The Maldives, famed for its pristine beaches, is a sought-after winter destination. While offering attractions like museums and markets, it caters mainly to beach enthusiasts. Despite being costly, saving money is feasible with local SIM cards. This guide covers acquiring a Maldivian SIM card from Dhiraagu or Ooredoo comprehensively.

Acquiring a SIM Card in the Maldives

Obtaining a Maldivian SIM card from providers like Dhiraagu or Ooredoo is easily accessible for residents and travellers without strict restrictions.

• Adherence to Registration Regulations: It's essential to adhere to SIM card registration regulations when acquiring one in the Maldives, ensuring compliance with local requirements.

• Phone Compatibility: Before obtaining a Maldivian SIM card, it's crucial to check if your phone is compatible with the frequencies used in the country. Ideally, it should support all frequencies for an optimal communication experience.

• SIM-Lock-Free Device Requirement: Possessing a SIM-lock-free device is a prerequisite for successfully using the acquired Maldivian SIM card, ensuring compatibility and seamless functionality.

Purchasing a SIM Card in the Maldives

Maldivian SIM cards are conveniently available for purchase at Dhiraagu and Ooredoo stores, as well as at Malé-Velana International Airport. 

These telecom providers offer various options for SIM cards to cater to the needs of both locals and tourists. In addition to the standard offerings, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo also provide SIM cards specifically designed for tourists, featuring different plans to accommodate varying preferences and usage requirements.

Mobile Phone Compatibility in the Maldives

In the Maldives, mobile communications operate on GSM technology, making CDMA phones incompatible with the local network. 

• GSM Technology: Mobile communications in the Maldives operate on GSM technology, making CDMA phones incompatible with the local network.

• SIM Card Slot Compatibility: Phones with a SIM card slot, which is present in approximately 99% of modern devices, are compatible with the GSM network in the Maldives.

• European Frequencies Usage: The country utilises traditional European frequencies, commonly found in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania), ensuring compatibility for phones purchased in these regions.

• Region-Specific Considerations: Phones acquired in the Americas (ITU Region 2) may face limitations, especially low/medium-end devices without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, potentially resulting in limited or slower network functionality (3G or 2G).

• Enhanced Functionality: Medium/high-end devices with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support can be used more extensively, including on 4G/LTE networks, and potentially on 5G NR in the future.

Mobile Operators, Networks, and Frequencies in the Maldives

For travellers in the Maldives, there are two prominent mobile operators offering easily accessible prepaid services: Dhiraagu (Dhivehi Raajjeygé Gulhun) and Ooredoo Maldives. The country operates on specific frequencies for various generations of mobile connectivity:

- 2G operates on the 900 MHz frequency.

- 3G operates on the 2100 MHz frequency.

- 4G/LTE operates on the 1800 MHz frequency (Band 3).

- 5G NR operates on the 3500 MHz frequency (n78).

5G NR Implementation in the Maldives

Since 2019, commercial 5G NR (New Radio) connectivity has been introduced in the Maldives, offered by both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives networks. Despite its availability, it's important to note that as of 2022, the reception of 5G NR signals remains somewhat limited in the country. 

While the infrastructure is in place, the widespread coverage and accessibility of 5G NR are still evolving, indicating that users may encounter varying degrees of connectivity depending on their location within the Maldives.

Top Recommendation for SIM Cards in the Maldives

For the best SIM card experience in the Maldives, Dhiraagu is highly recommended. It offers superior coverage, faster speeds, and a diverse range of plans to suit various needs.

• eSIM Options: Both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives provide eSIM options for prepaid customers, offering flexibility and convenience.

• Airalo for Ooredoo Maldives eSIM: Airalo platform offers an Ooredoo Maldives eSIM with choices between 20 GB and 30 GB, providing excellent value for money and the option for eSIM without personal details capture.

• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM: For an alternative, travellers can opt for the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions. It features 5G NR access in the Maldives and supports a significant number of 5G NR countries at a reasonable price, although with a shorter validity period.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the Maldives

Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the Maldives may not be included in advertised prices for various goods and services, including mobile services.

• Standard GST Rate: The standard GST rate is 6%, meaning that a 100 MVR top-up will amount to 106 MVR.

• Tourist Establishments Tax Rate: Purchases made in tourist establishments, including SIM cards and top-ups, are subject to a higher GST rate of 12%. A 100 MVR top-up in such places will cost 112 MVR.

• Consideration for Tourist Locations: It may be advisable to obtain SIM cards and top-ups from less touristy locations to avoid the higher tax rate, adding a touch of humour to the practicality of the situation.

