Looking for the best SIM card in Mauritius? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Best Overall: My.T (Mauritius Telecom) offers wide coverage, reliable 4G/LTE, and great tourist plans like the 5G Tourist SIM with 200GB data for €15.
- Fastest Internet: Emtel leads with 5G network covering 80% of Mauritius and speeds up to 1.87 Gbps. Their Tourist Pack offers 200GB data for Rs 750.
- Budget-Friendly: Chili Mobile is the cheapest option but only supports basic 2G/3G networks, making it ideal for light users.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | My.T | Emtel | Chili |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE | 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G | 2G, 3G |
| Coverage | Island-wide + Isles | 80% 5G, nationwide | Urban areas |
| Tourist Pack | €15 (200GB) | Rs 750 (200GB) | Rs 100 (Basic) |
| Best For | Reliable coverage | High-speed internet | Budget users |
Pro Tip: For short trips, go with My.T or Emtel for their tourist-friendly plans. Budget travelers can save with Chili but may face slower speeds and limited coverage.
Buying a Sim Card for Mauritius
Mobile Networks in Mauritius
Mauritius is served by three main mobile networks, each offering different levels of coverage and technology. Here’s a quick look at what they bring to the table.
My.T (Mauritius Telecom) is known for its wide-reaching network, covering the entire island and even extending to Rodrigues and Agalega. It supports 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE, making it a reliable choice for comprehensive coverage.
Emtel stands out for its fast connectivity. Its 5G network already covers nearly 80% of Mauritius, with speeds reaching up to 1.87 Gbps. The company plans to achieve full 5G coverage by the end of 2024, making it a top pick for those who prioritize speed and cutting-edge technology.
Chili (MTML) provides basic services with 2G and 3G/HSPA+ (branded as "4G") but lacks true 4G/LTE technology. Despite this, its coverage is decent across the island, catering to users with basic communication needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the three networks:
| Network | Available Technologies | Coverage Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| My.T | 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE | Island-wide, including Rodrigues and Agalega | Reliable, widespread coverage |
| Emtel | 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G | Nearly 80% 5G coverage, strong urban presence | High-speed internet and advanced tech |
| Chili | 2G, 3G/HSPA+ | Basic island-wide coverage | Affordable, no-frills connectivity |
Mauritius currently ranks 38th in the Ookla Speedtest Global Index for mobile performance. Both My.T and Emtel offer 4G/LTE on prepaid plans, while Emtel’s 5G service requires a compatible device and SIM card.
1. My.T Mobile Plans
My.T offers a variety of mobile plans designed specifically for travelers visiting Mauritius. With access to the island’s extensive network, their standout product is the 5G Tourist SIM.
Here’s what the 5G Tourist SIM includes:
- 200GB of high-speed data
- Unlimited SMS
- Rs 200 airtime for calls
- 30-day validity
- Price: €15 (VAT included)
For sports fans, there’s the 5G Tourist SIM + Sports package. Priced at €30, it adds unlimited sports streaming through DStv Stream mobile.
Prepaid Plans for Every Need
My.T also offers prepaid options with something for everyone:
| Plan Name | Price (MUR) | Data Allowance | Validity | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love Pack | 39 | 60 MB | 24 hours | Unlimited on-net minutes, 30 SMS |
| 24H No Limit | 15 | Unlimited | 24 hours | – |
| Weekly Unlimited | 95 | 2.14 GB/day (15 GB) | 7 days | – |
| Monthly Unlimited | 315 | 2.5 GB/day (75 GB) | 30 days | – |
| 3-Month Unlimited | 815 | 3 GB/day (270 GB) | 90 days | – |
Quick and Easy SIM Activation
Getting started with My.T is simple. Travelers can choose between physical SIM cards (pre-cut for all device sizes) or eSIM options. A standard SIM costs 100 MUR, while a Premium SIM with a 10-year validity is available for 1,500 MUR.
To save time, you can pre-book your SIM online by submitting your passport details and payment. Pick it up at the airport or any Telecom Shop. For added convenience, activate your SIM quickly and access customer support via their 8900 hotline.
With its easy setup and range of plans, My.T provides a solid option for staying connected in Mauritius. Let’s now take a look at Emtel’s offerings.
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2. Emtel Service Options
Emtel, recognized as the winner of OOKLA’s Mauritius Speedtest Awards for mobile network speed in Q2–Q3 2023, provides a range of mobile plans tailored to meet diverse needs. Here’s a breakdown of their tourist-friendly packages and standard prepaid options.
Tourist-Friendly Packages
- Tourist Pack: For Rs 750 (around $17 USD), you get 200GB of high-speed data, unlimited local SMS, Rs 200 of airtime, and 30-day validity.
- Premium Starter Pack: Priced at Rs 1,000, this pack includes Rs 500 credit, 1GB of data, 300 local SMS, unlimited Facebook access, 180 free minutes, and a SIM with a 10-year validity.
Standard Prepaid Option
For Rs 100, the basic Prepaid Starter Pack offers:
| Feature | Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Credit | Rs 87 | 7 days |
| Data Package | 49GB (7GB daily) | 7 days |
| Local SMS | Unlimited | 7 days |
| Missed Call Alert | Included | Ongoing |
Network Coverage and Support
Emtel provides broad coverage across Mauritius, with robust 5G services in key tourist hotspots. Their customer service hotline (8970) is available daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, even on public holidays.
Getting Started
You can pick up an Emtel SIM card at SSR International Airport, any Emtel showroom across the island, or by pre-booking online. Activation requires a valid passport.
