Need cheaper international calls from Nigeria? Check out MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile’s latest 2025 IDD bundles. We compare coverage zones, rates, validity, codes, and help you choose the best plan for calling the US, UK, Canada, Africa, or beyond.

Keeping in touch with family, friends, or business partners overseas can get pricey if you rely on standard pay-as-you-go international rates. International Direct Dial (IDD) bundles are special packages that drastically lower cost per minute to select countries. Typically, you buy a set of minutes at a discounted rate. By 2025, each Nigerian operator refines these IDD offers—some even include data or local calls for a well-rounded plan.

This guide details each network’s approach, countries covered, how to activate, cost breakdown, and tips to avoid running out of minutes prematurely. Whether you frequently call the UK, US, Canada, or other African nations, an IDD bundle can save thousands of naira monthly.

MTN International Voice Bundles

MTN labels their International call deals “XtraSpecial” or “IDD Bundle.”

Key Countries Covered

• Typically includes USA, Canada, UK (mobile/landline), India, China, South Africa, some EU countries.
• Some bundles may exclude premium lines or only allow landline calls in certain countries.

Bundle Examples

1. IDD 200: ~₦200 for 15 IDD minutes valid 7 days (some countries).
2. IDD 500: ~₦500 for 40 IDD minutes valid 14 days.
3. IDD 1000: ~₦1000 for 100 IDD minutes valid 30 days.
   (Exact minutes can vary; confirm via *312# or *123#.)

Activation

• Dial *312# → “International/IDD Bundles,” pick your package.
• Or use the MyMTN NG app, “Bundles” section, “International.”
• You’ll see a list of countries covered by each bundle.

Rates & Validity

• The effective rate might be ~₦10–₦15/min on these bundles, far cheaper than standard ~₦30–₦45/min.
• Bundles usually last 7–30 days. Unused minutes may not roll over unless you renew before expiry.

Airtel International Call Bundles

Airtel calls them “Smart Roam” or “IDD Packs,” but primarily they function similarly:

Coverage

• Most popular destinations: US, UK, Canada, India, China. Some smaller packages might include a few African countries (Kenya, Ghana).
• Each bundle often lists specific countries. Double-check your target country is included.

Sample Bundles

• IDD 500: ~₦500 for 30 minutes, valid 14 days.
• IDD 1000: ~₦1000 for 70–80 minutes, valid 30 days.
• IDD 2000: Possibly 150–160 minutes.

Check *141# → “International” or the Airtel Thanks app. The cost per minute can be ~₦12–₦15 for included countries, vs. ~₦35 if you call standard rates.

Activation & Validity

• USSD: *141# → “International/IDD Bundles.”
• The minutes typically last 14–30 days, depending on the bundle price. Some night usage might not matter, since calls are typically time-agnostic, but watch for special T&Cs.

Glo International Bundles

Glo frequently lumps IDD deals under “Glo IDD Packs” or integrates them into “Glo Berekete” voice bonuses. However, pure IDD bundles exist:

Coverage

• US, UK, Canada, and select European or Asian countries.
• Glo sometimes includes African countries like South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, but confirm each bundle’s coverage list.

Typical Plans

• IDD 300: ~₦300 for ~20–25 minutes.
• IDD 500: ~₦500 for 40–50 minutes.
• Higher tiers: e.g., ₦1,000 for ~100 minutes.
• Dial *777# → “Voice Bundles” → “International.”

Notable Points

• Glo might offer the lowest cost per minute if your destination is on their prime list. However, coverage reliability for the call quality can differ.
• Some IDD bundles can’t be used if calling a country not in the listing, so check carefully.

9mobile International Voice Bundles

9mobile labels them “MoreTalk International” or “InternationalPlus.”

Coverage

• The standard “plus” bundle covers ~7–10 top destinations (US, UK, Canada, China, India, major European countries).
• They occasionally have separate “AfriCalls” packages for African countries.

Sample Bundles

• ~₦500 for 30–40 minutes.
• ~₦1,000 for 80–100 minutes.
• Activation: *200# → “International Bundles,” or the 9mobile app under “Voice Bundles.”

Validity & Rates

• Typically 14–30 days.
• Effective rates ~₦12–₦18/min. Possibly cheaper if you pick bigger bundles.
• If you exhaust your minutes early, out-of-bundle rates can be high (~₦35–₦50/min).

