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.
In this article
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.
Good to know: MVR1 = US$0.065; US$1 = MVR15.31 (July 2024)
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:
| Package | Benefits | Validity | Price |
| Lite Traveler | 50 sms | 14 days | USD 11 – MVR 168 |
| Traveler Starter | 4GB data + 50 call minutes & texts | 7 days | USD 15 – MVR 230 |
| Traveler Basic | 17GB of data + 50 call minutes & texts | 7 days | USD 20 – MVR 307 |
| Traveler Plus | 17GB data + 150 call minutes & texts | 14 days | USD 30 – MVR 460 |
| Traveler Premium | 30GB data + 300 call minutes & texts | days | USD 50 – MVR 767 |
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.
| Data | Validity | Price |
| 4GB | 7 days | USD 15 – MVR 230 |
| 17GB | 7 days | USD 20 – MVR 307 |
| 17GB | 14 days | USD 30 – MVR 460 |
| 30GB | 14 days | USD 50 – MVR 767 |
► Recommendation:
Important Note: Check your chosen carrier’s website for the most up-to-date details on Maldives SIM cards for tourists.
Tourists visiting the Maldives have three options for purchasing a SIM card:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Pro Tips:
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!
Pro Tip: Travelers should compare different SIM packages for Maldives (coverage, speed, rates, and validity) provided by different providers to find the best one for their needs.
Travelers to Maldives have two main choices of SIM cards:
The table below breaks down several criteria for these two options to help you pick the most suitable one.
| Criteria | Maldives Physical SIM Card | Maldives eSIM |
| Convenience | – Easy to purchase at airport kiosks, carrier stores/ phone shops/ convenience stores in cities- Passport needed for registration | – Sign up and activate virtually- Instant Internet when landing- No registration upon arrival needed |
| Compatibility | Works on most smartphones | Works on eSIM-compatible devices, like newer iPhone, Android models, and so on |
| How to use | Insert card into phone | Download and activate profile online or from your phone settings |
| Price | Affordable | Cost-effective |
| Plan | Starting at $15 for 4GB usable in 7 days | About $44 for 20GB in 30 days |
► 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.
Yes. Getting a local SIM in Maldives brings various benefits for your Maldives journey:
Advice:
It is best to utilize a digital SIM (eSIM) for Maldives that is convenient to set up anywhere and does not risk losing a physical card.
When purchasing a local SIM for your Maldives vacation, it is great to have some key things ready:
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.
Advice:
To skip the hassle of complicated registration and verification when buying SIM cards in Maldives, consider using an eSIM if your phones supports it.
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.
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.
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.
Activating your new Maldives SIM card is simple to do and gets you connected right aways.
After getting a Maldives physical SIM card, take these steps:
To use a prepaid eSIM for Maldives, take the steps as follows:
The two main networks are Ooredoo and Dhiraagu. Coverage is good nationwide but check plans and prices with both.
Foreign travelers to the Maldives are able to top up Maldives SIM cards online or at stores and kiosks utilizing USD/ MVR cash or cards.
While Maldives SIM cards provide local cellular service, you will need an app like WhatsApp for international calls/ messages at low rates.
Both prepaid eSIM and physical SIM cards work well in the islands nation of Maldives. eSIM is more convenient since you do not need to find a store, while physical SIMs have wider device compatibility.
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.
This guide provides tourists with helpful details on where and for what price they can buy SIM cards directly at Velana Airport in Malé. It also gives information about the best SIM plans and other alternatives to airport SIM
This guide will provide five simple options for accessing mobile internet in Maldives so tourists can make the most of their vacation.
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.
