The Isle of Man is home to the Manx cat, which is a unique type of cat with short or no tails. They are quite interesting, I would say.
What can you do in the Isle of Man? There are plenty of castles to explore, like the Peel Castle and Castle Rushen. Snaefell is a mountain that has a cable car to the top, and the Calf of Man is popular for boats. Also, you certainly have to visit the Manx Museum. The Isle of Man is a great adventure destination.
You probably want to share your Isle of Man experiences online, but roaming with your provider can be expensive in many cases. A local SIM card, like a Manx one, can be a cost-effective way to stay connected while in the Isle of Man.
In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in the Isle of Man. Let's get started.
Original publication: 23rd of May 2020. Last updated: 12th of March 2023.
Table of Contents
Telecom Providers in the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man has 2 telecom providers:
- Manx Telecom
- Sure Telecom Isle of Man
Both operators have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks.
Best SIM Card in the Isle of Man
If you want to buy a SIM card in the Isle of Man, I would recommend going with either Manx Telecom or Sure Telecom. Both operators have good coverage throughout the island and offer similar perks for similar prices.
SIM Card Registration Regulations in the Isle of Man
Like many countries in Western Europe, and Europe in general, you do not have to register yourself when buying a SIM card in the Isle of Man.
Some think the Isle of Man is part of the Channel Islands. That is not the case. Whereas the Channel Islands is in the English Channel, the Isle of Man is in the Irish Sea. Check the Channel Islands SIM card buying guide if you are interested in the Channel Islands.
The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency. This means that it is not a country, nor is it part of the United Kingdom. However, the island is ruled by the British monarchy.
A special reminder for those from the EU/EEA: The Isle of Man is not part of the EU or EEA, which means that the Roam like Home rule does not apply in the Isle of Man. Therefore, it is recommended that European citizens with EU SIM cards buy a Manx SIM card instead of roaming with their providers. Some providers, however, offer free roaming in the Isle of Man, but this is not the case for all. Be sure to check your provider’s site to learn whether you can roam for free or not.
Do note that using your Manx SIM card when in the United Kingdom is treated as roaming by both Manx Telecom and Sure Telecom Isle of Man. It is, therefore, recommended to turn off data roaming when in the United Kingdom, and even turn off regular data if not planning on roaming.
The country code in the United Kingdom is +44, which is also used in the Isle of Man. Some phones may consider British networks as a local network while using a Manx SIM card, which could result in roaming charges. That is why it is also recommended to turn off normal mobile data when not planning on roaming with a Manx SIM card.
With that being said, let’s see what Manx Telecom and Sure Telecom Isle of Man have to offer to us.
Manx Telecom
Manx Telecom is the largest operator in the Isle of Man. They have good coverage throughout the island.
SIM Card Price – Manx Telecom
Manx Telecom Pay-as-you-go SIM cards are sold for 5 GBP, with 5 GBP in credit, in the Manx Telecom store on Strand Street, Douglas.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Isle of Man without personal detail capturing, you can get Isle of Man Islenet eSIMs from Airalo (four options):
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days
- 10 GB/30 days– most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
If you plan on visiting other countries in Europe and others in other regions or continents, consider the Nomad Global eSIM to be used in 110 countries worldwide with three variants:
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Isle of Man.
You can read about them in my Best Isle of Man eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
You can also get the SIM card at the information desk at Isle of Man Airport and from other retailers. Ask for their 4G SIM card when planning on using their 4G/LTE network.
Manx Telecom Pay-As-You-Go (prepaid) top-up vouchers are sold for 5 GBP, 10 GBP, and 20 GBP in many stores throughout the Isle of Man. To top-up, dial *142*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, then you would dial *142*123456#.
Manx Telecom does not really have data packs. Instead, you get perks for each top-up. The following 3 top-up perks are available:
- 5 GBP: 5 GB for 7 days, 200 local minutes and SMS for 7 days, and 5 GBP credit for 90 days
- 10 GBP: 1 GB for 14 days, 1 GB UK roaming for 14 days, 500 local minutes and SMS for 14 days, and 10 GBP credit for 90 days
- 20 GBP: 20 GB for 30 days, 2 GB UK roaming for 30 days, 10 000 local minutes and SMS for 30 days, and 20 GBP credit for 90 days
Moreover, incoming calls are free when in the Channel Islands, in Ireland, or in the United Kingdom. You also get access to Manx WIFI for free.
Sure Telecom Isle of Man
Sure Telecom Isle of Man, just Sure Telecom, is Manx Telecom’s rival on the Isle of Man.
SIM Card Price – Sure Telecom
Sure Telecom has 2 Pay-As-You-Go (prepaid) SIM cards, which are both sold for 5 GBP in Sure stores (Strand Street, Douglas and Orchard Walk, Port Erin) and at other retailers.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Isle of Man without personal detail capturing, you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (seven options):
- Unlimited/7 days
- Unlimited/10 days
- Unlimited/15 days
- Unlimited/20 days
- Unlimited/30 days
- Unlimited/60 days
- Unlimited/90 days
The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.
If you plan on visiting other countries in Europe and others in other regions or continents, consider the Nomad Global eSIM to be used in 110 countries worldwide with three variants:
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7th of February.
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Isle of Man.
You can read about them in my Best Isle of Man eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Officially, the Sure SIM cards are free, but they require a 5 GBP top up to be activated. The 2 prepaid SIM card variants are:
- Classic
- Rewards
The Classic SIM card does not have any (data) bundles and will charge you 0.05 GBP per minute, SMS, or MB (or 51.20 GBP/GB). The Rewards SIM card does come with data packs, which is why I recommend them over the Classic SIM card.
Sure Telecom has 3 bundles with their Rewards plan:
- 5 GBP: 5 GB, 500 minutes, and 500 SMS for 7 days
- 10 GBP: 10 GB, 1000 minutes, and 1000 SMS + 1 GB, 100 minutes, and 100 SMS when roaming in Zone 1 destinations for 14 days
- 20 GBP: 20 GB, 10 000 minutes, and 10 000 SMS + 2 GB, 200 minutes, and 200 SMS when roaming in Zone 1 destinations for 30 days
Zone 1 destinations are: Guernsey, Ireland, Jersey, and the United Kingdom
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in the Isle of Man
Getting a SIM card from either Manx Telecom or Sure Telecom would do you well when considering a Manx SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other European Countries
Visiting other countries in Europe? Check out my Europe SIM card buying guide, covering other European nations, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!