The Maldives is one of the most expensive places in the world for travel eSIM data — on our measurements, pricier per gigabyte than 169 of the 187 countries in our price index. Most visitors stay at resorts with WiFi, so for many of them the best plan is a very small one, or none.
Short answer: staying at a resort with WiFi? A 1GB eSIM covers the airport, the transfer and moments away from WiFi. Staying on local islands in guesthouses? Size the plan carefully or consider a local SIM.
What a Maldives eSIM costs
At the time of writing (October 2026), Wanderly's Maldives plans start at $6.99 for 1GB (7 days). Larger plans cost about $4.50 per GB and are mostly short-validity. The median across data-only Maldives plans is about $5.95 per GB — around four times the $1.43 global median in the Wanderly eSIM Price Index.
That means:
- 1Use resort WiFi for video calls, photo backups and streaming.
- 2Buy the smallest plan that covers the airport, the seaplane or speedboat transfer and the odd message.
- 3For long stays on local islands, a local SIM from Dhiraagu or Ooredoo, bought at Velana airport, is usually cheaper.
Coverage where you will actually be
The Maldives' networks are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. Travel eSIMs connect to a partner network automatically.
- Malé and Velana airport: good 4G.
- Resort islands: most have mobile coverage, and nearly all have WiFi.
- Local islands (Maafushi, Thoddoo, Dhigurah): generally covered.
- At sea, on liveaboards and on sandbank trips: coverage drops away from the islands.
How much data you need
| Trip | Suggested data |
|---|---|
| Resort week with WiFi | 1 GB |
| Local-island guesthouse week | 3 GB |
| Liveaboard | Plan to be offline |
See how much data you need for travel.
The Maldives with Sri Lanka or India
Many trips combine the Maldives with Sri Lanka. Data there is much cheaper — see the best eSIM for Sri Lanka and the best eSIM for India.
Setting it up
- 1Confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked on our compatibility checker.
- 2Install the eSIM over WiFi before you fly — iPhone or Android steps.
- 3At Velana, select the eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming for that line.
FAQ
Do I need an eSIM in the Maldives if my resort has WiFi? Often not much of one. A 1GB plan covers the airport and transfers.
Why is Maldives eSIM data so expensive? Mobile data in the Maldives is among the most expensive we sell, with a median of about $5.95 per GB.
Is there mobile coverage on Maldives resort islands? On most, yes, and nearly all have WiFi.
Which networks work in the Maldives? Dhiraagu and Ooredoo.