Maldives eSIM
There are 2 Maldives eSIM plans (3GB–10GB, 7–30 days) from $23.90; for a week with about 3GB, 3GB for 7 days, $23.90. Order online, get the install code minutes after paying, and turn on data roaming for it when you land in Maldives.
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Choose a planPlans
Which plan for your trip
The cheapest plan that lasts each trip length. Stream a lot? Take a bigger one; running low there, you can also add a plan in My cards. Not sure how much data? Work it out
How the prices compare
- Maldives starts at $23.90, the 23rd lowest of 23 countries and regions in Asia.
- Per GB, the best value is 10GB for 30 days ($69.00), about $6.90 per GB.
How it works
- Pay for a plan and your eSIM install code arrives straight away, by email too.
- Put the eSIM on your phone: scan the QR code or install it with one tap on the phone.
- When you reach Maldives, turn on data roaming for this eSIM. Your home SIM can keep data roaming off.
Worth knowing in Maldives
- The Maldives has two networks: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. A travel eSIM runs on one or two of them; the supplier does not publish which for each plan. Weak signal? In your phone’s mobile network settings, turn off automatic network selection and try another.
- The Maldives is scattered islands; resorts usually have Wi-Fi, and your own data helps on speedboats, seaplanes and between islands.
Check your phone first
Dial *#06#. If you see an "EID" line, your phone supports eSIM. It also has to be unlocked.
Most iPhones sold in mainland China, and many from Hong Kong and Macao, don't support eSIM. Newer mainland models such as iPhone Air and 17e do, but install the eSIM only after you arrive, with Location Services on. No EID? A physical SIM is the no-fuss option.
FAQ
How much is a Maldives eSIM?
2 plans today: 3GB for 7 days, $23.90, 10GB for 30 days, $69.00.
A week in Maldives: which plan?
A week of mostly maps and messages uses about 1.8GB, so 3GB leaves room: the cheapest is 3GB for 7 days, $23.90. Add an hour of short videos a day and a week comes to about 9GB, so take a bigger plan.
How do I get a Maldives eSIM?
Online, in three steps, with no shop to visit: dial *#06# to check an EID shows; choose the data and days for Maldives and pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay or points; install the code that arrives minutes later, and turn on data roaming for it in Maldives.
Does a Maldives eSIM work in mainland China?
A Maldives plan only gets you online in Maldives, not in mainland China. You can install it before you leave and turn on data roaming when you arrive; a mainland-China eSIM iPhone such as the iPhone Air installs it only after arriving.
Does a Maldives eSIM come with a phone number?
No. It is data only, with no Maldives number, so apps that need a local number for a sign-up code will not work with it. Your home number stays on your usual SIM, which can usually still receive text codes with international roaming on.
Will my home SIM still work in Maldives? Do I need to swap it?
No need to swap. Keep your home SIM in the phone: with international roaming on it can usually still receive text codes. Use the travel eSIM for data and leave data roaming off on the home line, so it runs up no roaming charges.
How do I get online in Maldives?
Three ways: roaming on your home SIM, at your carrier’s rates; a local SIM bought in Maldives; or a travel eSIM bought before you go. The eSIM is the least hassle: Maldives plans from $23.90, the install code minutes after paying, data on once you land.
Where do I buy a SIM for Maldives? Can I buy one at the airport?
Four places: an eSIM online, installed before you leave and on as soon as you turn on data roaming there; a SIM card from a shop at home, posted to you and swapped in on arrival; a local SIM at the airport counter or a shop in Maldives, handy but often with a queue, usually dearer than online, and in many places registered against your passport; or no new SIM, with roaming on your home line.
Is there an unlimited plan?
No, every plan we sell is a fixed amount of data. The largest for Maldives is 10GB for 30 days, $69.00; need more, add a plan in My cards without reinstalling.
Does a Maldives eSIM work in Sri Lanka?
No, a Maldives plan covers Maldives only. Sri Lanka needs its own plan, from $9.00.
Does a Maldives eSIM work in India?
No, a Maldives plan covers Maldives only. India needs its own plan, from $4.00.
eSIM or SIM card for Maldives?
This destination has eSIM plans only: the install code arrives as soon as you pay, no delivery to wait for. Your phone needs to support eSIM; check it as above.
When does the plan start?
Usually from your first connection at the destination. After installing, there’s no need to turn on data roaming until you arrive.
Can I keep my home number for verification texts?
Yes. The eSIM is only for data; your home SIM stays in the phone. With international roaming on for your home SIM, verification texts usually still arrive (receiving texts is usually free; check with your carrier). Keep data roaming off on your home SIM and it won’t run up roaming data charges.
What if I run out of data or the plan ends? Can I top up?
Yes: add a plan or renew in My cards. That is the top-up, and there is no need to reinstall the eSIM.
Can I get a refund?
An eSIM that isn’t installed on a phone yet can be refunded from the order page, in full as points. Once installed or used, and for physical SIM cards, paid orders can’t be refunded on request; if something is wrong, contact support: we look into it and usually refund as points; a refund to the original payment method isn’t guaranteed.