Key facts
- COVERAGE
- Seychelles
- NETWORKS
- Airtel
- PLAN TYPE
- Data only
- IP ADDRESS LOCATION
- Netherlands
- DELIVERY
- QR code by email
How it works
- 1Choose a plan and pay.
- 2Scan the QR code we email you. You can install it before you fly.
- 3When you land in Seychelles, turn on data roaming for the Spidot line.
Questions about the Seychelles eSIM
Which networks does it use?
Do I get a local phone number?
Can I use it outside Seychelles?
How do I install it?
Will my phone work with an eSIM?
Will I have data on La Digue?
Is a small plan enough for a week at a resort?
Can I use the eSIM on an outer island resort?
Will I have data on the ferry to Praslin?
Will WhatsApp keep working with my normal number?
Can I top up during the trip?
Seychelles eSIM guide: mobile data for travellers
Seychelles is an archipelago of granite and coral islands in the western Indian Ocean, north-east of Madagascar. Most visitors divide their time between the three main inner islands. Mahé is the largest, home to the capital Victoria, the international airport, the forested mountains of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches such as Beau Vallon and Anse Intendance. Praslin is known for the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO-listed palm forest where the famous coco de mer grows, and for beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. La Digue, a short boat ride away, is a small island explored by bicycle, with the granite boulders of Anse Source d'Argent. Further out, the outer islands are remote coral atolls with a handful of resorts.
A Spidot eSIM gives you mobile data in Seychelles from the moment you land. You install it at home, switch it on when you arrive and keep your usual SIM for calls and texts. This guide covers how the eSIM compares with roaming and a local SIM, how much data to plan for, coverage on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands, and some tips for ferries, island flights and driving on the left.
eSIM, roaming or a local SIM in Seychelles
Here is how the three main options compare.
Roaming with your home SIM
Roaming works without setup, but island destinations are often among the more expensive places to roam. Over a week or two of maps, messaging and photo sharing, charges can add up. Check your operator's terms before you go.
A local prepaid SIM
Local SIMs are sold at the airport and in Victoria. A local number can be handy for calling taxi drivers, boat operators and guesthouses. You will need to show identification, and replace your home SIM unless your phone has a second slot.
A Spidot eSIM
A Spidot eSIM adds a data line alongside your home SIM. You buy it online, receive the QR code by email straight after payment and install it before you travel. Plans start from $34.90. Your usual number stays active for calls, texts and verification codes. Most plans are data-only; if you need a local number for calls, see our Data + calls plans.
How much data to plan for
A Seychelles holiday tends to be photo-heavy and relaxed. These rough figures help you estimate:
- Maps and navigation: a few megabytes per hour of driving or walking.
- Messaging and email: light, unless you send many photos and videos.
- Social media: moderate to heavy, especially if you post video.
- Video calls: typically several hundred megabytes per hour.
- Streaming video: heavy, often a gigabyte or more per hour in high definition.
Matching a plan to your trip
A week at a resort on one island, with Wi-Fi in your room, usually suits a small fixed data plan. Island-hopping between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue uses more, because you will check ferry times, navigate and share photos on the move.
If you are on honeymoon and sharing a lot of video, working remotely or tethering a laptop, an unlimited plan means you do not have to count megabytes, though speed may slow after heavy use. A no-expiry plan suits those who travel regularly in the Indian Ocean. You can check how much data is left and add more data whenever you need it.
Before you travel
Installing an eSIM needs an internet connection, so do it at home on Wi-Fi. First check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
Then follow the install guide for iPhone, Samsung or Pixel. Label the line "Travel", keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and set the Spidot line for mobile data.
- Install the eSIM a day or two before departure.
- Keep the QR code email safe.
- Download offline maps for Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
- Save ferry tickets, inter-island flight bookings, car hire details and hotel addresses offline.
- Pack a waterproof phone pouch for beaches and boat trips.
Arriving in Seychelles
International flights land at Seychelles International Airport on the east coast of Mahé, a short drive from Victoria. Many visitors connect through hubs in the Gulf, Africa, Europe or Asia. Some cruise ships also call at Port Victoria.
