Which unlimited SIM card for a trip to Mauritius?

Which unlimited SIM card for a trip to Mauritius?

Internet & Communication VanTour Team 8 min

Introduction

Ah, Mauritius, a dream! Who hasn’t imagined lounging on its postcard-perfect beaches or exploring its colorful markets? But before you get carried away with excitement, one question arises: how will you stay connected?
I’m of course talking about that little card essential for keeping in touch with the world, even if you’re lost in a sugar cane plantation or underwater, mask and snorkel in place.

On this paradise island, the cost of mobile internet can quickly become a headache. Whether you’re a globetrotter in search of the perfect Instagram photo or simply eager to share your Mauritian adventures, it’s vital to ensure that your phone doesn’t turn your savings into smoke.

So, how do you navigate this maze of mobile connectivity during your stay in Mauritius? Sit back, relax, because we’re about to take you into the fascinating world of unlimited SIM cards. And get ready, because we’ve found a fantastic offer to make your trip even more enjoyable!

Our video on mobile plans while traveling

How to find the SIM card for your stay in Mauritius?

If Mauritius is checked off your travel list, which is understandable given how amazing it seems (one day maybe), it means you’re ready to discover its incredible beaches and radiant climate. But before you marvel at the sugar cane fields or dive into the crystal-clear waters of Grand Baie, a crucial question arises:

how to stay connected on this enchanting island?

No need to panic, we’re here to guide you through the maze of internet solutions, just like a local could show you the secrets of Port-Louis.

Three options present themselves for a flawless connection in Mauritius:

Roaming

Use your UK plan abroad thanks to roaming agreements

Local SIM card

Buy a local SIM card to benefit from local rates

eSIM

Activate an eSIM before your departure, without changing your physical card

Advantages and disadvantages of internet solutions while traveling

Comparison of internet solutions while traveling
International plan Local SIM card eSIM
Cost High Low Moderate
Purchase Online (operator option) On-site, in-store Online, before departure
SIM card change No Yes No
Ease of use Easy Restrictive Easy
Support in English Yes Rarely Yes
Unlimited data No (limited) Yes Yes (depending on offer)
Keep your UK number Yes No (replaced) Yes (dual SIM)
Flexible stay durations No (monthly) Variable (commitment possible) Yes (1 to 90 days)
Top up the plan Operator customer area In-store Via the app
Risk of extra charges Yes Prepaid: no. Other: yes No

Solution 1: Your UK subscription!

You might think, well, I just need to use my UK plan, since English is an official language in Mauritius, so it should work!

YES BUT NO

Often, our UK plans severely limit data abroad, or even completely exclude mobile internet, forcing you to pay expensive surcharges.
Prepare for a bill that could soar up to £13.31/MB for mobile internet, £2.90/min for outgoing calls, and £0.28 for each SMS sent, do you have any idea what that represents? We’ll explain it a little further down!

UK mobile plans in Mauritius

For clarity, we focused on the four main UK networks when comparing roaming options for Mauritius: EE, Three, Vodafone and O2. Bad news upfront: Mauritius isn’t included in any of their standard travel zones, so all of them either charge premium pay-as-you-go roaming rates or require an expensive add-on bolt-on.

Mauritius: does my plan work there?

