eSIM for Nauru

Nauru's mobile network is run by Digicel, part of the Digicel Pacific group. On 14 July 2022, Australia's largest telecoms company, Telstra, completed its purchase of Digicel's Pacific business. The deal was announced in October 2021 and reported as backed by the Australian government. Digicel still trades under its own name in Nauru, so that's the network name you'll see on your phone.

Your eSIM connects to Digicel on 4G/LTE. That handles messaging, email, maps and video calls comfortably. If a video call stutters, switch to audio or a voice note, which needs much less data.

If you're on an Australian mobile plan, Telstra's ownership of Digicel doesn't mean your plan covers Nauru as domestic. Nauru is a separate country, so check your plan's international roaming terms or use data on the eSIM.

Nauru uses the Australian dollar, but card payments are not part of everyday life. The UK government says credit cards aren't accepted, and that the island has one ATM, at the Menen Hotel, which is often out of cash. Its advice is to bring enough Australian dollars for your whole stay.

Use your mobile data before you arrive, not after. Work out your likely costs, including accommodation, car hire and meals, and withdraw the cash at your last stop, whether that's Brisbane, Nadi or another hub on the Nauru Airlines network. Let your bank know where you're going in case you need to contact them later.

Once you're on the island, data is useful mainly for keeping in touch with your bank and your accommodation, not for paying. Keep your home SIM switched on in case your bank sends SMS verification codes for a payment you need to make online, such as a flight change. Store a photo of your passport and visa separately from the cash you're carrying.

Nauru Airlines is the island's lifeline. From Nauru International's 2,150 m runway it flies to Brisbane, Nadi and Suva in Fiji, Tarawa in Kiribati, Majuro in the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia and Koror in Palau. For most visitors from outside the Pacific, Brisbane is the main connection.

With limited flights on most routes, a delay or cancellation can cost you days. Check your booking regularly in the days before departure while you have signal, and keep your airline confirmation saved offline. The UK government also notes wider disruption to international travel after the escalation in the Middle East, so check advice for any transit country on your route.

If you're combining Nauru with Kiribati, the Marshall Islands or Micronesia, remember that a Nauru plan only works on Nauru. Arrange data for each stop separately and check whether you need a visa or entry approval for each country before you fly.

The UK government says Nauru's rainy season runs from November to May and can bring strong winds, sea swells and the risk of tropical cyclones. The island also has periods of severe drought, when authorities may restrict water use. If you're visiting in a dry spell, ask your accommodation about water rules, and follow any notices the government posts on its channels.

Nauru's emergency numbers are different from Australia's 000, so save them before you travel:

• 110: police
• 111: ambulance
• 112: fire

The UK has no embassy in Nauru. Consular help for British nationals comes from the British High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands, and the FCDO in London is reachable 24 hours on +44 20 7008 5000. Your eSIM doesn't carry voice calls, so make emergency calls with your home SIM while roaming, or ask your hotel to call for you.