Best Tourist Sim Cards in Barbados in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Barbados across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you plan on visiting Barbados, having a SIM card is essential for easy navigation and staying connected while exploring new cities. With access to the internet, you can easily find the best restaurants, navigate to your accommodation, book taxis, and share your travel moments with your loved ones on the go.
While roaming is always an option, the international fees can quickly become costly. Therefore, we highly recommend either an eSIM or a local SIM card to take advantage of affordable local phone rates.
Fortunately, obtaining either an eSIM or local SIM card in Barbados is a simple process. This guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to know about purchasing a SIM card in Barbados, including current pricing and the best SIM card options available.
The best sim cards in Barbados are offered by the two mobile networks Digicel and Flow. Which one you choose depends on how much data you require.
For most travellers I recommend the Flow 5GB prepaid sim card which costs 28 BBD and offers 5GB of data valid for 7 days. If you are staying for 14 days then they also offer an 8GB plan for 14 days for 49 BBD.
Heavy data users will want to opt for Digicel instead. Their plans are significantly more expensive but come with a lot more data. For 120 BBD you will get 20GB of data valid for 7 days, however, I consider this to be very expensive.
eSim options in Barbados are very limited and also fairly expensive. The Airalo Barbados eSim is the most convenient option at $9.50 USD (19 BBD) for 1GB valid for 7 days. I recommend this to anyone who plans to spend their time relaxing or connected to wifi. You can always buy it again if you require more data and it is a lot more convenient than visiting a store and purchasing a physical sim card.
A Tourist Sim Card in Barbados costs 28 BBD in September 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Barbados 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 Barbados which includes 1GB of data which is valid for 7 days and costs $9.50 USD.
In Barbados, the two main sim card providers are Digicel and Flow. Digicel, a well-established telecommunications company, offers a wide range of services including voice calls, data plans, and mobile internet. They have a strong network coverage across the island, ensuring reliable connections for their customers. Digicel also provides various affordable prepaid options and postpaid plans tailored to suit individual needs.
On the other hand, Flow, formerly known as Cable & Wireless, is another popular choice for Barbadians. As a leading telecommunications provider, Flow offers competitive voice and data packages, with a focus on high-speed internet connectivity. They offer attractive bundled services including internet, cable TV, and landline services, allowing customers to enjoy multiple services under one provider.
Overall, both Digicel and Flow offer reliable and versatile sim card services in Barbados, catering to the diverse needs of the island’s residents and visitors.
Digicel is a popular telecommunication company in Barbados, offering convenient tourist SIM cards for travelers visiting the island. These SIM cards provide seamless connectivity, allowing tourists to stay connected with their loved ones back home. With competitive rates, Digicel ensures cost-effective communication and internet access. The company’s reliable network coverage and excellent customer service make them a preferred choice among tourists, enabling them to have a hassle-free experience during their stay in Barbados.
The price of a Digicel tourist sim card in Barbados is 120 BBD.
The plan offered by Digicel stores includes 20GB data + 150 minutes & free sms valid for 7 days.
Flow is a leading telecommunication company in Barbados that offers tourist SIM cards for seamless connectivity. These SIM cards provide tourists with affordable options to stay connected while exploring the beautiful island of Barbados. With Flow’s tourist SIM cards, travelers can enjoy high-speed internet, unlimited local calls, and international calling options. Stay connected, share your experiences, and make lasting memories with Flow’s reliable and convenient tourist SIM cards in Barbados.
The price of a Flow tourist sim card in Barbados is 28 BBD.
The plan offered by Flow stores offers 5GB data + 100 minutes & unlimited sms valid for 7 days.
In Barbados, tourists can easily stay connected with the help of local sim cards. A popular choice is Digicel, which offers reliable network coverage and competitive data plans. With a tourist sim card, visitors can enjoy affordable international calling rates, high-speed internet access, and stay connected with loved ones back home. Whether exploring the stunning beaches or indulging in local cuisine, having a tourist sim card ensures seamless communication throughout their stay in Barbados.
The price of a tourist sim card in Barbados is .
The plan offered by stores includes valid for .
Identify mobile providers: Digicel, Flow and are your best options in Barbados.
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 Barbados 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 Barbados then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Barbados 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 Digicel, Flow 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 Barbados 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 Barbados 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 Barbados. The Airalo Barbados 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 Barbados without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Barbados is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Barbados 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 Barbados eSim uses the Flow network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Flow networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Barbados.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Barbados 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 Barbados eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Barbados eSim uses the Digicelnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Barbados
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Barbados eSim:
3GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $37 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital version of a SIM card that is built into a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Instead of having to physically insert or remove a traditional SIM card, the eSIM is already integrated into the device’s hardware.
With an eSIM, users can remotely activate and program it through a mobile network operator, eliminating the need for physical SIM card swapping. This feature allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without any hassle.
The convenience and flexibility of eSIM technology are especially beneficial for frequent travelers or individuals who regularly switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It removes the necessity of buying and inserting physical SIM cards, making it much easier to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the desired mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services just like with a traditional SIM card.
eSIMs offer several benefits:
– Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans. Ideal for frequent travelers.
– Dual SIM functionality: Have two active mobile numbers on one device. Great for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
– Space-saving: Embedded eSIMs eliminate the need for a physical SIM card slot. This allows for smaller devices or extra space for components.
– Remote provisioning: Activate or switch mobile plans over the air, without needing a physical SIM card or visiting a store. Offers flexibility and convenience.
– Future-proofing: As eSIM support grows, more networks and service providers offer it. By using an eSIM-compatible device, users can take advantage of new services.
Overall, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it popular among 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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