Mauritius is one of the most connected island destinations in the Indian Ocean, offering reliable mobile networks, fast 4G/LTE, and expanding 5G coverage. If you are traveling to Mauritius, buying a local prepaid SIM card is the easiest and cheapest way to access mobile internet, make local calls, and avoid expensive roaming charges.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Mauritius, including operators, prices, coverage, tourist SIM options, activation methods, and data plans.
Basics Information
Mauritius has three main mobile network operators providing prepaid SIM cards:
| Operator | Brand | Network Technology |
|---|---|---|
| my.t (Cellplus) | Mauritius Telecom | 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G |
| Emtel | Private telecom operator | 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G |
| CHiLi | MTML | 2G / 3G / 4G |
All operators provide nationwide prepaid mobile services including voice, SMS, and mobile data packages.
Mauritius introduced commercial 5G services in 2021, mainly through the my.t network, with Emtel also expanding 5G coverage across the island.
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available across Mauritius.
You can easily buy SIM cards:
- At the airport
- Mobile operator stores
- Shopping malls
- Electronics shops
- Convenience stores
- Authorized resellers
Activation normally takes 5–30 minutes after registration.
Where to Buy
Common places to purchase SIM cards:
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport kiosks
- Mobile operator retail stores
- Supermarkets
- Phone shops
- Tourist areas such as Grand Baie and Port Louis
Tourists can buy SIM cards immediately upon arrival at the airport.
Frequencies
Mauritius uses standard GSM and LTE bands compatible with most international smartphones.
| Network | Frequency | Band |
|---|---|---|
| 2G GSM | 900 MHz | GSM |
| 3G UMTS | 2100 MHz | Band 1 |
| 4G LTE | 1800 MHz | Band 3 |
| 5G NR | 3500 MHz | n78 |
Make sure your device is unlocked and supports LTE Band 3 to enjoy fast mobile data.
Coverage & Speed
| Operator | Coverage | 4G Speed | 5G Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| my.t | Nationwide + outer islands | Very fast | Yes |
| Emtel | Nationwide | Very fast | Yes |
| CHiLi | Urban areas mainly | Moderate | No |
- my.t offers the widest coverage across Mauritius and surrounding islands.
- Emtel is known for very fast 5G speeds.
- CHiLi is the smallest network with limited coverage.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Emtel | my.t | CHiLi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G | 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Coverage | Nationwide | Best coverage | Limited |
| Tourist SIM | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Cheapest Data | Moderate | Moderate | Cheapest |
| Best For | Speed | Coverage | Budget users |
Biometric User Registration
SIM card registration is mandatory in Mauritius.
Required documents:
- Passport or national ID
- Personal details
- Signature
The retailer registers the SIM under your name, and activation usually takes less than one hour.
Device Registration
Mauritius does not currently require IMEI device registration for tourists.
However:
- Your phone must be unlocked
- It must support Mauritius network frequencies
SIM Card Price
| Operator | Price |
|---|---|
| Emtel | ~100 MUR |
| my.t | ~100 MUR |
| CHiLi | ~100 MUR |
Many starter packs include an initial credit worth around 80–100 MUR.
Top-Up Methods
You can recharge prepaid SIM cards using:
- Recharge vouchers
- Mobile apps
- USSD codes
- Bank cards
- Online payments
- Retail shops
- ATM top-ups
Top-up vouchers are widely sold across Mauritius
Emtel Prepaid SIM
Emtel is one of the largest telecom providers in Mauritius and offers high-speed 4G and expanding 5G coverage.
Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Pack | 1 GB | 1 Day | 15 MUR | *133# |
| Weekly Pack | 5 GB | 7 Days | 100 MUR | *133# |
| Monthly Pack | 20 GB | 30 Days | 300 MUR | *133# |
| Unlimited Plan | Unlimited | 30 Days | 700 MUR | *133# |
Orange (Legacy Brand)
The Orange brand previously operated in Mauritius but was rebranded as my.t under Mauritius Telecom. The services and network infrastructure continue under the my.t brand.
my.t (Cellplus) Prepaid SIM
My.T is the largest telecom operator in Mauritius and offers the best island-wide coverage.
Data Add-Ons
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 1 GB | 24 Hours | 15 MUR | *555# |
| Weekly | 5 GB | 7 Days | 100 MUR | *555# |
| Monthly | 25 GB | 30 Days | 350 MUR | *555# |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 Days | 700 MUR | *555# |
CHiLi Prepaid SIM
CHiLi (MTML) is the smallest mobile operator in Mauritius, often chosen for its cheaper plans.
Data Add-Ons
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 500 MB | 1 Day | 10 MUR | *100# |
| Weekly | 3 GB | 7 Days | 60 MUR | *100# |
| Monthly | 10 GB | 30 Days | 200 MUR | *100# |
How to Check the Remaining Balance
Typical balance check codes:
| Operator | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Emtel | *100# |
| my.t | *100# |
| CHiLi | *100# |
You can also check balances via the operator’s mobile apps.
Official Websites
- my.t – https://www.myt.mu
- Emtel – https://www.emtel.com
- CHiLi – https://www.chili.mu
Mobile Apps
| Operator | App |
|---|---|
| my.t | my.t App (Android / iOS) |
| Emtel | Emtel App |
| CHiLi | Chili Mobile App |
These apps allow you to:
- Check balance
- Buy data packages
- Recharge credit
- Track usage
How to Check Your SIM Number
Common USSD codes:
| Operator | Code |
|---|---|
| Emtel | *100# |
| my.t | *100# |
| CHiLi | *100# |
You can also check the number in the mobile app or phone settings.
Tourist SIM Cards
Tourists can buy special SIM packages with large data allowances.
Typical tourist packages:
| Operator | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emtel | 200 GB | 30 Days | ~750 MUR |
| my.t | 200 GB | 30 Days | ~750 MUR |
These SIM cards are available at the airport and tourist areas.
Roaming Data
International roaming is available but expensive.
Typical roaming cost:
- $5 – $10 per MB
- Daily roaming packages available
Using a local prepaid SIM or eSIM is much cheaper.
Digital eSIM Providers
Travel eSIM providers working in Mauritius include:
- Airalo
- Holafly
- Nomad eSIM
- Ubigi
- GigSky
These allow travelers to activate mobile data before arriving in Mauritius.
Other Options
Alternative internet options:
- Pocket WiFi rental
- Hotel WiFi
- Public WiFi in cafes
- International roaming
However, local SIM cards usually provide the best value and speed.
SIM Card Activation
Activation steps:
- Buy a SIM card
- Provide passport
- Register SIM
- Insert the SIM card
- Restart phone
- Select a data package
Activation usually takes a few minutes to an hour.
Customer Support / Helpline Numbers
| Operator | Customer Care |
|---|---|
| Emtel | 8970 |
| my.t | 8900 |
| CHiLi | 8999 |
Conclusion
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Mauritius is easy, affordable, and highly recommended for tourists and travelers. With nationwide coverage and fast LTE/5G networks, mobile connectivity across the island is excellent.
Best SIM cards in Mauritius:
- Best coverage: my.t
- Fastest internet: Emtel
- Cheapest option: CHiLi
Tourists visiting Mauritius for a short trip should consider tourist SIM packs with 200GB data, which provide excellent value for money and reliable connectivity across the island.