Vanuatu consists of around 80 islands that stretch over 1300 kilometers (808 miles) in the South Pacific Ocean. The island nation is often visited for scuba diving. Besides that, the local markets in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, are something you have to experience. And, of course, there are too many beaches to mention, but Espiritu Santo, Efate, and Luganville have lovely beaches. You will not be bored when exploring Vanuatu.
What also will not bore you is getting back home to an expensive roaming bill. Roaming with your provider can be expensive in many cases, which is why many travelers want to buy a SIM card in Vanuatu. In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Vanuatu. Let's go.
Telecom Providers in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has 2 telecom providers: Digicel Vanuatu and TVL. Both operators have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks.
Best SIM Card in Vanuatu
If you want to buy a SIM card in Vanuatu, I would recommend going with Digicel Vanuatu because they have the best network in Vanuatu. You can also try out TVL’s new network, which is much better than before their upgrade.
Like most other nations in Oceania, you do not have to show your passport when buying a SIM card in Vanuatu.
There is not that much to say about Digicel Vanuatu and TVL, so let’s dive right into it.
Digicel Vanuatu
Digicel Vanuatu, just Digicel, is the largest operator of Vanuatu. At one point, they managed to reach a market share of 90%, although these figures may have changed over the years. Either way, Digicel has the best network and speeds on the island nation.
Digicel SIM cards are sold in Digicel stores and at Bauerfield International Airport. When buying a Digicel SIM card, specifically ask for a 4G card if you want to use Digicel’s 4G/LTE network. The SIM cards are sold for 1000 VUV ($8.60) and come with 1000 VUV in credit. Topping up can be done in stores or online.
The following Digicel data packs can be added:
- 25 VUV: 100 MB for 1 hour
- 50 VUV: 50 MB for 24 hours
- 150 VUV: 100 MB and unlimited Facebook for 24 hours
- 200 VUV: 700 MB from 10 PM until 6 AM (one time)
- 200 VUV: 200 MB for 7 days
- 500 VUV: 500 MB for 14 days
- 700 VUV: 500 MB and unlimited Facebook for 7 days
- 1000 VUV: 1 GB for 30 days
- 3500 VUV: 3 GB and unlimited Facebook for 30 days
- 4500 VUV: 4.5 GB for 30 days
- 6500 VUV: 7 GB for 30 days
TVL
TVL, also known as Telecom Vanuatu, used to the only operator on Vanuatu until Digicel came to compete. Since then, TVL has lost most of its customers to Digicel because their connections were slow and unreliable.
Although TVL is not the largest mobile operator anymore, they still do have a monopoly on broadband access, which is why they are still in the cellular business.
When TVL launched its 4G/LTE network in 2017, its network improved by a lot, making them an interesting choice for customers again. Additionally, the company has been upgrading its unreliable and slow 2G and 3G networks as well.
TVL SIM cards are sold for 250 VUV in TVL stores and at Bauerfield International Airport. They come with 400 VUV in credit upon purchase. The following data packs can be purchased:
- 50 VUV: 200 MB for 3 hours
- 100 VUV: 150 MB for 24 hours
- 200 VUV: 300 MB and unlimited Facebook for 24 hours
- 300 VUV: 500 MB for 7 days
- 400 VUV: 2 GB for 7 nights (from 8 PM until 6 AM)
- 500 VUV: 850 MB and unlimited Facebook for 7 days
- 700 VUV: 700 MB and unlimited Facebook for 14 days
- 1000 VUV: 1 GB, 750 MB for at night* and unlimited Facebook for 30 days
- 2000 VUV: 3.5 GB, 1.75 GB for at night * and unlimited Facebook for 30 days
Nighttime data can be used between 12 AM and 6 AM.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Vanuatu
Being redone.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Vanuatu
Getting a SIM card from Digicel would do you well when considering a Vanuatuan 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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