Stay Connected in Port Vila
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Vanuatu offers decent connectivity for travelers, though it's not quite at the level of major Pacific destinations like Fiji. The Vanuatu capital has reasonable 4G coverage in the main tourist areas, hotels, and central business district, but signal strength can be patchy once you venture beyond the town center or head to outer islands. Internet speeds are generally sufficient for messaging, social media, and basic browsing, though video calls and streaming can be hit-or-miss depending on your location and time of day. WiFi is available at most hotels and many cafes, but having your own Mobile data gives you much more freedom to explore and stay connected throughout your visit.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Vanuatu.
Network Coverage & Speed
Vanuatu's Mobile network is dominated by two main carriers: Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) and Digicel. TVL generally offers the most complete coverage across Vanuatu and has been investing in network improvements, while Digicel can be competitive in certain areas with sometimes faster speeds in the town center. 4G coverage is solid in Vanuatu proper, including the main tourist strip, Iririki Island Resort area, and around the markets and waterfront. However, coverage drops significantly as you head toward rural areas or take day trips to outer attractions. Speeds typically range from 5-25 Mbps in good coverage areas, which handles most travel needs well. The network can get congested during peak hours, and heavy rain sometimes affects signal quality. If you're planning to stay mainly in Vanuatu, connectivity should meet your needs, but don't expect consistent coverage for adventurous island hopping.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs are becoming increasingly viable for Vanuatu, offering excellent convenience for travelers who want immediate connectivity upon arrival. The main advantage is having data ready before you even land – no hunting for SIM card shops or dealing with activation issues. Regional Pacific or global eSIM plans from providers like Airalo typically work well in Vanuatu's main areas and cost roughly $15-30 for 1-3GB depending on duration. While this is more expensive per GB than local SIMs, the convenience factor is significant, especially given that SIM shops at the small Vanuatu airport can have limited hours or stock issues. eSIMs also eliminate the risk of losing your primary SIM card while traveling. The main downside is higher cost for heavy data users and potentially limited customer support if issues arise.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are available from both TVL and Digicel, with shops in town and sometimes at the airport, though airport availability isn't guaranteed. You'll find the main Digicel and TVL stores along the main road in Vanuatu, plus authorized dealers at some shops and markets. Expect to pay around 500-1000 vatu ($4-8 USD) for a SIM card plus initial credit. Data packages are quite affordable – typically 1GB costs 1000-1500 vatu ($8-12 USD) and lasts 7-30 days depending on the plan. You'll need your passport for registration. TVL tends to have slightly better coverage overall, while Digicel sometimes offers more competitive data packages. The main challenges are store hours (closed Sundays, limited Saturday hours), language barriers at some smaller dealers, and the risk of arriving when shops are closed or out of stock.
Comparison
Local SIMs offer the best value for money, especially for longer stays or heavy data use – roughly half the cost per GB compared to eSIM options. However, eSIMs win hands-down on convenience and reliability, giving you instant connectivity without the hassle of finding shops or dealing with activation issues. International roaming is expensive and generally not worth it unless you're only staying 1-2 days. For most travelers, the extra cost of eSIM is worth it for the peace of mind and time saved.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo – Vanuatu's airport is small and SIM shops aren't always open or well-stocked. Having connectivity immediately lets you navigate, book transport, and contact accommodations without stress. The convenience is worth the extra cost for a short vacation. Budget travelers: If every dollar counts, local SIMs are cheaper, but factor in the time and potential frustration of finding an open shop. eSIM still makes sense unless you're on an extremely tight budget. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM cards become more cost-effective for extended stays, and you'll have time to figure out the best local plans and top-up options. Visit a TVL store in town for the most reliable service. Business travelers: eSIM is your only practical option – you can't afford to waste time hunting for SIM cards or risk being unreachable due to activation issues.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Vanuatu.
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