Best Tourist Sim Cards in Mauritius in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Mauritius across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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When in Mauritius, having a sim card is essential for easy navigation and staying connected while traveling. With internet access, you can easily discover the top restaurants, find directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share memorable photos with your loved ones on the go.
While roaming is an option, the international fees can quickly add up. Therefore, we highly recommend getting either an eSIM or a local sim card to access local phone rates. Luckily, obtaining either option is incredibly simple in Mauritius, but it’s crucial to know which one suits you best.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information about purchasing a sim card in Mauritius, including up-to-date pricing and the optimum sim card choice for your needs.
The best sim card in Mauritius is the unlimited prepaid sim card offered by Emtel. Emtel’ offers a range of prepaid sim cards which makes choosing the right amount of data and duration for you easy.
For most travellers, a 7 day plan for 82 MUR is perfect and includes unlimited data, however, it is throttled (slows down) once you use 3GB of data in a day. This is plenty, but for 119 MUR you can increase this to 5GB per day. If you are visiting for longer than 7 days, then there is a 299 MUR plan which comes with 5GB of data per day (unlimited) valid for 30 days.
Emtel has the best mobile network in Mauritius with strong connectivity on Rodrigues as well. My.t also has extensive coverage on both islands and very similar plans, so you will also be fine with a sim card from here. Chili has the worst coverage of the three so I recommend Emtel in the first instance, and My.t in the second.
You can also check out the Airalo Mauritius eSim, but, unfortunately I can’t recommend it. The prices are far too high and you are much better off with a local sim card, even if the eSim is significantly more convenient.
A Tourist Sim Card in Mauritius costs 82 MUR in October 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Mauritius will cost $9.50 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Mauritius which includes 1GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $9.50 USD.
In Mauritius, there are three main SIM card providers catering to the communication needs of locals and tourists alike. Emtel, established in 1988, is one of the leading providers with a comprehensive range of packages and services including voice calls, SMS, and data connectivity. They offer flexible plans to suit individual requirements.
My.t, operated by Mauritius Telecom, is another prominent provider offering competitive rates with various data plans, along with voice and SMS services. They have an extensive network coverage across the island, ensuring consistent connectivity.
Chili, launched in 2015, has rapidly gained popularity among users. They offer affordable data packages with high-speed internet access, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable internet in Mauritius.
With these providers, residents and visitors have ample options to stay connected and enjoy a seamless mobile experience on the beautiful island of Mauritius.
Emtel, a leading telecommunications company in Mauritius, offers specialized tourist sim cards to enhance visitors’ experience on the island. With wide coverage and high-speed internet, tourists can stay connected with their loved ones and access essential information. The sim cards come with flexible data plans, local calls, and SMS packages. Emtel’s reliable network ensures uninterrupted communication, making it easier for tourists to navigate the beautiful attractions of Mauritius seamlessly.
The price of a Emtel tourist sim card in Mauritius is 82 MUR.
The plan offered by Emtel stores includes Unlimited data (throttled at 3GB of data per day) valid for 7 days.
My.t is a leading telecommunications company in Mauritius offering tourist sim cards. Their sim cards provide seamless connectivity for travelers visiting Mauritius. With affordable plans and fast internet speeds, tourists can easily stay connected and share their experiences with friends and family. My.t’s tourist sim cards also provide added benefits like free local calls, discounted international calling rates, and access to exclusive tourist offers. Stay connected with My.t’s reliable and convenient tourist sim cards during your visit to Mauritius.
The price of a My.t tourist sim card in Mauritius is 95 MUR.
The plan offered by My.t stores offers Unlimited data (throttled at 2.14GB per day) valid for 7 days.
Chili, the renowned telecommunications provider, offers fantastic tourist sim cards in Mauritius. With their reliable network coverage across the island, travelers can stay connected at all times. The sim card includes generous data packages, ensuring hassle-free internet access for browsing, maps, and staying in touch with loved ones. Chili’s sim cards are widely available, making it convenient for tourists to obtain one and enjoy seamless connectivity during their visit.
The price of a Chili tourist sim card in Mauritius is 80 MUR.
The plan offered by Chili stores includes 3GB data each day valid for 7 days.
Identify mobile providers: Emtel, My.t and Chili are your best options in Mauritius.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Mauritius at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Mauritius then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Mauritius have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Emtel, My.t and Chili. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Mauritius are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Mauritius with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Mauritius. The Airalo Mauritius eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $9.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Mauritius without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Mauritius is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Mauritius and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Mauritius eSim uses the MYT network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the MYT networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Mauritius.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Mauritius eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $9.50 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 1GB data plan for $9.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Mauritius eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Mauritius eSim uses the Emtelnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Mauritius
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Mauritius eSim:
3GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $37 USD
7GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
15GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $54 USD
The eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital version of a SIM card that is incorporated directly into a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike regular SIM cards, there is no physical card that needs to be inserted or removed.
Instead, the eSIM is already a part of the device’s hardware and can be programmed and activated remotely by a mobile network operator. This allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of physically changing SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience and flexibility, particularly for frequent travelers or those who frequently switch between mobile networks. It eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it much more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on one device.
To activate an eSIM, users typically need to scan a QR code provided by the mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected mobile network and enjoy voice, data, and messaging services just like with a regular SIM card.
The use of an eSIM can be advantageous due to various reasons. One benefit is its convenience, as you don’t have to physically insert or remove a SIM card when changing mobile networks or plans. This is particularly helpful for frequent travelers who often switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries. Additionally, eSIM enables dual SIM functionality, allowing you to have two active mobile numbers on the same device. This can be useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines. Furthermore, eSIMs save space by eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot, enabling manufacturers to create smaller devices or utilize the extra space for other components. Another advantage is remote provisioning, which facilitates the activation and management of mobile plans over the air. You can easily activate or switch to a new mobile plan without a physical SIM card or visiting a store, offering greater flexibility and convenience. Moreover, eSIM technology ensures future-proofing as more mobile networks and service providers offer support for eSIMs. By utilizing an eSIM-compatible device, you can take advantage of upcoming services and offerings as they are introduced. Overall, eSIMs provide flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making them an appealing choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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