Why an eSIM is Essential for Tuvalu
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Tuvalu 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), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Very Limited Free WiFi
Free WiFi is very limited in Tuvaluan hotels and resorts:
- Availability: very limited across the islands
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts due to satellite dependency
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (island hopping, beaches, diving)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, essential for traveling in Tuvalu, especially for exploring the outer islands.
Network Coverage in Tuvalu
Tuvalu has limited 4G coverage (50%) thanks to one major carrier:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
4G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| TTC (Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation) |
50% |
Yes |
100% (monopoly) |
Airalo, Holafly |
Note: Coverage is limited due to the small size of the islands and satellite dependency. Network quality can be affected by weather conditions. Coverage is better on Funafuti (capital) than on outer islands.
Coverage by destination
- Funafuti (capital): moderate 4G coverage
- Vaitupu: limited coverage, mostly 3G
- Nanumea: limited coverage, mostly 3G
- Outer islands: very limited or no coverage
How to Install Your Tuvalu eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Tuvalu (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Tuvalu eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Tuvalu eSIM 2026"
countryCode="TV"
countrySlug="tuvalu"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$25",
highlight: "Global leader + TTC network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$22",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$18",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "7 days",
price: "$7",
highlight: "Budget option, short stay",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), TTC network (monopoly), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and extended stays
- GoMoWorld: TTC network, code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- Airalo 1 GB: economical option for budget travelers and short stays
Conclusion
For all travelers to Tuvalu, an eSIM is essential as home roaming costs very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB) and WiFi is very limited, especially on outer islands.
Best choice: Airalo 3 GB at $25 with code ESIMP15 offers good coverage on TTC's network, especially on Funafuti.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: Airalo 1 GB at $7 with code ESIMP15 remains economical for a short stay on Funafuti.
Tuvalu eSIM FAQ