Maldives is a beautiful island destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. Getting a Maldives SIM card can help you stay connected affordably during your trip.
Read on this article to find your own SIM card in Maldives.
Table of Contents
I. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Maldives Trip?
Getting a local SIM card in Maldives is highly recommended for all travelers. Here are some key benefits of using a Maldives SIM card during your trip:
- Avoid International Roaming Fees: Using your home SIM card in Maldives can lead to extremely high roaming charges for calls, texts and data. A local SIM allows you to avoid these expensive fees.
- Better Coverage: Maldivian networks provide wider coverage on the islands compared to relying on roaming services.
- Affordable Data Plans: Maldives SIM cards provide prepaid data packages that are much cheaper compared to roaming rates. This allows you to use maps, messaging, social media and more without worrying about bill shocks.
- Convenient Mobile Internet: You can access 4G/LTE speeds on a Maldives SIM for fast internet connectivity on your phone. This is useful for social media, last minute bookings, translations and directions.
- Local Number: Getting a Maldivian number enables you to give local contacts a number to reach you at during your stay.
For these reasons, getting a Maldives SIM card is highly recommended over using your home SIM card while traveling in the Maldives. The small upfront cost of a prepaid SIM card is worth avoiding potentially massive roaming fees down the line.
II. Maldives SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?
There are two main categories of SIM cards available in Maldives:
By Form Factor:
| SIM Card Form | Pros | Cons |
| Physical SIM | Widely available | Need to go to a store to get SIM |
| Works in most phones | SIM could get damaged/lost | |
| eSIM | Digital so it can't get damaged | Only works with eSIM compatible phones |
| Convenient online purchase and setup |
Conclusion: eSIM is generally the most convenient option for tourists visiting Maldives. With an eSIM, you can order online ahead of your trip and set up the connection remotely on your phone. There is no risk of damaging or losing a physical SIM card. However, eSIM compatible phones are needed to use this option.
By Function:
| SIM Card Type | Details | Cons |
| Data-only SIM | For data connectivity only. Ideal for tablets, laptops and secondary devices | No voice calling. Need a separate SIM for calls |
| Voice + Data SIM | For voice calls and data. All-in-one connectivity for your smartphone | Priced higher than data-only SIM |
| Tourist SIM | Usually includes some domestic calls/texts. Pre-activated and easier to set up | More expensive |
Conclusion: For most tourists, getting a regular Voice + Data SIM card makes the most sense. The all-in-one functionality works great for everyday use during a trip. Alternatively, eSIM provides maximum convenience if you have a compatible device.
III. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Maldives?
For light users who just need maps and basic internet use, 2-3GB for a short trip of under a week should suffice.
For moderate usage of social media, photos and occasional video streaming, 5-8GB is recommended for a 1-2 week trip.
Heavy data users who stream HD video can use up to 10-15GB per week.
Since it’s easy to top up data in Maldives, you can start with a smaller data pack and add more later based on your usage. WiFi is available at most hotels and restaurants, so you may not need huge data amounts if combining with WiFi use.
IV. How Much Does a Maldives SIM Card Cost?
Maldives prepaid SIM cards are very affordable. Here are typical costs:
| Plan Name | Validity | Data | Initial Credit | Local Calls | Local SMS | Free Services |
| Dhiraagu Traveler Premium | 30 Days | 30 GB | $9.50 USD Allowance | 300 Mins to All net | 300 SMS | Social Media Apps |
| Dhiraagu TravelER lite | 30 Days | 20 GB | $6.50 USD Allowance | 150 Mins to All net | 150 SMS | - |
| Ooredoo Tourist Pack $40 | 30 Days | 20 GB | 100 MVR | 150 Min | 150 | Not Eligible |
| Ooredoo Tourist Pack $50 | 30 Days | 30 GB | 150 MVR | 300 Min | 300 | Additional 70GB for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp |
- SIM Card Price: MVR 50-100 ($3-$7)
- Data Packs: 500MB for $1-2, 1GB for $3-5, 5GB for $10-15
- Validity: 7 days to 30 days
There are often promotions and discounts available making Maldives SIM cards even cheaper for tourists.
V. Maldives eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
Ordering a full eSIM in the Maldives requires only the use of a personal laptop or any other internet-connected device and only a few minutes to configure it on a handset.
