Can I Use My Phone on the Niue Phone Network?
There’s an awkward moment in the research of a traveller planning their trip to Niue when they realise that their phone roaming will not work in Niue! That means the only way you can keep connected with the rest of the world is through a WiFi connection or via Niue’s only phone network, Telecom Niue. While we recommend disconnecting from the world on a Niue getaway, we get that some of you need to be able to use your phone. This guide to the Niue phone networks and whether your phone will work in Niue should help.
For more information on getting WiFi on the island, see Where to Get Internet & Wifi in Niue.
Can You Use Roaming in Niue?
No, you cannot use roaming in Niue. Niue’s local network operator has no roaming agreements with overseas operators. If you want to be able to make phone calls or use the local network for data usage, you will have to get a local SIM card with Telecom Niue. The next hurdle to deal is is whether your phone will be compatible with a Niue SIM card. Our guide will explain further.
© NiuePocketGuide.comFirst, Is Your Phone Unlocked?
If You Purchased Your Phone Unlocked
Good job! Your phone is ready to go. As long as it meets the conditions in the section below, you will be able to use your phone in Niue.
If You Purchased Your Phone Through a Network Operator
Generally, when a phone is purchased through a network operator, it will come locked to the network you bought your phone from. This means that you will only be able to use it with a SIM card from said operator.
To be able to use a phone on a different network than the one you purchased it from, such as the local network in Niue, you will need to unlock it. To do so, refer to your contract and see what is the fee to unlock your phone, as well as the timeframe. In many cases, phones can be unlocked for under $50 if you have been with an operator for 6 or 12 months.
You can also unlock phones through phone unlocking stores that can be found pretty much everywhere – probably at your local mall! This is usually more expensive than doing it through your network operator but is typically quicker and more convenient.
© NiuePocketGuide.comSecond, Is Your Phone Compatible with Niue’s Network?
GSM Compatibility
Niue’s phone networks use GSM technology. This is the newest cellphone network technology as opposed to the older CMDA one. You’ll find that almost all phones use GSM technology since around 2017.
To make sure that your phone will work in Niue, it will need to support GSM technology.
To find out if your phone supports GSM technology, refer to your user manual (which will likely be on your phone). One more thing; a phone working on a CMDA network could be supporting GSM as well, as many phones have dual compatibility (dual-band). Phones that have tri-band and quad-band compatibility will also work in Niue.
Internet Compatibility
You will also want to be able to browse the web and use NiuePocketGuide.com throughout your entire trip, right? Not only are WiFi hotspots limited in Niue, but there is almost always a fee for using WiFi (except at these free WiFi spots). Accessing the internet is generally more reliable and cheaper through a local phone network.
In order for your phone to use the internet (data) in Niue, it must be compatible with the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28).
Note that 5G is not yet available in Niue.
In short, if you want to use your phone from overseas with a Niue SIM card, it needs to be a Band 28 700 Mhz phone.
Do iPhones Work in Niue?
iPhones are compatible with the local network for calls and texts, as well as the 4G VoLTE network, all that is required is to switch on VoLTE on the phone settings mobile data.
Do Android Phones Work in Niue?
Android phones work in Niue as long as they support Band 28 700 Mhz. However, some Android users may need to download the Telecom Niue 4G App to make phone calls.
How to Use Data with Telecom Niue if Your Phone is Not Compatible with the Network
If your phone is not compatible with the local 4G network, then you can hire a Huawei Mini MIFI Router from Telecom Niue to connect to the local 4G network (i.e. connect to the internet). MIFIs can connect up to 10 devices. Learn more about accessing the internet, as well as the cost, in our guide, How to Get Internet & WiFi in Niue.
And, of course, to charge your phone don’t forget your travel adapter if you’re not coming from New Zealand or Australia. See the 5 Best Travel Adapters for Niue for recommendations.
© NiuePocketGuide.comWill My Apps Work in Niue?
Most apps will work just fine in Niue. Apps like Facebook, Whatsapp, Viber, Google Maps, TikTok, etc. all work. Bear in mind, however, that if you are using a local SIM, you will need to confirm your new phone number on apps like Whatsapp that are connected to your phone number.
Note that some apps are geo-locked and will only work when linked to a country-specific SIM so be aware that some apps may not work in Niue. You may need to create a different account here in Niue and subscribe from here. This is mostly true for apps dealing with copyright work like music or videos, such as Spotify.
A Word of Warning
Apple, Google and Outlook accounts have an auto-detection system that will trigger a security check when connecting from a different country. Make sure that you have another option than a phone number for that security check. Otherwise, you might be locked out of your accounts. Security questions are the way to go.
(c) niuepocketguide.comAbout Telecom Niue
The sole phone network servicing Niue is Telecom Niue. They are owned by the Government of Niue and are the only provider of fixed and mobile telephone services and the main provider of internet services. Network coverage is available across most of Niue, with some dark spots inland and on the east coast.
Where to Get a Telecom Niue SIM Card
Telecom Niue operates a kiosk at Hanan Airport on plane days where visitors can purchase SIM cards and a MIFI device if needed. Alternatively, you can visit the Telecom Niue Office in the Alofi Commercial Centre.
Learn more about phone plans and getting a local SIM card in How to Get a Tourist SIM Card in Niue.
More About Using Your Phone in Niue
That’s it for our guide on checking if your phone will work in Niue. For more tips on staying connected in Niue, check out the following guides:
- How to Get a Tourist SIM Card in Niue
- A Quick Guide to the Electricity in Niue
- Can You Use Your New Zealand Bank Card in Niue?
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in How to Get Internet & WiFi in Niue.
