Maldives SIM Card for Indian Tourists (2026)

Maldives SIM Card for Indian Tourists (2026)

Short answer: mobile data in the Maldives is expensive whichever way you buy it. A Simnity Maldives eSIM starts at ₹1,043 for 1 GB / 7 days. Jio has no Maldives pack, only its ₹1,101 Global balance pack, and Maldives roaming data costs ₹5.86 per 10 KB. Most resorts have Wi-Fi, so many travellers buy a small eSIM for transfers and day trips. Prices checked 28 Oct 2026.

Your three options, in rupees

Prices checked 28 Oct 2026: Simnity plans from the live simnity.com catalogue (data only); Jio packs from jio.com; Airtel packs from airtel.in. Operator packs include calls and SMS on your Indian number where listed.

Is a Maldives eSIM worth it?

• Staying on one resort island with good Wi-Fi: you may not need mobile data at all beyond arrival day. The 1 GB eSIM (₹1,043) covers transfers and messages.
• Island-hopping or a guesthouse stay on a local island: 3 GB (₹2,309) is the safer choice.
• Do not land with roaming data on and no pack: pay-as-you-go data in the Maldives is ₹5.86 per 10 KB on Jio.
• Airtel's roaming packs are sold as one set for all covered countries; check airtel.in that the Maldives is on its list before relying on it.

Before you fly from India

• Visa: the Maldives grants tourist visas on arrival with no pre-approval. You need a passport valid at least 1 month, a confirmed return ticket and a prepaid booking at a registered resort, hotel or guesthouse. Source: Maldives Immigration.
• IMUGA declaration: every traveller, including children, files the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before their flight at imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
• Install the eSIM at home; it connects when you land at Malé.

Entry rules checked 22 Oct 2026 on official government sites. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.

Keeping your Indian number for bank and UPI OTPs

• Keep your Indian SIM switched on as the second line, with its mobile data off. Use the eSIM line for data.
• Jio says incoming SMS are free while roaming. Prepaid users must buy an IR pack at least once to switch roaming on, so check it is active before you fly.
• Airtel prepaid offers a ₹118 roaming activation, valid 28 days, with unlimited incoming SMS (an active domestic plan is needed; calls and data are then charged at standard rates).

Full comparison: Jio vs Airtel roaming vs eSIM.

Set it up before you leave India

1. Check your phone supports eSIM: device list.
2. Buy the Maldives eSIM and install it at home on Wi-Fi (install guide).
3. When you land, switch on the eSIM line and turn on data roaming for that line only.
4. Keep your Indian SIM on for calls and SMS, with its data off.

Not sure how much data you need? See how much data for travel.