Nigeria
Set up rides and payment fallbacks before landing, then follow live security advice
Read current travel advice by state before booking: several governments advise against travel to large parts of Nigeria because of kidnapping, terrorism, crime, and unrest.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Nigeria
Obtain the correct visa before departure because visa on arrival is no longer available. Foreign visitors may also need online landing and exit cards, the Nigeria Health Declaration Form, and yellow-fever proof. Download confirmations before reaching the airport. A short-term visitor can register an MTN Visitor SIM with a passport, valid visa, return ticket, and biometrics without a NIN.
That exemption does not make OPay available: new Nigerian wallets require a BVN or NIN, so do not plan to open one on arrival. Bring a physical Visa or Mastercard, a backup card, and some naira, while expecting international-card failures and transfer-only merchants. Arrange airport transport or request a ride only after leaving immigration, verify the driver and plate, share the trip, and avoid road travel after dark. Recheck routes and security locally before any intercity journey.
Ride Hailing
UberEssential
The most familiar visitor option, with current service listed in 12 Nigerian cities and strong in-app safety tools.
BoltEssential
The broadest officially listed city footprint in Nigeria and an important backup when Uber supply is poor.
inDrive
Negotiated-fare rides across multiple Nigerian cities when fixed-price apps have weak supply.
Lagride
A government-backed Lagos-only e-taxi backup with scheduled rides and current international-number sign-up support.
Food Delivery
Payments
LemFi
An optional remittance fallback for eligible residents of supported sending countries paying a verified Nigerian bank recipient.
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The main channel for coordinating with Nigerian hotels, hosts, drivers, restaurants, vendors, and local contacts.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The strongest general tool for saved locations, offline areas, live traffic, and monitoring an app-booked route.
Transit
Cowry
Lagos fare payment and route access for regulated buses and rail, with a physical card fallback at terminals.
Intercity Transport
GIG Mobility
A structured inter-state coach operator with current schedules, named terminals, ticketing, and booking status.
Internet in Nigeria
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Registration requires your passport plus a photo, fingerprint, or other biometric check.
- Starter prices begin near 100 NGN (~$0.15); compare the current data allowance before buying.
- Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
- A travel eSIM is the simpler option and avoids local SIM registration steps.
Use an official carrier store and complete registration and activation before leaving the counter.
Local carriers
MTN Nigeria
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Glo Mobile
Good-value option when price matters most.
Airtel Nigeria
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
9mobile
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Ntel
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Nigeria?
The essential apps for Nigeria are Uber, Bolt, Chowdeck, WhatsApp, Google Maps.
How many travel apps does Nigeria have?
We've curated 11 apps across 7 categories for traveling in Nigeria, including 5 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Nigeria?
Uber. The most familiar visitor option, with current service listed in 12 Nigerian cities and strong in-app safety tools.
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