Mobile and Internet Services in Maldives
Don’t let the beauty of the Maldives disconnect you. Stay linked, capture every moment, and share your island adventures effortlessly. Staying connected while in the Maldives is easy and affordable. Purchase a local SIM card, choose a data plan that suits your needs, and enjoy the fastest mobile network in the Maldives with Dhiraagu.
The cost of a local SIM card in the Maldives ranges from $25 to $30. SIM cards come with a capacity of up to 10GB and an expiry date of 7 to 30 days, depending on the specific operator. You can also purchase a local SIM card on local islands.
| Tourist Connectivity | Stay connected with a local SIM card or utilize Wi-Fi in tourist areas. |
| SIM Card Purchase | Buy SIM cards from Dhiraagu or Ooredoo at the airport or local stores. |
| Best Coverage | Dhiraagu boasts the best coverage and speed in the Maldives. |
| Airport Convenience | Purchase SIM cards directly at Velana International airport for immediate connectivity. |
| Data Packages | Rates vary; Dhiraagu offers plans starting from MVR 10 for 50MB. |
Stay Connected with a Local SIM Card
One of the best ways to stay connected in the Maldives is by purchasing a local SIM card. You can buy a SIM card from either of the two mobile operators in the Maldives, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. The SIM card will give you access to high speed internet, voice calls, and SMS. Prepaid SIM cards are the most popular option, and you can easily top up your balance at local shops or online. If you plan to visit different islands in the Maldives, it’s recommended to purchase a local SIM card to avoid expensive roaming charges.
If you’re arriving at the Maldives via Velana International airport, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at local shops in Male. You can also purchase a SIM card on local islands, but the options might be limited.
Dhiraagu is the largest mobile operator in the Maldives, and their network coverage is available on most islands. With a Dhiraagu SIM card, you can easily access mobile internet and stay connected during your stay in the Maldives.
Internet Options
WiFi
Wi-Fi is widely available in the Maldives, especially in hotels, resorts, and cafes. The quality and speed of the Wi-Fi can vary depending on your location, but you can expect to find reliable Wi-Fi in most tourist areas.
If you are staying on a local island, you may not have access to Wi-Fi. In this case, you can consider buying a local SIM card to access the internet on your mobile device.
Mobile Internet
Mobile internet is another option for staying connected in the Maldives. You can buy a local SIM card from one of the two major mobile operators in the Maldives: Dhiraagu or Ooredoo.
Dhiraagu is the largest mobile operator in the Maldives and offers reliable coverage across the country. You can buy a prepaid SIM card from Dhiraagu at the Male airport or in one of their retail stores located throughout the country.
With a Dhiraagu SIM card, you can enjoy fast mobile internet speeds and affordable data plans. You can also use your Dhiraagu SIM card to roam in other countries, although roaming charges may apply.
In addition to Dhiraagu, you can also buy a local SIM card from Ooredoo, the second-largest mobile operator in the Maldives. Ooredoo offers similar services and coverage as Dhiraagu, so you can choose the operator that best suits your needs.
Overall, staying connected in the Maldives is easy and affordable. Whether you choose to use Wi-Fi or mobile internet, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet access during your stay.
Buying a Local SIM Card
Male Airport
The easiest place to buy a local SIM card is at Malé International Airport. Both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo have booths at the airport where you can purchase a SIM card. The booths are open 24/7, so you can buy a SIM card no matter what time your flight arrives. You will need to present your passport to purchase a SIM card.
Dhiraagu offers two different types of travel SIMs: 30 GB type, valid for 20 days for $50 and 17 GB type, valid for 30 days for $35. Ooredoo also offers tourist SIM cards with generous starter packs from 11 USD to 50 USD at Malé-Velana International Airport and some regular Dhiraagu and Ooredoo stores.
When buying a SIM card, make sure to check the expiry date of the SIM card and the available data plans (internet package).
Near Male
If you are already in Malé and did not purchase a SIM card at the airport, you can buy one at any Dhiraagu or Ooredoo store. There are several stores located throughout the city, and you can find their locations on their respective websites.
Dhiraagu offers a prepaid SIM card for MVR 30, which includes MVR 5 credit, 350MB data, and 5 SMS with a validity of 7 days. You can also purchase a data-only SIM card from Dhiraagu, which is ideal if you only need mobile internet. Their data SIM plans offer faster speeds and increased data, making it perfect for browsing the internet, streaming videos, and staying connected on social media.
Ooredoo also offers a prepaid SIM card for MVR 30, which includes MVR 20 credit, 100MB data, and 20 SMS with a validity of 7 days. They also offer tourist SIM cards with generous starter packs ranging from 11 USD to 50 USD, which can be purchased at the airport or any of their official stores.
Once you have a local SIM card, you can easily top up your balance at any of the local shops or online using your credit card. It is also recommended to download the mobile apps of Dhiraagu or Ooredoo, which allows you to manage your account, purchase data packs, and check your balance.
Roaming
When traveling to the Maldives, you may want to use your mobile phone to stay connected with your loved ones or browse the internet. If you plan to use your mobile phone while in the Maldives, you have the option to roam with your home operator or purchase a local SIM card.
Roaming allows you to use your mobile phone in the Maldives with your home operator. However, roaming can be expensive, and the cost of calls and internet usage is generally high. Before using roaming, it is best to check with your home operator to determine if it fits your budget.
If you plan to use your mobile phone frequently while in the Maldives, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card. You can buy a local SIM card from mobile operators such as Dhiraagu or Ooredoo. Dhiraagu is the largest mobile operator in the Maldives and offers a range of prepaid and postpaid mobile plans that include data, voice, and SMS services.
Roaming charges in the Maldives depend on your home operator. On average, mobile internet will cost a tourist from $15 to $70, depending on the chosen tariff plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can tourists stay connected with mobile services in the Maldives?
The easiest way for tourists to stay connected with mobile services in the Maldives is to purchase a local SIM card. This will allow you to access the internet and make calls at local rates. Alternatively, you can also use roaming services provided by your home operator, but this can be expensive. Wi-Fi is also available in most hotels and resorts, but it may not be available in local areas.
What are the options for buying a SIM card in the Maldives?
There are two main mobile operators in the Maldives: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. You can purchase a SIM card from either of these operators at their respective stores or authorized dealers. SIM cards are also available at the Malé airport and in most local islands. Prepaid SIM cards are available, which allow you to top up credit as needed.
Which network provider offers the best coverage in the Maldives?
Dhiraagu is known to offer the best coverage and fastest speeds in the Maldives. They have a wide range of data plans to choose from and offer good value for money. Ooredoo is also a good option, but their coverage may not be as extensive as Dhiraagu’s.
Can I purchase a SIM card directly at the Malé airport?
Yes, you can purchase a SIM card directly at the Malé airport from either Dhiraagu or Ooredoo. This is a convenient option if you need to stay connected as soon as you arrive in the Maldives.
What are the current rates for mobile data packages in the Maldives?
The rates for mobile data packages in the Maldives vary depending on the operator and the plan you choose. Dhiraagu offers a range of data plans starting from as low as MVR 10 for 50MB and going up to MVR 999 for 100GB. Ooredoo also offers similar plans with comparable rates.
Are there Wi-Fi packages available for visitors in the Maldives?
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and resorts in the Maldives, but it may not be available in local areas. Some hotels and resorts offer Wi-Fi packages for visitors, which can be purchased separately. However, these packages can be expensive, so it may be more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card and use mobile data instead.