM.
That’s all! Your data plan kicks in immediately when you arrive, so you can book rides, check emails, or join meetings without delay.
Common Questions About eSIMs
What if my device doesn’t support eSIM?
While eSIM capability is relatively new, many modern smartphones, tablets, and wearables now include it. Always check your device’s specifications or contact the manufacturer. If you have an android device, read our guide on how to set up an eSIM for an Android device.
What about voice & SMS?
Some eSIM plans offer full voice/SMS support; others may be data-only. If voice matters, choose a provider that includes or allows add-ons for these services.
What happens when I cross borders?
Some eSIMs offer regional or global plans that auto-swap to local networks as you move across countries. Confirm cross-border support before buying. If you are going on a long road trip, read our guide on how to set up an eSIM for a long road trip.
Will I lose my Nigerian number?
Not necessarily. You can maintain your existing number via another eSIM profile or through forwarding services, while using a local eSIM for data. If your sim card will be dormant for a long time, watch this video to learn how to keep your number.
Is it secure?
eSIM provisioning is governed by secure protocols. As long as your eSIM provider is reputable and supports encryption, the risk is very low.
Final Word
For Nigerians travelling for business, whether you are a professional, student or frequent flyer, eSIMs are the smarter way to stay connected abroad. They’re cheaper, faster, and more reliable than roaming or juggling local SIMs. And with Nexar eSIM, you get a platform built specifically for African travelers — affordable, transparent, and easy to use.
👉 Don’t wait until you land to figure out connectivity. Set up your Nexar eSIM today and travel stress-free.