If you're travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, you may be wondering about the best way to stay connected. While most hotels and resorts in the country provide WiFi, it's a good idea to purchase a local SIM card to ensure you have reliable access to data, especially when exploring the islands.
There are three network providers in Antigua and Barbuda: Flow, Digicel, and iMobile. iMobile does not offer mobile data services, so most travellers opt for either Flow or Digicel. Both providers have comparable prepaid plans and network coverage, with Flow having a slight edge in terms of 4G/LTE speeds.
SIM cards from these providers typically range from $20 to $25 XCD, and you can purchase them from official stores or local shops. It's important to note that SIM cards are not available at the airports. You will need to provide identification, such as a passport, when purchasing a SIM card.
By choosing a local SIM card, you can take advantage of more affordable rates compared to international roaming charges. Additionally, you can find prepaid plans that include data, minutes, and SMS tailored to your needs, ensuring you stay connected during your stay in Antigua and Barbuda without breaking the bank.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
SIM Card Cost | 20-25 XCD from Digicel and Flow, 25 XCD from APUA inet Mobile |
Top-Up Cost | 5-200 XCD |
Top-Up Validity | 90 days |
Check Balance Code | *120# or *141# for Digicel, *120# or *129# for Flow, *121# for APUA inet Mobile |
Data Package Cost | 8-120 XCD |
Data Package Validity | 1-30 days |
Roaming Plan Cost | 19.95-150 USD |
What You'll Learn
Local SIM cards are available from Digicel and Flow
Digicel SIM cards cost 20 XCD, while Flow SIM cards cost 20-25 XCD. Flow SIM cards come with a 3-day plan, including 3GB of data, unlimited data for SWIFT apps (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter), unlimited local minutes, and unlimited local SMS.
Digicel offers a range of Prime Ultra Bundles, which include data, minutes, and SMS. These bundles auto-renew and can be activated by dialling *141# or through the MyDigicel app. Flow offers Always On bundles, which also include data, minutes, and SMS, and can be activated by dialling *129#.
Both Digicel and Flow require you to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card.
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SIM cards can be purchased for around $7.50
If you're looking to stay connected while travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, it's a good idea to get a local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. SIM cards are not overly expensive in Antigua and Barbuda. You can get a SIM card from either Digicel or Flow for 20 XCD (Antigua and Barbuda East Caribbean Dollar), which is the equivalent of around $7.50. APUA inet Mobile also offers SIM cards for 25 XCD, or about $9.25.
SIM cards can be purchased from official stores, although they are not available at the Antigua-V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) or the Barbuda Codrington Airport (BBQ). In St John's, you can find stores for both Digicel and Flow, and there is also a Flow Mobile Store Van that drives around the islands.
It's important to note that you will need to show your passport to purchase a SIM card, and your phone will need to be unlocked to use a SIM card from a different operator.
Once you have your SIM card, you can top up and purchase data packages from the provider. For example, with Digicel, you can get 2GB of data, 25 minutes of calls, and unlimited SMS for 8 XCD ($3). Flow offers a similar package for 8.50 XCD ($3), with 2GB of data, 50 minutes of calls, and 50 SMS.
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Data packages can be added to SIM cards for as little as $3
Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Antigua & Barbuda
If you're looking for cheap cell phone plans in Antigua & Barbuda, you're in luck! The country offers several affordable options for staying connected while travelling.
Firstly, it's important to note that international roaming can be expensive, so it's recommended to get a local SIM card to take advantage of local rates. SIM cards in Antigua & Barbuda are reasonably priced, and you can purchase one from either Digicel or Flow, the two main mobile operators in the country. Both companies offer similar prices, with SIM cards costing around 20-25 XCD (East Caribbean Dollar). It's worth noting that SIM cards may not be available at the airport, so you may need to visit official stores in cities like St. John's.
If you're looking for a longer-term option, both Digicel and Flow provide weekly and monthly plans. For instance, with Digicel, you can get 5 GB of data, 400 minutes, and unlimited SMS for $15, valid for seven days. Flow offers a comparable package for $15, with 5 GB of data, 500 minutes, and 500 SMS, valid for seven days.
In conclusion, Antigua & Barbuda offers affordable cell phone plans that can suit a range of needs. By purchasing a local SIM card and adding data packages, you can stay connected during your travels without breaking the bank.
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International SIM cards are available online
OneSim
OneSim offers multiple SIM card options catering to different travel needs, including two e-Sim choices: OneSimCard e-Sim World and OneSimCard e-Sim Asiana. The former covers 150 countries with free incoming calls on EU numbers, while the latter is designed for Asia and Oceania and offers data packages.
OneSim also offers plastic SIM cards such as the OneSimCard Universal, which covers over 200 countries, and the OneSimCard Expedition, which offers similar coverage but with more data options.
OneSim provides two numbers: a European (Estonian) number and a choice of one from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada. They offer a $10 bonus credit with any roaming SIM card purchase, and you can buy data bundles to minimize costs.
