Frequently Asked Questions
Businesses can send SMS messages in the Maldives using either local carriers like Dhiraagu and Ooredoo or international SMS providers such as Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip. Local carriers offer competitive rates for domestic messaging, while international providers offer broader reach and robust APIs for global communication.
The average SMS price in the Maldives varies depending on the provider and message destination. Local SMS messages through Dhiraagu and Ooredoo range from MVR 0.50 to 1.00. International SMS prices range from MVR 2.00 to 5.00 for local carriers and $0.02718 to $0.1771 for international providers like Plivo and Twilio respectively.
SMS pricing in the Maldives varies due to several factors, including international routing costs, local carrier relationships, regulatory compliance, message volume, and chosen pricing models. Direct connections with local carriers can often result in lower costs compared to routing through multiple international intermediaries.
Consider using local carriers like Dhiraagu or Ooredoo for primarily domestic messaging within the Maldives due to competitive local rates. Choose international providers like Twilio, Plivo, or Sinch when your business requires global reach, robust APIs, and advanced features, despite potentially higher costs for in-country Maldives messaging.
Yes, most international SMS providers like Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip offer volume-based discounts, making them more cost-effective for businesses sending large quantities of SMS messages.
The Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) regulates the telecommunications sector, ensuring fair competition and consumer protection. Their regulations influence pricing and service offerings within the Maldives SMS market.
Choosing the right provider depends on your business needs. Consider factors like message volume, budget, technical integration requirements, support needs, delivery reliability, and regulatory compliance. For high volume, ASPSMS may offer competitive rates due to direct carrier connections.
Plivo appears to be the cheapest international SMS gateway for the Maldives based on the per-message cost of $0.02718 listed in the article. However, ASPSMS may offer more competitive overall pricing for high-volume messaging due to their direct connections to Maldivian carriers and pricing starting at $0.06.
The increasing adoption of digital communication strategies by businesses is driving demand for SMS services in the Maldives. This trend is coupled with growing internet access, which influences the adoption of messaging apps and the need for omnichannel communication.
The Maldives is seeing a shift towards specialized business messaging solutions with advanced features like richer messaging (MMS), chatbot integration, and two-way communication platforms, indicating a move beyond basic SMS towards more sophisticated options.
QuestionPro offers SMS distribution integrated within its survey platform. Their pricing varies by country and carrier but provides detailed cost breakdowns. This makes it a good option for businesses already using, or planning to use, QuestionPro for surveys.
Geographic factors, such as whether messages are routed internationally, impact SMS costs. International routing involves higher costs due to transit fees and carrier agreements. Direct connections to local Maldives carriers can lower these costs.
Several pricing models are available, including volume-based discounts, pay-as-you-go for usage-based billing, subscription-based with monthly allowances, and hybrid options combining elements of pay-as-you-go and subscriptions.
Maldives SMS Pricing: Compare Costs Across Providers (2025)
SMS costs in the Maldives vary significantly by provider and volume. Local carriers Dhiraagu and Ooredoo charge MVR 0.20–1.00 per message, while international providers like Twilio ($0.1771/SMS) and Plivo ($0.02718/SMS) offer API-based solutions with volume discounts. Compare Maldives SMS pricing across six major providers, analyze local carrier rates, and understand regulatory requirements to select the most cost-effective messaging solution.
Who this guide serves: E-commerce businesses sending order confirmations and shipping updates, financial institutions requiring OTP authentication, hospitality providers in the tourism industry sending booking confirmations, marketing teams running promotional campaigns, and developers integrating SMS APIs into applications.
How Much Does SMS Cost in the Maldives?
Dhiraagu dominates the Maldives telecommunications market with 60% market share, while Ooredoo Maldives holds 40% (Q1 2024). International SMS gateway providers offer additional routing options, but navigate both pricing considerations and regulatory compliance requirements specific to the Maldives.
Quick answer: Dhiraagu charges MVR 0.20 per local SMS (≈$0.013 USD), Ooredoo offers prepaid packages from MVR 30 with 20 SMS included, and international API providers range from $0.027 (Plivo) to $0.18 (Twilio) per message with volume discounts available.
Compliance requirement: Verify your content complies with CAM regulations before sending. The Maldives prohibits P2P (person-to-person) traffic and restricts political, religious, unsolicited promotional, adult, and gambling content.
