How To Buy a SIM Card In The Maldives?
This is very important for nomads, online teachers and anybody else that relies on the internet for work.
For many visitors to the Maldives, buying a local SIM card will be the last thing they’re worried about.
In a world of resort islands, over-water bungalows, and perfect beaches, it’s very hard to care about checking email. Lounging beside the pool and sipping a fruity cocktail seems a far better choice, and with good reason.
Since the government finally allowed hotels and guesthouses on locally-inhabited islands in 2010, though, independent travel to this island nation has slowly been making an appearance and developing at a steady pace.
There is now a steady stream of backpackers and other travellers, who want a taste of paradise without the five-figure price tag. Just been and blown away by the Maldives with the 5 senses, so updated (2020).
While there’s no Wi-Fi at the airport, most local guesthouses and the larger restaurants offer it for free, however, this is mainly a poor connection/bandwidth at small guesthouses. The islands are tiny, so there’s no need for maps. Given how little online information there is about anywhere outside the capital of Male, you won’t be looking up much else beyond the ferry timetable anyway.
On that basis, cell data is a luxury rather than a necessity most of the time. If you do want to make sure you can stay connected everywhere, though (or just don’t want to pay for overpriced resort Wi-Fi,) it’s a simple and inexpensive process.
Companies
The Maldives has two cell companies, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. The former has 80% market share and boasts 100% coverage across every inhabited island in the country, which was good enough for me with a data card until I realised with tourist data cards for 7/14 days, you can’t top-up online.
Ooredoo has a slightly different range of plans, though, which may suit some people a little better. It’s worth checking out the latest packages before making a final decision.
How to Buy a SIM Card in the Maldives
Buying a SIM card was very simple. The cell companies have little stores beside each other in the arrivals area of Male’ International Airport. This is the best place to pick up a card for anyone arriving by plane. These are tourist sim cards though and range from 7 days to 14 days – $20-£30. Many other shops outside of the airport offer local sim cards with passport as ID
The terminal is quite small. Just turn right as you exit the luggage reclaim area, and you’ll spot the two shops on your way to the ferry pier for Male’ itself. You have to hand over your passport and phone to the efficient women manning the desks.
Having provided my name and intended address in the Maldives, I signed a form, chose a data package, and was provided with a SIM that worked immediately after rebooting the phone.
Can’t be bothered with the hassle of buying a local SIM in the Maldives? Being a fulltime traveller, I always buy sim cards in every country. Saves on expensive roaming charges from your country of origin.
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Prepaid SIM Costs
Dhiraagu prepaid SIM and package prices aren’t too bad, at least by Western standards. The SIM costs $20 (~$2 USD), for a 5GB data package over 7 days and will set you back an extra $10 (~$2 USD), valid for 14 days.
Other data allowances are available on hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly plans — so I’ve been told since, please check as prices and governments change all the time!
While prices are quoted to foreigners in USD, it’s fine to pay using Maldivian rufiyaa instead. There are a couple of ATMs nearby in the terminal if you need them.
Topping Up
On local islands, you’ll be able to find top-ups at most convenience stores, ONLY on local sim cards though not tourists sim cards. Two suppliers were on Maafushi where I stayed and each could only top-up to a local sim card. Just ask your guesthouse owner or someone in the street if you’re having trouble tracking one down. I would stress though, if it’s needed for work and you’re not in a luxury resort/accommodation with great a WiFi connection, buy two sims preferably both suppliers just in case. Or it will be a trip back to Male and start from scratch!
Plus you may need one if there is a power cut and no generator back up.
Coverage and Data Speeds
Coverage was surprisingly consistent everywhere I went. Even on ferry rides where I couldn’t see the nearest island, I still had strong service using the data card, I just got caught out by not being having a 14 day one and being able to top up online. Dhiraagu speak with them online before you arrive. Local sim cards is the answers! Learned the hard way!
I was able to make Skype voice calls without a problem when using the sim and also video with my company in China.
Hope this information helps you and gives you a more relaxed working or chill out holiday!
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