eSIM in Vanuatu: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Vanuatu, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 15 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Vanuatu: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Vanuatu?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$37.10	$1.86	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$45.13	$2.26	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	10 GB	30 days	$28.08	$2.81	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Vanuatu

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$4.01	$4.01
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$5.01	$10.03
YesSim	1 GB	7 days	$6.02	$6.02
Ubigi	1 GB	30 days	$7.02	$7.02
Saily	3 GB	15 days	$9.03	$3.01
Ubigi	3 GB	30 days	$12.03	$4.01

Guide expert

Finding the best Vanuatu eSIM plan is not just about choosing the largest amount of data. In an archipelago where network quality varies greatly between Port-Vila, Espiritu Santo and the more remote islands, the right choice mainly depends on your itinerary, your battery life and the partner network. Here is everything you need to know to buy, install and use your eSIM without unpleasant surprises.

How does an eSIM work in Vanuatu, and is your phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. It downloads a mobile profile instead of requiring a small plastic card. After purchasing a Vanuatu eSIM plan, you will usually receive a QR code, an installation link or activation directly in the provider’s app. The profile then connects to a local partner network as soon as you activate the data line and your phone detects the network at your destination.

The difference from a physical SIM is very practical when travelling: you do not need to remove, cut or risk losing anything. You can buy and install your eSIM before departure, comfortably over Wi-Fi at home or at a transit hotel, and only use it once you arrive. Your physical SIM slot remains available for your French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian plan: this is how Dual SIM works.

However, a travel eSIM is most often a mobile data-only plan. It gives you Internet access in Vanuatu, but not necessarily a new local number for making calls or sending standard SMS messages. This does not prevent WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, FaceTime Audio or Wi-Fi calling from working with your usual number, provided the app has already been configured.

iPhone XS, XR and later models support eSIM; iPhone 14 and later models sold in the United States may no longer accept a physical SIM.
With Samsung, the Galaxy S20 and later ranges, many Galaxy Z Fold/Z Flip models and some recent Galaxy A models are compatible, but check the exact model variant.
The Google Pixel 3 and later are generally compatible; on some imported Pixels or devices supplied by an operator, the feature may be restricted.
Many recent Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi and Huawei models, as well as some cellular iPads, also support eSIM, although this is not universal and depends on the country of sale.
Your device must be unlocked: a phone locked to an operator may not always accept a third-party travel profile.
To check compatibility, look for “Add eSIM” in the network settings or dial **\*#06#**: the presence of an EID number is a good indicator.

Which eSIM should you choose for the best 4G coverage in Vanuatu?

The best Vanuatu eSIM is the one that uses the most relevant network for your island and itinerary, not necessarily the one with the lowest price. The country’s main mobile operators are Vodafone Vanuatu and Digicel Vanuatu. International eSIM providers rely on one or sometimes both of these networks; this information should be checked in the plan’s terms before payment.

In Port-Vila, on Efate, and in Luganville, on Espiritu Santo, 4G is usually the realistic choice for browsing, maps, bookings, social media and VoIP calls. 5G may be advertised or available occasionally depending on the operator, equipment and neighbourhood, but it should not be your main purchasing criterion. In an island country, stable 4G is far more valuable than an intermittent 5G logo.

Coverage naturally decreases once you leave inhabited centres: isolated coastal roads, Tanna’s volcanic interior, northern Malekula, Pentecost, Ambae and smaller islands reached by boat may have a weak, variable or nonexistent signal. Terrain, tropical vegetation, weather and distance from the antenna all have a noticeable effect. An eSIM cannot create a network where no operator is transmitting: it replaces expensive roaming, not local infrastructure.

Under favourable conditions, speeds are more than sufficient for everyday use; they slow down during peak hours, cruise-ship arrivals or in some remote accommodations. If you work remotely, plan a backup: your hotel’s Wi-Fi, advance downloads of large files and a data allowance buffer. High-definition videos, automatic backups and lengthy video calls are the activities that use up a small plan most quickly.

Port-Vila, central Efate and LuganvilleGenerally smooth 4G; mobile network suitable for maps, messages, bookings and Internet calls.

Tourist coasts of Efate and Espiritu SantoOften adequate but inconsistent coverage depending on the beach, terrain and distance from the main road.

Tanna around Lenakel and inhabited areas of the main islandsUsable signal near villages and busy routes, with sometimes significant variations.

