Many travelers find it pertinent to get connected to the internet and make calls immediately they land in another county. You can buy a sim card at Murtala Muhammad airport in Lagos or from any other retail outlet around once you have arrived. This article will discuss where you can purchase a SIM card at Murtala Muhammed airport, types of SIM cards available, things to do in order to be prepared beforehand, use of esim as an option, and frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Murtala Muhammed Airport
When arriving at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, you can purchase a SIM card right at the airport terminal. Here are the main locations:
1. SIM Card Kiosks After Customs
Once you exit customs and enter the main arrival terminal, there will be some independent SIM card kiosks set up. These kiosks sell SIM cards from various providers like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and others. Prices and plans will vary between them.
2. Shoprite Store
Inside the arrival terminal near the exits, you will find a Shoprite store which also sells SIM cards from all the major providers just like the independent kiosks. Shoprite may run promotions from time to time. Staff can assist you in picking the right plan.
3. Departure Terminal Shops
If you are transferring flights at Murtala Muhammed Airport and have time, there are some stores and kiosks before security in the departures terminal that also sell SIM cards. This is sometimes less busy than the arrival terminal.
So in summary, the easiest and most convenient places to buy a Nigerian SIM card at Murtala Muhammed Airport are right after you exit customs and enter the main arrival terminal building. There will be multiple kiosks and a Shoprite store available with various SIM card options and packages.
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II. Murtala Muhammed Airport SIM Card Options & Costs
When purchasing a SIM card at Murtala Muhammed Airport, you’ll have choices between the major Nigerian mobile operators like MTN, Airtel, Glo. Here is an overview of what each telecom provider offers for new SIM cards at the airport:
| Operator | SIM Cost (USD) | Data Bundle (GB) | Notes |
| MTN | $5 | 2GB | Easy to purchase SIM at arrival hall. Top up airtime and data easily. |
| Glo | $7 | 3GB | SIM available near currency exchange counters. Offers international roaming. |
| Airtel | $10 | 5GB | Premium option. Widest 4G coverage. Purchase SIM at cafe areas inside airport. |
So in summary:
- SIMs come activated with data bundles for tourism use. Airtime/data can be topped up at airport shops or online.
- MTN and Glo are widely recommended for their networks covering most tourist areas.
- Airtel has best speeds but highest upfront cost.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Murtala Muhammed Airport
To make the process smooth, be prepared with the following before purchasing your Nigerian SIM card at Murtala Muhammed Airport:
1. Passport Photocopy & Visa Page
When buying a SIM card, the kiosks are required by Nigerian law to take a photocopy of your passport photo page and Nigerian visa page. Some also ask to see your actual passport but a photocopy is usually sufficient.
2. Passport Photos
In addition to your passport photocopies, most operators will ask for 1 or 2 recent passport-size photos to register new SIM purchases. Have some spare passport photos handy or be prepared to take some at photo booths nearby.
3. Cash Payment
While major credit cards are sometimes accepted, it’s best to have local currency in Nigerian Naira available to pay for your SIM card and any recharge/top up to add more data or call credits. There are foreign exchange counters and ATMs located throughout the airport terminal.
4. Unlocked Phone
Your phone will need to be unlocked from any network restrictions to use a Nigerian SIM card. Confirm that your device is network unlocked before arrival. Apple iPhones in particular need this prior to arrival or local SIMs cannot be activated.
5. eSIM Compatible Phone
If your device allows dual SIM or has eSIM capability, you can optionally set up an eSIM account instead of a physical Nigerian SIM card if you prefer keeping your home SIM inserted. Not all devices have eSIM so confirm before departure.
By having the above ready in advance, purchasing a Nigerian SIM card right upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport is very quick and convenient. Or consider an eSIM if your phone is compatible. Either option gets you set up with mobile data to stay connected in Nigeria.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Murtala Muhammed Airport
If you have an unlocked phone that supports dual SIM slots or digital eSIM technology, this provides a great alternative to physically swapping SIM cards when travelling in Nigeria. An eSIM allows you setup a virtual SIM line from select Nigerian providers.
Once arriving at Murtala Muhammed Airport, you can connect to WiFi then quickly signup for an eSIM line from providers like Airtel or MTN Nigeria before you even exit the airport.
Top up your data and credits digitally via their app or website without visiting local stores. If you have dual physical SIM slots, you can use eSIM as your secondary line for Nigeria mobile access and keep your regular SIM in place.
A more convenient option for travellers visiting Nigeria is to purchase an eSIM plan from esimnigeria.com. They are Nigeria’s top eSIM service provider powered by GIGAGO networks.
Plan that may interest you
After purchasing a plan, a QR code for activation will be instantly emailed. Simply scan this on your compatible device to instantly connect to GIGAGO’s high-speed 4G network in Nigeria. No need for the hassle of changing physical SIM cards. Just download and you’re good to go. This makes esimnigeria.com a hassle-free solution for mobile connectivity while travelling. No requirement to buy a local SIM on arrival.
V. FAQs
Where can I buy a SIM card at Murtala Muhammed airport?
There are a couple locations inside the airport arrivals terminal to purchase SIM cards including independent kiosks right after customs exit and a Shoprite store nearer the exits to the car parks. There are multiple kiosks available with various packages.
Which mobile operator has the best SIM card option at Murtala Muhammed airport?
MTN and Glo tend to offer higher data allocations at the airport while Airtel has cheaper introductory SIM pricing suitable for shorter visits. Make sure to ask what current deals are available when purchasing.
How can I pay for a Nigerian SIM card at Murtala Muhammed airport?
Payment at the SIM card kiosks is typically in Nigerian Naira via cash. There are foreign exchange counters and ATMs located before and after customs to withdraw local currency. Some shops may accept major credit cards but have cash available to be safe.
Do I need to show my passport when buying a SIM card at Murtala Muhammed airport?
Yes, by Nigerian regulation, you need to provide passport photocopies (photo page & visa page) plus passport photos when registering a new SIM card purchase while in the country. Shops at Murtala Muhammed airport will ask for this documentation before selling SIMs.
Can I setup eSIM instead of buying a physical SIM card at Murtala Muhammed airport?
If your phone supports eSIM technology, this is a great option when arriving into Nigeria. You can quickly signup for Airtel, MTN or Glo Nigeria eSIM plans online and avoid finding stores. Just connect to WiFi at Murtala Muhammed airport and activate before you even exit.
Conclusion
Purchasing a Nigerian SIM card at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos as soon as you land is very quick and convenient. There are several independent kiosks and stores located right in the arrivals terminal after you exit customs where you can buy SIMs from major providers like MTN, Airtel, Glo.
Just be prepared in advance with passport photocopies, passport photos, local currency and an unlocked phone. Then choosing between the different SIM card products or eSIM options when arriving gets you connected fast so you can begin enjoying your time visiting Nigeria.
![Cell Phone in Nigeria]](https://esimnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2024/04/Using-A-Cell-Phone-in-Nigeria-300x200.jpg)
