Key takeaways
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, offering some of the world's most pristine granite-boulder beaches, the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai palm forest on Praslin and the remote Aldabra Atoll. Airtel Seychelles and Cable and Wireless (CWS) provide 4G LTE coverage on the main inhabited islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Both operators have kiosks at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahe, but a Roamix eSIM skips the queue entirely. Download offline maps before heading to the interior of Mahe, the outer islands or any boat transfers between islands, where signal disappears.
- Airtel Seychelles leads on 4G speed in Victoria and the main Mahe resort areas, while Cable and Wireless provides the widest island coverage footprint.
- A Roamix eSIM activates at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahe, skipping both operator kiosks on arrival.
- Seychelles requires no visa for almost all nationalities and issues a free Visitor Permit on arrival at the airport.
- The SCR Seychellois Rupee is the local currency. Cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants but smaller guesthouses and beach bars are cash preferred.
- Download offline maps for the inner road network on Mahe, Praslin trails and any La Digue routes before inter-island transfers, as signal drops sharply on the water.
Best way to get data in Seychelles
For most visitors to Seychelles, a Roamix eSIM is the most convenient and cost-effective option, providing local network speeds from the moment you land without the airport SIM kiosk queue.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation on Airtel or CWS on arrival, no roaming bill and nothing to collect at the airport kiosk. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Long stays needing a local number | Airtel and CWS kiosks are in the SEZ arrivals hall. Requires passport ID. Physical SIM gives the same network access as a Roamix eSIM. |
| Pocket wifi | Best for: Groups sharing data across multiple devices | Limited availability in Seychelles. Another device to charge in a warm tropical environment. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short stays with no setup time | Indian Ocean destination roaming is expensive from most carriers. A Roamix plan covers the same stay at a fraction of the cost. |
Hotels and villas in Seychelles offer wifi but quality varies enormously. Luxury resort wifi is generally fast but small guesthouses and beach cottages on La Digue can be slow. Mobile data on Mahe is more reliable than wifi for most communication needs.
How much data you need
Data needs in Seychelles are moderate. Most visitors use data for navigation between beaches, activity booking confirmations and WhatsApp communication with guides and villas. The offline preparation habit is important here given frequent inter-island transfers with no signal.
2 to 4 GB
One week Mahe and Praslin beach honeymoon
Navigation, WhatsApp communication with villa staff, social uploads and light browsing across well-covered main island areas.
4 to 6 GB
Ten day Mahe, Praslin and La Digue island circuit
Offline map downloads for all three islands, inter-island ferry bookings, activity confirmations and regular photo sharing.
10 GB or more
Remote work or honeymoon with regular calls
Video calls, streaming and tethering from villa or resort on Mahe's north coast where 4G is strongest.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline map packs for all three main islands (Mahe, Praslin, La Digue) while on Mahe with strong Airtel 4G, as signal weakens progressively toward the outer islands.
How to set up a Seychelles eSIM
A Roamix Seychelles eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates automatically on Airtel or CWS when you land at Seychelles International Airport on Mahe, so you arrive already connected.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Seychelles eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land at SEZ and the eSIM connects automatically to a local network.
Works on eSIM-capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start after landing, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode once.
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line. Check Settings, select the network manually if needed, and restart.
Visa and entry for Seychelles
Seychelles grants a free Visitor Permit on arrival at SEZ airport to all nationalities, valid for up to 30 days and extendable to 3 months in-country. No advance visa is required for any nationality. This is one of the most open entry policies in the world.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- No e-visa or pre-application is needed. A free Visitor Permit is issued on arrival. Completing the Seychelles Entry Form online at seychelles.govtas.com before departure speeds up the process.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Seychelles.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward or return travel and hotel accommodation is required for the Visitor Permit to be issued on arrival.
Have your hotel booking, onward flight confirmation and completed entry form accessible on your phone. Use your Roamix eSIM to display documents instantly on arrival.
