Buying a SIM Card in the Maldives

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.

With that has come a small but steady stream of backpackers and other travelers, who want a taste of paradise without the five-figure price tag.

While there’s no Wi-Fi at the airport, most local guesthouses and the larger restaurants offer it for free. The islands are tiny, so there’s no need for maps. Given how little online information there is about anywhere outside the capital, 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.

Here’s what you need to know.

Companies

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• We recommend Dhiraagu for most travelers

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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. 4G/LTE is widely available.

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

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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.

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. After waiting in line for 15 minutes, I handed over my passport and phone to the efficient woman manning the desk.

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.

Prepaid SIM Costs

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Prepaid SIM and package prices aren’t too bad, at least by Western standards. The SIM costs 30 MVR (~$2 USD), and a 3GB data package will set you back an extra 230 MVR (~$15 USD), valid for 30 days.

Other data allowances are available on hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly plans — check the latest offers here.

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

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On local islands, you’ll be able to find top-up cards at most convenience stores. Just ask your guesthouse owner or someone in the street if you’re having trouble tracking one down.

If you’re on a resort, you may need to ask a staff member to pick one up from the staff store for you instead. To check your remaining balance and expiry date, dial *123*6*3*1#.

The tax rate is higher on resort islands in the Maldives, so even if the top-up cards don’t have a markup added, you’ll still pay more for them there.

Coverage and Data Speeds

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Coverage was surprisingly consistent everywhere I went. Even on ferry rides where I couldn’t see the nearest island, I still had strong 3G/HSPA service.

I was able to make Skype voice calls without a problem when using 3G/HSPA+, although I suspect video might have been asking a bit much.

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Check out our guides to buying SIM cards in many other countries here.