Isle of Man: Buy the Best SIM Cards | 2024 Guide

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: 16th of October 2023.

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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

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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.

You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Isle of Man, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Manx Telecom.

Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported European countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).

In my Isle of Man eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

But I will introduce them here quickly:

• Airalo: Islenet (Isle of Man only), Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
• Alosim: Isle of Man – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
• Holafly: Isle of Man – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
• Nomad: Isle of Man, Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

Once again, check out my Isle of Man eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

For now, I will continue with Manx Telecom.

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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.

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Isle of Man, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Sure Telecom (in some cases).

Especially when getting a Europe-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Isle of Man or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.

My Isle of Man eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Here is a quick introduction to them:

• Airalo: Islenet (Isle of Man only), Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
• Alosim: Isle of Man & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
• Holafly: Isle of Man & Europe (32 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data + calling feature – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
• Nomad: Isle of Man, Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Isle of Man eSIM buying guide.

But let's continue with Sure Telecom for now.

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.