Truecaller has launched a travel eSIM service in Nigeria and 28 other markets, marking the company’s latest push to diversify revenue streams beyond its core advertising business.
The digital mobile data service, announced on May 21, will allow users to access mobile internet connectivity while travelling without relying on traditional physical SIM cards or expensive international roaming packages. The rollout covers key markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Egypt, and several other countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The service is currently accessible through the Truecaller iPhone application and the company’s website for compatible Android and iOS devices. Users can purchase prepaid data bundles ranging from 1GB valid for seven days to 20GB packages lasting up to 30 days.
The Stockholm-listed technology company said the platform is powered through partnerships with Telna and Telness Tech, two firms specialising in digital telecom infrastructure and mobile connectivity solutions.
The expansion comes at a strategically important time for Truecaller as the company grapples with slowing advertising growth. The company recently disclosed a 44% year-on-year decline in advertising revenue for the first quarter of 2026, increasing pressure on management to accelerate alternative income channels including subscriptions, premium services, and telecom-related products.
Industry analysts say the move reflects a broader shift among consumer technology companies seeking recurring revenue models that are less vulnerable to fluctuations in the digital advertising market. Travel eSIMs have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in mobile connectivity, driven by rising international travel demand and growing adoption of eSIM-compatible smartphones globally.
Unlike traditional roaming arrangements that often attract high carrier charges, eSIM technology enables travellers to activate local or regional data plans digitally, reducing costs and eliminating the need for physical SIM card swaps. Apple, Samsung, and Google have increasingly integrated eSIM functionality into flagship devices, helping accelerate mainstream adoption.
For Nigeria, the launch also signals growing competition in the country’s expanding digital services ecosystem, where fintech and telecom-adjacent platforms are racing to deepen user engagement through lifestyle and connectivity offerings.
Truecaller, best known globally for its caller identification and spam protection services, has steadily expanded beyond its original product suite in recent years. The company has introduced business communication tools, AI-powered call features, and subscription-based services as it attempts to strengthen monetisation across emerging markets where smartphone penetration continues to rise.
The company did not disclose projected revenue targets for the eSIM service or expected subscriber numbers across participating countries.
