Best Prepaid SIM Card in Mauritius in 2026: Emtel vs. My.T

Planning a trip to Mauritius and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? I just arrived in Mauritius again and updated this guide with the latest prepaid SIM card prices at Mauritius Airport.

The good news is that buying a prepaid SIM card in Mauritius is very easy. After landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, you will find both My.T and Emtel shops in the arrivals hall, right next to each other. Both operators sell almost the exact same tourist SIM card package.

Right now both Emtel and My.T offer a 5G tourist SIM card for 1,500 MUR (~$32 USD). The package includes unlimited mobile data, unlimited local SMS, 30 days validity and 200 MUR calling credit.

After testing both SIM cards side by side in Mauritius, one used by me and one used by my girlfriend, we honestly could not find any major difference in coverage or performance after 2 weeks traveling around the island.

That makes the answer surprisingly simple: the best prepaid SIM card in Mauritius is either Emtel or My.T. There is no clear winner. Both are excellent prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

Last update: June 2026.

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Best prepaid SIM card in Mauritius for tourists

The best prepaid SIM card in Mauritius for tourists is either Emtel or My.T. After checking the latest tourist SIM card prices at Mauritius Airport and testing both networks side by side during my trip, I honestly could not find a clear winner.

Normally, in my SIM card guides, one provider stands out because it has better coverage, better prices, more data, easier activation or better value for tourists. In Mauritius, that is not really the case. Emtel and My.T are extremely similar.

Both mobile operators have official shops in the arrivals hall at Mauritius Airport, right next to each other. Both sell a 5G tourist SIM card for 1,500 MUR with unlimited data.

That means there is no real price difference and no real package difference.

Based on my own experience in Mauritius, there is also hardly any noticeable difference in mobile data performance. I used one SIM card and my girlfriend used the other, and while traveling around the island we both had reliable coverage and fast mobile data.

This also confirms the side-by-side 4G/5G network coverage comparison which shows barely any difference between My.T and Emtel.

So my advice is simple: do not stress too much about choosing between Emtel and My.T. Both are excellent prepaid SIM cards for Mauritius. If you arrive at the airport, just compare the lines at both counters and buy the one where you can get helped the fastest.

If you want the most practical answer: the best prepaid SIM card in Mauritius is the one you can buy first at the airport. Whether that is Emtel or My.T, you are unlikely to make a wrong choice.

Where to buy a SIM card in Mauritius

Tourists can buy a prepaid SIM card in Mauritius either at Mauritius Airport after arrival or from official mobile phone stores around the island. Both options are easy, but there is an important difference: airport SIM cards are much more convenient, while city store SIM cards are usually much cheaper.

After landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will find official My.T and Emtel shops in the arrivals hall. They are located right next to each other, which makes comparing both providers very easy.

Buying a SIM card at Mauritius Airport

The easiest and most popular place to buy a SIM card in Mauritius is directly at the airport. The My.T and Emtel airport shops sell prepaid tourist SIM cards and staff will help with registration, activation and setup.

The big advantage of buying a SIM card at the airport is convenience. You are connected immediately after arrival and you do not have to search for a mobile phone store later in your trip. This is especially useful if you are renting a car on arrival or driving straight to places like Le Morne, Flic en Flac, Grand Baie or Belle Mare.

However, the airport SIM card offer is clearly a tourist-priced package. At the time of my latest visit, both Emtel and My.T only sold one tourist SIM card package at the airport for 1,500 MUR, which is around $32 USD. That is convenient, but not the cheapest way to get mobile data in Mauritius.

Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient because:

• You are online immediately after landing
• The shops are easy to find in the arrivals hall
• Staff help with SIM card registration and activation
• Your phone is usually tested before you leave the counter
• You do not need to find a phone shop later in your trip

You need to show your passport when buying a prepaid SIM card in Mauritius, as SIM card registration is mandatory. The activation process is straightforward and usually only takes a few minutes.

