The Maldives – known for their pristine beaches, resorts & fantastic weather.
Because of all these factors, the Maldives is a popular travel destination for those experiencing (a cold) winter(s) in the Northern Hemisphere.
But is laying on the beach the only thing you can do in the Maldives?
No… but also yes.
While there are some museums to see, malls to explore & markets to stroll through, the Maldives is a true beach-life destination.
Oh, the nightlife is fantastic too – so you have got that going too.
What is not fantastic is that the Maldives is an expensive travel destination.
While the resorts are next-level, the prices can be out of the world too.
So any way to save some money is always a good thing, such as using a local SIM card.
Local SIM cards, and local rates, are almost always cheaper than international roaming.
Luckily, the costs of SIM cards in the Maldives are low.
You can get a Maldivian SIM card for 30 MVR (2 USD) with 20 MVR (1.30 USD) credit from both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. They also sell tourist SIM cards with generous starter packs from 11 USD to 50 USD at Malé-Velana International Airport and some regular Dhiraagu and Ooredoo stores.
Yes, those tourist SIM cards do sound expensive. But you always get data with them.
Most include data and SMS. So it is not just 50 USD for a SIM card. That is some Diego Garcia type of scam.
Is there a lot to know about Maldavian SIM cards with just two mobile operators?
Yes, and that is why I wrote this guide.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in the Maldives. Let's do this.
Original publication: 21st of February 2020. Last updated: 15th of December 2021.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in the Maldives?
Anyone living in or visiting the Maldives can buy a Maldavian SIM card from Dhiraagu and Ooredoo without restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in the Maldives).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in the Maldives?
You can get a Maldivian SIM card in Dhiraagu and Ooredoo stores. They are also available at Malé-Velana International Airport.
You can expect to pay the following for Maldivian SIM cards:
- Dhiraagu: 30 MVR with 20 MVR credit
- Ooredoo Maldives: 30 MVR with 20 MVR credit
The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targetting tourists:
- Dhiraagu: 11 USD (Lite Traveler), 15 USD (Traveler Starter), 20 USD (Traveler Basic), 35 USD (Traveler Plus) & 50 USD (Traveler Premium)
- Ooredoo Maldives: 537 MVR/35 USD & 818 MVR/50 USD (airport & regular Ooredoo stores – Tourist Plans) + 15 USD, 20 USD, 30 USD & 50 USD (airport SIM cards)
Can You Use Your Phone in the Maldives?
The Maldives uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in the Maldives. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in the Maldives, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American Frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in the Maldives.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in the Maldives or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in the Maldives (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE (and soon 5G NR).
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in the Maldives
The Maldives has two mobile operators:
- Dhiraagu (Dhivehi Raajjeygé Gulhun)
- Ooredoo Maldives
The following frequencies are used in the Maldives:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in the Maldives, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in the Maldives
Commercial 5G NR has been available in the Maldives since 2019. It is available on the Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Malvives network. However, 5G NR reception is still limited as of 2022.
Best SIM Card in the Maldives
If you want to buy the best SIM card in the Maldives, I recommend going with Dhiraagu. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds. It also has more choice in plans.
Best eSIM in the Maldives
Both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives offer eSIM (to prepaid customers).
Ooredoo Maldives, through Airalo, allows you to order your eSIM before you even step afoot in the Maldives.
You can get the Ooredoo Maldives 17 GB of data for 30 USD eSIM or the Ooredoo Maldives 30 GB of data for 50 USD eSIM.
Skip the queues and order your Maldives eSIM at home!
SIM Card Registration in the Maldives
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in the Maldives. It will be done at the point of sale.
Note that SIM card registration also applies when you get the Ooredoo Maldives SIM card through Airalo.
(Tourist) Goods and Services (GST) Tax in the Maldives
In the Maldives, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not always inclusive of the advertised prices.
This applies to mobile services too.
Currently, the GST rate is 6%, meaning a 100 MVR top-up will cost you 106 MVR.
However, there is a special tax rate for tourists. At least, if you buy something in a tourist establishment.
If you buy anything, including SIM cards and top-ups, at a tourist establishment, the GST rate is 12% instead of 6%.
This means a 100 MVR top-up will cost you 112 MVR.
