Jamaica – the home of Reggae music, known for Usain Bolt, and, to some, the tasty Jamaican rum.
The island is also known for its stunning beaches, thrilling nightlife & majestic waterfalls.
Montego Bay has plenty of beach resorts. Negril is famous for its nightlife. And Kingston has the Bob Marley Museum.
If you are into history, you may want to visit the Cathedrals in Spanish Town.
Overall, there is no reason to be bored when in Jamaica, and you probably want to share your experiences online.
Which you should do! But, you should know that international roaming can be expensive. In most cases, roaming is not worth it.
But how else can you stay connected when in Jamaica? WIFI hotspots are not available everywhere.
Local SIM cards – they are the most affordable way to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Local prepaid SIM cards are often inexpensive, and you can enjoy local rates.
So, how expensive are SIM cards in Jamaica?
You can get a Jamaican SIM card for 500 JMD (3.20 USD) from Flow and 740 JMD (4.75 USD) from Digicel in their stores and from resellers. They are also sold at Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN – Digicel only) but not at Montego Bay-Sangster International Airport (MBJ).
And they say the Caribbean is expensive! Well, that is true – it is not the cheapest travel destination.
But SIM cards and mobile data in Jamaica are pretty affordable for global standards. And of course, there is still much more to learn about Jamaican SIM cards.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Jamaica. Let's get started.
Original publication: 30th of July 2021. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Jamaica?
You can buy a Jamaican SIM card from Digicel and Flow as a tourist. There is nothing preventing travelers from buying a SIM card in Gredana.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
Moreover, your phone has to support the frequencies used in Jamaica.
Finally, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a Jamaican SIM card.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Jamaica?
You can get a Jamaican SIM card in the official stores of Digicel and Flow and from resellers. They are also available at Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN – Digicel only) but not at Montego Bay-Sangster International Airport (MBJ).
You can expect to pay the following for Jamaican SIM cards:
- Digicel Jamaica: 740 JMD
- Flow Jamaica: 500 JMD
Can You Use Your Phone in Jamaica?
Jamaica uses GSM and CDMA technology for mobile telecommunications services. Digicel Jamaica is phasing out its CDMA network, so you should not bank on it. Moreover, you would not be able to use Digicel Jamaica's CDMA network unless you buy a phone from them or roam.
Fortunately, there is a 99% chance you have a phone that supports GSM.
Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are 3 ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American frequencies and European frequencies.
Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European frequencies without issues.
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American frequencies, which are different from the European frequencies.
Jamaica uses a mix of American frequencies and European frequencies for 2G and 3G, depending on the mobile operator. 4G/LTE is exclusively on American frequencies.
If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you want to go with Flow Jamaica.
It supports traditional American frequencies on 2G, 3G & 4G/LTE, meaning that you can take full advantage of its network.
If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you want to go with Digicel Jamaica.
It supports traditional European frequencies on 2G and 3G, but you will not be able to use its 4G/LTE network.
Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with any mobile operator, as your phone will support both American frequencies and European frequencies, even on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Jamaica
Jamaica has two mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Digicel Jamaica
- Flow Jamaica
The following frequencies are used in Jamaica:
- 2G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 12 & Band 17), 850 MHz (Band 5), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Jamaica, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
A Note About Rock Mobile
Rock Mobile will become Jamaica’s third mobile operator.
In early 2021, it was reported that Bruce Bowen and Suzanne Fernando-Bowen were interested in acquiring spectrum for telecommunications.
In May 2021, it was announced that the Bowens had indeed received the necessary spectrum (700 MHz on (an) unknown Band(s)) to launch a mobile network in Jamaica.
One of the conditions Rock Mobile has to satisfy is to launch commercial operations within 12 months (before May 2022).
Else, Rock Mobile risks losing its operating license.
Moreover, 95% of the Jamaican population needs to be covered by Rock Mobile within 2 years (before May 2023).
It is refreshing to see another player breaking the duopoly of Digicel and Flow in English-speaking Caribbean nations.
More competition, especially one breaking a duopoly, should better serve customers, like the locals and us travelers.
Once Rock Mobile has officially launched and announced its prices, this guide will be updated.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Jamaica
Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) are not offered by the mobile operators in Jamaica (yet).
This means that when you make a call, your phone will downgrade to 3G (or 2G when 3G is not available) instead of staying connected to 4G/LTE.
This is also why you often cannot use mobile while calling if not connected to WiFi.
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Jamaica
5G NR is not available in Jamaica as of 2022, and the Jamaican government has not made any indications of when it will auction 5G licenses.
However, it was reported in late 2020 that the Jamaican government is studying a proposal from Rivada regarding 5G NR development in the country.
No indication has been made when a decision will be made with the said proposal or when 5G NR will be available in the country.