Plan Data Duration Price Network 🇲🇺 Mauritius
EU Roaming 7-Day Pass Recommended 50 GB 7 days €17.90 4G ✗ No
Zone 1 Weekly Pass Recommended 50 GB 7 days €29.85 4G ✗ No
EU Roaming Daily Pass 50 GB 1 day €3.10 4G ✗ No
Zone 1 Daily Pass 50 GB 1 day €5.97 4G ✗ No
Zone 2 Daily Pass 50 GB 1 day €8.96 4G ✗ No
Zone 3 Daily Pass 512 MB 1 day €8.96 4G ✓ Yes
Zone 4 Daily Pass 10 MB 1 day €17.92 4G ✗ No
EU Roaming 12-Day Pass 50 GB 12 days €25.70 4G ✗ No
Zone 2 Weekly Pass 50 GB 7 days €44.78 4G ✗ No
Plan Data Duration Price Network 🇲🇺 Mauritius
Go Roam in Europe Recommended 12 GB 1 day €3.29 4G ✗ No
Go Roam Around the World 12 GB 1 day €9.56 4G ✗ No
Go Roam Around the World Extra 12 GB 1 day €9.56 4G ✗ No
Plan Data Duration Price Network 🇲🇺 Mauritius
8-Day Europe Pass Recommended 25 GB 8 days €19.12 4G ✗ No
Euro Roam Daily 25 GB 1 day €3.29 4G ✗ No
Global Roam Daily (Zone C) 25 GB 1 day €9.56 4G ✗ No
Global Roam Daily (Zone D) 25 GB 1 day €9.56 4G ✗ No
15-Day Europe Pass 25 GB 15 days €25.10 4G ✗ No
Plan Data Duration Price Network 🇲🇺 Mauritius
Europe Zone (included) Recommended 25 GB 30 days €0.00 4G ✗ No
Data Roaming Bolt-On Zone 1 (1 GB) 1 GB 30 days €7.17 4G ✗ No
O2 Travel Bolt On Unlimited 1 day €8.37 4G ✗ No
Data Roaming Bolt-On Zone 2 (1 GB) 1 GB 30 days €10.76 4G ✗ No

Last verified: 19 May 2026

Advantages:

Stay with a UK provider.

Disadvantages:

You got it, unless you’re a millionaire and don’t know what to do with your money, we strongly advise against using your UK plan as is in Mauritius. None of the major UK operators (EE, Three, Vodafone, O2) include the island in their standard inclusive travel zones, so you will either be charged standard roaming rates or have to buy a dedicated travel bolt-on, and the price per GB can reach eye-watering levels.

Solution 2: Buy a SIM card upon arrival in Mauritius

Another solution that may seem logical is to buy a SIM card directly upon your arrival on the island, after enduring your little 12-hour flight… here you go, the Mauritian SIM card frees you from the constraints of exorbitant roaming fees, but it also allows you to enjoy local rates for surfing the net. And honestly, it’s still a good deal.

You can get them at supermarkets, specialized shops, or directly upon your arrival at the airport. A bit of savvy and a smile usually suffice, although a few words in English or Creole can be helpful.

Local Mobile Operators in Mauritius

In Mauritius, the choice of operators is simplified with two main players: EMTEL and MY.T. It’s important to compare them to find the offer that suits you best, taking into account prices, network coverage, and the validity period of the card.

After purchasing your Mauritian SIM card, simply insert it into your phone and follow the activation instructions. This ensures you stay connected without worry, whether you’re enjoying pristine beaches or venturing into the hustle and bustle of the central market in Port-Louis.

Mauritius: local SIM cards available for your stay

Emtel

Local SIM eSIM available 4.0

Mauritius' second-largest operator. Good 5G coverage. Tourist Packs available at SSR airport and Emtel stores. eSIM available online and via app.

Emtel Unlimited 5G Tourist Pack 15 Days
Unlimited 15 days Calls SMS 4G,5G
€8.63 (449 MUR)
Buy: Airport SSR, stores Emtel, online

my.t

Local SIM eSIM available 4.2

Mauritius' leading operator (Mauritius Telecom brand). Best 4G/5G coverage on the island. Sells Tourist Packs at SSR airport and my.t stores. eSIM available via app.

my.t Tourist Data Pack (15 Days)
100 GB 15 days 4G,5G
€7.69 (400 MUR)
Buy: Airport SSR, stores my.t, app my.t
Carrier Plan Data Duration Price Network Buy
my.t
my.t Tourist Data Pack (15 Days) 100 GB 15 days €7.69
(400 MUR)
4G,5G Airport SSR, stores my.t, a...
Emtel
Emtel Unlimited 5G Tourist Pack 15 Days Unlimited 15 days €8.63
(449 MUR)
4G,5G Airport SSR, stores Emtel, ...
Emtel
Emtel Unlimited 5G Tourist Pack 30 Days Reco Unlimited 30 days €15.36
(799 MUR)
4G,5G Airport SSR, stores Emtel, ...
my.t
my.t Tourist Pack 5G Reco Unlimited 30 days €15.38
(800 MUR)
4G,5G Airport SSR, stores my.t, a...

