Welcome to paradise! As you make your way to the Maldives, you’ll want to stay connected to share photos of overwater bungalows and bright blue waters.
Dhiraagu is the leading mobile operator in the Maldives. This guide will cover everything you need to know about getting a Dhiraagu SIM card or eSIM as a tourist.
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about Dhiraagu
Dhiraagu is the leading integrated telecom provider in Maldives. Let’s see some quick facts about this brand:
- Established: 1999
- Branding name: Dhiraagu
- Services provided: Mobile, fixed line, broadband internet, IPTV, cloud services, data center services
- Number of subscribers: Over 650,000 mobile subscribers
- Number of stores: Over 130 retail stores nationwide
- Customer service: 24/7 call centers, online support, retail stores support
- Awards: Dhiraagu has won several awards including ‘Most Trusted Telecom Operator’ by World Branding Awards and ‘Maldivian Superbrand’ by Superbrands Maldives for multiple years. It has also won awards for best mobile network coverage and speed.
II. Dhiraagu Coverage and Speed in Maldives
Dhiraagu coverage in Maldives
Dhiraagu has the most extensive network in the Maldives spanning 198 islands. 4G LTE service reaches up to 98% of the populated islands in the archipelago.
3G and 2G networks fill remaining gaps mostly in far outer islands. Overall, coverage is excellent across popular tourist destinations like Male, Hulhumale, resort islands, and airports.
Dhiraagu speed
4G speeds on Dhiraagu average around 25-40 Mbps down and 10-20 Mbps up based on user tests. This is fast enough for browsing, streaming, and sharing photos. Congestion may be higher at busy tourist spots.
3G HSPA speeds are around 3-5 Mbps while 2G GPRS is quite slow. If you are staying at a high-end resort with good signal, the 4G service will be very usable.
III. Dhiraagu connectivity options for travelers to Maldives
As a tourist visiting the Maldives, you have a choice between:
- Dhiraagu SIM Card
- Pocket Wifi
- Roaming from home
Connectivity Options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Dhiraagu SIM Card | Affordable rates for calls/data | Need to purchase upfront |
| Works on entire network | SIM activation needed | |
| No device sharing limits | External app use limited | |
| Pocket WiFi | Works on multiple devices | Higher daily rental costs |
| No SIM complicatedness | Device to carry | |
| Can be shared among group | Returns paperwork | |
| International Roaming | Uses familiar number | Higher per minute rates |
| No need to buy local SIM | Potential roaming bills | |
| Seamless global connectivity | Mobile data speeds capped |
So in conclusion, the Dhiraagu prepaid SIM card emerges as the most cost-effective and straightforward connectivity option catering to the needs of majority of short-term and long-term tourists visiting the Maldives.
IV. Best Dhiraagu SIM cards for tourists & cost
The main Dhiraagu prepaid SIM card for visitors is the Tourist SIM:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Social Media Data | Call Minutes | SMS | Validity | Price (USD) |
| Traveler Premium | 30 GB | 70 GB | 300 mins to all nets | 300 SMS | 30 days | $50 |
| TravelER lite | 20 GB | - | 150 mins to all nets | 150 SMS | 30 days | $40 |
Therefore, for majority of international tourists, the Traveler Premium SIM plan is likely to be a better fit given average usage patterns and need for reliable connectivity through the duration of their Maldives vacation.
V. Does Dhiraagu support eSIM?
Yes, Dhiraagu launched an eSIM service in 2019 making it the first telco in the Maldives to offer eSIMs.
You can purchase a Dhiraagu prepaid tourist eSIM which provides the same allowances as the physical SIM. Pricing is also the same at MVR 105 for 5 GB 28-day pack.
Dhiraagu eSIM works on newer iPhone and Android models. You must have eSIM capability to use Dhiraagu eSIM service.
VI. Where can you buy a Dhiraagu SIM card and eSIM?
Where to buy Dhiraagu SIM for Maldives
You can pick up a Dhiraagu tourist SIM at these locations:
- Dhiraagu Stores – Available at Dhiraagu shops in Male, Hulhumale, and some local islands. Store locations can be found on the website.
- Airport Counters – Dhiraagu desks at arrival halls of Male Airport and other regional airports like Hanimaadhoo.
- Authorized Resellers – Local stores may resell Dhiraagu prepaid SIMs in major tourist areas. Ask your hotel for the nearest shop.
Where to buy Dhiraagu eSIM
Dhiraagu eSIM can be purchased through fewer channels since activation is done remotely:
- Dhiraagu app – You can buy and activate Dhiraagu eSIM directly using the Dhiraagu app for iPhone and Android.
- Website – Dhiraagu prepaid eSIMs can also be purchased from the website by entering your IMEI number.
- In-store – Select Dhiraagu stores may support eSIM purchase and activation in-store. Check with the store before visiting.
Physical vouchers for eSIM may be sold at airport counters and stores. But you will still need to activate through the app or online.