Best SIM Card in Jamaica
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Jamaica, I recommend going with Digicel. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds.
Best eSIM in Jamaica
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM (to prepaid customers) in Jamaica yet.
Note that the Jamaican mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Jamaica.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the five best eSIMs for Jamaica:
- Airalo Jamaica Jamcomm eSIM with one 1 GB option (cheapest <7 GB)
- Holafly Jamaica eSIM with one 3 GB option (cheapest 7 GB > – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
Holafly Caribbean eSIM (covers 16 Caribbean countries with a generous allowance)(currently out of stock)- Airalo Island Hopper eSIM with one 1 GB option (covers 24 Caribbean countries at higher prices and just 1 GB of data)
- Nomad Global eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (109 or 139 countries) at high(er) prices – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Jamaica, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Jamaica, you better check out my Jamaica eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Jamaica
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Jamaica. It will be done at the point of purchase.
Jamaica Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
The Caribbean used to be a region where mobile data was close to unaffordable.
This had partially to do that the Caribbean nations are island nations.
And also because most Caribbean countries have duopolies running the scene (looking at the both of you – Digicel and Flow 😡).
Nowadays, however, the cost of mobile data in the Caribbean has gone down a lot.
In some nations, the average price of 1 GB of data is less than 1 USD.
Okay, that is only two countries, and Jamaica is not one of them.
So, how expensive is mobile data in Jamaica?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Jamaica is 2.74 USD, below the Caribbean average of 4.44 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
Those are good numbers!
And compared to other Caribbean islands, Jamaica never had excessively high mobile data rates (like the Cayman Islands with an average cost of 1 GB of 26.79 USD.
Also unlike most Caribbean nations, we have concrete data on how fast mobile internet speeds are in Jamaica.
And they are the second-fastest in the Caribbean.
Jamaica's median mobile download speed is around 31 Mbps.
Currently, Trinidad and Tobago has the fastest median mobile download speed in the Caribbean, but only at 32 Mbps.
Perhaps Jamaica will take over Trinidad's and Tobago's throne soon 👑.
Okay, so which mobile operator is the fastest in Jamaica?
That would be Digicel Jamaica, with a mean download speed of 44 Mbps. Flow Jamaica has a mean download speed of 29 Mbps.
With low SIM card prices, close to excellent nationwide coverage, average mobile download speeds, and low mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in Jamaica.
Currency in Jamaica
Jamaica uses the Jamaican Dollar with the symbol JMD (which will be used throughout this guide).
Prices in Jamaica are listed in just $ or J$. For example, 25 JMD = $J/$25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between JMD and USD (US Dollars):
- 10 JMD = 0.065 USD
- 100 JMD = 0.65 USD
- 1000 JMD = 6.45 USD
- 10 000 JMD = 64.45 USD
For up-to-date JMD:USD exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Jamaican Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Digicel Jamaica & Flow Jamaica, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Jamaica has to offer to us.
Digicel Jamaica
Digicel Jamaica, just Digicel, is one of the two mobile operators in Jamaica.
It is also the fastest mobile operator in the country.
Digicel, as a company, is active in many other Caribbean nations, Central America & Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 17) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Digicel Jamaica
Digicel has the best coverage in Jamaica.
It even won the Jamaica Speedtest Best Mobile Coverage Award of 2021.
Below is Digicel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Digicel Jamaica
You can get a Digicel SIM card for 740 in Digicel stores and from resellers. They are also sold at Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) but not at Montego Bay-Sangster International Airport (MBJ).
You may have to dial *122# to activate your Digicel SIM card if your SIM card does not work upon purchase.
Dial *129# to see your Digicel phone number.
Dial *147# to access the Digicel menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Digicel has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Jamaica, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Digicel.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Latin American countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Jamaica eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Jamcomm (Jamaica only) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Jamaica – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Jamaica – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Jamaica & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Jamaica eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Digicel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Jamaica
Digicel top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *125# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *124# to check your Digicel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Digicel app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Jamaica
Digicel has only one data-featured prepaid plan: the Prime Brawta Bundles (combo), which are, as indicated, combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) & minutes.
Digicel plans can be activated through the MyDigicel app or by dialing *147#.
I will list all the prices in JMD (Jamaican Dollar).
