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This guide provides a detailed look at purchasing and using Dhiraagu Maldives SIM cards and eSIMs to stay connected throughout your trip.
Mobile Internet in Maldives for Travelers: 5 Ways to Get Data & Cost
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Staying connected is essential for visitors traveling to the stunning islands of Maldives. Knowing how to access affordable and reliable data on your mobile device is key to ensuring you can easily share your adventures through photos and updates and keep in touch with your family back home. This guide will provide five simple options for accessing mobile internet in Maldives so tourists can make the most of their vacation.
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in Maldives – Coverage and Speed
Two largest mobile network carriers in Maldives are Ooredoo and Dhiraagu. Let us dig into the network coverage and speed of mobile internet in this beautiful island nation.
1. Maldives Mobile Internet Coverage
- Ooredoo ranks first with broad 3G and 4G LTE coverage across major populated islands, tourist resorts and the capital Male. 5G is available in Male.
- Dhiraagu also has great 3G and 4G coverage throughout most inhabited islands as well as many vacation islands popular with tourists.
▶ Our recommendation:
So in general, this broad coverage by Ooredoo and Dhiraagu makes mobile internet accessible in most areas visitors will frequent during their Maldives getaway. If you prioritize more consistent quality, Ooredoo Maldives should be a top choice for you.
2. Maldives Mobile Internet Speed
According to the Speedtest data for Maldives, Q3-Q4 2023:
- Average download speed: 74.32 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 17.50 Mbps
- Median latency: 18ms
- Dhiraagu delivers the fastest download speed of 74.82 Mbps
- Ooredoo delivers the quickest upload speed of 17.99 Mbps
▶ Conclusion & recommendation:
Mobile internet in Maldives has great download and upload speeds. Ooredoo offers faster upload speed and more consistent network performance on the Maldives’ mobile networks. Dhiraagu is also an excellent option for visitors to the Maldives due to its fast upload speed.
II. Connectivity Alternatives for Visitors to the Maldives?
Visitors to Maldives can access mobile internet in several popular ways, including Maldives eSIM, physical SIM for Maldives, foreign roaming, free Wifi, and pocket Wifi. Now let us compare some important criteria of these options.
| Option | How it works | Cost | Where to buy | Pros | Cons |
| Maldives SIM card | Insert a small plastic card into cell phone to get Maldives cellular plan with data | Reasonable | Official carrier stores, online websites, airport kiosks, convenient stores | Use phone and data like in your home country | Unlocked device required, risk of SIM loss when uninstalled |
| Maldives eSIM | Virtually sign up and activate Maldives eSIM profile on supported devices | Cost-effective | Official carrier websites, trusted online resellers, official carrier shops | Easy to sign up online, no SIM swap | Only works with eSIM-embedded devices |
| Roaming with Maldives operators | Continue to access mobile internet in Maldives using your home number/ plan/ operator | Costly | Via home network carrier | No need for new SIM, familiar number/ package/ provider | Pricey charges for international roaming, Data capped on most package options |
| Public Wifi | Connect to free public Wifi at specific hotspots | Free | Coffee shops, resorts, hotels, airports, restaurants, etc.,) | Free, No rental/ subscription | Speed and coverage may vary, security concerns |
| Pocket Wifi | Buy/ rent a compact portable Wifi device from rental websites/ electronic shops | Quite expensive | Online rental websites, airport rental kiosks, electronic shops | Multiple mobile devices connect to the same Wifi hotspot | Wifi hotspot needs recharging, extra accessories to carry, have to return the device to the rental location after trip |
▶ Our recommendations:
- If you prioritize convenience and low prices when calling, messaging, or using mobile data while in Maldives, think about getting a prepaid SIM.
- If your device (tablet/ smartphone/ laptop) supports eSIM, downloading a Maldives eSIM profile is a great option.
Both allow affordable ways to connect through mobile internet in Maldives.
Pro Tip:
- It is advised to confirm your cell phone is unlocked before getting a Maldives SIM card.
- If you choose to go with a Maldives eSIM, refer to this eSIM-compatible mobile devices.
