The Best SIM Card in Vanuatu for Travellers

First things first, you need to make sure your phone is unlocked and supports GSM at 900 MHz and the main 4G/LTE bands used in Vanuatu, as local networks use those frequencies rather than primarily 1,900 MHz/850 MHz.

Where to Get a SIM Card in Vanuatu?

Vanuatu SIM cards can be purchased from a Vodafone, Digicel or Wantok office in Vanuatu. All three companies have outlets in Port Vila and Luganville. Offices are usually open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays, while some are also open from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturdays.

The outlets that most visitors will use are:

Important: You need a valid ID, like your passport, in order to set up a local SIM in Vanuatu!

You'll find that many convenience stores and supermarkets offer e-charge (top-up) of local SIM cards. However, it's best to make an initial purchase of SIM cards from the phone network offices themselves. For a list of convenience stores, check out the Information, Shops & Services in Vanuatu LINK#TTD096.

Vodafone Vanuatu offers a solid range of prepaid mobile and data plans, with 4G coverage available in Port Vila, Luganville, and other main population centres. Vodafone is a popular choice for travellers staying in urban areas and on Efate and Espiritu Santo.

Tourist Sims

• Free Sim: 2GB data, 3 days validity
• VT$1,000 Sim: 2GB data, 14 days validity
• VT$3,500 Sim: 10GB data, 100 mins local calls and SMS, 14 days validity.

WAO! Data Plans

Vodafone Vanuatu provides several bundle types to suit short-term visitors and longer stays:

Data-Only Bundles

• WAO 10,000 – 100GB + 800MB bonus, 90 days validity for VT$10,000
• WAO 3,000 – 20GB + 500MB bonus, 30 days validity for VT$3,000
• WAO 1,000 – 7.5GB + 500MB bonus, 30 days validity for VT$1,000
• WAO 600 – 6GB + 300MB bonus, 7 days validity for VT$600
• WAO 500 – 5GB + 300MB bonus, 7 days validity for VT$500
• WAO 200 – 2.2GB + 200MB bonus, 1 day validity for VT$200
• WAO 150 – 1.2GB + 200MB bonus, 1 day validity for VT$150
• WAO 60 – 800MB + 3 hours validity for VT$60

What Are the Standard Rates with Vodafone Vanuatu?

What happens once your Vodafone bundle runs out? Standard rates apply if you don’t renew or purchase a new bundle.

Local Calls

Calls to Vodafone numbers and other local operators cost VT$28 per minute.

International calls

International call rates vary by destination, starting from VT$62 per minute in Zone 1, VT$72 per minute in Zone 2, VT$152 per minute in Zone 3, VT$515 per minute in Zone 4.

Text messages

Sending an SMS to a Vodafone number and other operators costs around VT$11 per message.
Texts to international numbers cost around VT$13 per SMS.

Mobile data outside bundles

Using mobile data without an active bundle costs around VT$11 per MB, which can become expensive very quickly. Travellers are strongly advised to activate a data bundle before using mobile data.

Digicel offers a comprehensive range of prepaid phone plans and data bundles in Vanuatu, with 4G coverage available.

Digicel Data Bundle Options

Digicel offers several categories of bundles to suit different needs:

All-in-One Data Plans (Data, SMS, Mins)

• VT$125 – 200 MB of data, 95 Digicel mins, 95 Digicel SMS, valid for 24 hours
• VT$250 – 500 MB of data, 95 Digicel mins, 95 Digicel SMS, valid for 3 days
• VT$500 – 1 GB of data, 150 Digicel mins, 150 Digicel SMS, valid for 7 days

4G Data Plans

• VT$50 – 350 MB of data, valid for 3 hours
• VT$65 – 650 MB of data, valid for 3 hours
• VT$75 – 650 MB of data, valid for 3 hours
• VT$125 – 600 MB of data, valid for 24 hours
• VT$150 – 1 GB of data, valid for 24 hours
• VT$175 – 1.5 GB of data, valid for 24 hours
• VT$200 – 2.4 GB of data, valid for 24 hours
• VT$350 – 3 GB of data, valid for 3 days
• VT$500 – 3.5 GB of data, valid for 7 days
• VT$600 – 6 GB of data, valid for 7 days
• VT$1,000 – 6 GB of data, valid for 30 days
• VT$1,200 – 9 GB of data, valid for 30 days
• VT$2,000 – 14 GB of data, valid for 30 days
• VT$3,000 – 20 GB of data, valid for 30 days

What are the Standard Rates with Digicel Vanuatu?

What are the standard rates with Digicel Vanuatu once you have run out of data, texts or minutes? The standard rates are as follows:

Local calls

Calls to Digicel numbers cost around VT$28 per minute.
Calls to other local mobile or landline numbers cost around VT$30 per minute.

International calls

International call rates vary by country, starting from about VT$61 per minute for nearby and major destinations, and increasing for more remote countries.

Text messages

Sending a text to a Digicel number costs VT$10 per SMS.
Texts to other local or international numbers cost VT$12 per SMS.

Mobile data outside bundles

Using data without a bundle costs VT$12 per MB, which gets expensive quickly, so travellers should always use a data bundle.

For more about Digicel's coverage, check out the Phone Coverage in Vanuatu section below.

WanTok Mobile offers very simple prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans.

WanTok Mobile Prepaid Plans (Bundles)

• VT$1,800 – 240 minutes for calls, valid 30 days
• VT$1,800 – 240 SMS, valid 30 days
• VT$750 – international calls, valid 30 days

What are the Standard Rates with WanTok Mobile?