Entry rules change. Confirm current requirements at the Seychelles Tourism Board at tourism.gov.sc before booking.
When you land in Seychelles
0 of 5 done
How people message here
Seychellois use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for daily communication. Seychellois Creole is the home language but English and French are used in business and tourism.
Do you need a local number?
A local Seychellois number is not needed for typical tourist visits. Most guesthouses, tour operators and boat charters communicate via WhatsApp or email using your existing number.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data and WhatsApp. Inter-island ferry rides have no signal, so send any necessary messages before boarding.
Airports in Seychelles
SEZ
Seychelles International Airport
Victoria, Mahe
Free wifi in the arrivals and departures hall. Speeds are adequate for messaging and light downloads on arrival.
SEZ is 12 km from Victoria. Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing so you can confirm your hotel transfer, check ferry times to Praslin and share your arrival details with your accommodation before clearing customs.
PRI
Praslin Island Airport
Praslin
Small island airport with limited public wifi. CWS 4G signal is available outside the terminal.
PRI connects Praslin to Mahe in 15 minutes by Air Seychelles. Use Roamix data to confirm your guesthouse transfer and download offline Praslin maps before the short flight.
DEI
Denis Island Airstrip
Denis Island
Private island airstrip with no public wifi. Denis Island is a private resort accessible only to guests.
DEI serves Denis Island Private Resort via charter flight from Mahe. Download all Denis Island information over Roamix data in Victoria before departure, as there is no mobile connectivity on the island.
DES
Desroches Airport
Desroches Island, Amirantes
Remote outer island airstrip with no public wifi or mobile coverage.
DES serves Desroches Island Resort via charter from SEZ. Download all resort information and emergency contacts over Roamix data before departure from Mahe, as the outer Amirantes are completely off-grid.
Apps and internet access in Seychelles
Seychelles has a fully open internet and all mainstream apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There are no internet censorship restrictions in Seychelles. Social media, messaging and streaming services all work without restriction.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available for messaging and calls. Widely used across Seychelles.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search, works
No restrictions. Download offline packs before inter-island transfers.
Social media, works
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X all work without restriction.
Getting around Seychelles
Getting around Seychelles requires a combination of domestic flights, inter-island ferries and boat transfers. On Mahe, taxis and rental cars cover the island's road network. La Digue is car-free and bicycle-based. Praslin has taxis and buses.
Inter-island ferry (Cat Cocos)
Cat Cocos catamarans connect Mahe, Praslin and La Digue multiple times daily. The 1-hour Mahe to Praslin crossing and the 15-minute Praslin to La Digue ferry are the main island links. No signal on the water. Confirm your timetable and book tickets over Roamix data before boarding.
Domestic flights (Air Seychelles)
Air Seychelles connects SEZ to PRI and private outer island airstrips. The 15-minute Mahe to Praslin flight avoids the rougher sea crossing. Use Roamix data to manage bookings and check weather-related cancellations.
Taxis and rental cars on Mahe
Taxis are available at SEZ airport, Victoria and main hotels. Rental cars allow self-drive on Mahe's coastal road and mountain switchbacks. Use Roamix data for navigation and advance booking through hotel concierge or car rental apps.
Bicycles on La Digue
La Digue is primarily bicycle-based. Bikes are available for hire at the ferry jetty. Download La Digue offline maps before the ferry from Praslin, as you will have limited signal while cycling.
On Mahe, taxis do not always use meters. Agree on the fare before departure. On Praslin, buses run the coastal road. On La Digue, bicycle hire from the ferry jetty is the standard mode and takes less than 30 minutes to reach Anse Source d'Argent.
Money and payments in Seychelles
The SCR Seychellois Rupee is the official currency. Hotels, larger restaurants and dive operators accept cards widely. Smaller guesthouses, beach bars, markets and local transport prefer or require cash SCR.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are accepted at SEZ airport, the main Victoria hotels and tourist-facing businesses. Carry sufficient SCR cash before heading to La Digue or any guesthouse-type accommodation.
