How to Buy a SIM Card at Velana Airport (MLE) for Tourists: Where and Price?

Olivia Brown

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Published: October 2024

This guide helps tourists to the Maldives find the best prepaid SIM card at Velana Airport (MLE), how to buy, rates, and better alternative to airport SIM.

Getting online during your trip to the Maldives is hassle-free when purchasing a prepaid SIM card at Velana Airport (MLE). However, Velana International Airport can be large, and navigating mobile options may seem confusing. 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 SIMs.

I. How to Purchase a SIM Card at Velana International Airport (MLE)?

To obtain a prepaid tourist SIM card at Velana Airport (MLE), tourists have three main choices:

• Order online in advance and pick it up at the MLE Airport: Book your Maldives SIM through provider websites like Ooredoo or Dhiraagu and collect it from check-in counters set up near baggage claim. This ensures you have connectivity from the moment you land.
• Purchase upon arrival: Buy a SIM from one of the telecom stores in the arrival halls. Large carriers like Ooredoo and Dhiraagu offer various SIM plans for tourists.
• Sign up for Maldives eSIM: If your device enables eSIM, download a Maldives eSIM online before flying. An eSIM is a digital SIM downloaded right to your device, so no need to find a stall – you are instantly connected at the airport.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Velana International Airport (MLE)?

Once you touch down at Velana International Airport, you may purchase a SIM card at the following locations:

1. Local Operator Stores at Velana Airport

The major cellular network providers – Ooredoo and Dhiraagu have shops located landside after you exit the customs area.

Dhiraagu Shop

• Location: Next to the Bank of Maldives ATM
• Sells prepaid tourist SIMs – Holiday SIM card with data plans

Ooredoo Shop

• Location: Next to the Dhiraagu store
• Delivers prepaid SIM for visitors – Maldives SIM

It is simple to locate these stores once you have gone through customs formalities. Look for signages guiding you to the Maldives’ major carrier stores. The friendly staff at the stores can help you choose the most suitable plan and SIM card according to your needs.

2. Airport SIM Vending Machine

Visitors can also get SIM cards from the SIM vending machine located inside the terminal. To purchase a Maldives SIM from this machine, follow the instructions (in English), scan your valid passport, pick a plan, and pay for your SIM with a credit card.

If you have any issues using the automated SIM vending machine, do not worry. There is a customer service counter close by where staff can help you.

III. Do SIM Card Shops at MLE Airport Open after Midnight?

No, the SIM card shops and retailers located inside Velana International Airport in Malé, Maldives (MLE) do not remain open after midnight. 

Most airport shops and facilities follow standard operating hours between approximately 6:00 am to 10:00-11:00 pm daily. After this period at night, the airport terminal building is less busy as international flights arrive and depart mostly during daytime hours. So travelers should aim to purchase a SIM card upon arrival before midnight to have connectivity from the start of their vacation.

However, Maldives SIM cards can be bought 24/7 at the SIM card vending machine as mentioned earlier. Also, the 24-hour information counters may be able to provide SIM cards or assistance even late at night if needed.

IV. Velana International Airport SIM Card Price

This table displays some of the major SIM card options at Velana International Airport (MLE) for travelers:

SIM cards from these two providers will give you connections almost anywhere in the Maldives. Data speeds may be a bit different on various islands. These tourist SIMs allow unlimited texts and calls to local mobile numbers. International calls cost extra money though.

V. Registration Process for Buying a SIM Card at Velana International Airport

Getting your new SIM card activated at Velana International Airport is simple. Things to prepare include:

• Your passport: The SIM providers will need to see your passport to verify your identity when signing up.
• Decide on a telecom provider: Will you choose Dhiraagu or Ooredoo? Check their website for info on which network and plans suit your travel needs best.
• Payment: You may pay in MVR cash or by credit/ debit card. 
• Pick a package: Go in knowing if you want a set data amount, unlimited minutes, international calls, etc. They may then activate the perfect plan for your visit.
• Provide contact details: Be ready to give your email and phone number so they can reach you if needed.

That is all it takes, and then your new SIM is ready to use around Maldives!

VI. eSIM at Velana International Airport – Alternative to Velana SIM Card

eSIM for Maldives is the best alternative to regular SIM card at Velana Airport. It is a smooth way to stay online in the Maldives, offering dependability and flexibility compared to normal plastic SIM cards.

• No waiting in line: Simply download the eSIM plan virtually before your journey. Then you are connected right away at the Velana airport without stops.
• Easy to switch plans: If you need more data halfway through your trip, changing plans is just a few taps versus buying a new card.
• Faster activation: Just open your airline’s Wifi and download the eSIM profile. No waiting at counters or registering details.
• More sustainable: Digital eSIMs are better for the environment than physical plastic SIM cards.

So for a hassle-free connectivity solution, consider signing up for a Maldives eSIM plan before traveling to the airport.

Selecting a Maldives eSIM from a reliable eSIM provider like Gigago makes staying connected while in the Maldives convenient and affordable. 

Gigago offers eSIM plans on Ooredoo – one of the Maldives’ largest carriers with widespread coverage and high-speed mobile data. Gigago’s eSIM plans for Maldives start at a budget-friendly rate of $44.00 for 20GB data, used in 30 days and ranging from $44.00 – $55.00 . 

VII. FAQs about SIM Card at Velana International Airport (MLE)

VIII. Conclusion

In summary, buying a tourist SIM card at Velana Airport (MLE) is straightforward for tourists arriving in the Maldives. The airport shops make it simple to pick up a SIM card from providers like Dhiraagu and Ooredoo near baggage claim. Travelers have affordable options for staying connected whether choosing an eSIM or physical SIM card.