So yeah, get your SIM card from the most remote place far away from other tourists as possible 😂.
The Maldives Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
The Maldives is probably the most expensive travel destination in South Asia.
The country is known for its exotic high-end resorts, so you better save some good money before heading to the Maldives.
Usually, this also means that the cost of mobile data is high, especially because the Maldives is a (remote) island nation.
Surprisingly, the costs are not too high, but higher than the regional average.
The average price for 1 GB of data in the Maldives is 3.24 USD, above the Asian average of 1.79 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
When looking at the countries above, the Maldives is the fifth most expensive country for mobile data in Asia.
But… the prices are quite reasonable for Maldivian standards.
Especially when you see the mobile data speeds the country has to offer.
Is mobile data fast in the Maldives?
Yes, it is. The 6th fastest in Asia (excluding the Middle East).
The Maldives' median mobile download speed is around 48 Mbps, close to double the global median.
Within a year, the median download speed went from 29 Mbps to 48 Mbps in the Maldives, which is excellent.
Again, the Maldives consists of several islands at least 750 kilometers away from mainland Asia.
Oh, and you are better off using 4G/LTE in the Maldives than using your hotel's or resort's WIFI.
Not only are those slow, but some have the audacity to charge you 10 USD or 20 USD (not MVR – USD) a day to access their WIFI.
Daylight robbery – that is for sure.
With low SIM card prices, extensive nationwide coverage, fast mobile download speeds, and reasonable mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in the Maldives.
Currency in the Maldives
The Maldives use the Maldivian Rufiyaa with the symbol MVR (which will be used throughout this article).
However, prices are often listed as MRF, Rf, /-, or ރ. For example, 25 MVR = MRF, Rf, /-, ރ 25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between MVR and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 MVR = 0.06 USD
- 10 MVR = 0.65 USD
- 100 MVR = 6.50 USD
- 1000 MVR = 64.70 USD
- 10 000 MVR = 647.40 USD
For up-to-date MVR:USD exchange rates, search MVR to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Maldivian Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Dhiraagu & Ooredoo Maldives, 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)
With that being said, let’s see what the Maldives have to offer to us.
Dhiraagu (Dhivehi Raajjeygé Gulhun)
Dhiraagu, standing for Dhivehi Raajjeygé Gulhun, is the largest mobile operator in the Maldives.
It held a monopoly from 1988 to 2005 until Ooredoo entered the Maldivian telecom market.
In the past, Dhiraagu was a joint venture by the Maldivian government and Cable & Wireless.
Now, it is owned mainly by Batelco from Bahrain (52%), partially owned by the Maldivian government (42%) & some other shareholders (6%).
Dhiraagu uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Dhiraagu:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Dhiraagu SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Dhiraagu
Dhiraagu has the best coverage in the Maldives.
4G/LTE reception can be found almost anywhere – even on the smaller islands.
Below is Dhiraagu's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Dhiraagu
You can get a Dhiraagu SIM card for 30 MVR with 20 MVR credit in Dhiraagu stores. They are also available at Malé-Velana International Airport. Dhiraagu Treaveler SIM cards, for between 11 USD to 50 USD, are also available at the airport and regular Dhiraagu stores.
The following five Dhiraagu Traveler SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 USD | Lite Traveler | 100 MVR | N/A | N/A | 50 SMS | 14 days |
| 15 USD | Traveler Starter | N/A | 4 GB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 7 days |
| 20 USD | Traveler Basic | N/A | 17 GB | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 7 days |
| 35 USD | Traveler Plus | 6.50 USD | 17 GB | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | 30 days |
| 50 USD | Traveler Premium | 9.50 USD | 30 GB | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
It is also possible to get a Dhiraagu eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card or for 30 MVR if you change from a physical SIM card to an eSIM.
To use a Dhiraagu eSIM, you need to have one of the following devices:
- iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Mini
- iPhone XR/XS/XS Max
- Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+/S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Dhiraagu
Dhiraagu top-up vouchers are sold in Dhiraagu stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout the Maldives.