- ATMs
- ATMs are available in Victoria and at the airport. There are no ATMs on La Digue. Withdraw SCR on Mahe before your ferry to La Digue.
- Payment apps
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely accepted in Seychelles. Standard card transactions work at major hotels and dive operators.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. 10 percent at restaurants is customary. Dive instructors and guides appreciate 10 to 20 USD or equivalent in SCR for excellent service.
Daily budget
Seychelles is an expensive destination. Budget guesthouses start at 800 to 1,500 SCR per night. Mid-range hotels run 2,000 to 4,000 SCR. Luxury resorts and private island rates are substantially higher.
Local tips for Seychelles
- Language
- Seychellois Creole is the native language and the most widely spoken in daily life. English and French are official languages used in business and government. Most tourism workers speak English well. A few words of Creole, such as 'bonjour' and 'mersi', are warmly appreciated.
- Food
- Seychellois cuisine blends African, French, Indian and Chinese influences. Look for grilled red snapper with coconut curry, octopus salad, bat curry (a local specialty), breadfruit chips and ladob dessert of plantain in coconut milk. Local fruit including golden apple, bilimbi and coconut is outstanding.
- Plugs
- 240V, Type G plugs
Apps worth having
Google Maps
navigation
Best navigation tool for Seychelles. Download offline packs for Mahe, Praslin and La Digue before inter-island transfers to use without signal.
WhatsApp
communication
The primary communication app with Seychellois guesthouses, boat operators, dive centres and local guides. Essential for managing tour confirmations.
Air Seychelles
travel
Book and manage domestic flights between Mahe and Praslin, and check weather-related schedule changes, over your Roamix data connection.
Safety and health in Seychelles
Seychelles is a safe and welcoming destination with very low violent crime. The main risks are marine: strong currents on the east coast during the southeast trade wind season (June to September), dangerous rip tides on some outer beaches, and occasional box jellyfish presence. Always check local conditions before swimming.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active to receive weather and sea condition updates before any snorkeling or boat trip. Share your itinerary with a contact when heading to remote beaches or on outer island boat transfers. On La Digue, note that emergency services take longer to reach the island.
- Health
- Medical facilities in Seychelles are adequate for most tourist emergencies on Mahe. Praslin and La Digue have basic health centres. Comprehensive travel health insurance including medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink on Mahe. Bottled water is widely available and recommended on Praslin and La Digue. Avoid swimming in freshwater streams due to possible leptospirosis risk.
Networks and coverage in Seychelles
Seychelles is served by Airtel Seychelles and Cable and Wireless Seychelles (CWS). Airtel provides competitive 4G speeds on Mahe particularly in Victoria and the northwest tourist strip, while CWS has a marginally wider footprint across the main three islands. Both operators have retail kiosks in the arrivals hall at SEZ airport. A Roamix eSIM connects automatically to the strongest available network on arrival, with no kiosk stop needed.
Airtel Seychelles
Competitive 4G speeds in Victoria and the main Mahe tourist corridor from the airport through Beau Vallon. Strong performance for city-area use.
Cable and Wireless Seychelles (CWS)
Marginally wider island coverage including parts of Praslin and La Digue. A reliable alternative across the main three islands with solid 4G in the Praslin airport area.
- Typical speeds
- 4G LTE on Mahe delivers 15 to 50 Mbps in Victoria and the main resort areas. Praslin averages 10 to 25 Mbps. La Digue has limited 4G and relies more on 3G fallback.
- 5G
- 5G has not launched in Seychelles. 4G LTE covers all standard travel connectivity needs on the main inhabited islands.
For a Mahe and Praslin focused stay, both operators provide adequate 4G. If spending significant time on La Digue, download everything you need on Mahe or Praslin before crossing, as La Digue's coverage is noticeably weaker.
