Vanuatu SIM Card Guide (For Tourists)
When I landed in Vanuatu (just as I do with most countires) the first order of business is usually to find a bathroom, imediatly followed by trying to figure out how do I get online without getting ripped off on roaming charges?
Turns out, getting connected here is pretty straightforward!
Prepaid SIM cards are affordable (though not cheap) and available to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourist SIM!). There are only two opperators; Vodafone or Digicell.
A good option is actually to buy a SIM right at the Airport (yep, I can’t believe I’m saying that!). The sales assistant will get the SIM all set up and activated for you in a matter of minutes and the pricing is actually the same as if you went into town.
Another (better) option is the Airalo eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Saily but now find Airalo a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
In this article I’ll cover the 4 best local SIMs and eSIMs worth checking out for your trip to the Islands!
Table of Contents
TLDR; Summary
If your phone can take eSIM Cards then buying an Airalo travel sim is the way to go. you can do it before you even arive!
If your are looking for a lot of data at the absolute cheapest price, then pickup a Vodafone local SIM at the airport and get one of the WAO Data plans (don’t get a tourist plan)
1. Vodafone Vanuatu
This was the SIM I went with when i first visitied Vanuatu, and honestly, I’d choose it again. Vodafone has the best overall coverage, especially if you’re heading out of Port Vila or to some of the outer islands.
Where to Get It?
Here’s the problem; the only place selling Vodafone SIMs currently is the airport kiosk. The one-and-only Vodafone store in Port Vila is closed! You can buy a topup almost anywhere, but getting the SIM itself is surprisingly difficult!
The good news is the pricing at the Airport is the same as anywhere else (they don’t get you with inflated tourist prices) – plus the ladies there made quick work of gettting my phone setup and credit loaded.
Cost and Plans
Vodafone has tourist sims, and you can even get a free one that comes with 2GB of data for 3 days. I purchased the 10GB pack for ~45 NZD ($30 USD).
You’ll also find other prepaid plans:
- All in Wan: Bundled packages combining data, calls, and SMS.
- WAO Data: Data-centric plans for heavy internet users.
- WAO! Tok & SMS: Ideal for those focusing on calls and texts.
These are technically Local SIMs (rather than tourist SIMs) but operate as prepaid and you don’t have to be a resident ot purchase them. If you’re in Vanuatua for more than 2 weeks, or planning on using a lot of data then this is the way to go.
For the latest rates and packages, check out their official rates page.
Speed and Coverage
Vodafone has extensive coverage. I experienced decent download speeds, which were sufficient for streaming and video calls..
Setup
Setting up a Vodafone SIM was straightforward:
- SIM activation: Insert the SIM and dial 171 to activate.
- Data settings: Configure the APN to data.vodafone.vu in your phone’s settings.
- Purchase plans: Dial *183# to access and purchase various data or call packages.
After this, you’ll be online within minutes.
2. Digicel Vanuatu
Digicel is Vodafone’s main competitor in Vanuatu, and it definitely has its perks. Cheaper data plans are the biggest one.
Where to Get It?
Digicel onlyhas 2 stores in Port Villa, plust one at the Airport. The stores in town are also only open monday through friday which means if you arrive on the weekend (like it did) you can’t get a SIM.
The Airport shop (which is basically just a kiosk) seems to be open when flights come in. The pricing is also the same at the airport as you’ll pay in town. This means getting your sim at the airport is a no brainer!
Cost and Plans
Digicel offers a variety of prepaid plans tailored to different needs:
- All In one plans: These bundles include data, calls, and SMS.
- Data bundles: Standalone data packages for internet usage.
For detailed information on their products, visit their website.
Speed and Coverage
Like Vodafone, Digicel’s network delivers decent download speeds. But, when I traveled to less populated islands, I noticed a slight drop in coverage.
Setup
Activating my SIM was as easy as it gets:
- SIM registration: A mandatory process requiring a valid ID, which I completed at the store.
- SIM activation: I inserted the SIM, dialed *122#, and followed the on-screen prompts.
- Managing plans: I used the MyDigicel app to monitor usage and purchase packages.
3. Airalo eSIM
I first tried Airalo, an eSIM provider that connects to local networks. What sold me was the simplicity—it took me about 2 minutes to purchase, install, and activate everything before my flight. No SIM swapping, no store visits, just instant connectivity the moment my plane touched now.