Special Regional Bundles

Some networks have specialized bundles for calling certain parts of the world:

1. MTN Africa: Cheaper calls to Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast if you buy an “MTN Africa Connect” pack.
2. Airtel India: Occasionally a dedicated plan for India if you frequently call family there.
3. Glo UK: Some Glo IDD deals emphasize UK landlines, ignoring mobiles or premium lines.
4. 9mobile Middle East: Targeting diaspora calls to UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.

If your primary destination is an uncommon country, check these specialized packs.

How to Check Remaining IDD Minutes

Often, the USSD or app used to purchase will also show your balance:

• MTN: *556# might show total minutes or *312# → “Balance.”
• Airtel: *123# or *141# → “Check Voice Bundle.”
• Glo: *777#, then “Manage Voice Bundle,” or SMS “VOICE BAL” to 127.
• 9mobile: *200#, “Check Voice Bundle.”
  If uncertain, call or text customer care.

Combining IDD Bundles with Normal Plans

IDD bundles typically exist alongside your local plan. You can have a monthly data plan or local voice tariff while also having an IDD pack. The network automatically deducts from your IDD minutes if you dial an included country. If you call a country not covered, it’ll charge standard rates.

Example: Using an IDD Bundle

Case: Ada—calls her brother in Canada regularly.

1. She picks MTN IDD 1000 (₦1,000 for 100 minutes, valid 30 days).
2. After activation, calls to Canada come from that IDD pot at effectively ~₦10/min. If she didn’t have the bundle, she’d pay ~₦35–₦50/min.
3. She checks her balance at *312# after each call. If she hits 100 minutes, subsequent calls revert to normal IDD rates unless she buys another pack.

This approach can save Ada ~₦2,500+ monthly if she’s a frequent caller.

Are There Hidden Fees or Expiry Traps?

• Expiry: Once the validity ends (7, 14, or 30 days), any leftover minutes vanish. Renew before expiry if you want rollover—only some networks allow that.
• Destination Restrictions: Some “UK” coverage only includes landlines, not mobile. Or “US” excludes certain states or premium lines.
• VAT or Surcharges: The cost displayed typically includes all taxes, so no hidden taxes beyond your bundle price.

What If Your Country Isn’t Listed?

If you want to call, say, Brazil or Japan but the network’s IDD bundle doesn’t mention it, you’ll pay standard rates—often quite high. Alternatively:

• MTN or Airtel might have bigger “All countries” deals at a slightly higher rate.
• Check if third-party calling apps (e.g., Skype credit, Zoom phone) could be cheaper if you have stable data.

Data + Voice Combo for International Calls

Some prefer calling internationally over data-based apps (WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram) if the other party also has stable internet. This can be cheaper if your local data is abundant. However, voice app calls rely on both ends having good internet. IDD bundles are direct phone-to-phone, which can be more stable for the recipient, especially if they’re not tech-savvy or lack good Wi-Fi.

Minimizing International Call Costs

1. Bundle Up: Always buy an IDD pack for frequent calls.
2. Monitor: Track your minutes usage so you don’t slip into standard rates unknowingly.
3. Check Coverage: Ensure your destination is included.
4. Consider VoIP: If both parties have excellent internet, WhatsApp calls might suffice. However, sometimes the quality is inconsistent or blocked in certain countries.

Potential Future Trends

• Some operators might unify “unlimited call” plans for certain countries. E.g., a monthly unlimited to the US for a fixed fee. But as of 2025, no major operator in Nigeria has truly unlimited IDD calls.
• 5G’s expansion could lead to more reliance on high-quality VoIP, possibly overshadowing IDD if local data is cheap enough. But for now, IDD bundles remain mainstream for direct phone calls.

Conclusion

International call bundles let you connect with loved ones or business partners abroad at significantly reduced rates. MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile each provide multiple IDD packages in 2025, typically covering high-demand destinations like the US, UK, Canada, China, India, plus some African or European countries. The main differences revolve around:

1. Minute Allocations: Ranging from 15 minutes (₦200) up to 100+ minutes (₦1,000 or more).
2. Validity: 7–30 days.
3. Countries Covered: Ensure your target location is included.
4. Cost per Minute: Typically ₦35–₦50).

To get started, dial your network’s USSD code or use the official app. Once active, calls to covered destinations deduct from the IDD pot. Keep an eye on your remaining minutes and expiry date. If you need more time, buy or renew the bundle promptly. With a bit of planning, you’ll drastically reduce your monthly international call bills—no more abrupt disconnections or shocking airtime deductions. Whether you call daily or just occasionally, these bundles are an essential tool for staying connected across borders in 2025.