Remote islands, mountainous interiors and inter-island travelWeak or nonexistent signal; do not rely on mobile data for navigation or non-life-threatening emergencies.

Before buying, check the advertised partner networks, rather than relying solely on the mention of “Vanuatu”.
If your itinerary includes Efate and Espiritu Santo, choose an offer with confirmed coverage on both islands.
Set your phone to automatic network selection; if the connection fails, temporarily try Vodafone Vanuatu and then Digicel Vanuatu manually.
Download Google Maps offline, along with tickets and hotel confirmations, before travelling to areas without a signal.
In remote villages, carry a power bank: searching for a network or switching between antennas uses more battery.

Should you choose a local Vanuatu eSIM or a Pacific regional plan?

A Vanuatu-only eSIM is generally the most sensible choice if you land in Port-Vila and stay in the archipelago. It focuses your data budget on a single destination and avoids paying for the convenience of coverage you will not use. It is often the best value in terms of data allowance and validity for a holiday, a diving trip to Espiritu Santo or an Efate–Tanna itinerary.

A regional plan becomes more appealing if Vanuatu is only one stop on your journey—for example, on an itinerary that also includes Fiji, New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand or, depending on the offer, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. This lets you avoid installing several profiles, changing eSIMs at every stop and searching for a connection after each landing.

This simplicity comes at a cost: “Oceania” plans do not all cover the same countries and may use different partners from national plans. Check that Vanuatu is explicitly included, that the data can be used in every country without a separate quota, and that the validity period covers your entire trip. A global eSIM can be convenient for a round-the-world trip, but it is rarely the most economical option for ten days on a single island.

Choose a national eSIM if you are only visiting Vanuatu and want to maximise the available data.
Choose a regional eSIM for flights or cruises including Fiji, Australia, New Caledonia or New Zealand.
Read the country list line by line: “Pacific” or “Oceania” does not mean universal coverage.
Remember that data does not work in open sea between the islands; only the boat’s Wi-Fi or a satellite solution can take over.

What do traveller reviews reveal about eSIMs in Vanuatu?

Traveller feedback mainly highlights the convenience before departure: buying a plan from home, avoiding the search for a retailer on arrival and keeping your usual SIM are valuable advantages. In Port-Vila and established tourist areas, a properly configured eSIM generally lets you call a driver, check a booking, arrange a transfer or contact a hotel without waiting for Wi-Fi.

More mixed reviews rarely concern the eSIM itself, but rather expectations about actual coverage. Some travellers confuse network availability in the country with availability throughout the archipelago. In rural areas, on secondary roads or on sparsely populated islands, a slow or nonexistent connection is possible with any mobile solution.

The other sensitive point is activation: many issues result from an eSIM line that has been installed but not selected for data, data roaming being disabled or a missing APN. A reliable provider therefore stands out less through a vague “5G” promise than through clear instructions, transparent top-up terms and accessible support when you are already on the other side of the world.

Recurring advantage: quick installation while keeping your personal SIM.
Recurring advantage: better budget control than international roaming with your home operator.
Be aware: coverage on secondary islands still depends on local antennas, not the eSIM provider.
Be aware: save the QR code and contact support before deleting a profile that does not work.

How do you buy, install and activate your eSIM for Vanuatu?

Install the profile over Wi-Fi before your flight, then activate its data only when you are ready to use it in Vanuatu. This method avoids searching for a connection at the airport and reduces the risk of starting the validity period too early.

1
Check compatibility
Confirm that your phone supports an eSIM and is unlocked. Also update iOS or Android before departure: an older version can make profile detection or network settings more difficult.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Choose a plan suited to the length of your stay and your usage, then retrieve the QR code, manual activation code and any APN settings. Save them in offline files or print them: they can be difficult to retrieve if your only Internet access is the eSIM you are trying to install.
3
Install the profile on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then use the QR code or the manual entry option. On Android, the path varies slightly: generally go to Settings > Connections/Network & Internet > SIM manager > Add eSIM. Give the line a clear name, such as “Vanuatu data”, so you do not confuse it with your main line.
4
Activate on arrival and configure the APN
After landing, activate the eSIM line, set it as your default cellular data line and allow data roaming on this line only: travel eSIMs often use roaming on the partner network. The APN is usually configured automatically; if Internet access does not start, enter exactly the APN provided by the provider in the mobile data settings.
5
Troubleshoot if Internet access does not start
Wait a few minutes, turn Airplane Mode on and off, and restart the phone if necessary. Above all, check the line selected for data, that roaming is enabled on the eSIM and the APN; then try manually selecting the network. Do not delete the profile without instructions from support: a QR code is often single-use.

