Updated October 22, 2026

Maldives eSIM guide: prices, networks and coverage from Velana to the atolls

This page gathers everything eSIM Check has published about staying connected in the Maldives: our price survey of the travel eSIMs, which almost all run on Dhiraagu, the tourist SIM and eSIM offers of Dhiraagu and Ooredoo at Velana airport and online, and what Opensignal measured on both networks. Data in the Maldives is expensive by the gigabyte when you buy small plans, and much cheaper when you buy large ones, so the right choice depends on how long you stay and how much you rely on resort Wi-Fi. Every figure is dated, and every article links to its sources.

Key facts

On 22 October 2026, the cheapest gigabyte among the travel eSIMs we read was Airalo's 20 GB valid 30 days for €37, or €1.85 per GB; small plans cost far more, such as aloSIM's 1 GB for $15.
Every travel eSIM seller we read that names a network names Dhiraagu: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad and aloSIM. None named Ooredoo.
Ooredoo's online shop sold a Tourist Pack for $50 (about €44.62) with 100 GB, of which 70 GB is for social apps, plus 300 minutes; it is sold as an eSIM or a SIM at Velana Terminals 1 and 2.
In Opensignal's November 2024 report, Dhiraagu users averaged 51.6 Mbps download and Ooredoo users 43.1 Mbps, while Ooredoo scored 8.1 out of 10 for Coverage Experience against 6.7 for Dhiraagu.
Holafly warns that coverage may be weaker on small or remote islands and "during boat or seaplane journeys between atolls".

Where to start

You want an eSIM and need to choose: the best Maldives eSIMs compared by cost per GB, with unlimited plans and networks.
You would rather buy a local line at the airport or online: Dhiraagu vs Ooredoo tourist SIM and eSIM at Velana airport.
Your trip combines the Maldives with Sri Lanka: our Sri Lanka eSIM guide.
You are comparing Indian Ocean islands: our guides to the Seychelles and Mauritius.
You are not sure your phone takes an eSIM: the list of compatible phones.

All our guides

Best eSIM for the Maldives 2026: 5 compared

Five Maldives eSIMs compared on 22 October 2026: cost per GB, unlimited plans, the Dhiraagu network, and Ooredoo's $50 tourist eSIM as the benchmark.

Maldives SIM 2026: Dhiraagu vs Ooredoo for tourists

Dhiraagu vs Ooredoo tourist SIM and eSIM in 2026: prices, data, buying at Velana airport or online, Opensignal speeds and coverage on resort islands.

Frequently asked questions

Does an eSIM work in the Maldives?expand_more

Yes. The travel eSIMs we read connect to Dhiraagu, and both local operators, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, sell their own tourist eSIMs. Your phone must support eSIM and must not be locked to your home operator.

How much does an eSIM for the Maldives cost?expand_more

On 22 October 2026, Airalo sold 20 GB valid 30 days for €37, Yesim sold 1 GB valid 30 days for €7.90, and Holafly sold 7 days of unlimited data for $55.50. Ooredoo's own tourist pack cost $50 for 100 GB, 70 GB of it for social apps.

Which network is best in the Maldives?expand_more

It depends on the measure. In Opensignal's November 2024 report, Dhiraagu was faster on download (51.6 against 43.1 Mbps) while Ooredoo scored higher for Coverage Experience (8.1 against 6.7 out of 10). Ookla gave Dhiraagu its fastest and best 5G awards for the first half of 2025.

Do I need mobile data if my resort has Wi-Fi?expand_more

Not always. Many travellers rely on resort Wi-Fi and keep a small eSIM for the airport, transfers and excursions. Holafly warns that coverage can be weaker on boats and seaplanes between atolls, so do not count on data during transfers.

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