How to Stay Connected While Enjoying the Maldives
As an experienced scuba diver, you understand the necessity of staying connected while exploring new underwater worlds. Reliable connectivity in a scuba vacation is like having a steady dive buddy—it’s comforting to know it’s there when you need it.
Whether it’s syncing with dive itineraries, sharing marine life encounters, or navigating the local area, reliable connectivity is indispensable.
Through this guide we want you to understand the best ways to secure a strong internet connection with tips on Wi-Fi availability and local SIM cards, ensuring your dive trip is both enjoyable and well-coordinated.
Connectivity Options in Rasdhoo
When it comes to Wi-Fi options in Rasdhoo, most hotels offer a stable connection at moderate speeds sufficient for browsing, streaming, and communicating. While some restaurants offer Wi-Fi, the connection might not always be strong.
At Awequatic, we ensure our clients have access to medium-speed Wi-Fi, providing a reliable connection for planning your dives, sharing your experiences, and keeping in touch with loved ones.
SIM Card Options
To complement the Wi-Fi options, a local SIM card can be an excellent choice for staying connected on the go. Rasdhoo is well-covered by the two major service providers, Ooredoo and Dhiraagu, both offering reliable network coverage without significant differences in speed.
Where to Buy
When traveling to Rasdhoo, securing a local SIM card is a wise choice to ensure you remain connected throughout your stay. Unfortunately, physical travel SIM cards aren't available for purchase directly on Rasdhoo Island.
However, you can conveniently acquire them at the Dhiraagu Business Center and Ooredoo Experience Center, both located at the arrival terminal of the International Airport. As you exit the immigration area, you'll find these centers on your right side, just a short minute's walk away.
Service Provider | Location | Opening Hours |
Ooredoo | Arrival Terminal | 05:30 - 23:30 |
Dhiraagu | Arrival Terminal | 06:30 - 23:00 |
To save time, consider ordering a Tourist SIM Kit online via Ooredoo or Dhiraagu. Your order will be confirmed through an email, which you need to present, along with your passport, at the store to pick up your SIM.
Ooredoo website: https://www.ooredoo.mv/mobile/tourist-plan
Dhiraagu website: https://www.dhiraagu.com.mv/prepaid/tourist-sim
If you're seeking convenience and your device supports eSIM, opt for this alternative. Once purchased, a QR code is sent to your email, allowing you to activate your service online without needing to visit the physical stores.
This option is particularly useful if your flight lands outside of the service centers' operating hours, offering flexibility and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity during your Rasdhoo adventure
For both the options bear in mind, orders are valid for 30 days, (from email confirmation) so plan accordingly.
Sim Card Plans
When it comes to choosing the right SIM card for your stay in THE MALDIVES, both Ooredoo and Dhiraagu offer competitive plans catering to varying needs. Here's a quick breakdown of what each provider offers across their travel plans:
Table of Plans
Price (USD) | Provider | Data Allowance | Social Media Data | Voice Minutes | SMS | Credit (MVR) |
40 | Ooredoo | 20GB | N/A | 100 | 150 | 100 |
Dhiraagu | 20GB | N/A | 150 | 150 | 100 | |
50 | Ooredoo | 30GB | 70GB | 150 | 200 | 150 |
Dhiraagu | 30GB | 70GB | 300 | 300 | 150 | |
100 | Ooredoo | 125GB | N/A | 100 | 200 | 100 |
Dhiraagu | 125GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Both Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offer comprehensive SIM card options catering to various levels of data usage, from moderate to high. For moderate users, both providers offer 20 GB data plans at USD 40, providing sufficient internet access for a short 1-2 week stay. However, for those looking for more extensive connectivity, both have USD 50 plans, offering an additional 70 GB for social media use across popular platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.
The USD 100 plans are particularly beneficial for heavy internet users. Dhiraagu’s plan offers 125 GB, focusing purely on data capacity. In contrast, Ooredoo’s plan includes the same data allowance but throws in additional benefits such as voice minutes, SMS, and credit, making it a versatile option for divers who need to balance work and leisure during their stay
Choosing the Right Plan
Consider whether your travel style leans towards light browsing or extensive online sharing, and select a plan that matches your expectations.
Don't forget that most accommodations offer Wi-Fi, which can help conserve mobile data for when you're on the go. And if you find yourself needing more data, both service providers offer convenient add-ons to keep you connected without interruption
It’s important to note that once your initial data allowance is depleted, any usage will quickly consume your credit due to high per-MB costs without an active data pack.
Service providers don't typically send alerts before your data pack runs out, which can lead to unexpected charges. To avoid this, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your usage and recharge your SIM with data add-ons before your current pack runs out.
We've been caught off guard many times ourselves as locals, so be sure to regularly check your balances.
Checking Your Travel SIM Balance:
Dhiraagu Users: Text “My usage” to 727.
Ooredoo Users: Text “balance” to 5555.
Thank you for taking the time to explore our guide on digital connectivity in Rasdhoo.
Here at Awequatic, we know that every dive is a chance to capture unforgettable moments. We want to ensure you're always connected to share those awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping experiences.
We recommend reaching out for any specific updates as we continue to monitor any changes to travel SIM plans since this post was last updated on 08 August 2024.
Kommentarer