SMS Cost Comparison Examples by Volume
Example 1: Sending 1,000 Messages
Example 2: Sending 10,000 Messages
Example 3: Sending 100,000 Messages
Note: Volume discounts vary by provider contract. Contact providers directly for enterprise pricing. International routing costs more than domestic. Source: Twilio Help Center, provider documentation (January 2025).
Dhiraagu and Ooredoo SMS Rates (Local Carriers)
Dhiraagu SMS Pricing: Controls 60% market share (Q1 2024) with extensive coverage across the archipelago. Pay-as-you-go rates: MVR 0.20 per local SMS, MVR 1.00 per international SMS (2024). Postpaid plans include 20,000 free SMS monthly, then MVR 0.01 per message.
How to sign up for Dhiraagu Bulk SMS:
API availability: Web-based bulk SMS portal with manual upload and scheduling. RESTful API available through third-party integrators like Messaggio. Username and password sent to registered mobile number. Source: Dhiraagu Bulk SMS User Guide (March 2024).
Ooredoo SMS Pricing: Holds 40% market share with competitive pricing. Prepaid SIM cards (MVR 30) include 20 SMS with 7-day validity. Traveler plans include 150–300 SMS depending on package. Both operators use Mobile Country Code (MCC) 472.
How to sign up for Ooredoo Goveli Bulk SMS:
API availability: Full API integration available with secure gateways for automated sending. Supports personalization with dynamic fields (names, offers, custom data). Source: Ooredoo Business (2025).
Regulatory oversight: The Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) regulates telecommunications under the Maldives Telecommunications Act 2015. CAM enforces fair competition, consumer protection, and pricing standards.
Note: Exchange rate reference – 1 USD ≈ 15.41 MVR (January 2025). All MVR pricing subject to change.
International SMS API Pricing: Twilio, Plivo & More
International providers deliver global reach and robust APIs for businesses with international communication needs. Pricing typically exceeds local carrier rates for domestic messaging.
Note: Pricing data current as of January 2025. Rates subject to change. Contact providers for volume-specific pricing and current rates.
Which SMS Provider Offers the Best Value for Maldives?
Twilio SMS Pricing for Maldives
Twilio delivers a comprehensive platform with robust APIs, global message routing, and 24/7 support. While per-message costs run high, volume discounts make Twilio viable for businesses with significant messaging needs.
Pricing: $0.1771 per SMS to Maldives. International numbers and alphanumeric sender IDs supported.
Technical details: RESTful API with SDKs for 7+ languages. Webhook support for delivery receipts. Average integration time: 2–4 hours for basic implementation. Alphanumeric sender IDs supported without pre-registration in Maldives (MCC 472). Source: Sent.dm Maldives SMS Guide.
Volume discount structure: Automatic discounts apply monthly. Twilio discounts activate after 150,000 messages per month, with additional tiers for higher volumes. No advance commitment required for automatic discounts. [Source: Twilio Help Center, 2025].
Plivo SMS Pricing for Maldives
Plivo offers competitive pricing and modern API architecture. Scalable messaging solutions and strong uptime guarantees make Plivo ideal for businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Pricing: $0.02718 per SMS—among the lowest rates for Maldives.
Technical details: RESTful API with Python, Node.js, PHP, Ruby, Java, and .NET SDKs. Typical integration complexity: Low to Medium (4–8 hours). 99.95% uptime SLA. Supports concatenated messaging for messages >160 characters. Unicode (UCS-2) encoding supported for Dhivehi language.
Cost advantage: Plivo typically delivers 35%+ savings vs. Twilio on international routes, including Maldives. Volume discounts negotiable based on committed monthly spend.
Sinch SMS Pricing for Maldives
Sinch provides superior integration options and reliable message delivery. Flexible pricing models and enterprise-level support serve businesses with complex integration requirements and guaranteed performance needs.
Pricing: $0.15805 per SMS with volume discounts available.
Technical details: Multi-channel platform (SMS, WhatsApp, RCS). RESTful API with SDKs. Advanced features: Campaign management, template support, analytics dashboards. Integration complexity: Medium (enterprise-grade features require configuration).
Infobip SMS Pricing for Maldives
Infobip delivers comprehensive communication platforms with advanced delivery reporting and global carrier relationships. Enterprise security features and multiple integration options suit businesses with stringent security and compliance requirements.
Pricing: $0.1629788 per SMS.
Technical details: Omnichannel platform covering 190+ countries. Advanced routing intelligence. Real-time analytics. ISO 27001 certified. API rate limits: Typically 1–10 messages/second (upgradable). Integration complexity: Medium to High (full-featured enterprise platform).
