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 (1.75 USD) from Digicel and 250 VUV (2.20 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: 26th of May 2022.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Vanuatu?
Anyone is allowed to buy a Vanuatuan SIM card, including tourists and visitors, from Digicel and Vodafone (formerly TVL) without restrictions.
Your phone has to support the frequencies used in Vanuatu.
Furthermore, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a Vanuatuan SIM card.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Vanuatu?
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. They are also sold at Port Vila-Bauerfield International Airport (VLI).
You can expect to pay the following for Vanuatuan SIM cards:
- Digicel Vanuatu: 200 VUV (promotional pricing), else 500 VUV
- Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL): 250 VUV
The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
For up-to-date VUV:your currency (let's say AUD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- 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)
Can You Use Your Phone in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Vanuatu. 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 Vanuatu, 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 Vanuatu.
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 Vanuatu 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 Vanuatu (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE .
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has two mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Digicel Vanuatu
- Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
The following frequencies are used in Vanuatu:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Vanuatu, 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.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Vanuatu
VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) is not available in Vanuatu – the same counts for VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling).
This means that your phone will downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Vanuatu (unlike mobile operators that do support VoLTE – then you can still use 4G/LTE while calling).
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Vanuatu
5G NR is not available in Vanuatu as of 2022 and the Vanuatuan government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
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.
- Find out about the best local SIM cards in every country (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration in Vanuatu
SIM card registration, with the use of your personal information (such as your passport), is not required when buying a SIM card in Vanuatu.
- Find out which countries have a SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Vanuatu Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Being redone.
Currency in Vanuatu
Vanuatu use the Vanuatu Vatu with the symbol VUV (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as VT. For example, 25 VUV = 25 VT.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between VUV and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 VUV = 0.01 USD
- 10 VUV = 0.10 USD
- 100 VUV = 0.90 USD
- 1000 VUV = 8.70 USD
- 10 000 VUV = 87.30 USD
For up-to-date VUV:your currency (let's say AUD – Australian Dollar) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
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!
Vanuatuan Prepaid SIM Cards
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)
With that being said, let’s see what Vanuatu has to offer to 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 (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.
My preferred eSIM providers, Airalo and Nomad, do not have eSIMs for Vanuatu.
Others claim to cover Tuvalu at ridiculous prices 😔.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Digicel.
Digicel SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 120 days (no top-up for 120 days or no activity for 120 days).
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 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 | Listen More (Music) Data | Listen More (Radio) Data | Watch More Data | Share More Data | Know More Data | Store More Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 VUV | 100 MB | 350 MB | 350 MB | 350 MB | 350 MB | 350 MB | 350 MB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 3 hours |
| 125 VUV | 125 MB | 500 MB | 500 MB | 500 MB | 500 MB | 500 MB | 500 MB | 75 minutes | 75 SMS | 1 day |
| 250 VUV | 350 MB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 350 minutes | 350 SMS | 3 days |
| 550 VUV | 1250 MB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 800 minutes | 1500 SMS | 7 days |
| 750 VUV | 2000 MB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 1000 minutes | 2000 SMS | 7 days |
| 1100 VUV | 3000 MB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 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 suggests, 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 |
| 125 VUV | 600 MB | 24 hours |
| 175 VUV | 1 GB | 24 hours |
| 300 VUV | 1.5 GB | 3 days |
| 500 VUV | 2.5 GB | 7 days |
| 600 VUV | 3 GB | 7 days |
| 1000 VUV | 6 GB | 30 days |
| 1200 VUV | 8 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:
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.
My preferred eSIM providers, Airalo and Nomad, do not have eSIMs for Vanuatu.
Others claim to cover Tuvalu at ridiculous prices 😔.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor 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 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 | 50 MB | 25 minutes | 50 SMS | 3 hours | Pass All50 |
| 100 VUV | 50 MB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 1 day | Pass All100 |
| 150 VUV | 90 MB | 90 minutes | 90 SMS | 1 day | Pass All150 |
| 250 VUV | 350 MB | 350 minutes | 350 SMS | 3 days | Pass All250 |
| 500 VUV | 600 MB | 750 minutes | 1500 SMS | 7 days | Pass All500 |
| 1000 VUV | 900 MB | 1600 minutes | 3000 SMS | 7 days | Pass All1000 |
WAO! Data Plans – Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly TVL)
The WAO! Data Plans are, as the name suggests, 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 | 300 MB 1 | N/A | 3 hours | BUY WAO50 |
| 60 VUV | WAO 600 | 400 MB | N/A | 3 hours | BUY WAO600 |
| 125 VUV | WAO 135 | 500 MB | 100 MB (2 hours) | 24 hours | Buy WAO125 |
| 400 VUV | WAO 400 | 1.5 GB | 200 MB (2 hours) | 3 days | BUY WAO400 |
| 400 VUV | WAO Night 400 | 4.5 GB | 500 MB (2 hours) | 7 nights (23:00 – 7:00) | BUY WAONIG400 |
| 600 VUV | WAO 600 | 2.5 GB | 300 MB (2 hours) | 7 days | BUY WAO600 |
| 1000 VUV | WAO 1000 | 5.5 GB | 400 MB (2 hours) | 25 days | BUY WAO1000 |
| 3000 VUV | WAO 3000 | 18 GB | 500 MB (2 hours) | 25 days | BUY WAO3000 |
| 10 000 VUV | WAO 10 000 | 65 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.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Vanuatu
Getting a Vanuatuan SIM card is the best way to stay connected in the country.
But sometimes, getting a local SIM card is not possible.
Perhaps you have a SIM-lock phone.
Maybe the mobile operator you prefer to go with does not support the frequencies your phone uses, or you cannot be bothered to deal with SIM card registration in every country you are visiting.
Luckily, there are other ways to get online when in Vanuatu.
However, these methods may be more expensive than getting a SIM card from the local mobile operators.
International Roaming
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 Vanuatu 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 – they are not available on every corner in Vanuatu.
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 Vanuatu
Getting a SIM card from – would do you well when considering a Vanuatuan SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other Oceanian Countries
Visiting other countries in Oceania? Check out my Oceania SIM card buying guide, covering other Oceanian 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:
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Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
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