Internet in Seychelles

This is an important and fascinating topic. In short, internet in Seychelles is quite expensive and relatively slow. Read on to learn about roaming in Seychelles, which mobile operators are available, SIM card prices, and tourist data plans. If you’re happy with internet only in your hotel room, you can stop reading here — but for everyone else, you’ll want to pay attention.

Internet in Seychelles: General Information

Let’s start with the basics, so you don’t have to ask later: Why is it so expensive?

For those who aren’t sure where Seychelles is, picture a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 1,500 km from the nearest mainland. Until 2012, all mobile and internet services here relied on satellite connections — they cost a fortune, and speeds were painfully slow.

That changed in 2012 when the government completed a landmark $1+ billion project to connect Seychelles to the global internet via a high-speed undersea cable.

This upgrade gave Seychelles proper internet access at somewhat reasonable prices and boosted the economy significantly. But keep in mind: for China or the US, a billion dollars is small change; for Seychelles, it’s massive. The cost is still being recouped, and yes — as a visitor, you’ll be contributing too.

Mobile Operators, SIM Cards & Prices

Good to know:

These days, virtually every hotel or apartment offers Wi-Fi. However, in my experience, it’s often slow — fine for messaging and news, but not ideal for work or streaming video. If you need reliable connectivity or stable speeds, get a local SIM/eSIM or arrange roaming before you arrive.

Seychelles has two mobile operators:

• Cable & Wireless (C&W) – Offers both home broadband and mobile services. https://www.cwseychelles.com
• Airtel – A local mobile operator. https://www.airtel.sc

Both offer LTE networks with similar coverage. In my experience, C&W’s service is slightly better in remote island areas and on secluded beaches, but it’s also more expensive. Airtel is cheaper but a bit slower.

Tourists use prepaid plans — you pay first, then use the service. When you leave, you can simply throw the SIM away.

Tip: Mobile shops are scarce on the islands, and you probably won’t be staying in the capital. If you’re not in Beau Vallon, finding a SIM later can be a hassle. The easiest option is to buy one immediately upon arrival at the airport — prices are the same as in town, and it saves you hours of searching.

Current Tourist Data Packages (Q3 2025)

Important Note:

All data from both operators can be shared via hotspot — meaning one SIM card can serve a whole family.

You can also order an eSIM or even pre-purchase a physical SIM when arranging your entry permit (see Visa for Seychelles). Then you simply collect it at the airport.

• 15 GB, 21 days – €25
• 35 GB, 21 days – €35
• 50 GB, 30 days – €45

Roaming in the Seychelles

If you’re planning to use roaming from your home mobile operator, I strongly recommend checking the details before your trip. Here’s why you might get an unpleasant surprise. 🙂

• By now you’ve probably gathered that internet in the Seychelles doesn’t come cheap. Well, roaming is even more expensive. Check the rates on your operator’s website in advance, or you might find that watching just one episode of your favorite series while roaming could deliver a painful blow to your balance.

An important personal experience:

Because the Seychelles is such a small country, not every mobile provider has a roaming agreement here. I have a home SIM card linked to one of my bank cards — the one I traveled with on my first trip to the Seychelles. It turned out that my home provider didn’t offer roaming here at all. That meant I couldn’t even receive SMS from my bank in order to pay for ferry tickets between the islands.
No roaming = no access to your card. You can still pay in stores, but online payments won’t work.

eSIM in the Seychelles from a local operator

Here’s another very convenient option that’s becoming increasingly popular among travelers — a virtual SIM card, or eSIM, from a local provider.

Important to know:

Not every phone supports eSIM. All iPhones do, as well as most high-end Android models. Check in advance whether your phone supports it.

Why eSIM is so convenient in the Seychelles:

• You can buy it without leaving home, before you even arrive.
• The biggest advantage: you’ll have internet the moment your plane’s wheels touch the runway. You can order a taxi, send a message home — all while you’re still sitting on the plane waiting to disembark.
• With eSIM active, even an iPhone becomes a dual-SIM device. Your home SIM stays in place, so you can still receive calls and SMS on your regular number.

Prices, purchase options, and available plans can be found on the provider’s website.

Recommended reading:

• How Much Does a Holiday in the Seychelles Cost: Travel Budget Guide
• Where to Stay in the Seychelles

In conclusion.

By now you’ve probably realized that internet in the Seychelles is not what you might be used to. It’s relatively expensive, speeds aren’t always high, and even today many restaurants and venues don’t offer free Wi-Fi. If having reliable internet is essential for you, make the arrangements in advance.

IMPORTANT: essential links to organize your dream trip to the Seychelles:

• FLIGHTS: WayAway – direct flights and best deals.
• CAR RENTAL:
  • Mahe and Praslin, no deposit required – LocalRent
  • The most famous car rental company – DiscoverCars.
• TOURS and EXCURSIONS:
  • GetYourGuide – 90+ activities and tours in the Seychelles.
  • Viator – 130 + activities in Seychelles.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA.
• HOTELS, VILLAS, APARTMENTS:
  • TripAdvisor compares prices among a dozen other services and platforms and offers to choose the best one.
  • Trip.com – one of the most popular accommodation booking platforms.
• PACKAGES: from budget to luxury – CheapOair.
• AIRPORT TRANSFER: Intui.
• INTERNET: eSIM of local telecom operator – Airalo.