Best eSIM For The Maldives (Data On The Beach)
Why not have bucketloads of data with an eSIM while enjoying the pristine beaches of the Maldives?
Vacationing in the Maldives with an ESIM is a great way to avoid roaming charges or struggling to find a SIM or wifi when you arrive.
But which companies provide Maldives eSIMs? And can you rely on them?
Below are the best Maldives eSIMs we have found online.
ESIM Product Comparison
Airalo7 Days
$5/GB
Airalo15 Days
$4.3/GB
Holafly30 Days
$7.3/GB
Nomad7 Days
$19/GB
Nomad30 Days
$18.33/GB
Nomad30 Days
$16.4/GB
Airalo Ooredoo
Airalo Ooredoo is one of the few Maldives eSIMs you will find online. And with a tried and true company like Airalo, you know you will get a great deal.
Airalo has just two eSIMs for the Maldives, both of which include lots of SMS and call minutes
These eSIMs are valid for a month, and at between $1.67 – $2 per GB, this is cheaper than some deals you will find in Europe!
Airalo uses Ooredoo, the top mobile eSIM company in the Maldives, and if you check out their ratings on OpenSignal, you will see that they win hands down!
There is not much to lose with data packages like this from Airalo.
You get
- a great deal
- lots of data
- a top provider
- and you can share you data too.
Pros
- Best 1 GB price
- Top provider with 4G
- Good customer service
Cons
- No unlimited data
Holafly
Holafly is renowned for its unlimited data eSIMs but in the Maldives, they only have one large eSIM data package available. The benefit here is they allow you to share your data, which typically is not possible with Holafly.
Their Maldies eSIM gives you the following:
- Data: 6 GB
- Timeframe: 15 Days
All for $50.9, which will not compete with Airalo above. They also use Dhiraagu, which rates second to Ooredoo in the Maldives. So for now, I recommend skipping Holafly if you are heading to the Maldives.
Pros
- Data Sharing
- Easy If you are already a customer
Cons
- No hotspot/Tethering
Nomad
Nomad offers quite expensive options for GB packages in the Maldives, if you want even more options than just Airalo and Holafly.
Here are the 4 packages they have available:
At this stage, I would always go for Airalo as it is a lot cheaper.
Pros
- 3 different packages
Cons
- Expensive
What Is An eSIM?
ESIMs are the digital version of a SIM card in your phone. Instead of inserting a card, you simply download the data you need onto the eSIM and it will work just like a SIM does.
Benefits of Getting a Maldives eSIM
Getting an eSIM in the Maldives has lots of benefits you may not be aware of
- Easy To Buy: Buy an eSIM online without leaving your chair
- Keep Your SIM: Keep your phone number and text or Whatsapp just like normal
- Data on Arrival: Install your eSIM at home and activate it ready to go. Once you land or cross the border, you are good to go.
- Affordability: Shop around for the best price for your next eSIM.
- Eco-Friendly: No more wasted SIM cards or packaging. Good for the environment
Devices Compatible with eSIMs in the Maldvices
If you are not sure if your phone works with eSIMs, then check out our list of phones that are compatible.
Here are a few examples that might cover your phone
Apple:
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- all later models
Samsung:
- Galaxy Fold
- Galaxy Z Flip
- Galaxy S20 series
- Galaxy Note 20 series
- All later models
On top of that, second generation Google Pixel phones onward.
To check your phone for eSIM compatibility:
- Dial *#06# and look for an EID number.
This is an identifier that shows that your phone has an eSIM in it.
How Much eSIM Data Do You Need in the Maldives?
How much data you need depends on how much you use the internet on your phone and whether you are around wifi a lot.
But, to give you a rough idea:
Short Stay or Little Use
People on a short trip, say a weekend, who want to check maps and emails will only need 1-3 GB of data, especially if you have WiFi in your accommodation.
Longer Stay or Heavier Use
If you are a heavier user who constantly does the following:
- Youtube or Streaming
- Instagram or Tiktok for hours
- Lots of downloads for work (GB)
Then unlimited data is a good option, or at the very least 20 GB for a few days might be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eSIM Available in the Maldives?
Yes, eSIM is readily available in the Maldives. Both local providers have teamed up with international eSIM providers to let you connect to the internet in the Maldives via eSIM.