Mobile Speeds, Internet Prices, and Insights in the Maldives

Renowned as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in South Asia, the Maldives is celebrated for its luxurious high-end resorts, making it imperative for visitors to budget accordingly for their trip. 

Being a remote island nation, the cost of mobile data is often expected to be high; however, surprisingly, it is not exorbitant but does surpass the regional average. The Maldives, with its unique geographical challenges, maintains mobile data costs that are slightly above the Asian average. 

While the country is recognized for its opulent experiences, the affordability of mobile data remains a notable aspect for travellers to consider during their stay in this exotic destination.

Guide to Prepaid SIM Cards in the Maldives

This guide aims to offer a comprehensive overview of what the Maldives has to offer in terms of prepaid SIM cards and mobile services.

1. Dhiraagu Maldives: Leading Mobile Operator

Dhiraagu, an abbreviation for Dhivehi Raajjeygé Gulhun, stands as the largest mobile operator in the Maldives. Holding a monopoly from 1988 to 2005, Dhiraagu's domination was challenged with the entry of Ooredoo into the Maldivian telecom market.

Dhiraagu Coverage in the Maldives

Dhiraagu boasts the most extensive coverage across the Maldives, offering a robust network that spans even the smaller islands. Users can experience reliable 4G/LTE reception in virtually every corner of the country, ensuring widespread connectivity for both locals and visitors. 

Dhiraagu Data Plans and Prepaid Offerings

Dhiraagu presents a diverse range of data-centric prepaid plans, catering to various user preferences and needs. These plans include:

• Salhi Prepaid Plans (Combo): These comprehensive combo plans offer a mix of data, voice, and text allowances for a well-rounded communication experience.

• Combo To Go Plans: Tailored for on-the-go users, these plans provide a convenient combination of data, talk time, and text messages.

• Monthly Data Plans: Designed for users with consistent data needs, these plans offer a monthly data allocation to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the month.

• Mini Data Add-Ons: For users who require additional data on a smaller scale, these add-ons provide a quick and flexible way to top up data allowances.

• 100GB Packs Add-Ons: Ideal for heavy data users, these add-ons offer a substantial 100GB data allocation to meet high data consumption requirements.

• Call and SMS Add-Ons: Catering to those with specific voice and text communication needs, these add-ons provide additional allowances for calls and text messages.

• Social Media Add-Ons: Focused on social media enthusiasts, these add-ons offer dedicated data allocations for seamless social media usage.

• Perks (Social Data Add-Ons): These plans provide extra benefits in the form of social data add-ons, enhancing the overall social media experience for users.

• Streaming Add-Ons: Tailored for those who prioritise content streaming, these add-ons offer dedicated data allowances for an uninterrupted streaming experience.

Ooredoo Maldives: Second Mobile Operator

Ooredoo, also known simply as Ooredoo Maldives, serves as the alternate mobile operator in the Maldives. Pioneering advancements in mobile technology, Ooredoo was the first to introduce both 3G and 4G/LTE services in the country. As a telecommunications company, Ooredoo extends its presence across Northern Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, showcasing a broad regional influence in the realm of mobile communications.

Ooredoo Maldives Coverage

Ooredoo provides widespread coverage across the Maldives, ensuring a comprehensive network that spans both larger and smaller islands. While the network's reception is robust on the bigger islands, users may experience slightly weaker signals on the smaller ones. Despite this variation, Ooredoo's coverage is extensive, offering reliable connectivity for residents and visitors across the archipelago. 

Ooredoo Maldives Data-Featured Prepaid Plans

Ooredoo presents a range of data-focused prepaid plans, comprising six offerings to accommodate diverse user preferences. These plans include:

• Combo Packs (Combo): These comprehensive combo plans provide a mix of data, local minutes, and SMS, offering users a well-rounded communication and data usage experience.

• Mini Data Pack: Tailored for users with lighter data needs, this plan offers a compact data package suitable for minimal data consumption.

• Ooredoo Data Plans: Designed for users with consistent data requirements, these plans offer varied data allowances to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the usage period.

• Local Minutes & SMS Packs Add-ons: For users with specific voice and text communication needs, these add-ons provide additional allowances for local minutes and SMS.

• Combo Packs Add-ons: Enhancing the flexibility of combo plans, these add-ons offer extra benefits and customised options for users seeking additional data, minutes, or SMS.

• IDD Packs Add-ons: Tailored for those with international communication needs, these add-ons provide specific allowances for International Direct Dialing (IDD) services.

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