There are also My.T eSIM machines at the luggage belts where travelers can buy an unlimited data tourist eSIM for around €30 EUR. This is convenient if your phone supports eSIM and you want to arrange everything before reaching the arrivals hall. However, for most travelers, buying a local prepaid SIM card at the My.T or Emtel shop in the arrivals hall is just as easy. Staff set up the new SIM card or eSIM for you and make sure it works before you leave the counter.

Buying a SIM card in Mauritius city centers

Buying a prepaid SIM card away from the airport is usually much cheaper. Official Emtel and My.T stores in towns and city centers offer regular local prepaid SIM cards with many more prepaid data plans to choose from. These plans are generally much better value than the tourist SIM cards sold at Mauritius Airport.

You can find official mobile phone stores in places such as Port Louis, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac and Curepipe. If you are staying near one of these places or already planning to visit a town, buying your SIM card there can save you money.

The downside is that getting to a city center phone store is not always convenient right after arrival. Mauritius is not the kind of destination where you simply walk from the airport into a city center. In most cases, you would need a rental car, taxi or private transfer to reach an official retail store.

As with airport purchases, you need your passport for SIM card registration, and staff activates the SIM card on the spot.

My advice: airport or city?

My advice depends on your travel style. If you want the easiest option and you do not mind paying a tourist price, buy your prepaid SIM card at Mauritius Airport. The My.T and Emtel shops are located right next to each other in the arrivals hall and staff help you with the complete setup.

If you want the cheapest prepaid SIM card in Mauritius, wait until you can visit an official Emtel or My.T store away from the airport. Local prepaid SIM cards in city stores are much cheaper and there are many more prepaid plans available.

Prepaid SIM card prices in Mauritius

Prepaid SIM card prices in Mauritius depend heavily on where you buy your SIM card. At the airport, Emtel and My.T mainly sell tourist SIM card packages. These are easy and convenient, but they are also more expensive than the regular local prepaid SIM cards you can buy in official stores around the island.

Tourist SIM card prices at Mauritius Airport

At Mauritius Airport, both Emtel and My.T sell the exact same tourist SIM card package.

At the time of my latest visit, the airport tourist SIM card cost 1,500 MUR, which is around $32 USD.

• Data: unlimited 5G mobile data
• SMS: unlimited local SMS
• Calls: 200 MUR calling credit
• Validity: 30 days

This is a very easy option, especially if you want to be connected immediately after landing. However, it is clearly a tourist-priced package. There is only one main prepaid tourist SIM card option available at the airport, so you do not have much flexibility if you only need a small amount of data or if you are staying in Mauritius for just a few days.

Local prepaid SIM card prices in Mauritius stores

If you buy a prepaid SIM card away from the airport at an official Emtel or My.T store, you will find many more local prepaid plans. These regular prepaid SIM cards are generally much cheaper than the airport tourist SIM card and give you more flexibility to choose a package that fits your actual data needs.

This is the better option if you are staying longer in Mauritius, already have transport arranged, or do not need unlimited data immediately after arrival. Instead of paying the tourist price at the airport, you can get a local SIM card in town and choose from several cheaper prepaid data bundles.

The downside is convenience. Official phone stores are not located right outside the airport, so you will usually need a rental car, taxi or private transfer to reach one. That is why the airport SIM card is still the easiest option, even though it is not the cheapest.

Emtel vs. My.T: which prepaid SIM card is better in Mauritius?

When comparing Emtel vs. My.T for tourists in Mauritius, the honest answer is that there is no clear winner. Both mobile operators sell the same tourist SIM card package at Mauritius Airport, both have shops in the arrivals hall, and both offer excellent 4G and 5G coverage across the island.

Tourist SIM card package comparison

At Mauritius Airport, both Emtel and My.T sell a tourist SIM card for 1,500 MUR. The package includes unlimited data, unlimited local SMS, 30 days validity and 200 MUR calling credit. So when it comes to price and package, there is no difference.