Coverage drops sharply on La Digue, where the island has limited 4G and relies on slower connections. The Seychelles' outer islands including Aldabra, Denis, Bird and the Amirantes group have very limited to no mobile coverage. Any boat transit between islands has no signal. Download all offline information before inter-island transfers. Airtel Seychelles and CWS use Band 3 (1800 MHz) LTE, compatible with most recent unlocked phones from iPhone XS onward and current Android flagships.
Where to go in Seychelles
Seychelles rewards unhurried exploration. Mahe is the main island and holds the capital Victoria, the National Botanic Gardens and some excellent beaches on the west coast. Praslin has the Vallee de Mai and the white-powder Anse Lazio beach. La Digue is a car-free island of bicycle paths, giant tortoises and the famous Anse Source d'Argent. A Roamix eSIM keeps villa check-ins, boat bookings and activity confirmations working across the island chain.
Best time to visit
April to May and October to November are the calmest months with light breezes, clear water and snorkeling at its best. June to September brings the southeast trade winds with rougher seas on the east coast but calmer beaches on the west. December to March is the northwest monsoon season with occasional heavy rain.
Mahe and Victoria
The main island of Seychelles and home to the capital Victoria, Seychelles International Airport and the majority of the country's accommodation. Beau Vallon on the northwest is the most popular beach, while the lush Mahe interior holds the Morne Seychellois National Park and the network of hiking trails above Victoria.
- Beau Vallon Beach
- Victoria Market
- Morne Seychellois National Park
- La Misere Viewpoint
- National Botanic Gardens
Best 4G coverage in Seychelles. Airtel and CWS both deliver solid 4G in Victoria, Beau Vallon, the airport road and the northwest tourist corridor. The Mahe interior trails and south coast can be patchy.
Praslin
The second largest island, home to the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai palm forest where the rare coco-de-mer palm grows wild, and Anse Lazio beach, regularly cited among the world's best. Praslin is reachable by a 15-minute domestic flight or 1-hour catamaran from Mahe.
- Vallee de Mai UNESCO Forest
- Anse Lazio Beach
- Anse Georgette
- Coco de Mer Nut
- Grand Anse Praslin
CWS and Airtel provide 4G in the Praslin airport area and Grand Anse. Signal weakens in the Vallee de Mai interior and remote bays. Download your booking confirmations and maps before the inter-island catamaran.
La Digue
The most immediately photogenic island in Seychelles, where the famous Anse Source d'Argent beach with its giant pink granite boulders and turquoise pools has defined the global image of the archipelago. La Digue is largely car-free and bicycles are the main transport mode.
- Anse Source d'Argent
- Grand Anse La Digue
- Veuve Reserve
- Anse Cocos
- La Digue Bicycle Circuit
Coverage is limited on La Digue compared to Mahe and Praslin. CWS has the better La Digue presence but speeds are slower. Download everything you need before the ferry from Praslin.
Inner Granite Islands
The inner group of granite islands including Silhouette, Curieuse Marine National Park, Cousin Island Special Reserve and Aride Island, all accessible by day boat from Mahe or Praslin. Curieuse has Aldabra giant tortoises in the wild.
- Curieuse Marine National Park
- Cousin Island Seabird Reserve
- Silhouette National Park
- Aride Island Reserve
- Thundu Sand Spit
No reliable mobile coverage on any of the inner island nature reserves. All boat transit and island time is off-grid. Plan thoroughly and download everything before departure.
Outer Islands and Aldabra
The remote outer islands including Aldabra Atoll, Denis Island, Bird Island and the Amirantes group. Aldabra is one of the world's largest coral atolls and a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to 150,000 Aldabra giant tortoises and accessible only by liveaboard vessel or private charter.
- Aldabra Atoll
- Denis Island Private Resort
- Bird Island Sooty Tern Colony
- Farquhar Atoll
- Assumption Island
No mobile coverage across the outer islands. Satellite communication is the only option. Download all information and emergency contacts before any outer island expedition.
