Best Tourist Sim Cards in Bahamas in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Bahamas across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Bahamas, having a sim card and internet access is essential. Navigating through new cities becomes a breeze when you can easily search for the best restaurants, find directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share memorable photos with your loved ones while on the move.
While roaming is an option, the costs can quickly pile up when traveling internationally. That’s why we highly recommend either an eSIM or a local sim card to enjoy affordable local phone rates. The good news is, obtaining an eSIM or a local sim card in the Bahamas is incredibly convenient. However, it’s important to know which option suits you best.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information on purchasing a sim card in the Bahamas, including the latest prices and the ultimate sim card choice for your needs.
The best sim card in the Bahamas is the freedom12 prepaid sim card plan by Aliv. For $12 BSD you will get 2.5GB of data, 100 minutes and 100 texts valid for 7 days.
There is also a $35 BSD plan with unlimited data for 7 days or a $45 BSD plan with 6GB data valid for 30 days. You can check out other prepaid plans here.
The Airalo Bahamas eSim is not priced competitively compared to local sim cards so I recommend budget-conscious travellers to purchase a physical sim card from one of the official stores. If you value the convenience of an eSim then the Airalo eSim offers 1GB of data for $9.5 USD. I particularly recommend this for very short trips to save you having to visit a store and install a sim card.
A Tourist Sim Card in Bahamas costs $12 BSD ($12 USD) in September 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Bahamas will cost $9.50 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Bahamas which includes 1GB of data which is valid for 7 days and costs $9.50 USD.
In the Bahamas, there are two main sim card providers: Aliv and BTC. Aliv, short for Alive Communications, is one of the top telecommunication companies in the country. With a wide range of packages and services, Aliv has garnered a significant customer base. Offering both prepaid and postpaid plans, Aliv ensures flexibility and affordability for its users. From data plans to international call packages, Aliv has options for various needs and budgets.
BTC, which stands for Bahamas Telecommunications Company, is another major player in the sim card market. Renowned for its extensive network coverage and reliable services, BTC is trusted by many residents and visitors alike. With a range of competitive plans, BTC caters to different communication requirements, including data, talk, and text options.
Overall, both Aliv and BTC compete to provide quality sim card services in the Bahamas.
Aliv is a leading telecommunications company in the Bahamas that offers exceptional tourist sim cards. With their reliable network coverage, visitors can stay connected with high-speed data, calls, and texts during their vacation. Aliv’s tourist sim cards are easily accessible through various locations such as airports and popular tourist spots. Their affordable and flexible plans cater to different needs, making Aliv the ideal choice for tourists seeking seamless connectivity in the beautiful Bahamas.
The price of a Aliv tourist sim card in Bahamas is $12 BSD.
The plan offered by Aliv stores includes 2.5GB data + 100 minutes + 100 sms valid for 7 days.
BTC, the leading telecommunications provider in the Bahamas, offers convenient tourist SIM cards for visitors. With BTC SIM cards, tourists can stay connected on their vacation without incurring exorbitant roaming charges. These SIM cards provide fast internet access, unlimited local calls, and affordable international calling options. Whether exploring the stunning beaches or enjoying the vibrant local culture, BTC’s tourist SIM cards ensure a seamless and affordable communication experience throughout the Bahamas.
The price of a BTC tourist sim card in Bahamas is 15 BSD.
The plan offered by BTC stores offers 3GB data + unlimited calls valid for 7 days..
In the Bahamas, tourists have the option to purchase and use sim cards for their communication needs. These sim cards are readily available at airports, hotels, and local stores. They offer affordable data and calling plans, ensuring tourists can stay connected while exploring the stunning beaches and vibrant culture. With reliable coverage across the islands, visitors can easily share their Bahamian adventures with friends and family back home.
The price of a tourist sim card in Bahamas is .
The plan offered by stores includes valid for .
Identify mobile providers: Aliv, BTC and are your best options in Bahamas.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Bahamas at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Bahamas then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Bahamas have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Aliv, BTC and . Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Bahamas are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Bahamas with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Bahamas. The Airalo Bahamas eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $9.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Bahamas without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Bahamas is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Bahamas and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Bahamas eSim uses the BTC network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the BTC networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Bahamas.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Bahamas eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $9.50 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 1GB data plan for $9.50 USD which is valid for 7 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Bahamas eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Bahamas eSim uses the Digicelnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Bahamas
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Bahamas eSim:
Unfortunately, the Holafly esim packages for the Bahamas are temporarily unavailable on the Holafly website. We’ll add the prices back in here once they are available again.
The eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is permanently built into devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Unlike traditional SIM cards, it doesn’t require insertion or removal from the device.
Instead, the eSIM is fused into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This enables users to switch between different networks or plans without needing physical SIM cards.
This technology offers convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, especially for frequent travelers or those who switch between networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, allowing for easy management of multiple mobile connections on one device.
Activation of an eSIM involves scanning a provided QR code or manually entering activation details from the network operator. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected network and enjoy regular voice, data, and messaging services just like with a traditional SIM card.
There are several reasons why using an eSIM can be beneficial:
– Convenience: With an eSIM, you don’t need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching between mobile networks or plans. This convenience is particularly useful for frequent travelers who may need to switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.
– Dual SIM functionality: eSIM allows you to have dual SIM functionality on your device, meaning you can have two active mobile numbers on the same device. This can be useful for separating personal and work numbers or for managing multiple phone lines.
– Space-saving: As eSIMs are embedded within the device, it eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot. This frees up space within the device, allowing manufacturers to make devices smaller or use the extra space for other components.
– Remote provisioning: With eSIMs, activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air. This means you can activate or switch to a new mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card or visiting a store. It offers greater flexibility and convenience for managing your mobile connectivity.
– Future-proofing: As eSIM technology continues to gain traction, more mobile networks and service providers are offering support for eSIMs. By using an eSIM-compatible device, you ensure that you can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.
Overall, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it a compelling choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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