What are the standard rates with WanTok Mobile if you're not using a prepaid bundle? The standard rates are as follows:

• VT$22 per minute for local calls on a pay-as-you-go basis
• VT$11 per SMS on a pay-as-you-go basis

International calls pay as you go

• AU$0.13 per minute for calls to Australia on a pay as you go basis
• NZ$0.14 per minute for calls to New Zealand on a pay as you go basis
• EU€0.17 per minute for calls to France on a pay as you go basis
• GB£0.18 per minute for calls to the UK on a pay as you go basis
• US$0.10 per minute for calls to the USA and Canada on a pay as you go basis
• TOP$0.22 per minute for calls to Tonga on a pay as you go basis

For more about WanTok's coverage, check out the Phone Coverage in Vanuatu section below.

Keeping track of your mobile usage in Vanuatu is easy, with all three major providers: Vodafone, Digicel, and Wantok, offering apps and USSD options to check balances and remaining allowances.

For Vodafone, the easiest way to monitor your data, call minutes, and SMS usage is through the My Vodafone App, which clearly shows your active bundles, expiry dates, and remaining balance. You can also check your balance and usage by dialing Vodafone’s USSD short codes directly from your phone. To check your WAO Data balance, Dial *183*4*2# or Send “Query” to 183.

Digicel customers can check usage by downloading the MyDigicel App, which provides a clear overview of data usage, bundle validity, and remaining credit. Alternatively, you can use Digicel’s USSD shortcode *555# to quickly check your balance and bundle status without using mobile data.

For Wantok, dial *183*5# for your Wao Tok (voice/SMS pack) balance, or use the WanTok Online Dashboard via their website/app for overall credit, top-ups, and more. If you have a general credit balance (M-Vatu), you might dial *183#, but for instant credit check, the main numbers are key.

How to Purchase Bundles

You can purchase prepaid bundles across Vanuatu using several convenient methods, depending on your provider.

Vodafone Vanuatu

• MyVodafone App: Download the app to manage bundles, check usage, and top up credit
• USSD Codes: Dial Vodafone short codes to view and activate available bundles
• In-store: Visit any Vodafone shop or authorised dealer for instant bundle activation

Digicel Vanuatu

• MyDigicel Pacific App: Full bundle management, balance checks, and promotions
• USSD Menu: Dial Digicel’s balance and bundle codes to activate plans instantly
• In-store: Available at Digicel stores and authorised resellers nationwide

Wantok

• USSD Codes: Activate data and combo bundles directly from your phone
• SMS Options: Some bundles can be purchased by sending specific keywords via text
• In-store: Wantok outlets and resellers can load bundles for you instantly.

Where to Top Up Your Phone in Vanuatu

Topping up mobile credit in Vanuatu is straightforward and widely accessible. You can add credit at Vodafone, Digicel, or Wantok retail stores, as well as through a large network of authorised resellers across the country.

Most resellers are small shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores, usually displaying Vodafone, Digicel, or Wantok signage out front. Top-ups are available in towns like Port Vila and Luganville, as well as in many outer island communities, though availability may be more limited in remote areas.

Vodafone and Digicel also support app-based top-ups, making it easy for travellers to reload credit without visiting a store, as long as you have an internet connection.

Mobile phone reception for calls and texts is available across most populated areas in Vanuatu, particularly in Port Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Espiritu Santo).

Coverage can become patchy in more remote villages, mountainous inland areas, and on some outer islands. While all three major providers operate nationwide, coverage quality and strengths vary depending on location and usage needs.

Why Choose Vodafone

Based on local knowledge and on-the-ground experience, Vodafone Vanuatu is often considered the most well-balanced option for travellers. It offers solid call quality and reliable data services across the country, making it a strong all-rounder.

Vodafone has good coverage in Port Vila, Efate, Espiritu Santo, Tanna, and other major islands, with expanding 4G services in populated areas.

It’s a popular choice for travellers who want dependable connectivity for both communication and everyday internet use. As always, coverage availability depends on location, and terms and conditions apply to all bundles.

Why Choose Digicel Vanuatu?

Digicel Vanuatu is widely regarded for its strong coverage footprint, especially outside the main towns. In many parts of the outer islands and rural areas, Digicel may have signal where other networks are weaker or unavailable.

This makes Digicel a good option for travellers planning to visit less-developed islands or remote communities, or those spending time away from main town centres. While data speeds may vary by location, Digicel remains a reliable choice for basic connectivity and voice services across much of the country.

Why Choose Wantok?

Wantok is a smaller local provider and is generally more limited in coverage compared to Vodafone and Digicel. Its strongest presence is around Port Vila and parts of Efate, with more restricted service elsewhere.

Wantok can be a budget-friendly option for short stays or travellers who plan to remain mostly within urban areas. However, if you’re heading to multiple islands or relying heavily on mobile data, Vodafone or Digicel are usually the more practical choices.

Finally, here are some quick tips to help you get the most out of your Vanuatu SIM card and avoid burning through mobile data, which can still be relatively expensive outside of bundle deals.

1. If you’re travelling beyond Efate, consider Digicel
2. If you’re staying mainly in Port Vila or Luganville, Vodafone is a solid all-round option
3. Download your provider’s app to track usage
4. Turn off auto-updates and background data
5. Switch off mobile data when not in use.