4G and 5G coverage: Emtel vs. My.T

Network coverage is also very similar. Mauritius has excellent mobile coverage for tourists, especially in the main cities, beach areas, resorts and along the main roads around the island. Both Emtel and My.T offer reliable 4G coverage and widespread 5G availability.

During my latest trip to Mauritius, I tested one SIM card myself while my friend used the other. We compared mobile data performance while traveling around the island and honestly could not find any meaningful difference. Both SIM cards worked well for Google Maps, WhatsApp, social media, browsing, hotspot use and general travel needs.

In places like Port Louis, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, Le Morne and along the main roads, both networks performed reliably. We also found 5G signal in more places than expected, including outside the main city areas.

So which one should you choose?

My advice is simple: do not overthink the choice between Emtel and My.T. If you buy a tourist SIM card at Mauritius Airport, choose the counter with the shortest line or the one where staff can help you the fastest.

If you buy a local prepaid SIM card in a city store, compare the available prepaid plans at that moment and pick the one that gives you the best data package for your trip. In terms of coverage and real-life performance, both Emtel and My.T are excellent choices for tourists in Mauritius.

Best eSIM for Mauritius in 2026: Airalo

After personally testing several eSIM providers for Mauritius, including Saily, Holafly, and Nomad, Airalo stands out as the best eSIM for Mauritius in 2026. It delivers reliable connectivity, strong user reviews, and competitive pricing, making it a top choice for most travelers.

With a Mauritius eSIM, there is no need to visit a SIM card store after arrival and no need to buy a SIM card at Mauritius Airport. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

An Airalo eSIM for Mauritius is purchased online and installed on your phone in just a few simple steps. Once activated, it connects automatically to an available local network when you arrive. Most travelers are ready to go in less than two minutes.

Check out my guide for the best international eSIMs for traveling the world in 2026 for more info about eSIMs.

Airalo Mauritius eSIM plans

Airalo offers multiple Mauritius eSIM plans with different validity periods and data allowances. They range from 3 to 30 days and from 1 to 10 GB data. So you can choose a package that matches your trip length and usage.

Prices typically start from $6 USD and increase depending on the selected data amount and validity.

For 5 GB expect to pay around $18 USD, 10 GB is around $30 USD.

Click here for more info or to directly order an Airalo eSIM for Mauritius.

My experience using mobile data in Mauritius

My first time visiting, Mauritius was country no. 159 for me on my road to visit every country in the world. 

My flight from Kenya was arriving late at night and I did not know if I was able to buy a local SIM card at the airport. I was renting a car and needed to drive to Le Morne to find my Airbnb so I needed to be connected.

Therefore I had already installed an Airalo eSIM for Mauritius on my phone which worked directly after landing.

Turned out it wasn't necessarily needed as the SIM card shops at Mauritius Airport are open for all international arrivals. It was easy to get a SIM card as you may have seen in my YouTube vlog about buying a SIM card in Mauritius.

I have used local prepaid SIM cards in Mauritius while traveling around the island, including driving between different regions and staying in both cities and coastal areas. Mobile data played an important role in daily travel, from navigation and accommodation bookings to communication and online payments.

Personally, I am a heavy data user because I try to keep my social media channels up to date on a daily basis, sharing travel content with almost 4 million followers.

In 2 weeks traveling in Mauritius I used more than 50 GB of data. That would have cost me a fortune on most eSIM plans. My real-world experience confirms that a local prepaid SIM card is the most reliable and cost-effective way to stay connected when traveling around Mauritius.

During my trip, mobile coverage was reliable in all major tourist areas. I had stable data connections in places such as Port Louis, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, and Le Morne, as well as along the main roads connecting different parts of the island.

