How To Use Cell Phone In Maldives: Traveler’s Guide To Stay Connected

Published: July 2024

Using your cell phone in the Maldives can help tourists stay connected while trading in this beautiful island nation. This traveler’s guide will show you how to use cell phone in Maldives so you do not miss important calls or messages and can easily contact friends and family back home during your vacation. We will explore the best options for accessing cellular service and purchasing local SIM cards.

In this article

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Network, and Frequencies in Maldives

These clear points of phone compatibility, network, and frequencies will help you check that your phone will work in Maldives before your visit.

Phone compatibility: Maldives uses GSM and UMTS/HSPA+ networks which are supported by most phones in other countries. However, phones from North America will need to have dual-band GSM to work.

Frequencies:

The main cellular frequencies in Maldives are 900/ MHz for 2G, 2100 MHz for 3G, and 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2600 MHz (Band 7), and 700 MHz (Band 28a) for 4G/LTE.

Check your phone supports these frequencies for basic calling and data use.

Networks:

Dhiraagu: One of the main mobile operators, offering good coverage and services.
Ooredoo Maldives: Another major operator with extensive coverage and competitive plans.

Pro Tips:

Tourists should check if their phone work in Maldives frequencies before their trip.
It is smart to get a local SIM when you reach Maldives. Maldives SIM cards can be easily bought at the airport and major towns with passport ID. This helps you access cheaper mobile services via a Maldives number.

II. Will My Cell Phone Work in Maldives?

Definitely, you can use your cell phone and access reliable mobile services in Maldives. Before your trip, it is advised to check a few things:

Make sure your mobile phone can use the networks in Maldives, not just your home network’s international roaming. Using roaming is very costly when traveling abroad.
Look at the normal network frequencies in your home country and compare them to what carriers in Maldives use. This will help you know the Internet speeds you may get in Maldives.

Tourists can use their cell phone in the Maldives

The table below shows the exact frequencies used by mobile network providers in Maldives.

Network Carrier	2G Bands	3G Bands	4G Bands	5G Bands
Ooredoo	B8 (900 MHz)	B1 (2100 MHz)	B28a (700 MHz); B7 (2600 MHz)	n78 (3500 MHz)
Dhiraagu	B8 (900 MHz)	B1 (2100 MHz)	B3 (1800 MHz); B7 (2600 MHz)	n78 (3500 MHz)

III. Do I Need an International Plan in Maldives?

Sure. You do need an international package for your trip to the stunning Maldives. This is a simple way to stay online while exploring the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches of the Maldives. However, if you choose to use foreign roaming services from your home operator, high fees will be charged.

Visitors need an international plan for their Maldives trip

Do not worry! There are a lot of other options to get the Internet at a favorable rate, such as Maldives eSIM, physical SIM for Maldives, pocket Wifi, etc. Besides, tourists to Maldives can also connect to public Wifi to enjoy free Internet. This way seems to be convenient but it is not secure and only available at certain Wifi hotspots like coffee shops, resorts, hotels, and restaurants.

IV. What are International Plan Options to Use Cell Phone in Maldives for Travelers?

Tourists traveling to the Maldives can use different international package options, including eSIM plan for Maldives, international SIM, and portable Wifi device. Now let us look at the key features of each alternative.

1. eSIM Plan for Maldives

eSIM for Maldives (also known as embedded SIM/ digital SIM) is a modern method to connect to the Internet while exploring this stunning island nation. It is easy to sign up and activate online before your flight. Once activated, Maldives eSIM allows tourists to access affordable and reliable mobile data during their trip to the Maldives.

Best for: eSIM-embedded mobile devices
Where to get eSIM for Maldives: download online from the main carriers in the Maldives or trusted eSIM resellers.
Pros: convenient, can be activated virtually before travel, no physical SIM needed
Cons: unlocked phone required, limited to specific devices and operators

2. International SIM card for Maldives

International SIM cards for the Maldives are a prevalent choice among tourists for cheap calling, texting, and data rates. These cards may be easily inserted and removed from your cell phone. You just need to get a local SIM for the Maldives, put it into the SIM slot of your cell phone, and enjoy affordable and secure cellular services.

