Are you planning a trip to the beautiful island nation of Maldives? As a traveler, one of the most important things to consider is how you will stay connected with your loved ones and access the internet while abroad. With data roaming being a common option for international travelers. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about data roaming in Maldives and alternatives for the internet in Maldives.
Table of Contents
I. Understand Data Roaming in Maldives
Before we dive into the details of roaming charges in Maldives, let’s first understand what data roaming actually means. Data roaming is the ability to use your mobile phone’s data connection while traveling outside of your home country. This allows you to access the internet, make calls, and send messages using your own mobile network provider, instead of relying on local networks.
In the Maldives, you can use data roaming if your cellular service provider has agreements with local Maldivian networks. Simply enable data roaming on your phone before traveling to the Maldives. Your phone will automatically connect to a local network for data access. The major networks in Maldives are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo.
But here are the things to consider before choosing this option:
- Price range: Daily data roaming rates in Maldives typically range from $5-15 per day depending on your home provider and local network used. Plans with fixed daily/weekly data limits are available too. Be aware that using data roaming internationally can result in very high charges if you’re not careful. It’s recommended to check with your home provider about rates
- Coverage: Coverage may be limited or slow in some of the smaller resort islands in Maldives compared to main cities. Signal strength can also vary depending on location.
Overall, data roaming in the Maldives does allow travelers to use their phones abroad conveniently without interruption. However, it is not a good deal for the best value.
II. Roaming Charges in Maldives
Now that we have a basic understanding of data roaming, let’s take a closer look at the roaming charges in Maldives. The charges may vary depending on your home country and mobile network provider, but they generally fall under two categories: incoming and outgoing charges.
1. How to Check Roaming Charges Before Your Travel To Maldives
To avoid any surprises on your mobile bill, it’s important to check the roaming charges before you travel to Maldives. Here are a few ways to do so:
- Contact your mobile provider: The easiest way to find out about roaming charges is to contact your home network provider. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate information and any special packages or discounts they may offer for international travelers.
- Research applicable roaming fees: You can also do some research online to find out about the roaming charges in Maldives. This will give you an idea of what to expect and help you plan your budget accordingly.
- Call Customer Service: If you have any specific questions or concerns, you can also call the customer service of your home network provider. They will be able to assist you with any queries related to roaming charges.
2. Roaming Charges in Maldives by Russia Mobile Operators
Roaming charges for Russians traveling to Maldives can vary depending on their mobile provider. The four biggest operators in Russia – MTS, Beeline, Tele2 and MegaFon – all offer roaming services in Maldives but their rates differ. To give you a better understanding of the roaming charges in Maldives, we have compared the rates of popular mobile operators from Russia.
| Operator | Outgoing Calls to Maldives | Data in Maldives |
| MTS | $1.75/min | $10/100MB |
| Beeline | $1.20/min | $8/100MB |
| Tele2 | $0.90/min | $15/100MB |
| MegaFon | $1.5/min | $12/100MB |
Roaming charges from Russian mobile operators to Maldives can be quite expensive. The charges are only good for occasional, casual usage while traveling as going over even just a few hundred megabytes of data could result in bill shock. To avoid exceeding budgets on prohibitively high fees, travelers are best advised to consider alternatives.
III. Best Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges in Maldives
1. Buy an eSIM from esimmaldives.com
Buying an eSIM from esimmaldives.com is highly recommended by most tourists as the first option to avoid roaming charges in Maldives. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded onto your phone without the need for a physical SIM card. This means you can use your own mobile number and data plan while traveling without incurring any additional charges.
They offer affordable prepaid data plans starting from just $44 for 20GB valid 30 days, making it the perfect solution for travelers. You can purchase an eSIM before your trip and activate it once you arrive in Maldives. With fast 4G speeds and hassle-free activation, eSIM Maldives is the simple way to stay connected in the Maldives without breaking the bank.
Go Beyond Borders with esimmaldives.com
2. Buy a local SIM card
Another option to avoid high roaming charges is to buy a local SIM card in Maldives. This will give you access to local rates and packages, which are usually much cheaper than international roaming charges. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or any local mobile store. However, keep in mind that you will have a different phone number and may have to change your contacts and messaging apps.
3. Enable Wifi Calling
If you have a stable internet connection, you can also enable wifi calling on your phone. This allows you to make calls and send messages using a wifi network instead of your mobile network. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re staying at a hotel or resort with free wifi.
IV. FAQs
Is data roaming available in all parts of Maldives?
Data roaming is available in most parts of Maldives, but there may be some remote islands where coverage is limited. It’s best to check with your home network provider before your trip.
Can I use my eSIM in other countries besides Maldives?
Yes, you can use your eSIM in other countries as long as they are supported by your eSIM provider. ESIM Maldives offers coverage in over 100 countries, making it a convenient option for frequent travelers.
Are there data limits on roaming?
Most providers cap roaming speeds once your monthly overseas limit is reached. Expect speeds to drop to 128kbps until your next billing cycle.
How can I check call/data usage while roaming?
Contact your provider for access to your real-time roaming usage details. On-device settings may be delayed or inaccurate.
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, data roaming charges in the Maldives can really add up if travelers are not careful. Activating an eSIM Maldives is by far the most cost-effective way to stay connected while visiting the islands. Whether browsing the internet for activities or staying in touch on social media, esimmaldives.com makes it easy to connect affordably while discovering the natural wonders of this island.