When you land, select the Spidot line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it, as explained in our data roaming guide. Allow a minute or two to connect; if needed, switch flight mode on and off. In Seychelles, the eSIM connects to Airtel.
From the airport
Taxis, hotel transfers and rental cars are available at the airport, and public buses pass nearby. If you are continuing to Praslin the same day, you can take a domestic flight from the airport's domestic terminal or a taxi to the ferry jetty in Victoria. With data, you can confirm your transfer, check ferry times and message your hotel.
Coverage on the main islands and beyond
Mobile data generally works in Victoria, around Beau Vallon and in most coastal areas of Mahé, as well as in the main settlements of Praslin and La Digue.
Coverage can be weaker in some places:
- Mountain roads and trails on Mahé: the roads over the mountains and hiking trails in Morne Seychellois National Park can have gaps.
- Secluded beaches: some beaches reached on foot, such as Anse Major on Mahé or the far side of La Digue, may have weaker signal.
- The Vallée de Mai: coverage in the dense palm forest can be limited.
- Small inner islands: islands such as Curieuse, Cousin and the marine parks visited on boat trips may have limited coverage.
- The outer islands: remote atolls are far from the main networks. Resorts there rely on their own connectivity; ask before you travel.
- At sea: coverage can drop on boat trips and on parts of the ferry crossing between Mahé and Praslin.
Data on ferries, island flights and roads
Getting around Seychelles combines boats, small planes and short drives.
Ferries and inter-island flights
Fast ferries link Victoria on Mahé with Praslin, and Praslin with La Digue. Short domestic flights also link Mahé and Praslin. Ferries can be affected by sea conditions, so check for updates on the day and keep tickets saved offline.
Driving
Seychelles drives on the left. Roads on Mahé and Praslin are narrow and winding, with steep sections over the mountains. Navigation apps help, but download offline maps in case signal drops, and keep your phone mounted and hands-free while driving.
Buses, taxis and bicycles
Public buses run on Mahé and Praslin and are an affordable way to reach beaches. Taxis are available but can be expensive; agree the fare before you set off. On La Digue, bicycles are the usual way to get around, and data helps you find your way to beaches and cafés.
Hotspot for laptops and travel companions
Personal hotspot lets you share your eSIM data with a laptop, tablet or a companion's phone. It uses the line selected for mobile data, so make sure that is the Spidot line. This is useful in self-catering guesthouses where Wi-Fi is limited.
Laptops use a lot of data in the background. Pause cloud sync, automatic updates and photo backups before connecting.
Staying safe on public Wi-Fi
Hotels, resorts and some cafés offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slow in busy periods. It is convenient but not always secure.
- Use your eSIM data for banking, payments and logins.
- Check the network name with staff before connecting.
- Turn off automatic joining of open networks.
- Keep your phone's software up to date.
- Never leave your phone unattended on the beach.
Practical tips for Seychelles
Some local knowledge that makes your connection more useful:
- Currency: the currency is the Seychelles rupee. Cards are accepted in hotels and many restaurants; carry some cash for buses, small shops and beach stalls.
- Language: Seychellois Creole, English and French are the official languages. English is widely spoken.
- Weather: Seychelles has two main trade-wind seasons that affect sea conditions on different coasts. Check which beaches are calmest during your visit.
- Ocean safety: some beaches have strong currents at certain times of the year. Follow local advice and signs.
- Sun and heat: keep your phone out of direct sunlight and carry a power bank on long beach days.
- Park fees: the Vallée de Mai and some beaches and marine parks charge entry fees. Keep receipts on your phone.
Combining Seychelles with other countries
Seychelles is often combined with Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar or the Maldives for an Indian Ocean trip, or with a safari in Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa. Many travellers also stop over in the United Arab Emirates or Qatar on the way.
For a multi-country trip, the simplest approach is one eSIM per country. You can install several in advance and switch the mobile data line when you land in each country.