III. Internet Rates in Maldives
Good to know:
MVR1 = USD0.065; USD1 = MVR15.31 (updated in July 2024)
Below is a table demonstrating the Internet tariff of different alternatives for Maldives.
| Option | Rate (USD) |
| Maldives SIM card | USD 20 (MVR 306) for 17GB of data in 7 days |
| Maldives eSIM | About USD 44 (MVR 673) for 20GB of data in 30 days |
| Roaming with Maldives operators | Expensive, depends on your home carrier |
| Public Wifi | Free – 10 MVR (USD 0.75)/ hour |
| Pocket Wifi | Around for USD 21.7 for 2GB per day |
Important Note: The rates for mobile internet in Maldives in the table above is for reference only. Visit your selected provider’s website for the most accurate rates.
IV. Data Physical SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Maldives
Getting a prepaid SIM for Maldives is a very simple way for visitors to stay in touch while enjoying the amazing places in the Maldives. Tourists who use Maldives SIM cards can have a reliable and affordable Internet connection because service covers most areas and data packages are reasonably priced.
| Carrier | Data | Validity | Price |
| Ooredoo | 4GB data | 7 days | USD 15 |
| 17GB data | 7 days | USD 20 | |
| 17GB data | 14 days | USD 30 | |
| 30GB data | 14 days | USD 50 | |
| Dhiraagu | 4GB data + 50 minutes & sms | 7 days | USD 15 |
| 17GB data + 300 minutes & sms | 7 days | USD 20 | |
| 17GB data + 150 minutes & sms | 14 days | USD 30 | |
| 30GB data + 300 minutes & sms | 14 days | USD 50 |
Note: The details above may change over time so it is best to check the carrier websites for the most up-to-date info regularly.
V. Data eSIM for Maldives – Best Choice to Get Mobile Internet for Travelers
Important Note:
Maldives eSIM plans are only compatible with mobile handsets that support eSIM.
Buying a digital SIM or eSIM for Maldives is the best value and most dependable way to get mobile internet there. This high-tech digital way gives strong network access around the Maldives without a normal SIM card. You do not have to search around for places selling SIM cards. Just sign up for an eSIM package for Maldives online and activate it – then you are connected.
Two options to get an eSIM for Maldives:
- Purchase directly from Maldives service providers. To buy and register SIM card, tourists need to show ID.
- Buy Maldives eSIM from prestigious sellers like GIGAGO. No identity check is required.
Why select Gigago?
Gigago provides affordable eSIM services to over 200 countries across the world. Gigago’s eSIM solution for Maldives is highly recommended for various reasons:
- Straightforward download and activation process
- No ID check
- 24/7 multilingual client support
- Gigago’s eSIM options for Maldives are very attractive, beginning at only $44.00 for 20GB data, usable in 30 days and ranging from $44.00 – $55.00 . These eSIM plans operate on the Ooredoo network so tourists will have the opportunity to access secure and trusted cellular network.
How to sign up for a Maldives eSIM plan with Gigago?
- To download a Maldives eSIM from Gigago, tourists just need to take some simple steps as follows:
- Select a Maldives eSIM package (amount of data, validity) that matches your travel needs and how long you will be staying.
- Pay online using e-wallet/ credit card.
- Scan the QR code they send you in an email to activate your Maldive eSIM..
- Turn on cellular data roaming in your phone’s settings, and then your Maldives eSIM will be ready.
VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Maldives
Is mobile data affordable in Maldives?
Yes, getting mobile Internet in Maldives through local SIM cards or eSIM package is much more affordable than roaming charges from home. Data rates are generally reasonable.
Can I use my home network for mobile data in Maldives?
While possible, using your home network for mobile Internet in Maldives is not recommended due to high roaming fees. A local SIM card, eSIM, or resort/ hotel Wifi are cheaper options.
Which companies provide mobile Internet in Maldives?
The main carriers are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives. They both offer 3G/4G coverage as well as SIM cards and prepaid data plans for accessing mobile Internet in Maldives.
Is Wifi always available in Maldives hotels?
Most hotels and resorts in Maldives offer WiFi, but availability and speeds can vary.
VII. Conclusion
In summary, visitors to Maldives can easily access secure and affordable mobile internet during their trip. Opting for a prepaid local SIM card or an eSIM are convenient ways to get online in Maldives without worrying about unexpected roaming fees. With coverage from major carriers across most islands, staying connected through mobile internet in Maldives for communities, travel planning, and more is certainly feasible.
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