Are you planning your trip to Maldives and thinking about staying connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Maldives including a comparison of the best Maldives eSIMs for 2025.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Maldives on the internet. Below you will find up to date prices as per February 2025, including all tourist eSIM specifications.
Find out how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM for Maldives, FAQ about eSIMs and more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Maldives eSIM comparison
- What is the cheapest eSIM for Maldives?
- Why buying an eSIM for traveling in Maldives
- Where to buy an eSIM for Maldives?
- When to order/activate an eSIM for Maldives?
- How to activate an eSIM
- Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Maldives
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Which smartphones support eSIM?
- Can I trust these eSIM providers?
- Can I keep my phone number from home with a Maldives eSIM?
- Can I make phone calls with a Maldives eSIM?
- Does an Maldives eSIM come with a phone number?
- Can I use 5G on an Maldives eSIM?
- Are there eSIMs for Maldives with unlimited data?
- Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Maldives?
- eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Already since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Maldives.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Maldives are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Maldives read the following carefully:
Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!
Airhub Ooredoo eSIM - 20 GB for $39.5 USD
- 20 GB data
- 150 local minutes
- 150 local sms
- Valid in Maldives only
- 100 MVR ($6.5 USD) international calling credit
- Valid for 10 days
- $2 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order an Ooredoo eSIM for Maldives via Airhub.
Airhub offers eSIMs from Ooredoo for traveling in Maldives. Ooredoo is one of the mobile internet providers in Maldives. Airalo offers a similar eSIM for Maldives, Airhub is just a little cheaper.
Airalo Ooredoo eSIM - 30 GB for $50 USD
- 30 GB data
- 300 local minutes
- 300 local sms
- Valid in Maldives only
- 150 MVR ($10 USD) international calling credit
- Valid for 30 days
- $1.7 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Maldives.
Is Maldives one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for traveling the world. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries.
Maldives eSIM comparison
There are 2 mobile internet providers in Maldives: Ooredoo and Dhiraagu and as of 2025 you can now also buy an eSIM for tourists in phone stores in Maldives.
But let me tell you that ordering an eSIM for Maldives on the internet is much faster and convenient and as soon as the plane lands you are already online.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Maldives from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, Airhub, Yesim, aloSIM, Saily, Ubigi, etc.
Unfortunately Jetpac, GigSky, Sim Local and several other eSIM providers don't offer eSIMs for Maldives.
The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!
Airalo
Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.
Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders and just like Airhub they partnered with Ooredoo, one of the local mobile internet providers in Maldives.
Airalo only offers 1 eSIM plans for Maldives in 2025:
- 30 GB data + 300 local minutes + 300 local sms for 30 days = $50 USD
Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Maldives.
Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.
The Airalo eSIM from Ooredoo comes with 150 MVR ($10 USD) calling credit for international calls.
When ordering an Airalo eSIM for Maldives you need to verify your identity. You will need to scan your passport and send it to Airalo. Within 1 minute you will get a confirmation and you are able to order your Maldives eSIM.
An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 30 days and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network, basically on arrival in Maldives.
Airhub
A very good contender to the best eSIMs for traveling in Maldives is Airhub. They have also partnered with Ooredoo to get you the best eSIM plans for tourists available on the internet.
Traveltomtom has now ben using eSIMs from Airhub in about 10 countries around the world. Airhub has often really great eSIM deals for tourists. Read here our honest and extensive review about Airhub.
Airhub offers 5 eSIM plans for tourists in Maldives:
- 20 GB data + 150 local minutes + 150 local sms for 10 days = $39.50 USD
- 35 GB data + 150 local minutes + 150 local sms for 10 days = $51.37 USD
- 40 GB data + 150 local minutes + 150 local sms for 10 days = $53.46 USD
- 50 GB data + 300 local minutes + 300 local sms for 10 days = $58.77 USD
- 55 GB data + 300 local minutes + 300 local sms for 10 days = $60.98 USD
Click here to order an Airhub eSIM for Maldives.
All the Airhub tourist eSIMs for Maldives are from Ooredoo, one of the mobile internet providers in Maldives.
In comparison with Airalo, the Airhub eSIMs are relatively more expensive and they are also only valid for 10 days. However, Airhub has many more eSIM plans available and they start from $39.50 USD. Airalo only has 1 eSIM for Maldives and is priced at $50 USD.
Yesim
The Traveltomtom Team has not used Yesim that much yet. Yesim is a fairly new eSIM provider from Switzerland. Read more about it in our full Yesim review.
Yesim has several eSIM plans for Maldives:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $11 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $16.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 15 days = $25.30 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $58.30 USD
Click here to order a Yesim eSIM for Maldives.
The eSIMs from Yesim are 5G ready and they operate on the Dhiraagu network in Maldives. These eSIMs are data-only and any incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Maldives eSIM.
The Traveltomtom Team wrote down all pros and cons about SimOptions in our honest SimOptions Review.
SimOptions only has 1 international eSIM for traveling to Maldives.
This AIS eSIM2FLY Global is valid in 141 countries and it gives you:
- 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD
Click here to order a data-only eSIM for Maldives from SimOptions.
