Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Power in the Maldives is 230V / 50Hz, and sockets are a mix of Type A, D, G, J, K and L, with Type G (UK-style) common in resorts. Because plug types vary between properties, a universal travel adapter is the safest choice. Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage and only need an adapter.
- Voltage
- 230V / 50Hz
- Sockets
- Mixed A/D/G/J/K/L, often Type G
- Adapter
- Universal adapter recommended
- Type G (UK-style) is common in resorts; bring a universal adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The two main carriers are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives, both offering prepaid tourist plans with good coverage in Malé and most inhabited islands and resorts. Tourist SIMs are sold at the arrivals area of Velana International Airport (MLE) and at Dhiraagu and Ooredoo shops in Malé. You will need to show your passport to register the SIM.
- Carriers
- Dhiraagu, Ooredoo
- Where
- MLE airport, Malé shops
- Required
- Passport for registration
- Airport SIM counters are handy right after landing at MLE
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIM support is growing in the Maldives, so if your device is compatible, buying an eSIM before arrival is a convenient alternative to a physical SIM. You can install it online in minutes and be connected the moment you land, with no shop visit or airport queue.
- eSIM
- Growing option
- Convenience
- Buy online before arrival
- Setup
- No physical SIM needed
- Check your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Almost every resort and hotel offers Wi-Fi, and most guesthouses on local islands provide it free too. Speeds vary between resorts, with some remote properties slower than those near Malé. A local SIM is a useful backup, especially during boat and seaplane transfers between islands.
- Where
- Resorts, hotels, guesthouses
- Cost
- Usually free at accommodation
- Speed
- Varies by resort
- A local SIM helps during boat and seaplane transfers
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
The Maldives has no notable internet censorship, and everyday apps, messaging and social media work normally. The practical limit is coverage rather than restrictions: mobile data is mostly 4G, good around Malé and popular resort atolls, but slower or intermittent on remote atolls and during island transfers. Download offline maps and resort details before heading to far-flung islands.
- Restrictions
- No notable censorship
- Malé area
- Mostly 4G, generally good
- Remote atolls
- Can be unstable
- Download offline maps before remote atoll transfers
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Ride-hailing is limited in the Maldives, and resort transfers are usually arranged by your resort at booking. A maps app for Malé, a translation app for Dhivehi and your resort's official app for bookings and dining are the essentials. Messaging apps like WhatsApp are widely used to reach resorts and guesthouses.
- Transfers
- Arranged by resort
- Navigation
- Maps app for Malé
- Also
- Translation, resort app
- Ride-hailing is limited; use resort transfers instead
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
The Maldives country code is +960. A local prepaid SIM is usually the cheapest way to call, while resort Wi-Fi with apps such as WhatsApp and international roaming are convenient alternatives. For emergencies dial police 119, ambulance 102 and fire 118, but numbers can change, so confirm with your resort on arrival; in a serious emergency, resorts typically arrange medical evacuation to Malé by speedboat or seaplane.
- Country code
- +960
- Cheapest
- Local prepaid SIM
- Emergency
- Police 119 (confirm on arrival)
- Numbers can change; confirm with your resort on arrival