Off the beaten path
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of only two places on Earth where the coco-de-mer palm grows wild, this primeval forest of silver-grey palms, giant coco-de-mer nuts and rare endemic birds including the black parrot is the most extraordinary natural environment in the Indian Ocean.
Signal: CWS 4G signal is available at the Vallee de Mai entrance and visitor centre on Praslin. Inside the forest canopy, signal weakens. Download your trail map and opening hours before entering.
Consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, with massive smooth pink and orange granite boulders rising from turquoise tidal pools on a white sand beach of extraordinary photogenic perfection.
Signal: Very limited signal on La Digue at Anse Source d'Argent. Download your map and any photography information before the ferry from Praslin.
The finest beach on Praslin, with crystalline turquoise water between two rocky headlands, a row of takamaka trees for shade and a highly regarded beach restaurant. Best visited on a weekday morning before day-tripper boats arrive.
Signal: CWS provides limited 4G near Anse Lazio on the northwest tip of Praslin. Signal is stronger at the restaurant terrace than directly on the beach.
One of the world's largest coral atolls and a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to 150,000 Aldabra giant tortoises in the wild, manta rays, hammerhead sharks and one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Accessible only by expedition-level liveaboard.
Signal: No mobile coverage whatsoever at Aldabra. Liveaboard vessels use satellite communication. Download all research and medical information before departure from Mahe.
Mahe's most popular and most accessible beach, a long crescent of calm water on the northwest coast with watersports, beachside restaurants, snorkeling at the north end and easy access from Victoria and the airport.
Signal: Best 4G coverage on Mahe at Beau Vallon, with both Airtel and CWS providing strong signal on the beach and in the restaurant strip. Ideal for activity booking and navigation.
A dense tropical forest covering 20 percent of Mahe's land area, with five hiking trails through endemic coco-de-mer palms, pitcher plants, cinnamon trees and panoramic viewpoints over the island chain, rarely explored by beach-focused tourists.
Signal: Signal in the Mahe interior drops as you climb into the Morne Seychellois National Park. The Sans Souci road and trailheads have variable 4G. Download the trail map over Roamix data in Victoria before the hike.
A protected marine park surrounding Curieuse Island with wild Aldabra giant tortoises walking freely on the beach, a mangrove boardwalk, snorkeling on pristine coral and a nesting beach for hawksbill sea turtles.
Signal: No mobile coverage on Curieuse Island itself. Boat transit from Praslin is off-grid. Download your tour booking confirmation and snorkeling site map before leaving Grand Anse Praslin.
A protected nature reserve owned by BirdLife International, with some of the most extraordinary seabird densities in the Indian Ocean including fairy terns, sooty terns, red-footed boobies and the rare Seychelles warbler, plus hawksbill turtle nesting beaches.
Signal: No mobile coverage on Cousin Island. Boat transfers from Praslin are off-grid. Arrange everything over Roamix data on Praslin before the boat.
A historic copra plantation estate on La Digue with working ox-carts, giant Aldabra tortoises in an enclosure and the main access point to Anse Source d'Argent beach. Offers a glimpse of traditional plantation life alongside La Digue's natural beauty.
Signal: Very limited signal on La Digue. Download your cycling route and estate information before the Praslin to La Digue ferry.
The only protected habitat of the Seychelles paradise flycatcher (veuve), a critically endangered endemic bird found only on La Digue, with a small nature trail through the wetland reserve for birdwatching.
Signal: Minimal signal on La Digue. Download your guide contact and reserve information before the ferry from Praslin.
Events and seasons in Seychelles
February
Seychelles Marathon
Mahe
A registered marathon and half marathon course on the roads of Mahe, passing through jungle, coastal and mountain scenery in what is described as one of the most scenic running courses in the world, finishing near Beau Vallon beach.
