How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Jamaica?

Getting ready for a trip to Jamaica? You’re probably busy thinking about all the things you’ll see and do. However, one practical thing you should consider is how you’ll be getting around and communicating while you’re there.

To make sure your vacation goes smoothly, consider swapping your UK SIM card for a Jamaica SIM card. Not only will this help you avoid unnecessary expenses, it will also allow you to use different apps such as maps without having to rely on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It can help you get ready for your stay in Jamaica and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees at a great mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Jamaica from the UK?

Having a Jamaica SIM card during your holiday is a great way to save money. Most of the time, international calls or data usage aren’t included in UK monthly plans. So, better to have a Jamaica SIM card than to get charged extra by your provider for using your phone abroad.

A local SIM card makes it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. Since you won’t have to rely on Wi-Fi, you’ll have better network coverage and be connected throughout the day. Having a Jamaican SIM card also allows you to use GPS and maps, which are all travel essentials.

If you still don’t want to buy a Jamaica SIM card, you could rely on international roaming instead. Many networks, such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile, offer global roaming packages that include Jamaica. Ask your provider what they’re offering, but know that this can be a more expensive option.

How much does a SIM card cost in Jamaica?

There’s a range of options with Jamaica SIM cards. The prices depend both on the duration of your stay and the amount of data included in the plan.

Flow has the cheapest option at £2 for a two-day Jamaica SIM card. The 30-day plans can cost up to £40.

It’s the same with eSIMs and their prices start at around £5 for an aloSIM eSIM.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Jamaica?¹

Getting a prepaid SIM card in Jamaica is rather simple. There are plenty of selling points available, such as official stores, authorised resellers and mobile phone retailers.

The best way to buy one is to go to a network operator’s store or order it from their website. There are two main mobile operators in Jamaica - Digicel and Flow.

You’ll likely need your passport to buy and register your Jamaica SIM card. The store employees will help you activate it and you’ll be able to start using it right away. You can pay with cash, as well as your credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Jamaica in the UK?

Buying a Jamaica eSIM while still in the UK is your best option. Some providers only sell country-specific eSIM cards, while others have regional or even global deals. Either way, there’s plenty of options, so you’ll most likely be able to find an offer that fits your needs.

Can you buy a Jamaica SIM card at the airport?²

Yes, you can buy a SIM card at two Jamaican international airports - the Norman Manley International Airport and the Sangster International Airport.

You can look for a Jamaica SIM card directly at the mobile operators kiosk, as well as at the tourist information desk and the convenience stores.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Jamaica

Here are the best SIM card options for a vacation in Jamaica.

Digicel³

Digicel has a couple of prepaid vacation SIM options, depending on the duration of your stay.

Their three-day SIM costs $12 and it includes 7 GB of data allowance. For $15, you can get their 10 GB card which will last you up to 7 days. The last option is made for longer stays. It’s valid for 28 days and it includes 25 GB of data for $50.

Flow⁴

Flow has six SIM card plans that cover stays from 2 to 30 days. Besides data, they all have unlimited calls and texts.

The two-day plan costs just under £2 and it has 4 GB of data. The five-day plan includes 8 GB of data for around £3.5. If you need a SIM for 7 days, they have a £5 option with 15 GB of data included.

The remaining three plans are made for longer stays. The two 28-day plans cost around £14 and £16 respectively, with 12 and 16 GB of data. The largest plan will last you up to 30 days and it includes unlimited data for £25.

Best e-SIM cards for Jamaica

Getting an eSIM is one of the most convenient ways to avoid hefty international roaming fees. You can even buy one while you’re still in the UK and activate it upon arrival.

Make sure you look up whether your phone is compatible with eSIMs before buying one. If it is, here are some of the best ones you can use in Jamaica.

Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers in the world. They offer plans for Jamaica and for the Caribbean in general. Their prices are $9.5 and $15.

Airalo’s eSIM made specifically for Jamaica costs $9.5 and it allows 1 GB of data usage over the course of 7 days.⁵ If you plan on visiting other Caribbean islands as well, you should consider their regional eSIM. For $15, you get 1 GB of data which you can use in 24 Caribbean countries in a week.⁶

Digicel⁷

You can get an eSIM from Jamaica’s own mobile phone network Digicel. There are three kinds, based on the number of days you’ll be using your card for.

For $12 you can get a three-day eSIM, with 7 GB of data and 60 minutes of local calls. If you plan on staying for a week, Digicel has a $15 eSIM with 10 GB of data allowance and 90 local minutes. For stays up to 30 days, there’s a plan with 25 GB of data and 180 local minutes for $50.

If you plan on visiting Jamaica and the USA in one go, Digicel has a special plan with coverage for these two countries. For $35, you get 8 GB of data.

aloSIM

aloSIM has five eSIMs options, costing from $6.5 to $39. The most affordable one will last you 7 days with 1 GB of data. If you need an eSIM for up to 15 days, there’s a $15 plan with 2 GB of data. Finally, there are three aloSIM plans for 30-day stays with different data allowances. The first one offers 3 GB for $20, the second has 5 GB for $28 and the largest plan has 10 GB for $39.⁸

This provider also has four different eSIMs which can be used in the entire Caribbean region. The cheapest option gives you 1 GB of data for $7.5 which you can use for up to 7 days. The remaining three have 30-day coverage. They start at $24 for 3 GB of data, followed by 5 GB for $30 and 10 GB for $41.⁹

Holafly¹⁰

Holafly has three eSIM cards available, but each one allows 500 MB of data per day. There’s a 7-day one which costs £27, a 15-day one for £34 and a 30-day eSIM for £49.

Spend like a local in Jamaica with Wise

While you’re picking a Jamaica SIM card for your trip, you’ll also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, is a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Jamaica and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation, or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used for this article:

Sources last checked on date: 06-June-2024