ASPSMS Pricing for Maldives
ASPSMS connects directly to Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, potentially delivering better rates than other international providers for high-volume clients. Credit-based systems and package pricing offer flexibility.
Pricing: $0.06–$0.105 per SMS depending on carrier and volume.
Direct carrier routing: ASPSMS maintains direct connections to both Maldivian carriers (Dhiraagu MCC 472-01, Ooredoo MCC 472-02), reducing routing hops and improving delivery rates compared to international aggregators.
QuestionPro SMS Pricing for Maldives
QuestionPro integrates SMS distribution directly within its survey platform. Pricing varies by country and carrier but offers granular control and transparency. Choose QuestionPro if you already use their survey platform.
What Factors Affect SMS Pricing in the Maldives?
Multiple factors affect your final SMS costs in the Maldives:
Geographic Considerations
International routing: International routes incur higher costs due to transit fees and carrier agreements. Example: Messages from US-based Twilio numbers to Maldives route through multiple carriers, adding $0.10–$0.15 per message vs. direct local carrier pricing of MVR 0.20 (~$0.01 USD).
Local carrier relationships: Direct carrier connections reduce costs compared to multi-hop routing. ASPSMS direct connections to Dhiraagu/Ooredoo can save 20–40% vs. aggregated international routing.
Regulatory compliance: Maldives regulations prohibit P2P SMS traffic and restrict political, religious, adult, gambling, and unsolicited promotional content. Compliance requirements impact pricing. Source: D7 Networks Maldives SMS Regulations.
Content filtering: Carriers block messages violating content restrictions. Failed deliveries receive no refunds.
Volume and Pricing Models
Volume-based discounts: Providers offer tiered pricing with discounts for higher message volumes. Typical discount ranges: 10–15% at 10K messages/month, 20–35% at 100K+ messages/month, 40%+ for enterprise contracts >1M messages/month.
Pay-as-you-go: Usage-based billing with no minimum commitments. Best for: Testing, low-volume sending (<1,000 messages/month), unpredictable usage patterns.
Subscription-based: Monthly message allowances with predictable pricing and reserved capacity. Best for: Consistent volume, budget planning, businesses sending 5K–50K messages/month.
Hybrid options: Customized solutions combining pay-as-you-go and subscription elements. Best for: Variable but high-volume usage, seasonal businesses.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The Maldives telecommunications market continues evolving rapidly:
Digital transformation: Businesses increasingly adopt digital communication strategies, driving SMS service demand. Tourism and hospitality sectors (40% of Maldives GDP) show highest SMS adoption for booking confirmations, guest communications, and service updates.
Internet penetration: Growing internet access influences messaging app adoption and omnichannel communication. While WhatsApp adoption grows, SMS maintains 99%+ reach rate vs. 60–70% for OTT apps, making SMS critical for transactional messages and authentication.
5G deployment: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo both launched 5G services. Ooredoo launched the country's first commercial 5G mobile service in Greater Male, enhancing mobile connectivity. 5G enables richer messaging formats (MMS, RCS), but SMS remains the most reliable channel for mission-critical notifications.
Business messaging solutions: The market shifts toward specialized business messaging with advanced features – richer messaging (MMS), chatbot integration, and two-way communication platforms. Plan for omnichannel strategies combining SMS (high reach) with WhatsApp Business API (rich media, two-way) for optimal engagement.
Regulatory Compliance and Content Restrictions
Understand Maldives-specific regulations before launching SMS campaigns:
Prohibited Content Types
P2P traffic: Commercial SMS gateways do not permit person-to-person traffic
Political content: Requires specific authorization from CAM
Religious content: Restricted
Adult content: Prohibited
Gambling: Not allowed
Unsolicited marketing: Must comply with opt-in requirements
Enforcement and Penalties
The Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) enforces telecommunications regulations under the Maldives Telecommunications Act 2015 and Maldives Telecommunications Regulation 2003. Source: CAM Regulations.
Enforcement mechanisms:
Content monitoring: Carriers implement automated content filtering for prohibited material. Flagged messages are blocked pre-delivery.
