Best Maldives SIM Cards for Travelers

Olivia Brown

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Published: July 2024

Staying connected in the Maldives just got easier. Find out the best ways to buy Maldives SIM cards for your trip to this beautiful island nation.

Getting one of the best Maldives SIM cards helps tourists stay online throughout their trip. With Maldives SIM cards, visitors enjoy affordable mobile data to use apps, get directions, and share their experiences while exploring crystal waters and powdery white beaches. This article will go over the finest SIM card alternatives for Maldives, where to get, and how to utilize a Maldives SIM card.

I. Best Maldives SIM Cards for Visitors

Ooredoo and Dhiraagu are renowned mobile network providers that provide the best Maldives SIM cards for visitors. Each offers various prepaid Maldives SIM packages and cellular services to meet the needs of visitors.

1. Dhiraagu SIM cards

Dhiraagu is Maldives’ leading carrier, offering extensive 4G network coverage as well as affordable and high-speed cellular services across this island nation. Some of the most popular SIM plans for tourists visiting the Maldives include:

2. Ooredoo SIM cards

Ooredoo Maldives delivers broad 3G and 4G LTE coverage throughout main populated islands, the capital Malde, and tourist resorts. It offers consistent network in the Maldives. This table displays some of the finest Maldives SIM plan for tourists.

► Recommendation:

• If you will be visiting Maldives, buying a prepaid physical SIM for visitors from one of the main providers is an excellent option. SIM plans are very diverse so you can easily pick one that suits your specific travel needs.
• If your device supports eSIM, get a Maldives eSIM, which can be downloaded and activated 100% online without any hassle. See more about this special alternative in the following sections.

II. Where to Get Maldives SIM Cards for Travelers?

Tourists visiting the Maldives have three options for purchasing a SIM card:

• Online
• Upon arrival at the Maldives Airports
• In the city center

1. Buy Maldives SIM Card online

Some reputable online providers like Gigago offer Maldives SIM plans online so tourists to the Maldives can pick an appropriate package before their flight. Once purchased, you receive a QR code in email. Scan the code to activate your Maldives SIM within just several minutes and then you can start using mobile internet upon arrival in the Maldives.

• Pros: immediate Internet, no need to shop around and buy when you arrive, time to compare different options for the best price
• Cons: Need a phone/ laptop/ watch tablet that is compatible with eSIM

2. Purchase SIM card at Maldives Airports

If you arrive at Velana International Airport in the capital of Male, you can get Maldives SIM cards as soon as you walk out of the arrivals. There is a Dhiraagu kiosk and an Ooredoo store on your right-hand side. Getting a Maldives SIM here implies cellular data right from when you arrive. 

• Pros: instant cellular data use, convenient, staff support
• Cons: fewer options, airport rates are higher than those at shops in cities and towns, passport ID required for registration

3. Buy SIM card in Maldives City

SIM card stores across Maldives provide a plenty of physical card option for tourists. You can head to outlets of carriers like Ooredoo and Dhiraagu around the cities like:

• Malé: Ooredoo Maldives, Dhiraagu Shop, Dhiraagu Head Office, Ooredoo Maldives Headquarters, Ooredoo Digital Center, Rapidez/ Ooredoo Business Partner,…
• Addu City: Ooredo Experience Center,…
• Kulhudhuffushi: Ooredoo Kulhudhuffushi,…
• Viligili: Dhiraagu Parter Shop

Pros: broad availability across the Maldives, attractive bundles and rates

Cons: To get Maldives SIM cards, only passport copy is accepted. Foreign visitors cannot obtain Maldives SIM cards using a driver’s license.

III. How Much is a Tourist Maldives SIM Card?

A Maldives SIM for tourists is affordable. Visitors can expect to pay between US $15-50 for a basic prepaid SIM with cellular data. Often included is a small starting balance of funds travelers may use for calls and texts too. Data packages start at around 4GB and go up from there, priced reasonably at US$15-50 typically. So with just a little investment visitors will have reliable and reasonable internet for their whole vacation!

IV. What Types of Maldives SIM Cards are Available for Tourists?

Travelers to Maldives have two main choices of SIM cards:

• Prepaid physical Maldives SIM card
• Prepaid eSIM for Maldives

The table below breaks down several criteria for these two options to help you pick the most suitable one.

► Recommendation:

A prepaid eSIM is very convenient for your trip to Maldives. Rather than getting a normal SIM and putting it into your device, you can sign up and set up Maldives data plans for right on your mobile device with just a few touches. With a data-only eSIM for Maldives, you can easily chat using Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp without paying extra for calling and messaging that you probably will not need.

V. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for Maldives Travel?

