Prepaid Mauritius SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide
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Learn all about prepaid Mauritius SIM Card for tourists, your key to staying connected and exploring this country with ease and confidence.
Getting a prepaid Mauritius SIM card helps travelers stay connected while exploring the country. This guide provides important tips on where to buy your SIM card and how to use data with different mobile operators.
In this article
I. What are the Best Mauritius SIM cards for Tourists?
The best Mauritius SIM card plans for travelers are provided by the 03 largest mobile operators: Emtel, My. T and Chili. To meet the needs of both residents and visitors, each offers a range of prepaid plans, data bundles, and other mobile services.
Note: $1 USD = 46 MUR
1. Emtel
Emtel has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Mobile Data Unlimited Prepaid Packs (combo). It includes data, minutes & SMS.
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 10 MUR ($0.2 USD) | 100 MB | N/A | N/A | 24 hours |
| 12 MUR ($0.26 USD) | 200 MB | N/A | N/A | 24 hours |
| 17 MUR ($0.37 USD) | 5 GB | N/A | 100 SMS | 24 hours |
| 21 MUR ($0.46 USD) | Unlimited | 15 minutes 1 | Unlimited | 24 hours |
| 101 MUR ($2.2 USD) | “Unlimited” 4 GB/day | 60 minutes | N/A | 7 days |
| 371 MUR ($8.07 USD) | “Unlimited” 6 GB/day | 120 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 941 MUR ($20.46 USD) | “Unlimited” 10 GB/day | 240 minutes | 90 days |
2. My.T
My.T has two data-featured prepaid plans: Love Pack (combo) & Unlimited Data Packs.
- Love Pack – my.t by Mauritius Telecom:
The Love Pack are combo plan with data, minutes & SMS.
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 39 MUR ($0.85 USD) | 60 MB | Unlimited | 30 SMS | 24 hours |
- Unlimited Data Packs – my.t by Mauritius Telecom:
| Price | Plan | Data 1 | Validity |
| 15 MUR ($0.33 USD) | 24H No Limit | Unlimited | 24 hours |
| 95 MUR ($2.07 USD) | Weekly Unlimited | 2.14 GB/day (15 GB) | 7 days |
| 315 MUR ($6.85 USD) | Monthly Unlimited | 2.5 GB/day (75 GB) | 30 days |
| 815 MUR ($17.7 USD) | 3-Month Unlimited | 3 GB/day (270 GB) | 90 days |
3. Chili
Some plans that suit most travelers:
- Daily Data Packs – CHiLi by MTML:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net SMS | Validity |
| 10 MUR ($0.22 USD) | Daily (70MB + 20 SMS) | 70 MB | 20 SMS | 1 day |
| 12 MUR ($0.26 USD) | Daily Unlimited (Auto renewing) | Unlimited | N/A | 1 day |
| 17.25 MUR ($0.38 USD) | Daily 600MB Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 600 MB | N/A | 1 day |
| 50 MUR ($1.09 USD) | Daily 2GB Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 2 GB | N/A | 1 day |
- Combo Data Packs – CHiLi by MTML:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 18 MUR ($0.4 USD) | Daily Unlimited Combo | “Unlimited”, 1.5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 190 MUR ($4.13 USD) | Weekly Unlimited Combo | “Unlimited”, 6 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 490 MUR ($10.65 USD) | Monthly Unlimited Combo | “Unlimited”, 9 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
- Weekly Data Packs – CHiLi by MTML:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net SMS | Validity |
| 45 MUR ($1 USD) | Weekly (500MB + 50 SMS) | 500 MB | 50 SMS | 7 days |
| 80 MUR ($1.74 USD) | Weekly 21GB Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (21 GB) | N/A | 7 days |
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Mauritius for Tourists?
To purchase a Mauritius SIM cards, there are 03 primary options:
- Online
- Physical Stores
- At the Airport
1. Online
Getting a prepaid travel SIM card online can be convenient for travelers to Mauritius. These SIM cards typically offer data packages and may have call and text options. They can be delivered to your home before your trip.
2. Physical Stores in Mauritius
It’s easy to buy a prepaid SIM card at any official phone store of mobile providers in Mauritius. You’ll find these stores in city centers and larger shopping malls. Just search for “SIM card store,” “Emtel,” or “My. T” on Google Maps to locate one near you.
Before leaving the store, make sure your data and voice services are working.
Local prepaid SIM cards are generally cheaper, but you need to wait until you arrive in Mauritius to buy one.
3. At Mauritius Airport
Mauritius Airport (MRU) is the main hub for tourists. It’s very convenient to buy a SIM card upon arrival, and it’s the ideal location for this. Mauritius offers special tourist SIM card plans for non-residents, so every tourist can get the same fixed plan, no matter where they buy their card.
The SIM card shops are open for all incoming international flights, and you can pay with cash or a credit card.
At the airport, you’ll find Emtel and My. T SIM card shops just before you enter the arrival hall. Although the Emtel store inside the airport may be closed, there is a pop-up store outside where you can pick up pre-ordered physical prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs.