Complaint process: Recipients can file complaints with CAM through formal channels at cam.gov.mv
Investigation: CAM investigates reported violations within 30–60 days under Regulation on Investigation of Complaints
Penalties for violations:
Message blocking: Immediate blocking of non-compliant messages (no refund)
Account suspension: Temporary or permanent suspension of sender accounts for repeat violations
Regulatory fines: Financial penalties determined by violation severity under Telecommunications Regulation 2003 Part 12 (specific amounts not publicly disclosed)
License revocation: Severe violations may result in telecommunications license revocation for service providers
Appeals process: Direct complaints and appeals to the Communications Authority of Maldives. Contact: Check the CAM website for current contact information and submission procedures.
Political Content Authorization
How to obtain authorization for political SMS:
Note: Specific authorization procedures may vary by election cycle and political messaging type. Verify current requirements directly with CAM before submitting applications.
Best Practices for Compliance
Compliance checklist:
Note: Violating content restrictions results in message blocking, account suspension, or regulatory penalties. Verify current regulations at www.cam.gov.mv before launching campaigns.
How to Choose the Right SMS Provider for Maldives
Select your SMS provider based on these business requirements:
Provider Selection Matrix
Scoring instructions: Rate each provider 1–5 on criteria. Multiply by weight. The highest total score indicates the best fit.
Use Case Scenarios
Scenario 1: Resort booking confirmations (500 messages/month, domestic guests)
Recommended: Dhiraagu Bulk SMS (lowest cost MVR 0.20/msg = ~$3.25/month)
Alternative: Plivo ($13.59/month with API automation)
Scenario 2: Banking OTP authentication (50,000 messages/month, international customers)
Recommended: Twilio or Infobip (enterprise SLA, high deliverability, compliance features)
Alternative: Sinch (omnichannel platform for future WhatsApp integration)
Scenario 3: E-commerce marketing (10,000 messages/month, growing)
Recommended: Plivo ($271.80/month, good API, volume discounts at scale)
Alternative: ASPSMS (direct carrier routing, $600–1,050/month depending on tier)
Compare these factors against provider offerings to identify the best SMS solution for your Maldives operations. Factor in your growth projections and scalability requirements when making your final decision.
For more information on SMS gateway integration, see our guides on Twilio SMS API implementation, Plivo SMS integration, and bulk SMS best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives SMS Pricing
How much does it cost to send SMS in the Maldives?
Local SMS costs MVR 0.20 per message with Dhiraagu and MVR 30 for prepaid packages with Ooredoo. International SMS providers charge $0.02718–$0.1771 per message depending on the provider and volume discounts.
Which is cheaper: Dhiraagu or Ooredoo for SMS?
Dhiraagu offers pay-as-you-go rates at MVR 0.20 per local SMS. Ooredoo prepaid SIM cards (MVR 30) include 20 SMS. For high-volume messaging, Dhiraagu's postpaid plans with 20,000 free monthly SMS provide better value.
What are the cheapest international SMS providers for Maldives?
Plivo offers the lowest rates at $0.02718 per SMS, followed by ASPSMS ($0.06–$0.105 depending on volume). Both provide volume discounts for bulk messaging.
Do I need special permission to send SMS in the Maldives?
Comply with CAM regulations. The Maldives prohibits P2P traffic and restricts political, religious, adult, and gambling content. Obtain documented opt-in consent for marketing messages.
Compliance steps:
No general telecommunications license required for sending SMS via authorized providers. Political SMS requires CAM authorization. Source: CAM Regulations, D7 Networks Maldives Guide.
What is the Mobile Country Code for Maldives?
The Maldives uses Mobile Country Code (MCC) 472. Both Dhiraagu (MNC 01) and Ooredoo (MNC 02) operate under this code.
Can I use Twilio for SMS in the Maldives?
Yes, Twilio supports SMS delivery to Maldives at $0.1771 per message. Volume discounts available. Twilio provides robust APIs and global routing suitable for international businesses.
What is the USD to MVR exchange rate for SMS pricing?
As of January 2025, 1 USD ≈ 15.41 MVR. Use this rate to compare international provider pricing (USD) with local carrier rates (MVR).
Are there content restrictions for SMS in Maldives?
Yes. Commercial SMS gateways prohibit P2P traffic, political content (without authorization), religious content, adult content, gambling promotions, and unsolicited marketing without opt-in consent.
What is bulk SMS pricing in Maldives?
Bulk SMS pricing varies by volume: Dhiraagu charges MVR 0.20 per local SMS (or 20,000 free monthly on postpaid plans), while international providers like Plivo ($0.027/SMS) and ASPSMS ($0.06-$0.105/SMS) offer competitive rates with volume discounts of 20-35% for high-volume senders.