Therefore, if your device is eSIM compatible, then perhaps eSIM Maldives from GIGAGO could be a viable option for using physical SIM cards in Maldives.
Let’s see their plans:
VI. Where to Buy a Maldives SIM Card?
There are two options to purchase a Maldives SIM card:
Purchase eSIM Online
For eSIM service, eSIM Maldives provides prepaid Maldives eSIMs that can be ordered online and set up before you arrive. With instant activation and data packages, eSIM Maldives makes it easy to connect when visiting Maldives.
Buy Physical SIM Locally
You can pick up a physical Maldives SIM at arrival at Male airport. Top mobile providers like Ooredoo and Dhiraagu have counters at the airport arrivals area where you can buy a new prepaid SIM card.
See Getting SIM Card at Velana International Airport for more details
Alternatively, you can buy SIMs in Male city at operator stores and local shops. Have your passport ready as ID is required for purchasing SIM cards in Maldives.
VII. How to Use Maldives SIM
Here are step-by-step instructions to using your Maldives SIM:
For physical SIM:
- Insert SIM in your unlocked phone
- Turn on phone and disable data roaming
- Select your network operator when prompted
- Follow activation process and restart phone
- Top up account and purchase a data pack
- Start using mobile data, calls and texts
For eSIM:
- Order your Maldives eSIM and select a data plan
- Download eSIM app on your phone
- Login and scan QR code to activate your plan
- Connect to the network and start using your eSIM
If you face any activation issues, contact customer support for assistance.
VIII. Best Mobile Operators for Maldives SIM Cards
The two main mobile networks in Maldives are:
Best Mobile Operators in Maldives
| Operator | Coverage | SIM Card Price Range | Pros | Cons | eSIM Available |
| Ooredoo | Extensive coverage across inhabited islands nationwide. | Starting at $5 for SIM. Prepaid plans $10-30/month. | Largest network with best coverage. Wide range of plans. | Costs slightly more than other providers. | Yes |
| Dhiraagu | Covers main tourist resort islands and populated areas. | Free SIM. Prepaid plans $5-20/month. | Low prices. Provides home broadband/landline. | Coverage not as widespread as Ooredoo, some dead zones. | Yes |
Ooredoo is the best mobile operator for tourists visiting Maldives due to its extensive coverage across the islands. While other networks have gaps, Ooredoo provides reliable service everywhere. purchasing an Ooredoo eSIM from eSIM Maldives before travel is highly recommended.
Best Mobile Operators in Maldives can be useful for your choice.
IX. Tips for Saving Data on Maldives SIM Card
To reduce data usage on your Maldives SIM card:
- Connect to free WiFi whenever available at hotels and restaurants
- Turn off background app data refresh and auto-play video streaming
- Download maps and music offline via WiFi before going out
- Enable data saver mode in browser settings
- Limit bandwidth heavy activities like video calls and HD video streaming
- Switch on Airplane mode and only enable data manually when needed
Following these tips will help you conserve your data allowance and avoid costly top-ups.
X. FAQs
Do I need to register my passport to buy a SIM card in Maldives?
Yes, you need to show your passport at the point of purchase to register and activate SIM cards in Maldives.
Can I use WhatsApp calling on Maldives SIM cards?
Yes, WhatsApp calls work normally with Maldives SIMs. However, usual data charges apply unless you have a package with free WhatsApp.
Are there any public phone booths in Maldives?
Public payphones are rarely found in Maldives. Getting a local prepaid SIM is recommended for making calls.
Do Maldives SIM cards work in other countries?
No, Maldives SIMs will not work outside of the country. But you can reuse your eSIM for multiple countries.
Can I use a Maldives SIM in my eSIM compatible device?
Yes, eSIMs like eSIM Maldives work great in Maldives so you can avoid using physical SIM cards.
XI. Conclusion
Getting a Maldives SIM card opens up affordable connectivity options for making calls, using mobile data and staying in touch during your trip.
Physical SIM cards can be purchased locally, but eSIM offers added convenience for eSIM compatible devices. Do some research to find the right prepaid plan based on your usage needs in Maldives. With the right option, you can easily stay connected on the islands without worrying about roaming charges.
