Ooredoo Maldives SIM Cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide for Tourists

Olivia Brown

|

Published: November 2024

This traveler guide will cover essential details on getting and activating Ooredoo Maldives SIM cards and eSIMs when exploring the stunning islands of the Maldives.

As the primary mobile network in the Maldives, Ooredoo offers reliable connectivity across the island nation. Both physical SIMs and digital SIM profiles are available options from Ooredoo to stay connected while in the Maldives. This article covers everything about purchasing and using Ooredoo Maldives SIM cards and eSIMs to ensure convenient communications during their visit to the Maldives.

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

Ooredoo Maldives provides telecommunication services across the Maldives. Some key facts include:

• Founded: in 2005 under the name Wataniya Maldives, rebranded as Ooredoo Maldives in 2013.
• Types of services: mobile, broadband and VOIP services;
• Coverage: over 200 inhabited islands across the Maldives;
• Number of users: over one million subscribers, serving the majority of the country’s population;
• Distribution: through a network of retail outlets and partner channels across the Maldives; online; via a company-owned service center;
• Customer support: walk-in, live chat, telephone support;
• Language: Dhivehi, English

II. Ooredoo Coverage in Maldives

Ooredoo’s network coverage map by nPerf shows that:

• Ooredoo’s signals cover the main population centers like the capital Malé, tourist resorts, and most inhabited islands.
• Both built-up capital Malé city and outlying atolls tend to have access to connectivity.
• Continuous work is done to expand 4G availability and deliver new technologies to more remote areas over time.

Ooredoo Maldives invests in infrastructure to allow visitors from resorts to rural villages to rely on mobile access. Their widespread coverage helps people stay in touch no matter where they are located within the beautiful Maldives.

III. Ooredoo Speed in Maldives

According to data on Ooredoo speed in Maldives by OpenSignal:

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

► Ooredoo offers the fastest cellular internet speeds across the Maldives. They offer fast download and upload speeds, both higher than their competitor Dhiraagu’s network speeds. This allows users to enjoy high-speed connectivity no matter where they are in the Maldives.

IV. Types of Ooredoo Maldives SIM Card Options for Tourists

Two key types of Ooredoo Maldives SIM cards for travelers include:

• Prepaid physical SIM
• Prepaid eSIM

► Recommendation:

Prepaid plastic SIM cards are a budget-friendly choice but you may need to buy one locally, while eSIM profiles allow signing up from home before your trip.

An Ooredoo eSIM lets travelers set it up from their home country before flying to the Maldives. This means no hunting down stores selling SIMs or manually putting in a plastic card when you arrive. Just be sure your phone or tablet can use an eSIM profile.

V. Top Ooredoo Maldives SIM Cards for Travelers & Prices

There are some Ooredoo data pack options available for tourists to the Maldives: 

• 4 GB of cellular data for 7 days: USD 15 – MVR 230
• 17 GB of cellular data for 7 days: USD 20 – MVR 307
• 17 GB of cellular data for 14 days: USD 30 – MVR 460
• 30 GB of cellular data for 14 days: USD 50 – MVR 767

► Ooredoo Maldives offers several SIM card packages at affordable prices. This allows visitors to choose the one that best fits how they plan to connect while enjoying their holiday in the Maldives.

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

There are 3 options for visitors to obtain Ooredoo Maldives SIM cards:

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

1. Buy Ooredoo SIM at Maldives Airports

When you land at Velana International Airport (MLE) in the capital of Male, you may obtain Ooredoo Maldives SIM cards right after walking out of the arrivals. There is an Ooredoo kiosk on your right-hand side. Buying a SIM at this airport means you can access cellular data right when you touch down. 

Requirements: Passport for ID proof, USD cash/ MVR cash/ credit card to pay

Price & Plan: airport prices are higher than city store prices, fewer SIM options

2. Get Ooredoo SIM in Maldives City Center

Tourists can also obtain Ooredoo Maldives SIM cards in city stores. Ooredoo shops are located widely in cities like Malé, Addu City, Huluhle Island, Maadhandu, Mahibadhoo, etc. 

Requirement: ID verification needed

Plan & Price: Attractive deals, diverse deals, cheaper than airport prices

3. Purchase Ooredoo SIM Online Before Departure

One of the easiest ways for travelers to get an Ooredoo SIM is by purchasing one online before their trip. Then they will have mobile network access as soon as they arrive.

Price & Plan: Reasonable prices with lots of options to choose from

Requirements: Just provide your name, phone number, and address – no ID proof needed

VII. Where to Get Ooredoo Maldives eSIM for Tourists?

An eSIM is handy for tourists to the Maldives who do not want to bother with a physical SIM card. By getting a Maldives eSIM virtually before their flight, tourists can turn on data straightaway through Ooredoo Maldives’ fast 4G network when they touch down.

eSIM packages from trusted providers like Gigago give great value and flexibility compared to buying an Ooredoo SIM locally after arriving.

So why select Gigago?

• No physical store visit
• No ID verification
• Online signup and activation
• 24/7 customer support in English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, etc.
• Gigago’s Maldives eSIM plans start at an affordable price of $44.00 for 20 GB used within 30 days, ranging from $44.00 – $55.00 , much more reasonable than international roaming fees. No matter your trip length or data needs, Gigago always has the perfect solution.

See more: Gigago eSIM options for Maldives.

VIII. How to Top Up Your Ooredoo Maldives SIM Cards

There are convenient options for adding more credit to Ooredoo Maldives prepaid SIM cards while traveling in the Maldives. A few ways to top up include:

• Ooredoo shops: Visit one of their many retail outlets located across the Maldives to add credit using cash.
• My Ooredoo app: Download the Ooredoo Maldives app for Android or iOS to top up anytime from your phone’s browser.
• Vouchers: Purchase scratch cards with PIN codes to top up the balance on your Ooredoo SIM.
• SMS: Text a special code with the top-up amount and it will be credited straight to your account.

IX. FAQs about Ooredoo SIM Cards