III. How Much is a Tourist Mauritius SIM Card?
Tourist SIM cards in Mauritius usually cost between $0.2 USD to $10 USD or more, depending on the network and the features of the plan. Many of these SIM cards come with different data packages that vary in size and how long they last.
IV. What types of Mauritius SIM cards are available for tourists?
There are 02 types of SIM cards available for tourists in Mauritius :
- Prepaid SIM Card
- Tourist eSIM
Here’s a table that outlines the features and details of each option:
| Feature | Mauritius Prepaid SIM Card | Mauritius eSIM |
| Convenience | Available at physical stores; needs a physical SIM slot. | Can be bought and activated online; no physical SIM needed. |
| Compatibility | Works with all GSM phones. | Works with specific eSIM-enabled devices. |
| How to Use | Insert the SIM card into your phone and activate the plan. | Scan a QR code or enter eSIM details manually to activate the plan. |
| Plans | Offers a variety of plans from different carriers. | Fewer eSIM plans may be available compared to physical SIM cards. |
V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Mauritius travel?
Yes, getting a SIM card is highly recommended for travelers to Mauritius if you plan to use your phone for calls, texts, and internet access. Here are some reasons why a Mauritius SIM card is beneficial:
- Cost-Effective Communication : A local SIM card is usually cheaper than using your home SIM for roaming. You can enjoy local rates for calls, texts, and data.
- Convenience : With a Mauritius SIM card, you can easily talk to locals, make reservations, and use local apps for navigation.
- Internet Access : If you need internet for navigation, translations, or social media, a local SIM card with data gives you affordable and reliable access.
- Access to Local Services : Some apps and services may need a Mauritius phone number to work properly. Having a Mauritius SIM card ensures you can use these services without any problems.
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Mauritius?
To register and receive a tourist SIM card in Mauritius, you’ll need to provide some information:
- Passport: You’ll need your passport for identification and address verification, along with a photocopy of it.
- Visa: Have a photocopy of your current Mauritius tourist or short-term visa to show the validity of your visit.
- SIM Card Size: Know the size of the SIM card your device uses (standard, micro, or nano) so you can get the right one when you buy it.
- Knowledge of Networks: Familiarize yourself with the main telecom networks in Mauritius (Emtel, My. T and Chili) to choose the one that offers the best coverage and data plans for your needs.
If you prefer not to deal with the registration process, consider getting an eSIM if your phone supports it. eSIMs can be more convenient and private compared to standard SIM cards.
VII. Mauritius eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards
eSIMs are a convenient alternative to regular SIM cards for tourists in Mauritius. With eSIM technology, you don’t need to change physical SIM cards, so you can keep your main SIM in your phone. Activating an eSIM is easy—just scan a QR code online.
You can buy Mauritius eSIMs from websites like Gigago. For Mauritius, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Mauritius eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Mauritius, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Mauritius?
Most tourist SIM cards in Mauritius are valid for 7 to 30 days. The exact validity depends on the plan you choose. You can find this information on the provider’s website or on the SIM card packaging. Make sure to select a plan that lasts for the entire duration of your stay in Mauritius.
IX. How to activate a SIM card in Mauritius?
Activating both a physical SIM card and an eSIM in Mauritius are so simple that everyone can practice it:
1. Activating a Prepaid Mauritius SIM Card:
To activate a prepaid Mauritius SIM card, follow these simple steps:
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked mobile phone.
- Turn on your phone. If asked, enter the PIN code that came with the SIM card (some may not need a PIN).
- Your phone may automatically choose a network, or you may need to select one manually. Common networks in Mauritius include Emtel, my.t, and Chili.
- Depending on your plan, you might need to add credit to make calls, send texts, or use data.
- Remember to remove the SIM card before leaving Mauritius to avoid extra charges.
2. Setting Up and Activating a Mauritius eSIM:
Activating an eSIM in Mauritius is a bit different. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM technology.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Find the section for cellular or mobile network settings. Look for “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM.”
- Choose the option to add a new eSIM and scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
- After scanning, your phone will begin the activation process. This may take a few moments.
- Once active, your phone should connect to a network in Mauritius.
- If there are issues, restart your phone and check the settings.
FAQs
Are there eSIM options available in Mauritius?
Yes, some providers offer eSIMs that can be activated online, providing a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards.
What should I do if my SIM card doesn’t work?
If you experience issues, check that your phone is unlocked and that the SIM card is properly inserted. If problems persist, return to the store for assistance.
Can I recharge my SIM card easily?
Yes, you can recharge your SIM card at various shops, convenience stores, or online, depending on your provider.
Is it better to get a local SIM card or use roaming?
A local SIM card is generally more cost-effective than using roaming services from your home provider, especially for calls and data usage.
In conclusion, getting a Mauritius SIM card while traveling gives you a cost-effective and convenient way to stay connected. An eSIM is also a great option, allowing you to access data as soon as you arrive. With both physical SIM cards and eSIMs available, travelers have reliable choices to stay connected while exploring Mauritius.