Best Tourist Sim Cards in Jamaica in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Jamaica across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you’re planning a trip to Jamaica, having a SIM card is essential for seamless communication and convenient navigation. With internet access on your smartphone, you can effortlessly explore new cities, discover top-rated restaurants, find your way to accommodations, arrange transportation, and share memorable moments with your loved ones back home.
While roaming is an option, international fees can quickly accumulate. Therefore, we highly recommend either an eSIM or a local SIM card to enjoy local phone rates. Luckily, acquiring either option in Jamaica is incredibly straightforward.
To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive guide provides the latest pricing information and suggests the ultimate SIM card to suit your needs.
he best sim card in Jamaica is the Digicel Jamaica Brawta prepaid sim card. For $990 JMD ($6.5 USD) you will get a massive 25GB of data to use valid for 7 days. If you are staying for longer, there is also a 28 day plan that comes with 50GB of data for $3,900 JMD.
Digicel has the best mobile network coverage in Jamaica, although Flow also has very extensive coverage.
I normally recommend eSims for travellers, however, the eSim options in Jamaica are not at all competitively priced. If you value the convenience of an eSim over the price, then you can check out the Airalo Jamaica eSim here. The card costs $9.50 USD and comes with 1GB of data, which might be a good option if you are only stopping in Jamaica for a few days and don’t want the inconvenience of visiting a store.
A Tourist Sim Card in Jamaica costs $990 JMD ($6.5 USD) in October 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Jamaica 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 Jamaica which includes 1GB of data which is valid for 7 days and costs $9.50 USD.
In Jamaica, the main sim card providers are Digicel and Flow. Digicel, founded in 2001, is the leading telecommunications company on the island. It offers a wide range of services including mobile, broadband, and TV. Digicel provides excellent coverage across the country, ensuring connectivity even in rural areas. With competitive rates, prepaid and postpaid plans, and reliable customer service, Digicel remains a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Flow, on the other hand, is a well-established provider that offers integrated communication and entertainment services. With a strong focus on delivering high-speed internet, Flow is known for its reliable network and vast coverage. It offers a variety of plans, including mobile, home broadband, and cable TV. Flow’s seamless connectivity and diverse package options make it a trusted provider in Jamaica. Overall, with Digicel and Flow dominating the market, Jamaican residents have a plethora of options to choose from to meet their telecommunications needs.
Digicel is a prominent telecommunications provider in Jamaica, offering tourist SIM cards for travelers visiting the island. These SIM cards provide seamless connectivity, allowing tourists to stay connected with friends and family during their stay. With affordable data plans, tourists can easily access the internet, explore navigation apps, and share their Jamaican experiences on social media. Digicel’s reliable network coverage ensures uninterrupted communication, making it a preferred choice for tourists seeking hassle-free connectivity in Jamaica.
The price of a Digicel tourist sim card in Jamaica is $990 JMD.
The plan offered by Digicel stores includes 25GB data + 500 local minutes valid for 7 days.
Flow is a well-known telecommunications company in Jamaica that offers convenient tourist sim cards for travelers. These sim cards provide seamless connectivity, allowing tourists to stay connected with their loved ones and access the internet anytime. With affordable plans and excellent coverage, Flow sim cards make it easier for tourists to explore Jamaica without worrying about expensive roaming charges. Stay connected and enjoy a seamless traveling experience with Flow’s reliable tourist sim cards.
The price of a Flow tourist sim card in Jamaica is $830 JMD.
The plan offered by Flow stores offers 8GB of data + unlimited calls valid for 7 days.
In Jamaica, telecom providers offer tourist SIM cards that cater to visitors’ communication needs. These SIM cards provide seamless connectivity for calls, texts, and internet browsing. With competitive rates, tourists can easily stay connected with their loved ones. Plus, these SIM cards often include additional perks such as discounted rates for local attractions and access to travel apps. It’s the ideal solution for hassle-free communication during your Jamaican adventure.
The price of a tourist sim card in Jamaica is .
The plan offered by stores includes valid for .
Identify mobile providers: Digicel, Flow and are your best options in Jamaica.
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 Jamaica 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 Jamaica then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Jamaica 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 Jamaica 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 Jamaica 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 Jamaica. The Airalo Jamaica 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 Jamaica without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Jamaica is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Jamaica 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 Jamaica eSim uses the Digicel network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Digicel networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Jamaica.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Jamaica 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 Jamaica eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Jamaica eSim uses the Digicelnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Jamaica
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Jamaica eSim:
3GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $37 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card incorporated within a device, such as a phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, an eSIM does not require physical insertion or removal.
Instead, the eSIM is built into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This offers users the flexibility to switch between different networks or plans without the need to physically change SIM cards.
The utilization of eSIM technology provides convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, particularly for frequent travelers or those who regularly switch networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the requirement to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it easier to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their network operator or manually input activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services as if using a traditional SIM card.
There are several reasons why using an eSIM can be beneficial:
– Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans, ideal for travelers.
– Dual SIM functionality: Have two active mobile numbers on the same device, useful for work and personal separation.
– Space-saving: Embedded eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM card slot, allowing for smaller devices.
– Remote provisioning: Activate and manage mobile plans over the air, no need for physical SIM card or store visits.
– Future-proofing: eSIM technology gaining traction, ensuring access to new services and offerings.
Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an attractive option.
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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