Tip: Now i’m a little bit older I don’t mind paying a bit more for convenience, and Airalo is case-in-point. Sure, you’ll save a couple of bucks buying a local plan – but it’s just not worth the hassle and time wasting.
Where to Get It?
Airalo operates entirely online, which is a huge plus. You can get it:
- Via the Airalo website
- Through their mobile app: iOS / Android.
Your best bet it to register via there website so you can pickup any sales or deals they’re running, then get the app which will help you install the eSIM on your phone.
Cost and Plans
One of Airalo’s biggest strengths is its affordable pricing. They offer the following data packs in Vanutau:
- 1 GB for 7 days – $5.50 USD
- 2 GB for 15 days – $10.00 USD
- 3 GB for 30 days – $13.50 USD
- 5 GB for 30 days – $20.00 USD
- 10 GB for 30 days – $35.00 USD
Speed and Coverage
Speeds were proper in Port Vila, enough for smooth streaming and browsing.
If you’re staying mostly in Port Vila or Luganville, Airalo’s coverage will serve you well. But if you plan to venture into more remote parts of Vanuatu, a physical Vodafone SIM might give you better reception.
Setup
I followed the steps below to install and activate my eSIM:
- Purchased the plan via the app.
- Chose my destination and package.
- Installed the eSIM. The company provides clear on-screen instructions.
- Activated it by switching to the eSIM network upon arrival. It activated instantly when I landed.
4. Saily eSIM
Saily works the same way as Airalo in terms of setup, it offers more security features as it’s backed by Nord VPN. So, if you’re concerned about online privacy, you can check it out.
Where to Get It?
You can buy Saily’s eSIM through their: Website or mobile app: iOS / Android.
Cost and Plans
Saily is a bit pricier than Airalo, but still reasonable:
- 1 GB for 7 days – $7.99 USD
- 3 GB for 30 days – $19.99 USD
- 5 GB for 30 days – $30.99 USD
Speed, Coverage, and Setup
The performance felt almost identical to Airalo, which makes sense since both depend on local providers.
Setting up Saily was just as simple:
- Select your destination and data plan.
- Download the app and set up your eSIM by following the instructions.
- Activate the eSIM before departure or upon arrival.
Vanuatu Travel Planning Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Vanuatu?
100% YES! — Vanuatu’s healthcare system faces challenges, with limited hospital and medical facilities, and treatment costs, including pharmaceuticals, being expensive, often requiring immediate cash payment.
If anything serious happens to you, medical evacuation may be the only option and that’s EXPENSIVE.
If you DO get insurance, also be aware many policies won’t cover adventure activities like diving, climbing active volcanos, or scooter riding (as it’s a high risk activity)!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for these activities (Which are some of the main reasons I went to Vanuatu!)
🎫 Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Probably not! Many countries are entitled to 30 day tourist ‘visa on arrival’. However, some other countries do need a pre-approved Visa. Check the list of Visa exempt countries here
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Vanuatu?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
As always, talk to your GP or specialized travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in Vanuatu?
Cash is king in Vanuatu, but electronic payments have come a long way. You’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land.
Generally, street food stalls, mum-and-dad shops and small businesses will only take cash, whereas larger bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts will be perfectly happy taking card.
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make a payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exchange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the ATMs I tried (although the ATMs do charge a fee of 700VUV to withdraw from a foreign card – around $6 USD) which is annoying but unavoidable. Taking out larger sums at once will minimise the hit.
🚌 What’s the public transport like in Vanuatu?
In short – basic!
Local buses are just dudes in minivans who operate in the grey area between a bus and a taxi. Get in, say where you’re going and they’ll take you as far as they want, provided there are enough other people on board to make the trip worthwhile.
Domestic flights from Port Vila to the outer islands are irregular and unreliable. Even more so since Air Vanuatu went into receivership.
Unfortunately, hiring a car is your most effective way to get around, but it’s waay overpriced for what you get.
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Vanuatu?
Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and available to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourist SIM!) but they can be a little hard to come by. Your best bet is actually to buy a Vodafone or Digicell SIM at the Airport – yep, I can’t believe I’m saying that!). The sales assistant will get the SIM all set up and activated for you.
Another (better) option is the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Vanuatu?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the aggregators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Vanuatu?
Safest not to — tap water in Vanuatu may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not recommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing, or get water purification tablets.
I always use these Aquatabs and also recommend a Brita Water Bottle for as some of the tab water wasn’t exactly clear either!