VII. How to activate Dhiraagu SIM/eSIM
Activating your new Dhiraagu SIM or eSIM is quick and easy:
How to use Dhiraagu SIM card
For physical SIM:
- Insert SIM into unlocked phone. Dhiraagu SIMs are nano-SIM size.
- Power on device and SIM will auto-detect.
- Enter SIM PIN when prompted. Default PIN is 0000 or 1234.
- A welcome SMS will be sent with SIM number, balance, and expiry.
Activation is automatic so you can start using the SIM right away.
How to activate Dhiraagu eSIM
To activate your Dhiraagu prepaid eSIM:
- Purchase eSIM voucher from Dhiraagu store, website, or app.
- On your phone, open Dhiraagu app and select eSIM activation.
- Enter eSIM voucher code and follow prompts to activate eSIM.
- Scan or upload passport copy for verification.
- eSIM profile will be sent to your device within 24 hours in most cases.
- Follow phone prompts to install eSIM profile and you’re good to go!
VIII. Dhiraagu Call & SMS rates
Here are the current pay-as-you-go rates on Dhiraagu prepaid SIMs:
Call & SMS Rates
| Service | Location | Rate (USD) |
| Calls | Local | $0.03/min |
| Other Maldivian networks | $0.05/min | |
| India | $0.10/min | |
| Sri Lanka | $0.15/min | |
| International | $0.10-0.25/min | |
| SMS | Local | $0.01/SMS |
| India | $0.05/SMS | |
| Sri Lanka | $0.08/SMS | |
| International | $0.10-0.15/SMS |
Very high roaming rates apply if you use Dhiraagu SIM abroad without a global roaming pack.
IX. Useful USSD codes for Dhiraagu SIM/eSIM
USSD codes allow you to check your account balance and settings directly from your phone keypad. Here are handy USSD codes for Dhiraagu:
- *100# – Check main balance
- *107# – Remaining data balance
- *140*4# – Check SIM validity
- *123# – Check SMS bundle balance
- *122# – Activate roaming
- *125*4# – Deactivate roaming
No need to call customer service, just punch in these codes to manage your Dhiraagu prepaid account on the go!
X. How to top-up Dhiraagu SIM/eSIM
Running low on data or minutes? You can easily recharge your Dhiraagu prepaid SIM or eSIM using:
- Dhiraagu app – Instant top-up via Apple Pay, credit card, etc
- Website – Recharge online at www.dhiraagu.com.mv
- Scratch cards – Purchase top-up vouchers from stores, hotels, airport
- USSD & SMS – Dial *801# or SMS format for self-service top-up
- Bank transfer – At banks or ATMs throughout Maldives
Top-ups come in values ranging from MVR 20 to MVR 5000. Data packs, SMS bundles, and international calling packs are available.
XI. Alternatives to Dhiraagu
While Dhiraagu dominates the Maldives telco market, there are a couple alternatives:
- Ooredoo Maldives – Second largest operator with good nationwide coverage
- Vodafone Maldives – New player still growing its network across islands
Both Ooredoo and Vodafone offer prepaid SIMs for tourists. But Dhiraagu generally has better speeds and wider 4G coverage for now. Dhiraagu remains the top pick for reliable connectivity.
Stay connected in paradise with a GIGAGO eSIM for Maldives. eSIM Maldives offers affordable prepaid data-only eSIM plans for travelers visiting the Maldives, with options of 20GB for $44 or 30GB for $55 both with 30 day validity. Works on the Ooredoo network providing high-speed 4G/LTE coverage across the entire Maldives archipelago.
Let’s take a look at their plans:
XII. FAQs about Dhiraagu in Maldives
Do I need to show passport to buy Dhiraagu SIM?
Yes, you need to show your passport when purchasing a Dhiraagu SIM card or eSIM as a tourist. This is required for ID verification.
Can I use Dhiraagu SIM in another country?
Dhiraagu prepaid SIM has high roaming rates outside Maldives. You can activate roaming packs, but it’s very expensive. Better to get local SIM when traveling beyond Maldives.
How long is Dhiraagu tourist SIM valid?
Standard validity is 28 days. You can extend validity by topping up, but max is 90 consecutive days for prepaid SIMs.
Does Dhiraagu SIM work in all Maldives islands?
Dhiraagu has 98% population coverage on its 4G network. But some far outer islands may still be on 3G or 2G only.
Can I make international calls with Dhiraagu SIM?
Yes, international calls are supported but charged per minute rates apply. These range from MVR 12-18 based on destination.
Is there monthly plan for Dhiraagu SIM?
Dhiraagu offers prepaid 30-day data packs from 2-20 GB. But for long-term postpaid contracts, a deposit and Maldives ID may be required. Tourists can use the prepaid packs.
XIII. Final words
A Dhiraagu SIM card or eSIM is your gateway to fast, reliable connectivity across the Maldivian Islands.
Connect with your travel companions, share photos of overwater bungalows, and stay on top of work emails with unlimited data. Extend your prepaid validity or add more data as needed for longer stays. Enjoy the convenience of eSIM from eSIM Maldives when hopping between islands.
