How to Get a SIM Card or eSIM in the Maldives

Obtaining a SIM card or an eSIM in the Maldives is a convenient way to stay connected and avoid expensive roaming charges. Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives are the two main network operators in the country.

How to Get a SIM Card in the Maldives

Ooredoo Maldives and Dhiraagu SIM vending machines at maldives airport

SIM cards can be purchased from airport kiosks and partner stores of Ooredoo and Dhiraagu. You'll need to present your passport for registration to get the SIM.

How to obtain a Dhiraagu tourist SIM card:

Dhiraagu Business Centre at the Airport: Visit the Dhiraagu business centre, located at the exit from international arrivals and get your SIM. You can also purchase the SIM online and collect it from the centre.
SIM Vending Machine: Take a free SIM from the vending machine located inside the terminal and activate the package.
SIM kit: Purchase a Dhiraagu SIM kit from the self-service kiosk outside the arrival terminal. Alternatively, you can purchase a kit from international and local partners as well.

How to obtain an Ooredoo Maldives tourist SIM card:

Airport outlet: Visit the Oooredoo Maldives airport outlet, fill in the necessary paperwork and collect your SIM card.
Partner shops: You can go to an Ooredoo Maldives partner shop or outlet on the island you are staying at to get a SIM card.

How to Get an eSIM in the Maldives

The second option is an eSIM, a digital SIM that gets installed on compatible smartphones. Both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offer eSIM plans tailored for tourists.

You can purchase the eSIM directly from Ooredoo Maldives or the Dhiraagu website. Remember, you must have a stable WiFi connection when you receive your eSIM and scan the QR code.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a Dhiraagu eSIM:

Go to https://mobile.dhiraagu.com.mv/esim/Kit/Tourist
Agree to the terms and conditions
Choose your plan
Upload your passport and verify your identity with a selfie
Fill in the required personal information
Make the payment
Receive your eSIM QR code to your email address and scan it to enable service

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining an Ooredoo Maldives eSIM:

Go to https://www.ooredoo.mv/webapps/shop/public/plan/tourist
Choose your plan
Enter your personal information and email address
Upload your passport and verify your identity with a selfie
Agree to the terms and conditions
Make the payment
Receive your eSIM QR code to your email address and scan it to enable service

Tourist SIM Plans

Ooredoo Maldives self-service kiosk at airport close-up

Both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives offer three tourist SIM plans. To obtain the MiFi plans, you must visit a service centre to collect your device.

Dhiraagu tourist SIM plans:

Traveler Lite Plan ($40): 20GB data, USD 6.50 allowance, 150 call minutes to local networks, 150 local SMS, and 30 days SIM validity.
Traveler Premium Plan ($50): 30GB + 70GB social data, USD 9.50 allowance, 300 call minutes to local networks, 300 local SMS, and 30 days SIM validity.
Traveler MiFi Pack ($75): 125 GB data, 30 days SIM validity, and includes MiFi device.

Ooredoo Maldives tourist SIM plans:

Tourist $40: 20 GB data, 100 call minutes to local networks, 150 SMS, 30 days validity from the date of activation, and MVR 100 Credit.
Tourist $50: 30GB + 70GB social data, 150 call minutes to local networks, 200 SMS, and 30 days SIM validity.
Tourist $100: 125GB data, 150 call minutes to local networks, 200 SMS, 30 days SIM validity, and includes MiFi device.

Note: These prices are inclusive of GST and may differ during promotional periods.

How to Top-Up your SIM

You can extend the validity or add more data to your Dhiraagu or Ooredoo Maldives SIM card or eSIM plan. Here are the top-up options available:

Online top-up: Visit https://www.dhiraagu.com.mv/services/easy-topup or https://my.ooredoo.mv/quickpay/index.html to recharge your plan using a credit/debit card.
Scratch cards: Purchase physical top-up vouchers from retail outlets across the islands and scratch off the code to load credit onto your SIM.
Service centres: Visit a Dhiraagu or Ooredoo Maldives service centre or partner store to top up your plan with the assistance of a customer representative.

Network Customer Support

If you need assistance with your Dhiraagu or Ooredoo Maldives SIM card or eSIM at any point during your stay, you can reach out to their customer service teams.

Dhiraagu Customer Service:

Hotline: 123
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.dhiraagu.com.mv/support

Ooredoo Maldives Customer Service:

Hotline: 929
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ooredoo.mv/support

Data connectivity in the Maldives

Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives, boast nationwide 4G coverage. This means you can expect a decent internet connection on your phone for most of your time in the Maldives.

However, while 4G works well on land, you might experience some difficulties with the connection when travelling by ferry or boat between islands.

5G is also available in the Maldives, but for now, it's limited to a few major cities. So, unless your trip is centred around those urban areas, you likely won't see much of 5G on your travels.

WiFi Accessibility in the Maldives

You can find WiFi readily available in most places in the Maldives. The Velana International Airport (MLE) offers WiFi so you can stay connected right after you land. The vast majority of guesthouses and resorts throughout the Maldives have WiFi access as well.

While WiFi is widespread, keep in mind that signal strength can vary, especially on larger resort islands. Some resorts might only offer reliable wifi in public areas like lobbies and restaurants, with spottier coverage in rooms further away.