With extensive coverage, generous data offerings, and plans designed specifically for tourists, Emtel is a solid option for visitors. Their award-winning speed and reliable 5G network make them a go-to choice for staying connected in Mauritius.
3. Chili Mobile Features
Chili Mobile stands out as a budget-friendly option compared to My.T and Emtel, though it offers more basic services.
Network Technology and Coverage
Chili Mobile operates on older 2G/EDGE technology, offering speeds of up to 3 Mbps. However, it does not support 4G/LTE connections. Coverage is mainly concentrated in urban areas.
Pricing and Plan Features
| Plan Type | Price (MUR) | Features | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Prepaid | 100 | • Initial credit • Basic data allowance • Local SMS |
7 days |
| Standard Bundle | 200–300 | • More data • Voice minutes • Text messages |
30 days |
| Large Bundle | 400–500 | • Highest data package • Extended validity • Extra services |
30 days |
Getting Started with Chili
To get started with Chili Mobile:
- Visit a Chili retail store or an authorized convenience shop.
- Bring your passport for registration.
- Choose the prepaid plan that suits your needs.
Tip: Test both data and voice services during activation to ensure they meet your expectations.
Key Considerations
Chili Mobile is a great choice for travelers on a tight budget, especially in urban areas. It’s best suited for users who rely on basic services like calls and texts, rather than those needing fast internet. While its data speeds and network coverage are limited, the low-cost plans remain its biggest draw.
Quick Comparison Chart
Here’s a breakdown of the main features offered by each provider to help you decide:
Network Coverage and Technology
| Feature | My.T | Emtel | Chili |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Types | 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE | 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G | 2G, 3G |
| Coverage | Nationwide + Islands | Nationwide (80% 5G) | Limited |
| Speed | 4G/LTE | 1.87 Gbps | 3G/HSPA+ |
| Rodrigues | Yes | Yes | No |
| Agalega | Yes | No | No |
Starter Package Comparison
| Feature | My.T | Emtel | Chili |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Rs 100 | Rs 100 (Regular) Rs 200 (Tourist) |
Rs 100 |
| Credit | Rs 87 | Rs 87 (Regular) | Standard credit |
| Data | 15 GB | 300 MB (Regular) 1 GB (Tourist) |
Standard allowance |
| Validity | 7 days | 7–10 days | 7 days |
| Features | • 150 SMS (3 months) • Unlimited Facebook* |
• 250 SMS (90 days) • Unlimited Facebook • Free WhatsApp |
SMS bundle |
*Excluding videos
Most Popular Data Packages
| Package | My.T | Emtel | Chili |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-Hour | Rs 15 (Unlimited) |
Rs 10 (55 MB + 55 SMS) |
Rs 44 (1 GB) |
| Weekly | Rs 95 (15 GB) |
Rs 49 (325 MB + 325 SMS) |
Rs 45 (400 MB + 50 SMS) |
| Monthly | Rs 315 (75 GB) |
Rs 449 (5 GB) |
Rs 425 (2.5 GB + 250 SMS) |
| Best Value | Rs 815 (270 GB/3 months) |
Rs 949 (50 GB) |
Rs 800 (5 GB + 500 SMS) |
Special Features
| Provider | Benefits |
|---|---|
| My.T | • Largest 4G/LTE coverage • Island-wide network • High data allowances |
| Emtel | • 5G network • Unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp • Tourist-specific plans |
| Chili | • Affordable plans • Straightforward pricing • Combined data and SMS bundles |
Note: All prices include tax, except Chili’s data packages, which require an additional 15% VAT. Emtel’s 5G network is expected to reach full coverage by the end of 2024.
Which SIM to Choose
Selecting the right SIM depends on your travel plans and data needs. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
For Short-Term Tourists (1–7 days)
If you’re in Mauritius for a few days and need basic connectivity, the My.T starter pack is a great pick. For just Rs 100, you get 15GB of data valid for 7 days, plus 150 SMS – ideal for light browsing and staying connected.
For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Working remotely? Go with Emtel for its dependable network and strong 4G/LTE coverage. It’s a solid choice for activities like video conferencing and transferring large files.
For Families and Groups
Traveling with a group or family? High-data SIM packs are available from both My.T and Emtel.
- The My.T 5G Tourist SIM offers 200 GB of data, unlimited SMS, and Rs 200 airtime for €15 (VAT included).
- The Emtel Tourist Pack provides similar perks: 200 GB of data, unlimited local SMS, and Rs 200 airtime for Rs 750 (VAT included).
These packs are perfect for streaming, sharing, and connecting multiple devices.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| SIM Card Provider | Tourist Pack Features | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| My.T 5G Tourist SIM | 200 GB data + Unlimited SMS + Rs 200 airtime | €15 | Streaming and sharing |
| Emtel Tourist Pack | 200 GB data + Unlimited local SMS + Rs 200 airtime | Rs 750 | Multiple devices |
For Budget-Conscious Travelers
Mauritius is known for its affordable mobile data, with rates averaging around US$0.75 per GB. If you’re looking to save, the Chili SIM card is an economical option. For Rs 100, you get 20 GB of data (valid for 7 days), 200 SMS (valid for 3 months), and an initial credit of Rs 87. However, keep in mind that Chili’s network coverage isn’t as extensive as My.T or Emtel.
"If you want to buy the best SIM card in Mauritius, I recommend going with my.t (by Mauritius Telecom) or Emtel. my.t is the best performing mobile operator. However, Emtel has the best (4G/LTE) coverage." – Phone Travel Wiz