March or April
Easter in Seychelles
Nationwide
Easter is an important Catholic celebration in Seychelles, with Good Friday and Easter Sunday church services across all islands, family gatherings and Easter Saturday picnic beach culture that reflects the deeply Christian character of Seychellois society.
April
Seychelles Carnival
Victoria, Mahe
An international carnival in Victoria drawing participants from around the Indian Ocean and global diaspora, with elaborate costume parades along the Victoria waterfront, live music stages and street food from across the Indian Ocean region.
May
Indian Ocean Tuna Tournament
Victoria, Mahe
One of the most important sport fishing tournaments in the Indian Ocean, attracting international fishing teams to the Seychelles waters rich in yellowfin tuna, marlin and wahoo. The tournament weigh-in events in Victoria are open to the public.
June 18
Seychelles Independence Day
Victoria, Mahe
National Day celebrating Seychelles' independence from Britain in 1976. Celebrated with a military parade, cultural performances, flag ceremonies and community events in Victoria and across the main islands.
August
Kreol Music Festival
Victoria and Beau Vallon
An evening beach music festival celebrating Seychellois sega and moutia traditional music, with open-air concerts at Beau Vallon beach and Victoria's waterfront, drawing local and regional musicians.
Last week of October
Festival Kreol
Victoria and islands nationwide
The annual celebration of Seychellois Creole culture across the archipelago, with traditional sega music and dance, local food stalls, storytelling, moutia performances and cultural exhibitions throughout Victoria and the main islands.
October
Seychelles Open Golf Championship
Lemuria Golf Course, Praslin
A professional golf tournament on the Lemuria resort's clifftop course on Praslin, part of the European Challenge Tour circuit, played against a backdrop of the Indian Ocean with Cousin Island in the distance.
November
SUBIOS Underwater Film Festival
Mahe, Seychelles
One of the most prestigious underwater film and photography festivals in the Indian Ocean region, drawing international underwater videographers, conservationists and marine biologists for screenings, talks and dive expeditions around Seychelles reefs.
December 31
New Year Eve Beach Party
Beau Vallon Beach, Mahe
New Year Eve at Beau Vallon is the most popular public celebration in Seychelles, with fireworks over the bay, live music on the beach, street food stalls and crowds gathering from across Mahe for a midnight countdown on the sand.
Through the year
- Spring
- April to May are the second calm period, transitioning from the northwest monsoon to the southeast trades. Water visibility is at its peak for snorkeling and Vallee de Mai is lush after the rains. This is arguably the best overall time for a Seychelles visit.
- Summer
- Northern hemisphere summer (June to September) is the southeast trade wind season in Seychelles. Winds create rougher water on the east coast of Mahe and Praslin, but the west-facing beaches including Beau Vallon and Anse Lazio are calmer. Visibility underwater is excellent for diving and snorkeling.
- Fall
- October to November are the calmest months in Seychelles, the shoulder season between the two monsoon trade wind systems. Sea conditions are the most placid of the year and all coasts are swimmable. The Festival Kreol occurs in late October.
- Winter
- Northern hemisphere winter (December to March) is the northwest monsoon season. The northwest coast of Mahe is windier and Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue is at its most dramatic with active surf on the rock pools. The east coast beaches of Mahe are calm. Christmas and New Year bring peak prices and full resorts.
Working remotely from Seychelles
Seychelles is one of the world's most beautiful but not most practical remote work destinations. The SCT (UTC+4) timezone suits working with Dubai, India and East Africa. Connectivity on Mahe is adequate, but La Digue and outer islands are unsuitable for any work requiring reliable internet.
- Connection
- 4G on the Mahe north coast and Victoria handles video calls and tethering adequately on Airtel. A Roamix plan with 10 GB suits a working week alongside sightseeing from a north Mahe base.
Base yourself at Beau Vallon or a north Mahe resort for the best 4G for remote work. Villa wifi on the south coast and interior can be unreliable. Use your Roamix eSIM as a reliable backup.
