Nauru has limited but functional telecommunications infrastructure. While you won't be entirely cut off, expect slower speeds and more limited connectivity than you may be used to.
📱 Digicel is the only network
Nauru's sole mobile provider offers 4G LTE in coastal areas. Prepaid SIMs from $5–10 AUD at the Digicel store in Yaren. Passport required for registration.
🌐 Internet is slow
Typical speeds: 2–10 Mbps (satellite/fibre). Hotel Wi-Fi can drop to 1–5 Mbps. Download maps, guides, and entertainment before arrival.
🚀 Starlink is arriving
Starlink low-earth-orbit satellite is becoming available at select hotels and residences — ask when booking. It offers dramatically faster speeds (100–200 Mbps).
📞 Calling code: +674
Nauru country code is +674. International roaming works with some Australian/NZ carriers but is expensive — get a local SIM for stays over a few days.
Mobile Phone Service
The sole mobile network operator in Nauru is Digicel, a Pacific-wide telecommunications company. Digicel Nauru offers 4G LTE coverage in populated areas (primarily the coastal strip), though coverage is limited in the interior plateau.
Visitors can purchase a prepaid SIM card from the Digicel store in Yaren or Aiwo. You will need your passport for registration. SIM cards are available for approximately $5–10 AUD with prepaid data and call credit.
Calling code: +674
International roaming may work with some Australian and NZ carriers, but it's expensive and unreliable — a local SIM is recommended for stays of more than a few days.
Internet Connectivity
Internet access in Nauru is available but notably slower and more expensive than in most developed countries. The island relies on satellite connectivity (Starlink has recently become available in some locations) and a submarine fibre optic cable connection.
Typical internet speeds: - Home/business connections: 2–10 Mbps download - Mobile data (Digicel 4G): 5–20 Mbps in coverage areas - At hotels: variable, often 1–5 Mbps
Wi-Fi is available at the Menen Hotel and some guesthouses, but speeds can be inconsistent, especially during peak usage.
For visitors who need reliable connectivity, consider: - Purchasing a Digicel prepaid SIM with data bundle - Checking if your accommodation has Starlink (increasingly available) - Downloading content (maps, guides, entertainment) before arrival
Internet Café & Public Access
Cenpac (the national telecommunications provider) operates an internet café in Yaren where visitors can use computers with internet access for a fee. This is a backup option if your accommodation's internet is unreliable.
Some government buildings and the Nauru Library offer limited public Wi-Fi.
Postal Services
Nauru Post operates a postal service from its office in Yaren. International mail can be sent and received, though delivery times vary considerably: - To/from Australia: 1–3 weeks - To/from Europe or North America: 3–6 weeks - Tracking is not available for standard mail
Courier services (DHL, FedEx) operate to Nauru but are expensive and subject to customs clearance.
Media & Broadcasting
Radio Nauru (broadcasting on AM and FM) is the national radio station, providing news, music, and community programming in both Nauruan and English. It can be streamed online at radionauru.nr.
There is no locally produced television service — satellite TV (Digicel Play) is available in some hotels and homes. International news channels are accessible via satellite.
The Nauru Bulletin is the government's official newspaper, published periodically and available online through the Government Information Office.
📱 Digicel Prepaid Data Plans
The table below shows the current prepaid data bundle options from Digicel Nauru. Prices and availability may change — verify at the Digicel store in Yaren.
| Plan | Price (AUD) | Data Included | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid starter pack | $5 – $10 AUD | N/A | |
| Daily data bundle | ~$3 AUD | 500 MB – 1 GB | 24 hours |
| Weekly data bundle | ~$10 – $15 AUD | 3 – 5 GB | 7 days |
| Monthly data bundle | ~$30 – $50 AUD | 10 – 20 GB | 30 days |
📋 How to Get a SIM Card
Visit the Digicel store in Yaren (near the government office precinct) or the Digicel agent in Aiwo. Bring your valid passport (and visa/approval letter if applicable) for mandatory registration. The process takes about 15–30 minutes on weekdays. Top-up vouchers are available at the store and select retail outlets across the island. The starter pack costs $5–$10 AUD and includes initial data and call credit.
🌐 Internet Connectivity in Detail
Typical Internet Speeds
Where to Find Wi-Fi
- Menen Hotel — satellite-based Wi-Fi, speed varies
- OD-N-Aiwo Hotel — limited speed
- Cenpac Internet Café (Yaren) — public terminal access for a fee
- Nauru Library — occasional free public Wi-Fi
- Private rentals — confirm Wi-Fi availability when booking
📶 Coverage Map Notes
Digicel's 4G LTE coverage is concentrated along the populated coastal strip — the ring road where most hotels, government buildings, and businesses are located. The following districts have reliable coverage:
- Yaren — government precinct, airport area, Digicel store — best coverage
- Aiwo — port area, OD-N-Aiwo Hotel
- Denigomodu — residential and industrial area
- Meneng — southern district with some coverage
- Interior plateau (Topside) — limited to no coverage. If you venture into the phosphate mining area, don't rely on your phone for navigation.
📞 International Roaming
🌏 Roaming from Australia / New Zealand
Telstra, Vodafone AU, and Spark NZ customers may have roaming agreements with Digicel Nauru, but rates are expensive (typically $5–$10 AUD per MB for data). A local SIM is far more economical for stays of more than 2–3 days. Roaming from European, North American, or Asian carriers is generally not available — check with your provider before departure. Wi-Fi calling may work if your accommodation has a stable connection.
📮 Postal & Courier Services
Nauru Post (Standard Mail)
Courier Services (DHL / FedEx)
📻 Media & Broadcasting
- Radio Nauru — national radio station broadcasting on AM and FM, with streaming at radionauru.nr. Programming in Nauruan and English.
- Digicel Play — satellite TV available in some hotels and homes. International news channels accessible via satellite.
- Nauru Bulletin — government-published newspaper, available online via the Government Information Office.
- No local television service — all TV content is via satellite or streaming.
✅ Connectivity Checklist
- Download offline maps (Google Maps / Maps.me) before arrival.
- Download entertainment (movies, podcasts, ebooks) — streaming is unreliable.
- Bring a power bank — power outages can disrupt charging.
- If you need reliable internet, check if your accommodation has Starlink.
- Consider purchasing a Digicel SIM for stays longer than 2–3 days.
- Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and booking confirmations offline.
- Notify family/friends that your response time may be slower than usual.
- Bring a universal travel adapter (Australia Type I, 240V/50Hz).