The following (online) top-ups are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 8 MVR – 19 MVR | 10 days |
| 20 MVR – 49 MVR | 20 days |
| 50 MVR – 99 MVR | 45 days |
| 100 MVR – 199 MVR | 90 days |
| 200 MVR – 499 MVR | 180 days |
| 500 MVR – 1000 MVR | 365 days |
To top up your Dhiraagu SIM card, dial *141*VoucherCode# or dial *123# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *141*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *200# or text BAL to 727 to check your Dhiraagu balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Dhiraagu app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Dhiraagu
Dhiraagu has eight data-featured plans:
- Sera Bangla Combo To Go (combo for Bangladeshi customers)
- Salhi Prepaid Plans (combo)
- Combo To Go Plans (combo)
- Monthly Data Plans (as the name implies)
- Mini Data Add-Ons (as the name suggests)
- Social Media Add-Ons (as the name implies)
- Perks (social data add-ons)
- Streaming Add-Ons (as the name suggests)
Most Dhiraagu plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 343.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Sera Bangla Combo To Go – Dhiraagu
The Sera Bangla Combo To Go plans are combo bundles with data, minutes to Bangladesh & SMS. These are exclusive to Bangladeshi customers.
Text the Activation Code to activate Sera Bangla Combo To Go:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net SMS | Bangladesh Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 MVR | 500 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | Add 500MB |
| 90 MVR | 1 GB | 500 MB | 50 minutes | N/A | 30 days | Add 1.5GB |
| 175 MVR | 2.5 GB | 1 GB | 125 minutes | 15 minutes | 30 days | Add 3.5GB |
| 275 MVR | 6 GB | 2 GB | 500 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 days | Add 6GB |
| 375 MVR | 13 GB | 3 GB | 500 minutes | 30 minutes | 30 days | Add 13GB |
1 for Snapchat, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp
Salhi Prepaid Plans – Dhiraagu
The Salhi Prepaid Plans are combo bundles with data and minutes.
Text the Activation Code to activate Salhi Prepaid Plans:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 MVR | Salhi Weekly | 1 GB/day (7 GB) | “Unlimited”, 45 000 minutes | 7 days | Add S1GB7 |
| 265 MVR | Salhi 2 Weeks | 1 GB/day (14 GB) | “Unlimited”, 45 000 minutes | 14 days | Add S1GB14 |
| 495 MVR | Salhi Monthly | 1 GB/day (30 GB) | “Unlimited”, 45 000 minutes | 30 days | Add S1GB30 |
Combo To Go Plans – Dhiraagu
The Combo To Go Plans are combo bundles with data, minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to activate Combo To Go:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 MVR | COMBO 4 GB | 4 GB | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | 30 days | Add CB4 |
| 350 MVR | COMBO 6 GB | 6 GB | 250 minutes | 250 SMS | 30 days | Add CB6 |
| 475 MVR | COMBO 8.5 GB | 8.5 GB | 350 minutes | 350 SMS | 30 days | Add CB8 |
| 650 MR | COMBO 12 GB | 12 GB | 500 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days | Add CB12 |
| 850 MVR | COMGO 20 GB | 20 GB | 1200 minutes | 1200 SMS | 30 days | Add CB20 |
| 1200 MVR | COMBO 34 GB | 34 GB | 2000 minutes | 2000 SMS | 30 days | Add CB34 |
Monthly Data Plans – Dhiraagu
The Monthly Data Plans are data-only bundles.
Monthly Data Plans can be activated on the Dhiraagu app:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 99 MVR | 500 MB | N/A |
| 150 MVR | 1 GB | 200 MB |
1 for Snapchat, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp
Mini Data Add-Ons – Dhiraagu
The Mini Data Add-Ons are data-only add-ons.
Text the Activation Code to activate Mini Data Add-Ons:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 MVR | Data 15 | 100 MB | N/A | 12 hours | Add Data15 |
| 30 MVR | Data 30 | 250 MB | N/A | 24 hours | Add Data30 |
| 50 MVR | Data 50 | 500 MB | 250 MB | 3 days | Add Data50 |
| 75 MVR | Data 75 | 1 GB | 500 MB | 7 days | Add Data75 |
1 for Snapchat, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp
The Social Media Add-Ons are data-only add-ons for Snapchat, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp.