This AIS data-only eSIMs from SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate. 5G is not supported. This eSIM does NOT come with a phone number and does not offer any incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.
If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.
This AIS eSIM is valid for 1 year but the credit validity starts directly when you install the eSIM on your device, even when you are not in Maldives yet.
Nomad
Nomad is another trusted eSIM provider that offers eSIM plans for Maldives. The Traveltomtom Team reported some mixed reviews about using eSIMs from Nomad. The Nomad eSIMs for Maldives are more expensive than other eSIM providers.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Maldives:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $19 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $55 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $82 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Maldives from Nomad.
All the Nomad eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The Nomad Maldives eSIMs are only valid in Maldives and operate on the 4G/LTE networks of Ooredoo.
The Nomad Maldives eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Maldives. Basically when the plane lands.
Holafly
Holafly is an eSIM operator that normally only has eSIMs with unlimited data but for Maldives they have a set eSIM deal. A Holafly eSIM for Maldives is rather expensive!
Holafly only has 1 eSIM plan for Maldives:
- 6 GB data for 15 days = $50.90 USD
This Holafly eSIMs for Maldives is data-only and any incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. Holafly does not specify on which mobile network this eSIM operates in Maldives.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Maldives?
There is a Yesim eSIM for Maldives with 1 GB data for $11 USD. This is the cheapest Maldives eSIM for tourists available on the internet. Next best is also Yesim with a 3 GB data plan for $16.5 USD.
Why buying an eSIM for traveling in Maldives
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Maldives in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Maldives without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Maldives with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Maldives, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Maldives so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: El Salvador, Croatia, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Israel, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, Ireland, Netherlands, Peru, Nepal, Bali, South Africa, Namibia, Turkey, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.
Overseas data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Maldives there is 4G/LTE available.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Maldives. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM for Maldives?
Online
You can buy an eSIM for Maldives on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Maldives. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers in 2025.
When buying an eSIM for Maldives through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
However, as of 2025 Airalo is an exception and Airalo now requires an ID verification before you can order an eSIM. You will have to scan your passport and send it for verification. If all is ok, you will get a confirmation within 1 minute.
On arrival in Maldives
There are 2 mobile internet providers in Maldives: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo and as per 2025 they also provide eSIMs for tourists. You can buy them in Dhiraagu and Ooredoo stores in Maldives.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Maldives in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Maldives, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
When to order/activate an eSIM for Maldives?
You can order an eSIM for Maldives pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Maldives or before. When in Maldives you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much every international airport in Maldives has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.
My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Maldives before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.
You can also buy a tourist sim card at Male Airport, but at tourist prices.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM plan for Maldives you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Maldives eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Maldives eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Maldives
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply to Maldives eSIMs, but are general things you have to know before buying an eSIM.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Maldives. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Maldives or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Maldives and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIM?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Maldives.
However, you can still order a physical sim card for Maldives on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Maldives or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Maldives recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Maldives.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.
On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Maldives eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Maldives.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Maldives eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Maldives. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Maldives eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with a Maldives eSIM?
Yes, Airalo and Airhub both sell eSIMs from Ooredoo with local calls and sms included. These Ooredoo tourist eSIMs also come with calling credit for international calls.
All other eSIMs for Maldives are data-only eSIMs and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
If you buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Maldives you get calling and texting included.
Does an Maldives eSIM come with a phone number?
The Airalo and Airhub eSIMs from Ooredoo come with a local phone number from Maldives. These eSIMs support incoming calls and sms as well.
All the other data-only eSIMs do not come with a phone number and can not receive calls or sms.
Can I use 5G on an Maldives eSIM?
As of 2025 there is not much 5G yet in Maldives and therefore none of the eSIMs support 5G.
There is one exception though as the Yesim website claims that their eSIMs operate on the Dhiraagu 5G network.
Are there eSIMs for Maldives with unlimited data?
No, as of 2025 there are no tourist eSIMs for Maldives with unlimited data.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Maldives?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Maldives, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Maldives:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data then in general local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected. Prepaid sim cards are pretty cheap in Maldives.
The big difference with eSIMs is that a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Maldives in a phone store.
More info about the best Maldives sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Maldives in 2025.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Maldives. Some of them are great for Maldives as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Maldives you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Maldives directly online.
eSIMs
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Maldives in a mobile internet provider store
The mobile internet operators: Ooredoo and Dhiraagu also sell eSIMs for tourists in phone stores in Maldives.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Maldives, no doubt. You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Maldives. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Maldives.
As soon as the plane lands, you are online!
Buying a tourist sim card at Male Airport is possible, but at tourist prices. There is an Ooredoo and Dhiraagu phone store that sells eSIMs for tourists.
Price difference
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
Prepaid sim cards for tourists are expensive in Maldives. There are set prices for tourist sim cards and the cheapest eSIM for tourists in Maldives in an Ooredoo or Dhiraagu store is $40 USD and you get 20 GB data.
For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards in Maldives in 2025.
After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. Another reason why Traveltomtom recommends to order an eSIM online.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Maldives sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Maldives were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Maldives right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of February 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Maldives!