Using mobile data for Google Maps, ride-hailing apps, restaurant searches, and hotspotting to a laptop worked without any issues. Even while driving longer distances, the signal remained consistent, with only very occasional drops in more remote inland areas.

Vlog about my experiences in Mauritius buying a prepaid SIM card

On my first trip to Mauritius I filmed my arrival at Mauritius Airport and my experiences buying a prepaid SIM card and also filmed my conclusion after 2 weeks traveling in Mauritius.

Or check here my TikTok video of how I recently bought a prepaid SIM card at the airport in Mauritius.

FAQ: prepaid SIM cards and mobile data in Mauritius

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Mauritius?

Yes, tourists can easily buy a prepaid SIM card in Mauritius. You can purchase one at Mauritius Airport after arrival or from official mobile network stores across the island. A passport is required for SIM card registration.

Can I buy a SIM card at Mauritius Airport?

Yes, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Official mobile network counters are located in the arrivals hall. There is an Emtel and My.T kiosk and they activate the SIM card on the spot.

Is a local SIM card cheaper than an eSIM in Mauritius?

In most cases, yes. Especially if you are a heavy data user just like me. Local prepaid SIM cards usually offer more data for a lower price compared to eSIMs. eSIMs are mainly chosen for convenience rather than cost.

Can I get a local eSIM in Mauritius?

Yes, Emtel and My.T shops offer both physical prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists. You still need to show your passport for registration when buying a local eSIM in Mauritius.

Which SIM card is best for tourists in Mauritius?

For most tourists, prepaid SIM cards from Emtel or My.T are the best options. Both networks offer reliable coverage across the island and good-value prepaid data packages. There is little to no difference in price and 4G/5G network coverage.

Can I order an eSIM for Mauritius online?

Yes, eSIMs work in Mauritius. Travelers can use international eSIM providers such as Airalo, Saily, Holafly, etc. to get mobile data without visiting a SIM card shop. eSIMs are convenient but usually more expensive than local prepaid SIM cards.

Traveltomtom compared & tested Mauritius eSIMs and concludes that Airalo eSIMs are the best buy for visiting Mauritius in 2026.

Do I need to register my SIM card in Mauritius?

Yes, SIM card registration is mandatory in Mauritius. You will need to show your passport when purchasing a prepaid SIM card, whether at the airport or in a city store.

Does Mauritius have good mobile coverage?

Yes, Mauritius has excellent mobile coverage. Most of the island is covered by 4G and 5G networks, including cities, tourist areas, beaches, main roads and even rural areas.

Can I use my phone as a hotspot in Mauritius?

Yes, hotspot and tethering are allowed on prepaid SIM cards in Mauritius. This is useful if you want to share your data connection with a laptop or another device. Both Emtel and My.T offer huge data plans which makes tethering hassle free.

Final thoughts on Mauritius prepaid SIM cards

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Mauritius is easy, but the best option depends on what matters most to you: convenience or price. If you want the easiest solution, buy the Emtel or My.T tourist SIM card at Mauritius Airport. Both counters are located in the arrivals hall, staff help with registration and setup, and you are connected within minutes.

If you want the cheapest prepaid SIM card in Mauritius, then it is better to wait until you can visit an official Emtel or My.T store away from the airport. Local prepaid SIM cards in city stores are much cheaper and there are more prepaid data plans available. The only downside is that you need transport to get there, which is not always convenient right after landing.

After testing Emtel and My.T side by side during my trip in Mauritius, I would not stress about choosing between the two networks. Both worked well, both offer strong 4G/5G coverage and both are excellent choices for tourists. At the airport, just choose the counter with the shortest line. In a city store, compare the available local prepaid plans and pick the one that gives you the best value.

For travelers who want to save money but still be connected instantly after landing, a small Airalo eSIM for Mauritius can be a smart temporary solution. Use it for your first day, then buy a cheaper local prepaid SIM card from an official Emtel or My.T store once you have time.

Enjoy your trip to Mauritius!

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