Why an eSIM is Recommended for the Maldives
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, the Maldives does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media, photo sharing), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is available in luxury resorts, but it has limitations:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use during excursions between atolls, diving, or water activities
- Limited coverage: only in common areas of resorts
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even during excursions between islands and atolls.
Network Coverage in the Maldives
The Maldives has good 4G coverage on main islands and resorts thanks to two major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Dhiraagu |
Good |
Yes |
60% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Ooredoo Maldives |
Good |
Yes |
40% |
Holafly, Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Malé: excellent 4G coverage in the capital
- Main atolls (North Malé, South Malé, Ari): good 4G coverage on inhabited islands and resorts
- Luxury resorts: excellent coverage in most establishments
- Remote atolls: variable coverage depending on distance, may be limited or absent
⚠️ Warning: Coverage may vary depending on remote atolls. On very isolated islands or during sea excursions, connection may be weak or absent.
How to Install Your Maldives eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48 hours before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in the Maldives (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Maldives eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Maldives eSIM 2026"
countryCode="MV"
countrySlug="maldives"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$15",
highlight: "Global leader + Dhiraagu network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$20",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "7 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$18",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$20",
highlight: "5G network available",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Dhiraagu network (leader 60%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: Dhiraagu network, code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections, code ESIMP
- Ubigi: 5G network available for ultra-fast connection
Conclusion
For all travelers to the Maldives, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: Airalo 3 GB at ~$15 with code ESIMP15 offers a good balance for a typical Maldives trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot during your resort stay.
Budget option: Plans start at ~$5 for 1 GB, but plan for at least 3 GB for a comfortable stay.
Maldives eSIM FAQ