Text the Activation Code to activate Social Media Add-Ons:
| Price | Social Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 MVR | 1 GB | Until add-on expires 2 | Add SM-Boost |
| 60 MVR | 2 GB | 7 days | Add SM-2GB |
| 165 MVR | 4 GB | 30 days | Add SM-4GB |
1 for Snapchat, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp
2 can only be purchased when you have an active 165 MVR 4 GB Social Media Add-on
Perks – Dhiraagu
The Perks are data-only add-ons for select apps, including Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Spotify, WeChat & WhatsApp. They can only be purchased with an active Combo To Go plan.
These Perks are available, which can be activated on the Dhiraagu app.
| Price | Plan | App Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 MVR | Chat | 1 GB 1 | Until plan expires |
| 49 MVR | Social | 1 GB 2 | Until plan expires |
| 49 MVR | Streaming | 1 GB 3 | Until plan expires |
1 for Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp
2 for Snapchat
3 for Amazon Prime Video, Dhiraagu Play, Dhiraagu TV, Netflix & Spotify
Streaming Add-Ons – Dhiraagu
The Streaming Add-Ons are data-only add-ons for Amazon Prime Video, Dhiraagu Play, Dhiraagu TV, Netflix, Spotify & TikTok.
Text the Activation Code to activate Streaming Add-Ons:
| Price | Streaming Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 MVR | 4 GB | 5 days | Add STR-4GB |
| 250 MVR | 5 GB | 30 days | Add STR-5GB |
| 500 MVR | 15 GB | 30 days | Add STR-15GB |
1 for Amazon Prime Video, Dhiraagu Play, Dhiraagu TV, Netflix, Spotify & TikTok
APN/Internet Settings – Dhiraagu
- Name: Dhiraagu
- APN: internet.dhimobile
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Ooredoo Maldives
Ooredoo Maldives, just Ooredoo, is the other mobile operator in the Maldives.
It was the first mobile operator to introduce 3G and 4G/LTE in the country.
Ooredoo, as a company, is active in Northern Africa, Southeast Asia & the Middle East.
Ooredoo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 12 and/or Band 28), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Ooredoo:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Ooredoo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Ooredoo Maldives
Ooredoo has extensive coverage throughout the Maldives.
Reception on the smaller islands may not be as strong as on the bigger ones.
Below is Ooredoo's coverage map:
Here is a coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Ooredoo Maldives
You can get an Ooredoo SIM card for 30 MVR with 20 MVR credit in Ooredoo stores and partner stores. Ooredoo Tourist Packs, for between 15 USD to 50 USD, are also available at Malé-Velana International Airport.
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Ooredoo Tourist Packs SIM – Ooredoo's tourist offering.
You actually have two versions. The ones only sold at Malé-Velana International Airport (which I call airport SIM cards) and the regular Tourist Packs.
The following Airport SIM cards are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 15 USD | 4 GB | Unknown |
| 20 USD | 17 GB | Unknown |
| 30 USD | 17 GB | 30 days |
| 50 USD | 30 GB | 30 days |
If you are a tourist from China and get a 15 USD or 30 USD airport SIM card, you also get unlimited Baidu and WeChat data.
If you are a tourist from India and get a 15 USD or 30 USD airport SIM cards, you also get unlimited Google and WhatsApp data.
Then you also have the regular Tourist Packs, which are sold at Malé-Velana International Airport, Ooredoo stores & partner stores:
| Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 537 MVR/35 USD | Tourist Plan $35 | 100 MVR | 17 GB | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | 30 days |
| 818 MVR/50 USD | Tourist Plan $50 | 150 MVR | 30 GB | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
It is also possible to get an Ooredoo eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
To use an Ooredoo eSIM, you need to have one of the following devices:
- Google Pixel 3/4/5
- iPhone 12
- iPhone SE
- iPhone XR
- Samsung Galaxy Note S20/S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20
Note that Ooredoo offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFI (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Ooredoo Maldives
Ooredoo top-up vouchers are sold in Ooredoo stores, partner stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout the Maldives.
To top up your Ooredoo SIM card, dial *201*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *201*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *200# to check your Ooredoo balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Ooredoo MV (Android) or Ooredoo Maldives app iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Ooredoo Maldives
Ooredoo has three data-featured plans:
- Combo Packs (as the name implies)
- Aachaa (Daily) Plans (combo)
- Ooredoo Data Plans (as the name suggests).
