Mauritius has good, fast mobile coverage and a rule that catches most visitors out: you can no longer buy the cheap local prepaid packages. Those are restricted to residents with a local ID and proof of address. As a visitor you buy the tourist SIM, and it costs what it costs.
What you will pay
Both operators — my.t and Emtel — sell a tourist SIM at around 1,500 rupees including VAT. That typically covers unlimited 5G data and unlimited domestic SMS for 30 days, plus a small amount of call credit, usually around 200 rupees.
The two are priced the same, so there is no bargain to hunt for. Pick on coverage where you are staying rather than on price.
Where to buy
Both operators run counters in the arrivals area at SSR International Airport, and prices there are the same as in town — this is not one of those airports where the SIM desk marks everything up. Buying on arrival is genuinely the easiest option.
Away from the airport, both have shops and showrooms across the island, and many convenience stores sell the tourist packages too. Bring your passport: registration is required.
Coverage in practice
4G and 5G are solid across the populated coast, the towns and the motorway. Where it thins is exactly where you would expect: inside Black River Gorges, in the gorges around the waterfalls, and on the quieter stretches of the south coast.
That matters more than it sounds. If you are hiking Tamarind Falls or walking in the national park, assume no signal for the duration and tell someone your plan.
eSIM
Both local operators support eSIM, and international travel eSIMs work in Mauritius too. A travel eSIM bought before you fly is often cheaper than 1,500 rupees for a short trip and saves you queuing on arrival. The trade-off is that you get a data-only plan with a foreign number, which is awkward if you need to phone a taxi driver or a guesthouse.
For a week or more where you will be calling local numbers, the local tourist SIM is worth the money. For a short stop where you only need maps, an eSIM is usually the better deal.
Wi-Fi
Hotels, guesthouses and most cafés have Wi-Fi and it is generally fine. It is not a substitute for mobile data if you are moving around the island, using maps or arranging transport on the fly.
Short version
- Tourist SIM, around 1,500 rupees, roughly 30 days, unlimited data.
- Cheap local prepaid is residents only.
- Airport counters are not marked up. Buy on arrival.
- Passport needed to register.
- No signal in the gorges. Plan hikes accordingly.
