Jamaica SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know | 2022
Visiting Jamaica soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Jamaica SIM card.
Fortunately, the Caribbean is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean.
In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!
In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Jamaica in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Jamaica. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, or call a cab – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Jamaica.
Best SIM Cards In Jamaica
If you’re traveling in Jamaica, we recommend using a SIM card from Digicel, Flow, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to the Caribbean, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Caribbean countries.
How To Buy A SIM Card In Jamaica
You can either buy a Jamaica prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a Caribbean prepaid SIM card online.
Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Digicel, and Flow.
Digicel SIM Cards
Digicel offers several different types of tourist plans:
- 3 GB valid for 1 day for JMD 195 ($1.27)
- 8 GB valid for 2 days for JMD 325 ($2.12)
- 10 GB valid for 3 days for JMD 435 ($2.84)
- 18 GB valid for 5 days for JMD 595 ($3.88)
- 25 GB valid for 7 days for JMD 895 ($5.84)
Flow SIM Cards
Flow has several different prepaid plans available:
- 500 MB valid for 2 days for JMD 285 ($1.86)
- 2 GB valid for 5 days for JMD 530 ($3.46)
- 6 GB valid for 7 days for JMD 775 ($5.05)
- 10 GB valid for 28 days for JMD 2600 ($16.96)
- Unlimited data valid for 30 days for JMD 4900 ($31.96)
Overall, we think Flow is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!
How To Buy A Jamaica Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, Orange Holiday World SIM works in more than 100+ countries and gives you up to 10 GB of data for 14 days. Jamaica is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Jamaica or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for the Caribbean.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Jamaica
eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Jamaica.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo. Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Jamaica.
Airalo Jamaica
If you want to buy an eSIM for Jamaica, you could purchase one on Airalo. This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for North America and Jamaica.
I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.
Here are the options available:
- Jamcomm: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9.50
Here’s an overview of the plan available for the Caribbean:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $15
The option mentioned above is part of the Island Hopper plan and offers coverage in 24 countries in the Caribbean, including Jamaica.
Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.
Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.
When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.
Holafly Jamaica
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly. You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Here’s an overview of their plans for Jamaica:
- 3 GB, valid for 7 days for $37
- 7 GB, valid for 15 days for $44
- 15 GB, valid for 30 days for $54
Their Caribbean eSIM works in 18 countries (including Jamaica), and they offer the following plan:
- 7 GB data for 15 days for $57
Nomad Jamaica
Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Here’s an overview of the plans available for the Caribbean, including Jamaica:
- 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
- 3GB, valid for 30 days for $48
- 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Jamaica
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Jamaica or even an eSIM for your travels in Jamaica is pretty straightforward.
You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in the Caribbean without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a Caribbean plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Jamaica if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
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