A non-resident uses a passport for prepaid registration
The prepaid-customer regulations published by the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority require operators to establish a customer's identity when selling a SIM or starter pack. They list a passport among acceptable identity documents and specifically record a passport number for a non-resident. Take the actual passport to a provider's desk even if a travel authorisation or eSIM booking is already saved on the phone. An eSIM changes the card format, not the identity step behind a local mobile subscription.
The regulations say a prepaid service may be deactivated if required details are missing or false. They preserve emergency-call origination after deactivation, but do not promise that a data-only eSIM has voice capability. Complete verification with the user of the line, test data at the counter and retain the receipt.
Cable & Wireless has a visitor eSIM route
Cable & Wireless says a visitor can register for a prepaid eSIM at its service desks or book one through the Seychelles Electronic Border System before departure. Installation needs a QR code and internet connection. Keep the booking confirmation accessible offline, and confirm the profile works before leaving the counter.
The operator's MyStay terms describe a visitor-only prepaid product available as either physical SIM or eSIM. They say the product lasts 21 days and cannot be extended simply by recharging after that period; additional MyStay data or voice allowances are bought through its MyCare account while the plan remains valid. That is different from ordinary residential prepaid boosters. For a stay longer than 21 days, ask the desk for a suitable replacement plan rather than assuming a top-up renews the visitor line. The MyStay terms prohibit transfer of the visitor product to a Seychelles resident.
Check whether a price belongs to standard prepaid or MyStay
Cable & Wireless publishes a separate standard prepaid listing. At the time of checking, that page showed a SCR100 starter pack containing SCR25 airtime, and data top-ups including 2 GB for 30 days at SCR199 or 5 GB for 30 days at SCR399. Those are the operator's standard prepaid offers; they should not be presented as prices for the 21-day MyStay visitor product. Ask which tariff can be registered to a non-resident passport and what allowance will actually attach to the purchased line.
Standard prepaid top-ups can be bought at eTopUp agents, kiosks and the eShop using the prepaid number. The operator says a new top-up's validity supersedes the previous period, so adding data before a Praslin transfer may change the expiry date. Record the number and check usage in MyCare. Take identity or eSIM-profile problems to a service desk.
The Mahé airport concourse has operator services and a Wi-Fi fallback
Seychelles International Airport lists both Cable & Wireless and Airtel telecommunications services in its international concourse. Its customer-centre FAQ says free airport Wi-Fi is available and that the access code comes from the Information Desk. This makes the airport a practical place to retrieve an eSIM booking, complete a QR download or ask which outlet can register a passport. The airport listing does not specify the hours of each telecom counter, so an arrival outside normal shopping hours should still have an offline route to the accommodation.
The government's Electronic Border System asks visitors to arrange travel authorisation before departure, with a passport image, traveller photo, trip details and payment. Save that authorisation separately from the mobile QR code. Check that the handset is unlocked and supports eSIM, then test the local line away from airport Wi-Fi.
The regulator tested Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
The SCRA's published mobile-data quality report examined Airtel Seychelles and Cable & Wireless Seychelles on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Its fieldwork ran from late September to late October 2024 and used both moving and stationary tests, with devices set to prefer 4G and 3G. That is more useful than assuming one provider is best everywhere: it records real test conditions across selected districts. The report does not guarantee current service at a particular guesthouse, beach or ferry berth, and the network may have changed since the measurement period.
Plan separately for Victoria, Praslin and La Digue. Check the operator's current coverage information and ask accommodation staff about their immediate area. Save maps and boarding details before travelling. On a dual-SIM phone, keep the home number for authentication if needed, but explicitly select the Seychelles line for data.
Keep ferry details offline and distinguish island travel from roaming
Cat Cocos' own online booking flow asks travellers to select an island route, sailing and passenger details and offers an airport shuttle option for non-residents. The booking interface can show that no sailing is available for a selected date, so a data connection is useful for changes but should not be the only copy of a paid itinerary. Keep the ticket and the next accommodation address offline before moving between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. The regulator's three-island test is about service on land; it should not be read as a promise of continuous mobile data at sea.
Moving between Seychelles islands is domestic travel, while leaving Seychelles needs a separate roaming tariff. Cable & Wireless publishes prepaid roaming as a distinct service and tells customers to keep enough credit for overseas use. Check the destination and selected partner before assuming a Seychelles bundle works in Mauritius or another onward country. A home eSIM may remain active for messages alongside the local line on supported devices, but review which line uses mobile data and whether roaming is permitted. The costs of the home line depend on its own operator.
Keep an ordinary calling option for emergencies
Seychelles International Airport's official contact table lists 999 for police emergencies and gives separate airport police and paramedic contacts. Save the appropriate numbers before a beach trip or island crossing. A data-only eSIM may support maps and messages without providing a telephone voice line; the airport listing does not establish that such a profile can make an emergency call. Keep a working calling method and give companions the accommodation contact and planned route.
If an eSIM fails, check the selected data line and visitor-plan expiry. Cable & Wireless says to report a lost phone so its profile can be ceased and reprovisioned. Do not delete the only installed profile during a ferry transfer to test reception. Contact the operator from Wi-Fi or another line for replacement instructions.
Networks our Seychelles plans use
These are the operators named on our plans for Seychelles, taken from the plan data, so the list follows the catalogue.
- Airtel4G
- Cable & Wireless5G
- Cable & Wireless (Seychelles)5G