The Maldives are spread over 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, and most visitors stay on a resort island reached by speedboat or seaplane from the airport near Malé; others choose guesthouses on local islands such as Maafushi. Coverage is generally good on inhabited and resort islands and fades out at sea. The Maldives are not part of the EU's Roam Like at Home area, and European tariffs usually charge for roaming there by the day.
Key facts for the Maldives
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Ooredoo, Dhiraagu (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 119; ambulance 102; fire 118
- Embassies: a few in Malé; many countries cover the Maldives from Colombo
Before you land
Every arriving passenger has to submit the IMUGA traveller declaration online in the 96 hours before the flight, and it is checked at immigration. Resorts usually arrange the transfer, and seaplanes fly only in daylight, so a late arrival can mean a night near the airport before you continue.
Resorts and local islands
Resort islands usually have Wi-Fi and good mobile coverage, so your data plan mostly matters for transfers, excursions and time away from the hotel network. On local islands the rules of an Islamic country apply: alcohol is sold only at resorts and on safari boats, and away from designated bikini beaches you should cover up.
What to leave at home
Importing alcohol, pork products, pornography or idols for worship is illegal, and religious material is allowed only for personal use. Bags are scanned on arrival, and banned items are confiscated.
At sea
Between atolls, on excursions and aboard liveaboard dive boats, the signal weakens or disappears. Tell the resort or the crew where you are going, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch on boat trips.
Paying
Resorts accept cards and US dollars and usually bill in dollars. On local islands, carry some rufiyaa or dollars in cash for small shops and cafés.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM goes on your phone before departure and starts with its first connection in the Maldives, so messages and maps work from the moment you land at Velana airport. Your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes. Regional plans do not include the Maldives, so choose a Maldives plan, plus a separate one for any stopover country.
Maldivian prepaid SIMs from Ooredoo and Dhiraagu are sold in the airport arrivals hall, and you need your passport to buy one.
Consular protection: who to call in the Maldives
- 119 for the police, 102 for an ambulance and 118 for the fire service.
- Only a few countries have an embassy or high commission in Malé; many others cover the Maldives from Colombo, in Sri Lanka. The Telcomia app shows the nearest mission of your country, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in the Maldives, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
Questions travellers ask about the Maldives
Does my EU plan work in the Maldives?
No. The Maldives are outside Roam Like at Home, so check your operator's daily rate.
Do I need to fill in IMUGA?
Yes, online, within the 96 hours before your flight.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in the Maldives?
Ooredoo on most plans and Dhiraagu on some, with 4G and 5G where available.
Can I drink alcohol in the Maldives?
At resorts and on safari boats, yes; on local islands, no.
The short version
Submit IMUGA and install the eSIM before you fly, leave alcohol and pork out of your luggage, plan around daylight seaplane times, dress modestly on local islands, and save 119 and 102.
Related reads:
Ready to stay connected without surprises?
Activate your eSIM in seconds and travel connected in 200+ countries and territories.
See plans