Vanuatu – known for being a diving hotspot, stunning beaches & a shipwreck.
Yes – that is true. A luxury liner sank near Espiritu Santo.
The country is always in the top five happiest countries on the Happy Planet Index.
So, what can you do in Vanuatu? Honestly, just chill.
You can just spend your time at the beach taking in the sun.
If you are into volcanoes, Mount Yasur can be an interesting hike.
And you can also stay in your resort – the country has plenty of them.
As you can see, there is no reason to be bored in Vanuatu.
But you should know that Vanuatu is not cheap. Far from it.
And you could make your experience much more expensive by roaming in Vanuatu.
You are better off getting local SIM cards, like a Vanuatuan one, to enjoy local rates, which are almost always better than international roaming.
Luckily, Vanuatuan SIM cards are available to travelers too.
So, how expensive are SIM cards in Vanuatu?
You can get a Vanuatuan SIM card for 200 VUV (1.70 USD) from Digicel and 250 VUV (2.10 USD) from Vodafone (formerly TVL) in their stores or from resellers, like convenience stores and kiosks. SIM cards are also sold at Port Vila-Bauerfield International Airport (VLI).
Those prices are not too bad! They used to be much worse until a submarine cable was installed to Vanuatu.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Vanuatu. Let's do this.
Original publication: 19th of January 2020. Last updated: 14th of January 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Vanuatu?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Vanuatu, I recommend going with Digicel or Vodafone (formerly TVL). The difference between the two networks has become minimal in recent years. Digicel has attractive plans with dedicated data allowances for Digicel apps. Vodafone has generous data allowances.
Vanuatu has two mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Digicel Vanuatu
- Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
Anyone is allowed to buy a Vanuatuan SIM card, including tourists and visitors, from Digicel and Vodafone (formerly TVL) without restrictions.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Vanuatuan SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a Vanuatuan SIM card in Digicel and Vodafone (formerly TVL) stores. Resellers, like post offices, newsstands & grocery stores, also sell SIM cards. Some airports may sell (tourist) SIM cards (at higher prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Vanuatuan SIM cards:
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 VUV (Vanuatu Vatu) to your currency (let's say NZD – New Zealand Dollar) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between VUV and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 VUV = 0.010 USD
- 10 VUV = 0.10 USD
- 100 VUV = 0.85 USD
- 1000 VUV = 8.40 USD
- 10 000 VUV = 84.25 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Vanuatu
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Vanuatuan eSIM, you are out of luck because the mobile operators do not sell them (to prepaid customers).
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Vanuatu.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Vanuatu and even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Vanuatu eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Vanuatu travel eSIM options:
Use these discount codes when getting one of these travel eSIMs:
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Vanuatu eSIM buying guide.
Vanuatuan Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Digicel Vanuatu & Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL), 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 Vanuatuan mobile operators can offer us.
Digicel Vanuatu
Digicel Vanuatu, just Digicel, is the largest mobile operator in Vanuatu.
It dominated the Vanuatuan telecom market until Vodafone Vanuatu purchased TVL.
Since then, Vodafone Vanuatu has made an impressive comeback, threatening Digicel's monopoly.
For now, it does not have to worry that much… unless it does not innovate.
Digicel, as a company, is active in the Caribbean nations, Central America & Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Digicel Vanuatu
Digicel has extensive coverage in the populated areas in Vanuatu.
The islands with the best 3G and 4G/LTE coverage are Efate, Erromango, Espiritu Santo & Malakula.
The other islands have 2G coverage if you are lucky.
Below is Digicel's coverage map produced by Speedtest (although it is not as accurate as it should be):
SIM Card Price – Digicel Vanuatu
You can get a Digicel SIM card for 200 VUV with 1 GB, 6 GB for Digicel apps (1 GB/app), 100 local minutes & 100 local SMS for 3 days (promotional pricing, else 500 VUV) in Digicel stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. SIM cards are also sold at Port Vila-Bauerfield International Airport (VLI).
- 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)
You may have to dial *122# to activate your Digicel SIM card.
Digicel has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Vanuatu because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Digicel.
Especially if you get an APAC (Asia-Pacific)-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Vanuatu in my Vanuatu eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Holafly: Vanuatu – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Vanuatu, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Vanuatu eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Digicel for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Digicel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Vanuatu
Digicel top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores and partner stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *121*VoucherCode#, or dial *121# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121*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 *555# to check your Digicel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Digicel app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Vanuatu
Digicel has two data-featured prepaid plans: All In One Niufala AIO Plans (combo) & 4G Data Plans.
All Digicel plans can be activated by dialing *555# or *678#.
I will list all the prices in VUV (Vanuatu Vatu).
To convert VUV to your currency (let's say AUD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
All In One Niufala AIO Plans – Digicel Vanuatu
The All In One Niufala AIO Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
All In One Niufala AIO Plans can be activated by dialing *555# or *678#:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 VUV | 100 MB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 3 hours |
| 125 VUV | 125 MB | 75 minutes | 75 SMS | 24 hours |
| 250 VUV | 350 MB | 350 minutes | 350 SMS | 3 days |
| 550 VUV | 1250 MB | 800 minutes | 1500 SMS | 3 days |
| 750 VUV | 2000 MB | 1000 minutes | 2000 SMS | 7 days |
| 1000 VUV | 3000 MB | 1750 minutes | 3000 SMS | 7 days |
All In One Niufala AIO Plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *555#.
