Mobile and Internet in the Maldives: roaming, wi-fi, how much it costs

The Maldives is a scattering of thousands of tiny islands spread across hundreds of kilometers in the ocean. While it’s an absolutely heavenly vacation spot, don’t expect stable Wi-Fi under every palm tree. Mobile coverage is quite good, but for tourists looking to get a local SIM card, a special tariff was introduced in 2025.

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Wi-Fi at Maldives Resorts

Most luxury resorts in the Maldives now offer fast Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream Netflix comfortably. The most reliable in this regard are resorts near Malé. Internet coverage has improved significantly over the past few years, but experiences vary. Some resorts provide excellent coverage across the entire small island, while others may lose Wi-Fi beyond the lobby or your room. Coverage may not extend to the entire resort. Paying $3,000 a night might lead you to expect reliable Wi-Fi everywhere, but this isn’t always the case. Some resorts are on larger islands where coverage may be spotty in many areas. On the beach, the Wi-Fi signal often weakens or disappears entirely. If you plan to livestream for social media, consider a local SIM card.

When choosing a resort, check whether Wi-Fi is available in your room or only in public areas like the lobby or café.

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Internet on Local Islands of the Maldives

Wi-Fi is easy to find in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, and on popular islands like Maafushi and Baa Atoll. On more remote local islands, free Wi-Fi can be harder to come by, though not always - check reviews from other travelers about specific islands. Take time to research your chosen island, as infrastructure, not just internet access, can vary. Many cafés, restaurants, and guesthouses on the Maldives now offer free Wi-Fi to guests, but it may not be as fast as desired. You’re on a tiny island far from mainland Asia, and the farther you are from major islands, the less likely you’ll find free, stable Wi-Fi.

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Mobile Internet in the Maldives

Almost all tourist destinations in the Maldives have 4G/LTE coverage. Most local islands have 4G towers, or you can connect to a signal from a nearby island. Expected speeds are around 70 Mbps for downloads and 35 Mbps for uploads, sufficient for streaming videos, video calls, and work. However, connectivity may drop when traveling by ferry or boat between islands. A local SIM card is your best option for internet access during boat trips or excursions.

As of 2025, a 5G network is available in the Maldives, but only in the capital, Malé, and on Hulhumalé (airport). Most remote islands offer only 4G/LTE.

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SIM Cards in the Maldives

The Maldives has only two mobile operators: Ooredoo and Dhiraagu. Both offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists with similar tariffs.

Ooredoo

Coverage and Speed: The largest operator in the country (over 60% market share), providing 4G coverage on more than 190 islands and actively rolling out 5G in the capital region. Average mobile internet speed can reach 75 Mbps.

Features: English support and numerous retail outlets across the country.

Dhiraagu

Coverage and Speed: The second-largest network (about 35% market share), with 4G coverage on all major islands. Average speed is around 30 Mbps.

Features: English support is mainly available via online chat and email.

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Where to Buy a SIM Card in the Maldives

Right after exiting the arrival area at Velana International Airport (MLE), you’ll find Ooredoo and Dhiraagu stores. They’re hard to miss. Both offer physical SIM cards and tourist eSIMs with instant activation. Stores are open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, even on Fridays (the official day off in the Maldives).

If you’re not heading to a private island immediately, you can buy a SIM card later in shops in Malé or on Hulhumalé.

“Free” SIM Cards

At the airport, you’ll see ads for “Free Tourist SIM Cards” and even special machines. This is a catch - these SIM cards come with zero balance. To use them, you’ll need to activate an expensive tariff plan starting at $40.

Important: Always bring your passport to purchase a SIM card. This requirement is strictly enforced. Driver’s licenses or other photo IDs are not accepted for foreigners.

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Tourist Tariffs: New Changes in 2025

Previously, foreigners could buy local SIM cards under the same conditions as residents. Since 2025, rules have changed, and tourists face different, more expensive tariffs. Without a residence permit, you can only purchase special tourist packages.

Ooredoo and Dhiraagu offer similar tourist plans, including data, local minutes, SMS, and a small starter credit.

Ooredoo

1. $40: 20 GB data + 100 minutes + MVR 100 credit. Pay-as-you-go for calls and SMS. Refillable anytime.
2. $50: 100 GB data (30 GB regular + 70 GB for social media) + 150 minutes. Pay-as-you-go for calls and SMS. Refillable anytime.

Dhiraagu

1. $40: 20 GB data + 150 minutes + 150 SMS + $6.50 surcharge. Valid for 10 days.
2. $50: 100 GB data (30 GB regular + 70 GB for social media) + 300 minutes + 300 SMS + $9.50 surcharge. Valid for 30 days.
3. $100: 125 GB data + free MiFi device. Valid for 30 days (often includes a MiFi device).

Prices include taxes.

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Roaming in the Maldives

Roaming costs in the Maldives depend on your home operator but are typically higher than a local SIM card. It’s better to rely on island Wi-Fi or a local SIM.

How to Top Up a SIM Card in the Maldives

If you run out of data or funds, you don’t need to travel far to find operator offices. Here are your options:

• Online: On the official websites of Dhiraagu or Ooredoo. Visit the operator’s site and select the top-up option.
• Scratch Cards: Available in stores across local islands, though resorts may not offer this.
• Service Centers: Top up at any operator’s store, mainly in Malé or larger islands.

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eSIM: Everything Online

An eSIM is a digital SIM card installed on your phone without a physical chip. It’s the most convenient way to stay connected, and you can purchase it before arriving in the Maldives or online anytime via local operators’ websites.

How It Works

Order an eSIM, receive a QR code, scan it, and within two minutes, the eSIM is set up. Your phone connects to the network automatically. You can activate this service before your flight to be online upon landing.

Important: Ensure your smartphone supports eSIM technology, as not all models do.

Many providers offer eSIMs for the Maldives, partnering with local operators. Prices aren’t cheap - e.g., 30 GB for a month costs $50. You can also buy directly from Ooredoo or Dhiraagu websites, requiring a stable Wi-Fi connection, a passport scan, and a selfie for verification.

Installing and Using an eSIM

Setting up an eSIM is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Access eSIM Settings: Find the eSIM settings menu on your smartphone. For iOS (iPhone): Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add Cellular Plan.” For Android: “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Mobile Network” > “Add Carrier” (or “Download a SIM”).
2. Scan QR Code: Scan the QR code received via email after purchase. Your device’s camera will initiate the eSIM profile setup.
3. Setup and Activation: Follow on-screen instructions. You may need to specify whether the eSIM is your primary or secondary plan. Select “Cellular Data” for the new eSIM.
4. Check Connection: After activation, ensure it works by checking network signal indicators, opening a webpage, sending a message, or making a call.

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Useful Tips

• Disable Roaming: Avoid unexpected costs by turning off roaming. It may not deactivate at zero balance, and contract SIMs could incur a negative balance.
• Monitor Data Usage: Use an app or phone settings to track data usage to avoid exceeding your tariff limit.
• Save the QR Code: Screenshot the email with the QR code and instructions and store it securely - you may need it again.

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