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 (1.65 USD) from Digicel and 250 VUV (2.05 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: 1st of October 2023.
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 easily accessible to travelers:
- 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 Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
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.
Best eSIM in Vanuatu
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Vanuatu (yet).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Vanuatu.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the three best eSIMs for Vanuatu:
- Holafly Vanuatu eSIM with one 6 GB option (most generous data plan – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
- Nomad Vanuatu eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (most eSIM options – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
- Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global) with 12 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (extensive global coverage (130+ countries) at attractive prices) + ability to make and receive calls & send and receive SMS (new) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover(+) (Global) eSIM review too!
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Vanuatu, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Vanuatu, you better check out my Vanuatu eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
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 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 = 0.010 USD
- 10 VUV = 0.10 USD
- 100 VUV = 0.85 USD
- 1000 VUV = 8.20 USD
- 10 000 VUV = 81.95 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 Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
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 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.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Vanuatu without personal detail capturing, you can get the Holafly eSIM.
You can get Vanuatu eSIMs from Holafly. You have this seven option:
- Vanuatu 2.50 GB eSIM for 5 days (new)
- Vanuatu 3.50 GB eSIM for 7 days (new)
- Vanuatu 5 GB eSIM for 10 days (new)
- Vanuatu 7.50 GB eSIM for 15 days (new)
- Vanuatu 10 GB eSIM for 20 days (new)
- Vanuatu 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (new)
Vanuatu 6 GB eSIM for 15 days
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
You can also get Vanuatu eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!
But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those codes instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.
- Check out my Nomad reviews
TIP: check out my Best Vanuatu eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Vanuatu, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
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.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Vanuatu without personal detail capturing, you can get the Holafly eSIM.
You can get Vanuatu eSIMs from Holafly. You have this seven options:
- Vanuatu 2.50 GB eSIM for 5 days (new)
- Vanuatu 3.50 GB eSIM for 7 days (new)
- Vanuatu 5 GB eSIM for 10 days (new)
- Vanuatu 7.50 GB eSIM for 15 days (new)
- Vanuatu 10 GB eSIM for 20 days (new)
- Vanuatu 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (new)
Vanuatu 6 GB eSIM for 15 days
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
You can also get Vanuatu eSIMs from Nomad (from 1 GB/7 days to 5 GB/30 days).
Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off (even on top of (some) ongoing promotions)!
But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those codes instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.
- Check out my Nomad reviews
TIP: check out my Best Vanuatu eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Vanuatu, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
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.
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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