Yes. Getting a local SIM in Maldives brings various benefits for your Maldives journey:

• Affordability: It is much more reasonable than paying roaming fees which may be very pricey. SIM plans are specifically designed for visitors to the islands.
• Wide selection of packages: You will get to choose from different data bundles and prepaid options to pick one that suits your budget level and travel duration best.
• Broad coverage: Mobile networks offer great coverage between islands so you can easily stay in touch while exploring.
• Customer support: Should you run into any issues with your SIM, you can easily get help from the provider’s customer service. 
• Convenience: Being able to use data and make calls freely while traveling makes planning your days and keeping in touch trouble-free. No need to rely on unstable public WiFi hotspots.

VI. What to Prepare When Buying a SIM Card in Maldives?

When purchasing a local SIM for your Maldives vacation, it is great to have some key things ready:

• Passport: Shops will need to see your passport for ID verification when signing up. 
• Accommodation details: Provide your hotel or resort name and dates of stay if asked.
• Email address: Used for account verification during registration online.
• Travel dates: Pick a SIM package that covers your entire visit, including flights.
• Mobile number: Your existing number can be noted for outgoing calls.
• Payment method: Most accept cash but cards may be an option too so prepare some MVR/ USD cash.
• Data needs: Calculate how much data you need for maps, photos and social media.

Come prepared with these basic identity and travel particulars to quickly activate your Maldives SIM card. Shop assistants are friendly and familiar with assisting international guests.

VII. Maldives eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM Cards

A Maldives eSIM is a good option instead of a regular SIM card for getting online when visiting this island nation. It provides a convenient and easy digital way to access cellular data networks in the country using your phone’s built-in eSIM technology.

• Convenience: Just need to scan a QR code and your service is activated, no dealing with tiny SIM.
• Security: eSIMs are safer since they are digital – if your phone is lost, providers can cancel the eSIM without worry of SIM cards being stolen.
• Eco-friendly feature: eSIMs are better for the environment since there is no physical waste from disposed cards over time.
• Quick updates: Changing plans/ carriers is simply scanning a new QR code, much quicker than waiting for a new SIM.

Choosing a Maldives eSIM from a prestigious eSIM reseller like Gigago makes staying in touch while in Maldives affordable and convenient. Gigago provides eSIM options on Ooredoo – one of the Maldives’ major operators with broad coverage and fast-speed data.

Gigago’s eSIM plans for Maldives begin at a reasonable price of $44.00 for 20 GB of cell data, used in 30 days and varying from $44.00 – $55.00 , much cheaper than international roaming services. Regardless of your trip duration in Maldives and the amount of data you want, Gigago always offers the perfect solution for you.

VIII. How Long does a Tourist SIM Card Last in Maldives?

How long a Maldives tourist SIM is valid depends on the data package you choose.For shorter trips, some carriers offer 7-day or 14-day packages for around $15-50. These provide just enough data for a week or two exploring the stunning islands. For longer trips, tourists may choose the 30-day package, costing from $44 for 20 GB of cellular data. 

Most SIMs will continue working up until midnight on their expiration date. You may also extend its validity by adding additional credit before it expires. So whether you are staying just a week or the full 30 days, a tourist SIM is a hassle-free way to stay online in the Maldives during your time there.

IX. How to Activate a SIM Card in Maldives

Activating your new Maldives SIM card is simple to do and gets you connected right aways.

1. Using Prepaid Maldives SIM Cards for Travelers

After getting a Maldives physical SIM card, take these steps:

• Switch off your device, open the SIM slot, and gently insert your Maldives SIM
• Switch your phone back on and waits as it detects the local network
• You may see a prompt to enter APN settings, otherwise skip this step
• Check your data plan details and account balance by give your network carrier a call using the support number
• From now on, you will be able to make calls, send texts, and use data while in Maldives

2. Activating Maldives eSIM

To use a prepaid eSIM for Maldives, take the steps as follows:

• Your device must be unlocked and work with eSIM
• Register for an eSIM plan option for the Maldives online and save the QR code 
• Select “Settings”, touch on SIM Profile/ eSIM
• Scan the QR code
• Follow on-screen prompts and agree to terms
• You can now message, call locally and use data while in Maldives

X. FAQs about Maldives SIM Cards

XI. Conclusion

In summary, getting a Maldives SIM card is highly recommended for travelers visiting the beaches and islands. The local SIM cards provide affordable data and calling services without heavy roaming fees. They allow seamless connectivity throughout your trip to the Maldives. Whether purchasing an eSIM online or a physical SIM upon arrival, Maldives SIM cards ensure affordable communications and help make the most of your beautiful island vacation.