Internet in Namibia: How to Stay Connected with SIM Cards, WiFi & More

If you're looking to a plan your trip properly, then you'll definitely want to be prepared for all of the info for having internet in Namibia.

Whether you're visiting for a short stay or an extended period, knowing what to expect when it comes to coverage and reliability is important. The experience can differ depending on your location, the service providers available, and your specific needs. Finding the best way to stay online can make your journey smoother and more convenient.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about staying connected while traveling. From network availability to practical tips, you'll find all the essential information to help you make the best choice for your trip.

Internet in Namibia: Know Before You Go

So - are you ready to get some internet in Namibia? We're going to dive into some of the basics, by sharing what the internet situation in Namibia looks like in general.

📞 Which Mobile Network is Best in Namibia?

The main network that is used all across Namibia is MTC. This makes it super easy when needed to get internet in Namibia, but also means finding a location to get your SIM card can be quite limited.

If you are flying into Windhoek, you'll have no issue, but if you are driving into Namibia like we did, you'll have limited options for places to go. In our case, we had to wait to find an MTC until we visited Kolmanskop.

Check the map below and you can see the amount of MTC retailers across the country - there are just a few!

💨 How Fast is the Internet in Namibia?

The internet in Namibia is ranked as one of the slowest in the world, sitting at 13.72 Mbps. It certainly wasn't ideal for us working while traveling, but it helped us a bit, particularly in cities.

🤔 Is Internet Good in Namibia?

We're not going to beat around the bush here - the internet in Namibia is pretty awful. With it being a really big country and very low population, there are few towns throughout the country, meaning there are not many places you'll actually find that there's internet at all.

We purchased a SIM card so that I could work on the road driving between destinations, and I honestly never was able to use it since we were driving from one desert destination to the next.

💸 Is Data Expensive in Namibia?

Internet in Namibia isn't crazy expensive, but it's just inconvenient. There are a ton of different packages to choose from, and all of them have limits - which means you'll have to carefully monitor the internet that you're using.

Here is a photo of the different deals for internet in Namibia:

How to Get Internet in Namibia

Now that you know a bit about what to expect with the internet in Namibia, let's look at the different ways for you to stay connected!

📲 How to Get a SIM Card in Namibia

SIM cards can be found in various locations throughout the country., however, you can't actually add money onto the SIM card without having your account activated unless you present your passport in one of the official stores.

The official stores are extremely limited, so it's important to find one ahead of time, and download your maps offline so you can make it there without service. We have T-Mobile, which gives us 3G across the globe. It's not fantastic, but it was enough for us to use Google Maps, Whatsapp, and other apps that don't require much data.

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So while you can make an account on the website or buy a SIM card from a gas station, you'll have to go in-person with your passport in order to actually activate the account and have your internet working.

Once your SIM is activated in the store, you can choose a plan that seems right for you, and you can then top up your internet on the website or via the phone number *82#.

💳 Using eSIM Cards in Namibia

eSIM cards are a good alternative to being able to get connected without the hassle of getting a physical SIM card from MTC. They'll be more pricy, but it'll be an easier option if you don't find yourself with a lot of time or in an area that has an official MTC shop.

📶 Wifi in Namibia

Wifi in Namibia can be found at most hotels, restaurants, and commercial centers in cities like Swakopmund and Windhoek.

The Wifi was definitely good enough to help us while in the busier areas of the country, but it certainly was a bit spotty in hotels and campsites that were out in the nature such as desert resorts or national parks.

Internet in Namibia: Conclusion

Internet is certainly not abundant in Namibia, but it was definitely better than the internet in Cuba for example.

We'd honestly recommend having a small internet package or e-SIM package to rely on while traveling, and to find hotels and restaurants with Wifi for the majority of your internet needs. 

When I was able to use our service, there was typically Wifi around - so truthfully it wasn't super worth going out of our way for, although we were happy we got a package under $20 for the 2 weeks we were there. It wasn't a crazy amount of money to spend, and it helped us in certain areas.

So are you ready to stay connected during your trip or are you ready to simply disconnect on your trip? We hope our guide has helped you prepare properly for getting internet in Namibia and knowing what to expect throughout your travels.

Want to learn more about traveling throughout Namibia? We have quite a few more Namibia travel guides, as well as some others coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can receive all of our weekly updates, as well as exclusive content that we share with just our email list.

Ready to start planning the most unbelievable trip around Namibia? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, getting you the best flights, and creating personalized itineraries for you and your group. Want to learn more? Send us an email to set up your free consultation!

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