Buying Dhiraagu Maldives SIM Cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Olivia Brown

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Published: November 2024

This article equips tourists with essential information on buying and activating Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards and eSIMs when visiting this stunning island nation.

Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards provide dependable connectivity options for tourists. As the country’s second-largest telecom network, they offer both prepaid nano SIM cards and digital SIM profiles. This guide provides a detailed look at purchasing and using Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards and eSIMs to stay connected throughout your trip. Whether you need a short-term data package or a plan for the whole vacation, Dhiraagu has convenient solutions for you.

I. Overview of Dhiraagu Maldives – What You Need to Know

Dhiraagu Maldives offers various telecommunication services in the country. Several key facts about Dhiraagu Maldives you may need to know:

• Founded: in 1988 and is officially known as Dhivehi Raajjeygé Gulhun PLC;
• Types of services: mobile, broadband, fixed line and VOIP services;
• Coverage: nearly 200 inhabited islands in the Maldives;
• Number of users: over 1 million subscribers, serving the majority of Maldivians;
• Distribution: 49 exclusive partners, 40 distributors, 27 wholesalers, 182 agents, and over 3800 retailers across the country;
• Customer support: live chat, telephone support, walk-in;
• Language: Dhivehi, English

As the second-largest telecom operator, Dhiraagu Maldives continues expanding its network to deliver connectivity solutions to more users.

II. Dhiraagu Coverage in Maldives

Dhiraagu’s network coverage map by nPerf displays that Dhiraagu Maldives provides widespread mobile network availability throughout the Maldives. Their coverage includes:

• Over 180 inhabited islands across the nation, from the far north to the south, ensuring connectivity for residents outside of the capital.
• Popular tourist resorts located in every atoll, allowing visitors to stay connected while enjoying their island getaways.
• Wide-ranging 4G coverage in population centers and most local islands, with 3G in other areas, giving customers high-speed internet access wherever they are in the country.

In summary, Dhiraagu Maldives works to connect users whether they live in busy Malé city or more isolated islands. Their widespread coverage helps visitors stay in touch during travel across the beautiful country.

III. Dhiraagu Speed in Maldives

Based on the data on Dhiraagu speed in Maldives by OpenSignal:

• Dhiraagu’s download speed: 32.3Mpbs, slower than Ooredoo (37.2Mbps)
• Dhiraagu’s upload speed: 6.2Mbps, slower than Ooredoo (7.9Mbps)

► While tests show Dhiraagu Maldives provides somewhat slower speeds than Ooredoo, tourists will still get a decent internet experience for day-to-day activities like chatting, emailing, and browsing. Those needing the absolute fastest connection may want to consider Ooredoo instead. But overall, Dhiraagu delivers reliable connectivity. 

IV. Types of Dhiraagu Maldives SIM Card Options for Tourists

Two key types of Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards for visitors include:

• Prepaid physical SIM
• Prepaid eSIM

► Recommendation:

Prepaid physical SIMs are a low-cost option but tourists may need to purchase one in the Maldives, while digital SIM (eSIM) profiles enable signing up online from your home country before your journey.

A Dhiraagu eSIM allows tourists to set it up while still in their home country before their trip. This means no need to search for SIM stores when you arrive or insert a plastic SIM manually. Make sure your tablet/ phone/ laptop supports eSIM profiles.

V. Top Dhiraagu Maldives SIM Cards for Travelers & Prices

There are several Dhiraagu data plan choices available for visitors to the Maldives:

► Dhiraagu Maldives provides tourists with different SIM card packages at affordable prices. This lets visitors easily select the one that best suits their usage needs while in the Maldives.

VI. Where to Get Dhiraagu Maldives SIM Cards for Tourists?

There are 3 main choices for tourists to get Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards:

• On arrival at the Maldives airports
• In Maldives city center
• Online 

1. Purchase Dhiraagu SIM at Maldives Airports

When you touch down at Velana International Airport in Malé, you can pick up Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards right after exiting customs. A Dhiraagu kiosk is located to the right. Buying a SIM at the airport means you may start enjoying reliable cellular data from Dhiraagu’s network as soon as you land.

Requirements: Passport for ID confirmation, cash in US dollars, Maldivian Rufiyaa, or credit card to pay

Price & Plan: airport rates are higher than city shop prices, fewer SIM card choices

2. Buy Dhiraagu SIM in Maldives City Center

Visitors may also purchase Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards from more than Dhiraagu shops across the country. Dhiraagu has 49 exclusive partners, 40 distributors, 27 wholesalers, 182 agents, and over 3800 retailers across the country. You can find Dhiraagu stores in Malé, Hulhumale’, Addu City, etc. 

Requirement: ID check needed

Plan & Price: Diverse deals and rates, variety of options, cheaper than airport kiosk rates

3. Get Dhiraagu SIM Online Before Departure

One of the most convenient ways for tourists to buy a Dhiraagu SIM card is to order one online before their flight. Then, they can access Dhiraagu’s reliable cellular network right when they arrive.

Price & Plan: Reasonable rates with lots of choices to pick from

Requirements: Only give name, mobile phone number, and address – no ID proof needed

VII. A Better Alternative to Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards – Maldives eSIM

While Dhiraagu provides reliable coverage across the Maldives with physical SIM cards, an improved option is selecting an eSIM profile if your device enables it. An eSIM lets you digitally activate your cellular plan before travel so you are immediately connected upon arrival.

With Gigago eSIM, you do not have to worry about finding SIM outlets or fumbling with tiny plastic cards. 

• They offer flexible Dhiraagu eSIM packages onboarding in minutes through their online store. Just sign up online, download the eSIM configuration, and you are all set to enjoy high-speed 4G/LTE networks throughout your Maldivian holiday.
• Gigago’s eSIM plans for the Maldives have very reasonable prices starting at $44.00 for 20 GB within 30 days and varying from $44.00 – $55.00 . These costs are much more affordable than paying international roaming fees on your regular plan. 

See more: Gigago eSIM packs for Maldives.

VIII. How to Top Up Your Dhiraagu Maldives SIM Cards

There are several convenient choices for topping up your Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards. Some of the ways include:

• Dhiraagu mobile app: Use the Dhiraagu mobile app to easily top up from your phone anytime.
• Recharge vouchers: Purchasing prepaid recharge vouchers available in denominations like MVR 50, 100, 200, and 500 from stores.
• Reload: Do an online reload of your account balance through the Dhiraagu website.
• Quick recharge: Transfer credit from your Dhiraagu postpaid account to your prepaid SIM via SMS. The daily limit is MVR 500.
• Bank of Maldives ATM/ Internet Banking: Using ATMs or Internet Banking from the Bank of Maldives to top up your Dhiraagu balance directly.

IX. FAQs about Dhiraagu Maldives SIM Cards