Buying a SIM card for Maldives in 2024
Whether you’re traveling to the Maldives for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, or unparalleled marine life, staying connected is undoubtedly essential. Acquiring a local SIM card can be a cost-effective way to ensure you have access to local calls, messages, and data during your stay. Below is a comprehensive listicle that guides you through the process of purchasing a SIM card in the Maldives.
1. Know The Main Mobile Operators
The Maldives has several mobile operators, but the primary ones to consider for a traveler are:
- Dhiraagu: The first and largest provider, offering extensive coverage across the islands.
- Ooredoo Maldives: A global communications company, Ooredoo offers competitive rates and good coverage.
2. Prepare Necessary Documentation
To purchase a SIM card, you will typically need to provide:
- Passport: For identification purposes.
- Visa or Entry Stamp: To confirm your tourist status.
3. Consider Your Duration of Stay
The amount of data you’ll need largely depends on the length of your trip. Data packages come in various sizes, so choose one that aligns with your visit’s duration to avoid running out of data or overpaying for unused data.
4. Decide on Prepaid or Postpaid
Most travelers opt for prepaid SIM cards, which can be topped up with credit as needed. Postpaid options are generally not suitable for short-term visitors due to contract obligations.
5. Compare Data Packages and Costs
Research the latest data plans offered by the operators:
| Operator | Data Plan | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhiraagu | Tourist Welcome Pack | Approx. MVR 100-300 | Varies (7-30 days) |
| Ooredoo | Visitor’s Mobile Plan | Approx. MVR 150-500 | Varies (7-30 days) |
6. Check for Network Coverage
Ensure the mobile operator you choose offers strong network coverage in the areas you plan to visit, especially if you will be on more remote islands.
7. Determine Where to Purchase
SIM cards can usually be purchased at:
- Airport: There are kiosks or stores of Dhiraagu and Ooredoo at Velana International Airport upon arrival.
- Official Retail Stores: Located in Malé and other larger islands.
- Authorized Resellers: Often found in populated areas and tourist spots.
8. Activate Your SIM Card
Once purchased, the store representative will typically help you activate the SIM card and explain how to check your balance and top up.
9. Understand International Calling Rates
If you’re planning to make international calls, check the rates carefully as they can be costly. Alternatively, consider using VoIP applications like WhatsApp or Skype when connected to Wi-Fi.
10. Keep an Eye on Data Usage
Track your data usage to prevent running out of data unexpectedly. Operators may offer USSD codes or apps to check your remaining balance.
11. Top Up Credit Conveniently
Find out the most convenient way to top up your credit which might include:
- Physical vouchers from stores.
- Online top-up using the operator’s website.
- Top-up machines available in some locations.
Best Maldives Data Packets
In the Maldives, the top two internet service providers are:
- Dhiraagu
- Ooredoo
Dhiraagu Data Packets
Dhiraagu internet service provider offers a high- speed of internet connection. This has a variety of prepaid and postpaid data packets, which the users can activate according to their requirements.
Dhiraagu Monthly Data Bundles
- 700 MB + 100 MB for the price of 115 MVR.
- 1 GB + 200 MB for the price of 150 MVR.
- 5 GB + 250 MB for the price of 230 MVR.
- 5 GB + 500 MB for the price of 290 MVR.
- 5 GB + 1 GB for the price of 375 MVR.
- 10 GB + 2 GB for the price of 700 MVR.
- 25 GB + 3 GB for the price of 1175 MVR.
Dhiraagu Mini Data Bundles
- Data 15: This data pack offers 100 MB of data for the price of 15 MVR for 12 hours.
- Data 30: This data pack offers 250 MB of data for the price of 30 MVR per day.
- Data 50: This data pack offers 500 MB + 250 MB of data for the price of 50 MVR for 3 days.
- Data 75: This data pack offers 1 GB + 500 MB of data for the price of 75 MVR for 7 days.
Dhiraagu Monthly Data Plans
- 500 MB of data pack for the price of 99 MVR.
- 2 GB of data pack for the price of 199 MVR.
- 3 GB of data pack for the price of 249 MVR.
- 5GB of data pack for the price of 349 MVR.
Ooredoo Data Packets
In the Maldives, Ooredoo is one of the internet service providers.
Ooredoo Internet Packages
- 1 GB of data pack with 50 minutes calls for the price of 125 MVR per month.
- 2 GB of data pack with 200 minutes calls for the price of 200 MVR per month.
- 5 GB of data pack with 500 minutes calls for the price of 350 MVR per month.
- 8 GB of data pack with 800 minutes calls for the price of 500 MVR per month.
- 12 GB of data pack with 1200 minutes call for the price of 660 MVR per month.
- 17 GB of data pack with 1700 minutes call for the price of 880 MVR per month.
Ooredoo Weekly Data Packs
- 5 GB of data pack for the price of 100 MVR.
- 3 GB of data pack for the price of 175 MVR.
Ooredoo Daily Data Packs
- 100 MB of data pack for the price of 15 MVR.
- 250 MB of data pack for the price of 25 MVR.
- 1 GB of data pack with unlimited calls for the price of 50 MVR.
In the Maldives, there is more use of telecommunication because of the tourists. This country launches many telecommunication services to increase the number of subscribers with so many new features.
Dhiraagu Data Packages
| Time | Data | Price | Activation Code | Overuse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Extras: | ||||
| 1 hour | 25 MB | 10 MVR | DATA25 | 90 MVR/MB |
| 24 hours | 125 MB | 25 MVR | DATA125 | |
| Power Plans: | ||||
| 30 days | 500 MB | 99 MVR | 500MB | 15 MVR/MB |
| 2 GB | 199 MVR | 2GB | ||
| 3 GB | 249 MVR | 3GB | ||
| 5 GB | 349 MVR | 5GB | ||
| 8 GB | 549 MVR | 8GB | ||
| 15 GB | 949 MVR | 15GB | 10 MVR/MB | |
| Power Plus Plans: | ||||
| 30 days | 3 GB | 299 MVR | Plus3 | throttled, add-ons:
3 GB: 169 MVR code: TBB Plus3 5 GB: 249 MVR code: TBB Plus5 |
| 5 GB | 399 MVR | Plus5 | ||
| 25 GB | 1299 MVR | Plus25 | ||
| 50 GB | 1899 MVR | Plus50 | ||
| 75 GB | 2599 MVR | Plus75 | ||
| 100 GB | 2999 MVR | Plus100 | ||
Ooredoo (formerly Wataniya) Data Packages
| 10 GB: 699 MVR – shared by up to 3 subscribers, valid for 30 days, excess fee: 90 MVR/MB |
| 25 GB: 1299 MVR – shared by up to 5 subscribers, valid for 30 days, excess fee: 90 MVR/MB |
References:
https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/asia/maldives/best-prepaid-sim-card-in-maldives
https://www.phonetravelwiz.com/buying-a-sim-card-in-the-maldives-guide/
Hello, I’m Herman C. Miller, the founder of InternetPKG.com, your ultimate destination for all things Mobile Internet and Telecommunication Services. With a BSc in Telecommunication Services and over 6 years at AT&T, my passion for the industry led to this platform. At InternetPKG.com, we prioritize keeping you informed with the latest package offers, ensuring our content stays current. Our team, including a dedicated Internet Package and Mobile Data Plans Researcher, tirelessly researches emerging trends, identifies market opportunities, and provides expert product recommendations.