4G Data Plans – Digicel Vanuatu
The 4G Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
4G Data Plans can be activated by dialing *555#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 50 VUV | 350 MB | 3 hours |
| 65 VUV | 650 MB | 3 hours |
| 75 VUV | 650 MB | 3 hours |
| 125 VUV | 600 MB | 24 hours |
| 150 VUV | 700 MB | 24 hours |
| 175 VUV | 1 GB | 24 hours |
| 200 VUV | 1.5 GB | 24 hours |
| 300 VUV | 1.5 GB | 3 days |
| 500 VUV | 2.5 GB | 7 days |
| 600 VUV | 3.8 GB | 7 days |
| 1000 VUV | 6 GB | 30 days |
| 1200 VUV | 9 GB | 30 days |
| 2000 VUV | 14 GB | 30 days |
| 3000 VUV | 20 GB | 30 days |
4G Plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *555#.
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Vanuatu
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digicelpacific.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
Vodafone Vanuatu, just Vodafone and formerly TVL, is the other mobile operator in Vanuatu.
It used to have horrible service when it was still TVL.
After TVL launched 4G/LTE, things changed dramatically.
Not only did it improve its coverage, but its speeds also improved significantly.
With peak speeds of 150 Mbps download, but an average download speed of 30 Mbps, Vodafone is often faster than Digicel nowadays.
Vodafone, as a company, is active in Africa (mostly as Vodacom), Asia, Europe, the Middle East & Oceania.
Vodafone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Vodafone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
Vodafone has extensive coverage in the populated areas in Vanuatu.
The islands with the best 3G and 4G/LTE coverage are Efate, Erromango, Espiritu Santo & Malakula.
The other islands have 2G coverage if you are lucky.
Below is Vodafone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
You can get a Vodafone SIM card for 450 VUV with 200 VUV credit in Vodafone stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. SIM cards are also sold at Port Vila-Bauerfield International Airport (VLI).
- 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)
You may have to call 171 to activate your Vodafone SIM card.
Vodafone has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Vanuatu, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Vodafone.
Especially if you get an APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian and Oceanian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Vanuatu eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Holafly: Vanuatu – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Vanuatu, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Vanuatu eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Vodafone.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE no VoWiFi with Vodafone.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
Vodafone top-up vouchers are sold in Vodafone stores and partner stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
The following Vodafone top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 VUV | 5 minutes | 5 SMS | 1 day |
| 500 VUV | 10 minutes | 10 SMS | 1 day |
| 1000 VUV | 15 minutes | 15 SMS | 1 day |
| 2000 VUV | 25 minutes | 25 SMS | 1 day |
To top up your Vodafone SIM card, dial *184*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *184*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.
Dial *183# to check your Vodafone balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
Vodafone has two data-featured prepaid plans: All in Wan Plans (combo) & WAO! Data Plans.
All Vodafone plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 183.
I will list all the prices in VUV (Vanuatu Vatu).
To convert VUV to your currency (let's say AUD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
All in Wan Plans – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
The All in Wan Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
All in Wan Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 183:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 VUV | 100 MB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 3 hours | Pass All50 |
| 100 VUV | 150 MB | 65 minutes | 65 SMS | 1 day | Pass All100 |
| 150 VUV | 200 MB | 90 minutes | 90 SMS | 1 day | Pass All150 |
| 250 VUV | 400 MB | 400 minutes | 400 SMS | 3 days | Pass All250 |
| 500 VUV | 1.2 GB | 750 minutes | 1500 SMS | 7 days | Pass All500 |
| 1000 VUV | 3 GB | 1600 minutes | 3000 SMS | 7 days | Pass All1000 |
WAO! Data Plans – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
The WAO! Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
WAO! Data Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 183:
| Price | Plan | Data | Bonus Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 VUV | WAO 50 | 500 MB 1 | N/A | 3 hours | BUY WAO50 |
| 60 VUV | WAO 60 | 650 MB | N/A | 3 hours | BUY WAO60 |
| 125 VUV | WAO 125 | 750 MB | 750 MB (2 hours) | 24 hours | Buy WAO125 |
| 400 VUV | WAO 400 | 2.5 GB | 200 MB (2 hours) | 3 days | BUY WAO400 |
| 600 VUV | WAO 600 | 3.5 GB | 300 MB (2 hours) | 7 days | BUY WAO600 |
| 1000 VUV | WAO 1000 | 7 GB | 400 MB (2 hours) | 25 days | BUY WAO1000 |
| 3000 VUV | WAO 3000 | 20 GB | 500 MB (2 hours) | 25 days | BUY WAO3000 |
| 10 000 VUV | WAO 10 000 | 100 GB | 500 MB (2 hours) | 90 days | BUY WAO10000 |
1 no data rollover
Unused data will roll over for one recharge when you renew your plan before it expires.
APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
- Name: Vodafone
- APN: data.vodafone.vu
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Vanuatu
Getting a SIM card from Digicel or Vodafone (formerly TVL) would do you well when considering a Vanuatuan SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.