Staying In Touch With Loved Ones From The Seychelles

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to the Seychelles is an exciting adventure, but staying in touch with loved ones can seem challenging. Fortunately, with modern technology and a good understanding of available options, maintaining connections with family and friends has never been easier. This article will guide you through the best solutions for staying connected from this tropical paradise, covering local internet service providers and authorized communication tools in the archipelago.

Navigating the Seychelles Internet Provider Jungle

In the Seychelles, the telecommunications landscape is dominated by two main players: Airtel and Cable & Wireless. These operators offer a variety of plans tailored to the needs of expatriates and long-term visitors.

Airtel: Connectivity at Your Fingertips

Airtel stands out for its extensive coverage on main islands such as Mahé, La Digue, Cerf Island, Silhouette, and Praslin. The operator provides 3G, 4G, and even 5G services in certain areas, ensuring a stable internet connection for most users.

Airtel plans are diverse, ranging from small data top-ups to bundled offers including calls, SMS, and data. Here’s an overview of the pricing:

• 250 MB valid for 5 days for approximately $1.40 (19 SCR)
• 750 MB valid for 30 days for approximately $20 (149 SCR)
• 70 GB valid for 30 days for approximately $140 (1,999 SCR)

These options allow expatriates to choose the plan best suited to their usage and length of stay.

Cable & Wireless: The Solid Alternative

Cable & Wireless, while having slightly less extensive coverage than Airtel, remains a reliable choice, particularly in larger islands and tourist areas. Their offerings come in two types of top-ups: data and calls/SMS.

Cable & Wireless pricing is competitive:

• 50 MB valid for 7 days for approximately $1.70 (24 SCR)
• 2 GB valid for 30 days for approximately $14 (199 SCR)
• 65 GB valid for 30 days for approximately $120 (1,699 SCR)

These plans offer appreciable flexibility for expatriates, whether they need occasional connectivity or intensive internet access.

Innovative Alternatives for Staying Connected

Beyond traditional operators, new solutions are emerging to facilitate connectivity for expatriates in the Seychelles.

The Advent of eSIM: The Silent Revolution

eSIM, or virtual SIM card, is gaining popularity in the Seychelles. This technology allows you to activate a local plan without needing a physical SIM card. Providers like Holafly offer eSIMs specifically for the Seychelles, providing instant installation and simple activation from your smartphone settings.

The advantages of eSIM are numerous:

• Immediate activation, without waiting at the airport or in stores
• Ability to keep your original number simultaneously
• Data plans often more generous than traditional local offers

This option is particularly interesting for expatriates who want a ready-to-use solution upon arrival in the Seychelles.

Starlink: Satellite Internet Arrives in the Seychelles

A revolutionary new development for connectivity in the Seychelles is the upcoming arrival of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service. Although the service isn’t yet available, Starlink has announced its intention to deploy services in the Seychelles in 2025.

This technology promises to bring high-speed internet connection even to the most remote areas of the archipelago. For expatriates living on less developed islands or in regions where traditional coverage is limited, Starlink could offer a revolutionary alternative.

Authorized Communication Tools: Stay Close Despite the Distance

In the Seychelles, most popular communication tools are authorized and widely used. This openness greatly facilitates maintaining connections with your loved ones, wherever they are in the world.

Messaging and Calling Apps: The Easy Choice

Instant messaging and video calling applications are fully functional in the Seychelles. Among the most popular are:

• WhatsApp: Widely used locally and internationally
• Facebook Messenger: Ideal for staying in touch with a broad social circle
• Skype: A reliable choice for quality video calls
• Zoom: Perfect for virtual family gatherings or professional calls

These applications offer not only free communications via the internet but also advanced features like photo and video sharing, and even the ability to create group conversations.

Social Media: Share Your New Life

Social media is an excellent way to share your expatriate experience in the Seychelles with your loved ones. The most used platforms include:

• Facebook: For regular updates and photo albums
• Instagram: Ideal for sharing snapshots of your paradise life
• Twitter: For quick updates and following local and international news

These platforms allow you not only to stay in touch with your loved ones but also to create a local network and meet other expatriates in the Seychelles.

Collaboration Tools: For Expatriates Working Remotely

For those combining expatriation with remote work, the Seychelles offer an environment conducive to using professional collaboration tools:

• Slack: For smooth team communication
• Microsoft Teams: Ideal for video conferences and document sharing
• Google Workspace: A complete suite for online collaboration

These tools ensure you can stay productive and connected with your colleagues while enjoying the idyllic setting of the Seychelles.

Tips for Optimizing Your Connectivity in the Seychelles

To make the most of your internet connection in the Seychelles, here are some practical tips:

Choose the Right Plan

Before committing, analyze your usual internet consumption. If you plan to make many video calls or work online, opt for a generous data plan. For lighter use, a more modest plan will suffice.

Use Public Wi-Fi with Caution

Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the Seychelles offer free Wi-Fi. While convenient, be cautious when using these public networks:

• Avoid accessing bank accounts or sensitive information on these networks
• Use a VPN to secure your connections
• Ensure the Wi-Fi network is legitimate before connecting

Invest in a Portable Wi-Fi Router

For constant connectivity, consider investing in a portable Wi-Fi router. These devices allow you to create your own secure Wi-Fi hotspot, ideal for working from the beach or while traveling between islands.

Optimize Your Video Calls

For quality video calls with your loved ones:

• Choose times of day when internet traffic is less dense
• Use applications that offer adjustable quality options
• If possible, prefer a stable Wi-Fi connection over mobile data

Conclusion: Staying Connected, Child’s Play in the Seychelles

Despite the distance, staying in touch with your loved ones from the Seychelles is easier than ever. Thanks to a combination of reliable internet providers, varied communication tools, and some practical tips, you can fully enjoy your expatriation while maintaining strong bonds with family and friends.

The Seychelles offer an exceptional living environment, and with the right connectivity solutions, you can share this unique experience with your loved ones, wherever they are in the world. Whether for a video call from a paradise beach or sending photos of your new tropical life, the options are numerous and accessible.

Remember that technology evolves rapidly, and new solutions like Starlink could soon further revolutionize connectivity in the archipelago. Stay informed about the latest advancements to always benefit from the best communication options.