GigSky
GigSky is an e-Sim provider, which means you download the SIM card to your phone through their app or website. They currently offer a single Global Package: 5GB of data over 30 days for $69.99. While this is a bit pricey, GigSky has a wide range of global carrier partners, ensuring better connectivity.
Saily
Saily is another e-Sim provider and is known for offering significant savings on data, calls, and texts compared to traditional roaming options. They provide country, region, and global e-Sim data packages through their app. Their global e-Sim starts at $8.99 for 1GB of data over 7 days, making it a good option for short trips.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a Singapore-based e-Sim company offering various data plans for multiple countries. They are compatible with devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google. Jetpac provides free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed, which is a unique feature.
Their worldwide e-Sim card comes with different data packages, and you can top up with plans ranging from 100 MB to 25 GB. The prices are very reasonable, starting at just $1 for 1GB of data over 4 days.
Surfroam
Surfroam offers a simple, data-only service with coverage in 200+ countries. You pay €45 for the physical SIM card, which includes €25 of credit, and then top up as needed with packages starting at €25. They charge a pay-as-you-go rate per megabyte, with rates as low as €0.01/MB in some countries.
Surfroam also offers an e-Sim option for €30, with the same data rates as the physical SIM card. This is a good choice if you want the convenience of an e-Sim and don't mind monitoring your data usage to avoid high charges.
Orange Holiday Europe
If you're travelling to Europe, the Orange Holiday Europe SIM Card is a good option. For $27.29, you get 8 GB of data, 30 minutes of worldwide calls, and 200 texts, all valid for 14 days. The Orange Holiday Europe Zen package offers an upgrade with 20 GB of data, 120 minutes, and 1000 texts for $44, also valid for 14 days.
This SIM card covers 30 European countries and can be topped up online. It's a simple, reliable choice if you're just visiting Europe for a short holiday and want a SIM card ready to use when you land.
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Using WiFi is an alternative option
Using WiFi is a great alternative option if you don't want to commit to a cell phone plan in Antigua & Barbuda. There are several options for staying connected while travelling in the country.
Pocket WiFi Devices
One option is to rent a pocket WiFi device, which provides wireless internet access that fits in your pocket. Two popular options for this are MIOWIFI and Wifivox. Both options allow you to connect up to 5 devices and offer unlimited internet access in Antigua & Barbuda.
MIOWIFI
- Price: USD 8 per day, tax included
- Speed: 3G and 4G/LTE
- Throttling: First 500MB of daily usage at full speed
- Battery: 18 hours continuous use, 3 hours to full charge
Wifivox
- Price: €7.95 per day
- Speed: 4G LTE
- Data: 1GB per day at maximum speed, then speed reduced
- Data plans: 2GB/day for €10.95 per day or 3GB/day for €11.95 per day
WiFi at Accommodations
If you are staying in a hotel or apartment, you may be able to access WiFi through your accommodation. Some providers, such as Wifivox, can deliver a device directly to your hotel or apartment.
SIM Cards with Data Packages
If you prefer to use your mobile phone, you can purchase a local SIM card with a data package. Two popular options for this are OneSimCard and Digicel.
OneSimCard
- Price: $0.04 per MB with a data package
- Free incoming calls in Antigua & Barbuda and 120 other countries
- Outgoing calls: $0.65 per minute
- Free incoming SMS text messages in Antigua & Barbuda, the Caribbean, and worldwide
Digicel
- Price: 20 XCD for the SIM card
- Default data rate outside packages: EC$ 0.51 per MB
- Data package options: 400MB, 10 mins, unlimited on-net voice and SMS for 1 day: EC$ 7; 2.8GB, 70 mins, unlimited on-net voice and SMS for 7 days: EC$ 35; 20GB, 300 mins, unlimited on-net voice and SMS for 30 days: EC$ 105
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Frequently asked questions
There are two mobile operators in Antigua & Barbuda: Digicel and Flow. Both offer prepaid SIM cards for around $7.50. Digicel offers a 1-day plan with 2GB of data, 25 minutes, and unlimited SMS for $3, a 7-day plan with 5GB of data, 400 minutes, and unlimited SMS for $15, and a 30-day plan with 12GB of data, 1000 minutes, and unlimited SMS for $41. Flow offers a 1-day plan with 2GB of data, 50 minutes, and 50 SMS for $3, a 3-day plan with 3GB of data, 200 minutes, and 200 SMS for $7, a 7-day plan with 5GB of data, 500 minutes, and 500 SMS for $15, a 30-day plan with 8GB of data, 800 minutes, and 800 SMS for $37, and a 10-day plan with 12GB of data, 1200 minutes, and 1200 SMS for $44.
It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. SIM cards can be purchased from either Digicel or Flow stores in St. John's for around $7.50. It is also important to note that SIM cards are not available at the airport, and you may need to provide identification such as a passport or driver's license to purchase a SIM card.
If you don't want to purchase a local SIM card, you can consider using WiFi calling or messaging apps such as WhatsApp. Additionally, some international carriers such as Verizon and AT&T offer international plans that may be suitable, depending on your needs.