To convert JMD to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following Prime Brawta Bundles are available, which can be activated through the MyDigicel app or by dialing *147#:
| Price | Plan | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 JMD | 1 Day Prime Brawta Plan | 5 GB | 100 minutes | N/A | 1 day |
| 550 JMD | 3 Day Prime Brawta Plan | 15 GB 2 | 300 minutes | N/A | 3 days |
| 990 JMD | 7 Day Prime Brawta Plan | 25 GB 2 | 500 minutes | N/A | 7 days |
| 1200 JMD | 7 Day Prime Brawta Plus Plan | 40 GB 2 | 800 minutes | 60 minutes | 7 days |
| 3900 JMD | 28 Day Prime Brawta Plan | 50 GB 2 | 2500 minutes | 100 minutes | 28 days |
| 5200 JMD | 30 Day Prime Brawta Plan | 80 GB 2 | 3500 minutes | 150 minutes | 30 days |
1 for HBO Max, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, Twitter, TikTok, WhatsApp & YouTube
2 with data roll-over
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Jamaica
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digiceljamaica.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Flow Jamaica
Flow Jamaica, just Flow, is one of the two mobile operators in Jamaica.
Flow is a brand by Cable & Wireless used throughout the Caribbean.
Flow uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 12), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Flow:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Flow SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plan & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Flow Jamaica
Flow has extensive coverage throughout Jamaica.
While its nationwide coverage is close to excellent, its 4G/LTE coverage is lacking compared to Digicel Jamaica's.
Below is Flow's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Flow Jamaica
You can get a Flow SIM card for 500 JMD in Flow stores and Flow partners (resellers). They are not sold Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) nor at Montego Bay-Sangster International Airport (MBJ).
Dial *129# to access the Flow menu.
Dial *555# to see your Flow phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Flow has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Jamaica, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Flow (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Jamaica or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Jamaica eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Jamcomm (Jamaica only) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Jamaica – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Jamaica – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Jamaica & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Jamaica eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Flow for now.
While there is a Flow Express Kiosk at Kingston-Normal Manley International Airport, it is there for paying (last-minute) bills – not for getting new SIM card.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Flow Jamaica
Flow top-up vouchers are sold in Flow stores and from Recharge Partners, including grocery stores, gas stations & bars.
To top up your Flow SIM card, dial *121*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *120# to check your Flow balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Flow app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Flow Jamaica
Flow has two data-featured prepaid plans: the Prepaid Mobile Plans (combo) & Data Add-Ons (add-on).
I will list all the prices in JMD (Jamaican Dollar).
To convert JMD to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Prepaid Mobile Plans – Flow Jamaica
The Prepaid Mobile Plans are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Prepaid Mobile Plans are available, which you can activate by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes 2 | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340 JMD | 2-Day Plan | 2 GB | “Unlimited”, 6.7 GB + 1 GB TikTok | “Unlimited”, 300 mins | 10 minutes | Unlimited/100 SMS | 2 days | *123*2# |
| 640 JMD | 5-Day Plan | 5 GB | “Unlimited”, 15 GB + 2 GB TikTok | “Unlimited”, 600 mins | 15 minutes | Unlimited/200 SMS | 5 days | *123*5# |
| 880 JMD | 7-Day Plan | 10 GB | “Unlimited”, 15 GB + 4 GB TikTok | “Unlimited”, 600 mins | 25 minutes | “Unlimited”, 200 SMS | 7 days | *123*7# |
| 2550 JMD | 28-Day Plan | 10 GB | “Unlimited”, 45 GB + 4 GB TikTok | “Unlimited”, 3100 mins | 40 minutes | “Unlimited”, 1000 SMS | 28 days | *123*28# |
| 3000 JMD | 28-Day Plan | 14 GB | “Unlimited”, 45 GB + 8 GB TikTok | “Unlimited”, 3100 mins | 50 minutes | “Unlimited”, 1000 SMS | 28 days | *123*29# |
| 4900 JMD | 30-Day Plan | Unlimited/35 GB | “Unlimited”, 45 GB + 8 GB TikTok | “Unlimited”, 3100 mins | 60 minutes | “Unlimited”, 1000 SMS | 30 days | *123*30# |
1 for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, Twitter, WhatsApp & YouTube
2 for the United States only
Data rolls over (only if you auto-renew).
Prepaid Mobile Plans auto-renew.
Data Add-Ons – Flow Jamaica
The Data Add-Ons are, as the name implies, data add-ons (without 5G NR access).
The following Data Add-Ons are available, which you can activate by dialing the Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 JMD | 200 MB | 24 hours | *147*5# |
| 500 JMD | 1.5 GB | 5 days | *147*9# |
APN/Internet Settings – Flow Jamaica
- Name: Flow Internet
- APN: ppinternet
Note: do not use just “internet” as a prepaid customer. That APN is reserved for postpaid customers. Leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Jamaica
Getting a SIM card from Digicel would do you well when considering a Jamaican SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other American Countries
Visiting other countries in the Americas? Check out my Caribbean SIM card buying guide, covering other American nations, such as:
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Saint Barthélemy (Barts)
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Sint Eustatius (Statia)
- Sint Maarten
- Suriname
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- United States
- Uruguay
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Venezuela
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.