Can you keep your number, make calls and share your connection with a Vanuatu eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your usual number while using a Vanuatu eSIM for Internet access, provided your phone supports Dual SIM. Configure the travel eSIM for mobile data and leave your main SIM active only for important calls and SMS messages. However, disable data roaming on your main line: otherwise, a background update could trigger charges from your home operator.

Most travel eSIMs are data-only: they therefore provide neither a local number nor standard calls/SMS. Your apps will continue to work: WhatsApp keeps your account and existing number, iMessage and FaceTime work with Internet access, and Signal, Telegram, Messenger or Skype let you contact friends and family. To call a Vanuatu service provider that does not use WhatsApp, ask your hotel for help or, if necessary, choose a local SIM with a phone number.

Tethering is usually allowed, turning your phone into a Wi-Fi connection for a computer, tablet or connected camera. However, computers use data very quickly: cloud syncing, system updates, video conferences and work files can consume several gigabytes within a few hours. Disable backups and automatic downloads before turning on the hotspot.

If you are nearing your limit, buy a top-up through the provider’s app or website as soon as you have a network connection or Wi-Fi. Some plans add data to the same profile, while others require a new plan. If your data runs out midway through your stay, do not rely on automatic activation: check the validity, top-up process and activation delay before departure.

Label the lines “Main” and “Vanuatu data” to avoid a settings mistake.
Disable “Cellular Data Switching” on iPhone or its Android equivalent so that the phone does not use your home plan.
Keep your main SIM active to receive a banking code by SMS, but ask your bank about a backup solution if possible.
Hotspot is ideal for an emergency or a tablet; for longer work sessions, monitor your usage carefully.
Check both the provider’s counter and your phone’s counter: they may differ slightly, but the plan counter is the one that counts.

What should you look for when choosing the best Vanuatu eSIM plan and avoiding mistakes?

For one week of maps, messages, bookings and a few photos, you will often need 3 to 5 GB; for two active weeks or regular hotspot use, aim for 10 GB or more. The important thing is to buy a reasonable buffer and an easy top-up option, not to pay for a huge allowance you will not use.

Check the validity period, not just the data allowance. A 30-day plan is unnecessarily long for a short stay, while a 7-day plan may expire before your return if your trip includes stopovers.
Look at the actual cost for your usage: a very cheap small plan can become expensive if you need to top it up twice. Compare data, validity and partner network for the same needs.
Do not confuse installation with activation. Install the eSIM before departure, but check the terms to see whether validity starts at installation, manual activation or the first connection to the local network.
Choose a provider that confirms tethering if you are bringing a computer. Some plans allow it, while others restrict or disable it.
Download offline maps of Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna, along with your travel documents. This is the best way to stay independent when the signal is absent.
Disable video autoplay, mobile photo backups and app updates. A short HD video can use far more data than dozens of messages and Google searches.
Do not promise intensive remote work from an isolated bungalow without asking the accommodation about its Wi-Fi quality. Network reliability matters more than the theoretical number of gigabytes.
Prepare your security: screen lock, two-factor authentication and a backup of your purchase details. On public Wi-Fi, favour HTTPS websites and a reliable VPN when accessing sensitive accounts.
Plan a backup option for routes outside network coverage: power bank, offline contacts and confirmed transport instructions. On remote islands, Internet access is no substitute for organisation and caution.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at Port-Vila airport?

Yes, in principle, as soon as your plane lands and your phone connects to the partner network, provided the profile is installed and data roaming is enabled. Install it before your flight: airport Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable.

When exactly does my eSIM plan’s validity start?

It depends on the provider: validity most often begins at the first connection to the network in Vanuatu, but sometimes starts upon installation or activation. Read this rule before buying and avoid activating data too early.

Can I use the same eSIM on two phones?

No, an eSIM is linked to a single device and the QR code can generally be used only once. For a second phone, buy a second plan or temporarily share the connection via hotspot.

Can I call emergency services with a travel eSIM?

Do not rely on it: a data-only eSIM does not guarantee standard emergency calls. Keep a line capable of making calls, ask your accommodation for guidance and, in remote areas, plan your journeys with a safety margin.

Can I get a refund if the eSIM does not work?

This depends on the seller’s policy and how the plan was used. Contact support with screenshots before deleting the profile; a plan that has already been activated or used data is often excluded from refunds.