New Caledonia – often regarded as a tropical island paradise, is a country in Oceania. It is also somewhat part of France – even though it is more than 17 000 km away from Metropolitan France.
There is so much to explore in New Caledonia. From the Kanak heritage in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, to the Oro Bay natural pool in the Isle of Pines.
You can also explore jungles on Lifou Island or caves in Lifou.
And, of course, you can snorkel, scuba dive, or simply swim around the beaches because they are simply stunning.
You will most likely share your beach-life photos on social media to make your friends and family jealous – and that is your right!
But do know that international roaming can be expensive. There is no need to add expensive bills in addition to your pricey holiday in New Caledonia.
Luckily, one way to avoid roaming rates is by getting local SIM cards, like a New Caledonian one.
However, New Caledonia is not cheap. And the same can be said for its SIM cards.
You can get a New Caledonian SIM card for as little as 6000 XPF (53.70 USD) in Mobilis/OPT-NC (partner) stores. You can also get the tourist SIM cards for 3000 XPF (26.85 USD).
Yeah, that is not cheap at all – not even close. But, even spending 31 USD or 60 USD on a SIM card and just 15 USD for data will still be cheaper than international roaming in most cases.
So, better start saving before you head to New Caledonia – you will need it.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in New Caledonia. Let's get started, shall we?
Original publication: 30th of January 2020. Last updated: 27th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in New Caledonia?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in New Caledonia, then Mobilis by OPT-NC is your only option. It is the only mobile operator in New Caledonia.
New Caledonia has only one mobile operator offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Mobilis by OPT-NC (Office des Postes et Télécommunications de Nouvelle-Calédonie)
Everyone is allowed to buy a New Caledonian SIM card, including tourists and visitors.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of purchase (if you buy your SIM card in Mobilis by OPT-NC stores + select airports (resellers)) or go through self-registration on the mobile operators' websites.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy an New Caledonian SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a New Caledonian SIM card in OPT's official stores and partner stores. Some airports may sell (tourist) SIM cards (at higher prices).
You can expect to pay the following for New Caledonian SIM cards:
- Mobilis by OPT-NC: 6000 XPF
The following New Caledonian mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Mobilis by OPT-NC: 3000 XPF
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date XPF (French Pacific Franc) to your currency (let's say NZD – New Zealand Dollar) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between XPF and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 XFP = 0.090 USD
- 10 XFP = 0.90 USD
- 100 XFP = 0.90 USD
- 1000 XFP = 8.95 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
New Caledonian Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Mobilis by OPT-NC and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what New Caledonian mobile operators can offer us.
Mobilis by OPT-NC
Mobilis by OPT-NC (Office des Postes et Télécommunications de Nouvelle-Calédonie), just Mobilis – not to be confused with Mobilis in Algeria, is the sole mobile operator in New Caledonia.
Mobilis uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz (to be phased out in 2023)
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 Mhz (Band 20), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
This is what you will learn about Mobilis:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Mobilis SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Mobilis by OPT-NC
Mobilis has extensive coverage throughout New Caledonia.
Below is Mobilis's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Mobilis's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Mobilis by OPT-NC
You can get a Mobilis SIM card, called Kit Prépayé Liberté, for 6000 XPF with 3000 XPF in credit in Mobilis/OPT-NC stores and Mobilis partner stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Nouméa – La Tontouta International Airport.
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Mobilis Tourism Card – Mobilis' tourist SIM card. For 3000 XPF, you will get 1500 XPF in credit. The SIM card is valid for 3 months, and exclusive Internet Mobile à la Demande (Mobile Internet on Demand) plans can be added.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Mobilis by OPT-NC
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Mobilis by OPT-NC
Mobilis has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Internet Mobile à la Demande/Mobile Internet on Demand (data)
- Internet Mobile à la Demande Tourism Card/Tourism Card Mobile Internet On Demand (data)
- Internet Mobile 4G (data add-ons)
I will list all the prices in XPF (French Pacific Franc).
To convert XPF to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Internet Mobile à la Demande (Mobile Internet on Demand) – Mobilis by OPT-NC
The Internet Mobile à la Demande (Mobile Internet on Demand) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
The following Internet Mobile à la Demande plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 XPF | 1h d'internet | “Unlimited” 1 | 1 hour | IMD to 1110 |
| 400 XPF | 24h d'internet | “Unlimited” 1 | 24 hours | IMD to 1111 |
1 undisclosed fair use policy
Internet Mobile à la Demande Tourism Card (Tourism Card Mobile Internet On Demand) – Mobilis by OPT-NC
The Internet Mobile à la Demande Tourism Card (Tourism Card Mobile Internet On Demand) are data plans (without 5G NR access) exclusively to the Mobilis Tourism Card.
The following Internet Mobile à la Demande Tourism Card plans are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 XPF | 250 MB | 3 days | IM to 1101 |
| 900 XPF | 500 MB | 5 days | IM to 1102 |
| 1500 XPF | 1 GB | 7 days | IM to 1103 |
| 2000 XPF | 2 GB | 10 days | IM to 1104 |
Internet Mobile 4G – Mobilis by OPT-NC
The Internet Mobile 4G are data add-ons (without 5G NR access). They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Text the Activation Code to 1088 to activate Internet Mobile 4G:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 XPF | 1 GB | 30 days | IM 1 GO |
| 2968 XPF | 5 GB | 30 days | IM 5 GO |
| 4558 XPF | 25 GB | 30 days | IM 25 GO |
| 7208 XPF | 50 GB | 30 days | IM 50 GO |
| 10 918 XPF | 100 GB | 30 days | IM 100 GO |
APN/Internet Settings – Mobilis by OPT-NC
- Name: OPT
- APN: IM
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in New Caledonia
Getting a SIM card from Mobilis would be your
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.
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