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Combo Packs – Ooredoo Maldives
The Combo Packs are combo bundles with data and minutes.
The following Combo Packs are available, which can be activated on the Ooredoo app:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 MVR | Daily Combo | 250 MB | 250 minutes | 24 hours |
| 150 MVR | Weekly Combo | 500 MB | 500 minutes | 7 days |
Aachaa (Daily) Plans – Ooredoo Maldives
The Aachaa (Daily) Plans are combo bundles with data, minutes & SMS.
Aachaa (Daily) Plans can be activated by dialing *929*1#:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 MVR | Aachaa 7 GB Pack | 1 GB/day (7 GB) | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
| 500 MVR | Aachaa 30 GB Pack | 1 GB/day (30 GB) | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 750 MVR | Aachaa 60 GB Pack | 2 GB/day (60 GB) | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 750 MVR | Aachaa Prepaid 3M | 2.5 GB/month (7.5 GB) | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 25 minutes/month (75 minutes) | 50 SMS/monthh (150 SMS) | 3 months |
| 1500 MVR | Aachaa Prepaid 6M | 3 GB/month (18 GB) | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 50 minutes/month (300 minutes) | 100 SMS/month (600 SMS) | 6 months |
| 3000 MVR | Aachaa Prepaid 12M | 3.5 GB/month (42 GB) | “Unlimited”, 43 200 minutes | 100 minutes/month (1200 minutes) | 200 SMS/month (2400 SMS) | 12 months |
Ooredoo Data Plans – Ooredoo Maldives
The Ooredoo Data Plans are, as the name suggests, data-only bundles.
These Ooredoo Data Plans are available, which can be activated on the Ooredoo app:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 MVR | Daily 100 MB | 100 MB | Until midnight |
| 25 MVR | Daily 250 MB | 250 MB | 24 hours |
| 50 MVR | Daily 2 GB | 2 GB | 24 hours |
| 100 MVR | Weekly 5 GB | 5 GB | 7 days |
| 125 MVR | Data 125 | 1.3 GB | 30 days |
| 175 MVR | Weekly 10 GB | 10 GB | 7 days |
| 200 MVR | Data 200 | 2.5 GB | 30 days |
| 350 MVR | Data 350 | 7 GB | 30 days |
| 500 MVR | Data 500 | 12 GB | 30 days |
| 660 MVR | Data 660 | 18 GB | 30 days |
| 880 MVR | Data 880 | 25 GB | 30 days |
| 1100 MVR | Data 1100 | 40 GB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Ooredoo Maldives
- Name: OoredooData
- APN: OoredooData
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in the Maldives
I would highly encourage anyone visiting the Maldives to get themselves a Maldivian SIM card – you will be saving a lot of money when you do so.
However, for some, getting a Maldivian SIM card is not an option.
For example, your device may be SIM-locked, meaning that you cannot use any other SIM card other than the SIM card provided by your operator.
There are other ways to stay online while in the Maldives, but they may not be cheap.
International Roaming
International roaming is the most convenient way to stay connected when traveling in other countries because you do not have to buy a new SIM card, have to deal with SIM card registration regulations, nor have multiple phone numbers to deal with.
However, international roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases, especially compared to buying local SIM cards.
That is why many travelers are not fond of international roaming.
International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works. This in-depth guide explains it all.
Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for the Maldives here.
Using an International SIM Card or Travel SIM Card
International SIM cards are SIM cards made for the traveler in mind. Using them is often cheaper than international roaming.
However, they are almost always more expensive than using a local SIM card.
There are many other advantages and disadvantages of getting international SIM cards, which you can learn about here.
Using a Mobile Hotspot (Pocket WIFI)
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local mobile operators of the country you are visiting.
Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Using Free WIFI Networks
Using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free.
The major downside of trying to use WIFI hotspots is that you will have to locate them, and they are not available on every corner in the Maldives.
Make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in the Maldives
Getting a SIM card from Dhiraagu would do you well when considering a Maldivian SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Asian Countries
Visiting other countries in Asia? Check out my SIM card buying guides for individual Asian countries:
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:
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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, and 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
Sign up for my newsletter: Get an excel sheet of the best SIM cards of over 230+ destinations around the world! Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on how to save 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!