Compare MTN’s 2025 international options: Pulse + IDB bundles, XtraValue’s in-bundle minutes, and XtraSpecial’s flat Zone-1/Zone-2 rates. Includes set-up codes, cost tables, hidden fees, traveller tips, and a 1 – 2 % airtime-discount hack.

When Nigeria’s voice floor hit 30 k/s, direct international calls to popular destinations jumped above ₦70 / min. MTN’s three “escape hatches”—Pulse + International Direct Bundles (IDB), XtraValue bundles, and XtraSpecial Post-paid—still carve 45 – 80 % off those sticker prices. Understanding which plan unlocks which rate could save a frequent caller ₦5 000-plus every month.

Quick-Look Comparison

Plan / Option	Access Route	USA / Canada / India / Malaysia	China	Other Destinations*	Best Use-Case
Pulse + IDB1500	Buy IDB1500 (₦1 500)	₦15 / min (Zone 1)	₦30 / min (Zone 2)	Standard table	Students & family on prepaid
XtraValue (any bundle)	In-bundle minutes	₦10.8 / min (deducts from bundle)	₦10.8 / min	PAYG table	Combo users who already buy XtraTalk/Data
XtraSpecial Post-paid	Default rate	₦31.2 / min (Zone 1)	₦62.4 / min (Zone 2)	PAYG table	Frequent travellers & business callers

*Standard PAYG international rates start at ₦50 / min and spike to ₦999 / min for exotic destinations.

Pulse + International Direct Bundles (IDB)

Bundle	Price	Zone 1 (25 top destinations)	Zone 2 (China + extras)	Validity	Activation
IDB500	₦500	₦25 / min	₦50 / min	30 days	SMS IDB500 → 131
IDB1000	₦1 000	₦20 / min	₦40 / min	30 days	SMS IDB1000 → 131
IDB1500	₦1 500	₦15 / min	₦30 / min	30 days	SMS IDB1500 → 131

Bundle self-destructs when minutes exhaust or validity lapses.
Typical saving: Direct PAYG to USA on Pulse ≈ ₦75 / min → IDB1500 cuts that by 80 %.

XtraValue – Turn Bundle Minutes Into Overseas Minutes

All XtraTalk, XtraData and Value Data bundles charge ₦10.8 / min to the five flagship destinations (USA, Canada, India, Malaysia, China) until the voice bucket depletes. No add-on needed.

Example: V 3 000 gives 250 minutes; calling Canada burns those minutes at ₦10.8 each, effectively baking ₦2 700 of international talk into the bundle price.

Hidden edge: XtraTalk 5 500’s minutes also work while roaming inside those five countries.

XtraSpecial Post-paid – Flat Discount Without Bundles

• Zone 1 (USA mainland, Canada, India, Malaysia) – ₦31.2 / min
• Zone 2 (China + USA-Alaska & Virgin Is.) – ₦62.4 / min

No subscription, no expiry. Great for executives who already enjoy the plan’s 20 k/s local calls and monthly invoice convenience.

Real-World Cost Scenarios

Caller	Minutes / Month	Destination	PAYG Cost (₦75 / min)	Best Option & Cost	Monthly Saving
Tola (Master’s student)	60	USA	₦4 500	Pulse + IDB1500 → ₦900	₦3 600
Mama Chinedu	40	Canada	₦3 000	XtraTalk 1 500 (117 mins) cost ≈ ₦432	₦2 568
Ajayi & Co. (SME)	150	India	₦11 250	XtraSpecial Post-paid → ₦4 680	₦6 570

Hidden Fees & Fine Print

Plan	Gotcha	Work-Around
Pulse + IDB	Bundle minutes don’t roll; unused wiped at 30 days	Buy lower tier (IDB500) then renew
XtraValue	Calls to non-top-5 countries billed at PAYG ₦75 / min	Use IDB bundle for other destinations
XtraSpecial Post-paid	Late bill payment suspends line	Pay via SmartSMSSolutions wallet (1 – 2 % off) before each 5 th

Quick Activation Cheat-Sheet

Need	Fastest Code
Buy IDB1500	*131*1000*3# or SMS IDB1500 to 131
Check IDB balance	*559*7#
Buy XtraTalk 1500	*312*1500#
Migrate to XtraSpecial Post-paid	*409# → enter BVN
Check outstanding post-paid bill	*310#

SmartSMSSolutions Hack – Trim Another 1–2 %

Recharge or pay your post-paid invoice from a SmartSMSSolutions wallet and save an extra ₦1–₦20 per ₦1 000—enough to squeeze in another overseas minute or two each cycle.