Internet in Ghana depends mainly on one question: how long are you staying. A week-long trip is covered by a short package, and for a month-long stay, work, volunteering, or an extended visit, it's worth planning a larger volume and knowing in advance how to add data. You install the eSIM at home and activate it upon arrival.
We've already written a comparison between eSIM, local SIM, and roaming in Ghana. Here we won't compare SIM types, but will help you choose a package based on the length of your stay and usage.
First: how long are you in Ghana
- A week to two-week trip: For example, Accra and the coast. A package valid for the entire trip, with volume based on your daily usage.
- A stay of almost a month: Work, volunteering, or an extended visit. Here data is part of the routine, and it's worth choosing a larger package than usual or an unlimited package.
- More than a month: Every package has limited validity, so you need to plan in advance for a top-up or an additional package (more on that below).
On the Ghana packages page you'll find packages by volume, from 1GB for 7 days to 20GB for 30 days, and also unlimited packages. You'll see the exact volumes and validity on the page before purchase.
What uses up your data
No need to guess, just know what uses a lot and what uses little:
- Maps and messages: Use relatively little.
- Video calls and long WhatsApp calls: Use more, especially if you're calling home every day.
- Uploading photos and videos: Drains a package quickly.
- Working from your phone: Emails with heavy files, connecting to a work server, and downloads.
If you're torn between two volumes, choose the larger one. It's better than running out of data mid-week. Unlimited: Especially suitable for a month-long stay and heavy usage, and also for those who don't want to monitor their volume. As shown on the package page, in unlimited packages, after using 3GB per day, speed is reduced to 1 Mbps until the end of that day.
A calculation by days and by type of usage is available in the guide on how much data you need abroad.
When data runs out or your stay extends
- Adding data: On the package page, it's marked if it supports top-ups. If yes, you add data to the same eSIM through the personal area on the website, without installing a new code.
- Don't wait until the last moment: If you see you're using more data than planned, it's better to add early rather than when you have no connection.
- When validity starts: As shown on the package page, the validity period begins when the eSIM first connects to a supported network, not at the moment of purchase.
- Extended stay: If you stay beyond the package validity, you can purchase an additional package.
Reception outside cities
Reception varies from area to area, and an eSIM package doesn't change the network itself. In villages, parks and on long roads, don't rely on continuous connection.
- Download an offline map of the area before you go.
- Save screenshots of bookings, addresses and contact details.
- Send a message before heading out on a long trip, and say when you'll be available again.
- Take a portable charger.
Before the flight: ten-minute prep
1. Check that your phone supports eSIM on the eSIM compatibility check page. 2. Choose a package on the eSIM packages for Ghana page, based on length of stay and usage. 3. Receive a QR code by email right after payment. 4. Install at home, on Wi-Fi, according to the installation guide. Scan the code once. 5. Keep your Israeli SIM in the phone and turn off data roaming on it. 6. Upon landing: Select the eSIM line for cellular data, turn on data roaming for it, turn off Wi-Fi for a moment and open a website. Loading? You're browsing through nRed.
Menu names may vary depending on your phone model and operating system version.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a local SIM at the airport? Not necessarily. With an eSIM package you connect right upon landing, without waiting in line and without removing your Israeli SIM. You can see all the options in the comparison between eSIM, local SIM and roaming in Ghana.
What happens to my Israeli SIM? Your Israeli SIM stays in the phone. We recommend turning off data roaming on it. Whether you can receive calls and SMS abroad, and at what price, depends on your operator's plan. nRed's eSIM is for data browsing only, with no calls or SMS.
Traveling as a couple. Can one plan work for both phones? The simplest solution is for each phone to have its own eSIM plan. That way each of you is independent when you split up, and no one loses internet if someone else's battery dies.
I'm staying for more than a month. What do I do? Plans have limited validity. You can add more data with a top-up if the plan supports it, or purchase a new plan. Check the plan page to see what works for you.
What if there's no internet after landing? Check that the eSIM line is selected for data and data roaming is turned on for it, then restart your phone. If it still doesn't work, nRed's support team is available through the support page.
Heading to Ghana?
Choose an eSIM plan based on how long you're staying, install it at home, and land connected.
The current price appears on the plans page.