Last verified: 19 May 2026

Advantages:

It’s often still a financially interesting option, if your goal is to pay the least, the local card can be a solution, depending on the number of gigabytes it will offer you, but there’s a catch….

Disadvantages:

You need to be a bit of an adventurer

Everything will also depend on your mindset, let me explain, since you won’t have any internet upon arrival, there will be a lapse of time where you’ll need to find the card, while you won’t be able to rely on your internet (and your dear artificial intelligence friend), since you haven’t activated it with your SIM yet, you follow? And let’s be honest, that moment is going to be a bit tedious until you find your holy grail.

Device Incompatibility

And yes, with nanos, minis, and normals, do you even know what type of SIM card you have? No, we don’t always know, and you might even have a mobile without a SIM card, equipped with an eSIM.

Other Risks and Disadvantages

  • Loss of UK Number: By opting for a new SIM, you temporarily lose the use of your usual number, which can be problematic for receiving important calls or messages.
  • Frequent SIM Changes: If your trip takes you to explore various regions of the island, you might have to change SIM cards often, a bit like an adventurer collecting unique experiences.
  • Data Limitations: Unlike an unlimited offer, you have 200 GB of data, which, while generous, requires you to keep an eye on your usage to avoid surprises.
  • Loss of Familiarity: Getting used to a new number also means familiarizing yourself with the specifics of the local operator, much like learning the rules of a traditional Mauritian game.

Solution 3: Holafly eSIMs for Mauritius

There is one last technology that could make your life easier during your stay in Mauritius to send photos of your tan to your friends back at the office, the eSIM.

For the Neophytes, What is an eSIM?

It’s a virtual SIM card embedded in your phone, most new phones come equipped with it, and the advantage is that you can install multiple ones in a single phone, which is rather complicated with a physical SIM card, you’ll agree.

Advantages:

One-Click Activation: That’s the most practical thing about the eSIM, being able to download it even before leaving, having it right in your phone and activating it upon landing. PURE HAPPINESS

Unlimited Connectivity: With Holafly, Mauritius has never been more accessible. Whether you’re exploring the markets of Port-Louis or relaxing on a white sandy beach, the coverage is as vast as the island itself.

Advantageous Rates: For those on the lookout for the best deals, Holafly proves to be an excellent option. Prices often challenge those of traditional operators, especially for roaming.

Customized Plans: Need data for just a few days while waiting to find a local SIM card? Holafly allows you to choose a plan tailored to your specific needs, whether in terms of duration or data volume.

Connected upon landing: Imagine arriving at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and being immediately connected, without having to search for a SIM card upon arrival. That’s what Holafly promises you.

Impeccable Customer Service: In case of any issues, no worries: Holafly’s customer support is responsive and efficient, ensuring quick assistance so you can enjoy your stay peacefully.

Disadvantages:

Compared to the option of buying a local SIM card in Mauritius, choosing an eSIM may end up being more expensive in the long run. Holafly’s rates are generally higher than those of local operators, especially if your stays are long or recurring.

Holafly eSIMs also come with specific data limits depending on the chosen plan. For those who consume a lot of data or are looking for an unlimited connection, eSIMs may not be the most suitable option. It’s wise to compare offers based on your needs; if the latter offers unlimited data, it could represent a good deal.

Not all phones support eSIM technology. Before deciding on Holafly’s eSIM, ensure that your device is compatible with this feature.

Promo Code for Holafly Mauritius Plan

Good news for those planning to discover Mauritius: we’ve negotiated a special discount for you, a promo code for your Holafly eSIM card for Mauritius. When placing your order, simply enter the promo code LAPLANETEDECARO, and instantly enjoy a 5% discount.

Conclusion: Which plan will you choose for Mauritius?

So, what is the best SIM card option for your stay in Mauritius or for a road trip on this paradise island? The choice isn’t as simple as picking between fish curry and sausage rougaille. Each solution has its strengths and limitations, and what is ideal for one traveler may not be for another.
That was precisely the aim of this guide. Whether you’re a digital nomad, on vacation, or on an adventure, it’s crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option to determine which one suits you best.