Suitable for: any unlocked cell phone
Where to purchase physical card for Maldives: at main carrier stores, online before travel, or at airport kiosks upon arrival
Pros: affordable, various SIM plan options, access to local data plans and local rates
Cons: If you want to get Maldives SIM offline, you need to find the SIM store locations

International SIM cards for Maldives are a great choice for staying connected while in Maldives

3. Pocket WiFi Maldives

A portable Wifi hotspot is best for tourists traveling in a group. It is a compact Wifi hotspot that transmits Internet signals for different devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and so on. You need to pay for the device and accessories rental and the selected plan.

Suitable for: groups or families traveling together
Where to rent Pocket WiFi for Maldives: rental websites, electronic stores, airport rental kiosks
Pros: Internet sharing, various devices can connect to a single portable Wifi device
Cons: need to return the device after trip, extra accessories to carry

V. Will My Local Network Work in Maldives?

Most likely possible.

While in Maldives, you can use your phone services from your country. But this may not be the best choice because calls, texts, and data could cost a lot extra in fees from roaming charges. If you are not really careful tracking things like how much data you use and your usual habits, you may get a really surprising phone bill after your trip ends. The roaming charges depend on the pricing conditions of your domestic network provider.

Advice: It is wise to utilize a local SIM card or an eSIM for Maldives. This allows you to use secure Internet services at a reasonable price.

VI. Gigago eSIM Maldives – An Alternative to Stay Online in Maldives with your Cell Phone

eSIM for Maldives is an excellent alternative to get online without a plastic SIM while exploring the nation. With Maldives eSIM, tourists just need to sign up and activate it virtually before trip with the support of the eSIM provider. In addition, there is a wide range of Maldives eSIM plans available for visitors to choose from.

If you are seeking a prestigious eSIM provider for Maldives, GIGAGO should be a top choice.

Gigago offers a wide range of eSIM plans for Maldives

So why buy Gigago eSIM for Maldives?

No ID proof
Online eSIM purchase and activation
Gigago’s eSIM options for Maldives operate on the Ooredoo network – Maldives’s main network provider with reliable cellular services.
eSIM plans for Maldives are very affordable, starting at only $44.00 for 20GB of data, used in 30 days and varying from $44.00 – $55.00 , much cheaper than roaming services.
24/7 multilingual customer service

Pro Tips:

If you want to sign up for a Maldives eSIM plan, your cell phone must be compatible with eSIM technology.
Pick the Maldives eSIM plan that best fits your travel needs and trip length.

VII. Extra Tips to Use Cell Phone in Maldives

Here are several additional tips that will help you get online while in Maldives without incurring unexpected costs:

Turn off cellular data when not in use to avoid accidentally using up your data allowance.
Wifi is commonly available at resorts and cafes if you prefer using messaging apps or streaming over cellular data.
Download any maps, videos or playlists you want to access offline before leaving Wi-Fi areas to avoid using up cellular data.
Consider a Maldives SIM card or an eSIM for your trip. This let you make phone calls and enjoy data without racking up high roaming fees.
Disable automatic app updates, backups, and other data-heavy features to prevent consuming your data without realizing it.
Maldives uses Type C, G, D, and M plugs, so bring a universal travel adapter if your phone charger does not match these plug types. The adapter will let you charge your phone during your trip.

VIII. FAQs

Will my phone work in Maldives?

As long as your cell phone works with GSM 900/1800 and UMTS 2100 networks, it should work. However, to be sure, check the frequencies used by cell networks in Maldives before your trip.

How can I purchase a local SIM card in Maldives?

You can purchase SIM cards at the international airport in Maldives or from telecom shops in the capital city Male’. Getting a local SIM is the most affordable way to use cell phone in Maldives.

Is WiFi available everywhere in Maldives?

No, WiFi availability in Maldives is not universal. Most hotels and tourist areas have WiFi but remote islands may have limited or no coverage. It is best to limit data usage and use cell phone in Maldives.

IX. Final Words

In summary, it is possible to use cell phone in Maldives. Whether you choose to use regular SIM, eSIM for Maldives, or portable Wifi hotspot, you can access trusted cellular services to use essential apps and stay connected with family and friends back home. Remember to select the connectivity alternative and data plan that aligns with your trip duration and data usage.