Quick Facts About Maldives
General Information
- • Capital: Malé
- • Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- • Language: Dhivehi, English widely spoken
- • Population: 530,000
- • Islands: 1,192 coral islands
- • Time Zone: MVT (UTC+5)
Travel Information
- • Best Time: November-April (dry season)
- • Power Plug: Type D, G, J (230V)
- • Emergency: 119
- • Calling Code: +960
- • Visa: 30 days on arrival free
- • Airport: Velana International (MLE)
Benefits of eSIM for Maldives Travel
eSIM vs Traditional SIM Comparison
✅ eSIM Advantages
- • Activate before seaplane transfer
- • No SIM shops on resort islands
- • Works immediately upon arrival
- • Essential for Male city tours
- • Keep home number for emergencies
- • Perfect for multi-atoll travel
❌ Traditional SIM Issues
- • Limited availability at Velana Airport
- • No SIM shops on resort islands
- • Expensive resort WiFi alternatives
- • Language barriers in local shops
- • Registration process delays
- • Risk of water damage to physical SIM
Key Benefits for Maldives
Resort Independence
Avoid expensive resort WiFi charges
Seaplane Ready
Connected during transfers
Male Exploration
Navigate local islands easily
Water Sports Tracking
Share diving locations instantly
Emergency Contact
Crucial for remote atolls
Social Sharing
Post paradise photos instantly
Maldives eSIM Pricing & Plans
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Installation Guide
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before leaving home. Many resorts have limited WiFi in public areas, so having data ready upon arrival at Velana International is essential!
📱 iPhone Installation
- 1.Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan
- 2.Scan the QR code from your eSIM purchase
- 3.Label your plan (e.g., "Maldives Paradise")
- 4.Set as your default data line
- 5.Turn on Data Roaming (required for eSIM)
🤖 Android Installation
- 1.Go to Settings → Network & Internet
- 2.Tap "+" next to Mobile Network
- 3.Select "Download a SIM instead?"
- 4.Scan QR code and follow prompts
- 5.Enable the new eSIM profile
Network Coverage Details
Coverage Areas
Excellent Coverage
- • Malé and Hulhumale
- • Velana International Airport
- • Major resort islands
- • Seaplane terminals
- • Popular local islands
- • Main shipping routes
Limited Coverage
- • Remote uninhabited islands
- • Some diving sites
- • Open ocean areas
- • Very small local islands
- • Southern atolls
Network Speed
4G LTE available in Malé and major resorts. 3G/4G on most inhabited islands. Average speeds: 20-50 Mbps in urban areas, 5-20 Mbps on resort islands.
Travel Recommendations
Honeymoon Escape
Duration: 5-7 days
Recommended: 5-10GB
Perfect for couples at luxury resorts. Share romantic moments, sunset photos, and stay connected.
Diving Adventure
Duration: 7-10 days
Recommended: 10-15GB
Essential for dive site research, underwater photo sharing, and dive log apps. Works at dive centers.
Island Hopping
Duration: 10-14 days
Recommended: 15-20GB
Crucial for multi-resort stays and local island visits. Navigation and translation apps needed.
Family Vacation
Duration: 7-10 days
Recommended: 20-30GB
Multiple devices need connectivity. Kids entertainment, video calls home, and activity bookings.
Male City Tour
Duration: 1-2 days
Recommended: 2-3GB
Navigate the capital, find local restaurants, and use ride-hailing apps. Essential for city exploration.
Luxury Extended
Duration: 14+ days
Recommended: Unlimited
Long stays at premium resorts. Work remotely, stream content, unlimited social sharing.
Island Activities & Experiences
🏖️ Resort Activities
- • Overwater Villa: Ultimate luxury experience
- • Spa Treatments: Ocean-view wellness
- • Private Dining: Beach & sandbank dinners
- • Sunset Cruises: Dolphin watching
- • Water Sports: Jet ski, parasailing
- • Beach Activities: Volleyball, yoga
🤿 Marine Adventures
- • Scuba Diving: Manta rays & whale sharks
- • Snorkeling: House reef exploration
- • Night Diving: Unique marine life
- • Fishing: Big game & traditional
- • Marine Biology: Coral restoration
- • Submarine Tours: Deep sea viewing
Network Providers in Maldives
Dhiraagu
- • Largest network coverage
- • Best resort connectivity
- • Reliable 4G LTE
- • Wide atoll reach
Ooredoo
- • Good urban coverage
- • Competitive pricing
- • Strong in Malé
- • Growing network
Troubleshooting Common Issues
📵 No Service on Resort Island
- Ensure Data Roaming is ON
- Manually select Dhiraagu network
- Move to open areas away from buildings
- Restart your device
🐌 Slow Speeds During Peak Hours
Resort islands may have limited bandwidth. Try using data early morning or late evening. Consider downloading content during off-peak hours.
🌊 Water Activities & Connectivity
Signal weakens over water. Download offline maps before boat trips. Consider waterproof phone cases for beach/water activities.
Emergency Contacts
🚨 Emergency Numbers
- • Police: 119
- • Fire: 118
- • Ambulance: 102
- • Coast Guard: 191
- • Tourist Police: +960 979 1478
🏥 Medical Facilities
- • IGMH Hospital: +960 333 5335
- • ADK Hospital: +960 331 3553
- • Resort Doctor: Contact reception
Cultural Guide & Etiquette
Do's ✅
- • Dress modestly on local islands
- • Remove shoes entering homes/mosques
- • Ask permission before photographing locals
- • Respect Islamic customs on inhabited islands
- • Use designated bikini beaches on local islands
Don'ts ❌
- • No alcohol on local islands (resorts only)
- • Don't wear bikinis in Malé or villages
- • Avoid public displays of affection
- • Don't touch or stand on coral
- • No drone flying without permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eSIM at luxury resorts?
Yes! Resort WiFi is often limited to rooms and main areas. Pool, beach, and water sports areas rarely have WiFi. eSIM ensures connectivity everywhere.
Can I buy a SIM at the resort?
No, resorts don't sell SIM cards. You'd need to visit Malé, which requires a separate boat/seaplane trip. eSIM is your only practical option.
How much data for a honeymoon week?
5-10GB is sufficient for social media, messaging, and navigation. If you plan to upload lots of videos or stream content, consider 15-20GB.
Does eSIM work during seaplane transfers?
Coverage is limited during flights but works at seaplane terminals. You'll have signal at takeoff/landing areas for last-minute messages.
Ready for Paradise?
Stay connected in the Maldives with reliable eSIM coverage
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