Nigeria is home to one of Africa’s largest populations. Every day, millions of Nigerians make inexpensive calls from Nigeria to friends, family, and business associates in the US, UK, Canada, and South Africa. The expense of those calls quickly mounts up, whether you are a parent checking in on a child studying overseas, a trader overseeing supply chains, or someone preserving friendships across borders.
Although international bundles are available from traditional carriers, the per-minute rates are still high in comparison to internet-based options. This guide breaks down your options and shows you where the true savings are if you’ve been looking for a cheap way to call the USA from Nigeria or if you need cheap calls from Nigeria to the UK.
Why International Calls from Nigeria Still Cost So Much
Your call passes through several telecom networks when you use a Nigerian carrier to dial an international number. There is an additional charge for each transfer, which your provider passes on to you, occasionally with a big fee.
Here is a comparison of how traditional carrier billing stacks up against modern internet-based alternatives:
| Calling Method | Cost Profile | How It Routes | Physical Requirements |
| Traditional Carrier Roaming | High: Expensive daily/weekly roaming bundles. | Legacy Cellular Networks | Requires VoLTE-compatible hardware in some countries |
| Numero Global Call Credit | Low: Billed at a fraction of standard carrier rates. | Internet-based (VoIP) | No SIM required (App-based) |
| Numero Regional Calling Bundles | Lowest: Heavily discounted bulk minutes. | Internet-based (VoIP) | No SIM required (App-based) |
Note: Traditional carrier rates fluctuate frequently based on exchange rates and network tariffs. Check your local provider for their most current per-minute pricing.
You might currently be paying thousands of Naira for a quick 30-minute call to a relative in London. Regular callers may spend heavily on international calls alone over the course of a month. Most people would want to keep that money.
The 2G/3G Shutdown Problem Most People Overlook
Something else is worth knowing. Many global networks, particularly in the US and Australia, have decommissioned their 2G and 3G infrastructure. If you try to call the US or Australia on a traditional roaming plan, your device must support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and have the service activated by your provider. Not every phone in Nigeria meets that requirement, especially older or budget models. This creates an extra barrier that most people don’t know about.
VoIP: The Smarter Way to Call Internationally from Nigeria
VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol lets you make phone calls using your internet connection rather than a traditional mobile network. Your voice is converted into data packets and sent over Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of passing through expensive telecom switches.
This is important for VoIP calling Nigerian users because the cost drops dramatically. Instead of paying per-minute carrier rates, you pay a fraction of the price because the call routes over the internet for most of its journey.
And here is the part that solves the 2G/3G problem: Since calls use data packets rather than old network infrastructure, it does not matter whether the destination country has shut down its 2G or 3G towers. Your call goes through regardless of the phone model you use, as long as you have an internet connection.
How Numero Makes International Calls Affordable for Nigerians
Numero is a digital telecom platform that combines virtual phone numbers, VoIP calling, and eSIM services in one app. Numero provides two primary methods for Nigerians looking to reduce their international call rates:
Global Call Credit Purchase calling credit through the Numero app and make international calls to any country at VoIP rates. You can call using either a Numero virtual number or your own personal number. The calls go over the internet, so you can place them from anywhere with a Wi-Fi or data connection.
Calling Offers Numero provides special call bundles for specific regions, including Africa. These give you discounted rates when calling certain countries within that region, which is perfect for the Nigeria to South Africa corridor.
If you want to save even more money on a specific destination, consider getting a virtual number from that country and pairing it with a local calling plan. In fact, there are several practical reasons why owning a second phone number benefits Nigerians beyond just cheaper calls, from privacy to business separation.
Destination Breakdown: Saving on Every Corridor
Nigeria → USA
The Nigeria-to-US corridor is one of the busiest. Numero allows you to recharge your calling balance and call US numbers at VoIP rates that are significantly lower than other providers would charge.
Bonus tip: If you buy a US virtual number from Numero, you can add local US calling credit. That is, you would call any US number at domestic American rates, rather than international rates. For someone who calls the United States on a daily basis, this means you pay far less and save a lot of money. If you also need that US number for WhatsApp or app verifications, you can learn how to get a virtual number in Nigeria for WhatsApp and app verification and handle both needs with one number.
Nigeria → UK
Calls to the UK are common among Nigerians with family in London, Manchester, and other cities. Using Numero’s global call credit, Nigeria to UK calls cost far less than carrier bundles. You simply open the app, dial the UK number, and the call connects through the internet.
Nigeria → Canada
Nigeria to Canada calling is another high-demand route. Whether you are calling relatives in Toronto or business partners in Vancouver, Numero’s VoIP-based calling handles the connection at significantly lower rates.
Nigeria → South Africa
The Nigeria-South Africa call corridor serves a lot of people from a growing business to student communities. South Africa is home to many Nigerian students and workers, so naturally their families and friends need to connect with them. Numero’s regional calling bundles for Africa frequently include South Africa, giving you lower rates than standard international call rates from Nigeria.
How to Get Started with Numero from Nigeria
Getting set up takes just a few minutes:
- Download the Numero app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register using your phone number.
- Go to Calling Plans → Top Up to purchase international calling credit, or browse Calling Plans → Calling Offers for bundled deals.
- Open the dial pad, enter the international number, and call.
No physical SIM card is needed. No complicated setup. Just an internet connection and some credit in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VoIP calling legal in Nigeria?
Yes. Using VoIP apps for personal and business calls is legal in Nigeria. You just need a stable internet connection, Wi-Fi, or mobile data to place calls through the Numero app.
Do I need a special phone to use Numero?
No. Numero works on most Android and iOS smartphones. Since calls use the internet rather than legacy cellular switches, you do not need VoLTE-compatible hardware. This is a real advantage over traditional calling methods, especially when reaching countries that have shut down 2G and 3G networks.
Can I call Nigerian numbers using Numero, too?
Absolutely. Numero’s global call credit lets you call numbers in any supported country including Nigeria. So if you are abroad, you can call home at VoIP rates as well.
How does call quality compare to regular calls?
VoIP call quality depends on your internet connection. With a stable Wi-Fi or 4G connection, call quality is comparable to and sometimes better than a standard mobile call. On slower connections, you might notice some delay, though Numero’s routing is optimised to maintain clarity.
Final Thoughts
It is no longer necessary to overpay for international calls from Nigeria. Numero offers you several options to reduce your phone bills without compromising call quality, including regional calling bundles, global call credit, and the ability to get a virtual number with local calling rates.
The next time you pick up your phone to call someone in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or South Africa, consider whether your carrier is truly providing you with the best deal or whether a smarter, internet-based solution could save you thousands of money per month.
