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SIM Cards, eSIM and Internet in Timor-Leste (2026)

Last verified: Checked against operator information, government announcements and eSIM providers

By David · Updated

Quick answer · as of September 2026

Buy a local prepaid SIM from Telkomcel, Timor Telecom or Telemor in Dili for the best value, or install a travel eSIM before you fly for convenience. 4G works in Dili and district towns but drops out in the mountains and much of the countryside. Internet should improve after the first international submarine cable began commercial service in July 2026.

Mobile operators
Telkomcel, Timor Telecom, Telemor
4G coverage
Dili and main towns
Travel eSIMs
Widely available
Submarine cable
Commercial from 28 July 2026
On this page

Local SIM or eSIM?

A local SIM is cheapest for data; an eSIM is easiest. If you are staying more than a few days or working, buy a local SIM in Dili. For a short trip, or if you want to be online the moment you land, set up a travel eSIM at home.

Local SIM vs travel eSIM, September 2026
Local prepaid SIMTravel eSIM
Where to get itOperator shops in Dili, including at Timor PlazaOnline before you fly
CostStarter SIMs are cheap; data bundles are good valueHigher cost per GB
Set-upPassport usually needed to registerInstall from a QR code
Best forLonger stays, heavy data useShort trips, arriving at night

The three operators

Telkomcel, Timor Telecom and Telemor all sell prepaid SIMs with data bundles. Coverage is similar in Dili; in rural areas it varies from village to village, so ask locally which network works best where you are going. Top-up vouchers are sold in small shops everywhere.

Coverage

Expect 4G in Dili and the main district towns, and weak or no data in the mountains and along much of the south coast. Around 55 to 60 percent of the population has 4G coverage. Download offline maps before long drives, and do not rely on your phone for navigation on remote roads.

Wi-Fi and faster internet

Hotel Wi-Fi ranges from good to unusable, so ask before you book if you need to work. Starlink was licensed in December 2024 and many hotels and guesthouses now use it, which has made Wi-Fi far more reliable outside Dili.

The biggest change is the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable, a 607 km fibre link to Australia's North West Cable System. It began commercial service on 28 July 2026, ending the country's reliance on satellite links for international traffic. Mobile and home internet should get faster and cheaper as operators connect to it, but improvements will take time to reach users.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an eSIM in Timor-Leste?

Yes. Many international eSIM providers sell Timor-Leste plans that run on local networks. They cost more per gigabyte than a local SIM but work as soon as you land.

Is there mobile coverage on Atauro?

There is signal around Beloi and Vila, but it is patchy elsewhere on the island, and lodge Wi-Fi is often slow or intermittent.

Is Starlink available in Timor-Leste?

Yes. Starlink was licensed in December 2024, and many hotels and guesthouses now use it for Wi-Fi.

Sources

Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.

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