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Buying a SIM card in Trinidad and Tobago is the cheapest way to get online while visiting the country. Fortunately, everyone can purchase a local SIM card in the dual-island nation. But what can you expect to pay for SIM cards in Trinidad and Tobago? You can buy a SIM card for 49 TTD (7.20 USD) in Trinidad and Tobago. You can get a plan for as low as 20 TTD (2.95 USD). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewBCUNMJJjM This may sound expensive to some, but roaming in Trinidad and Tobago would be much more costly, so getting a local SIM card will be worth it. In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Trinidad and Tobago. Let's get started. Original publication: 21st of March 2020. Last updated: 13th of November 2020. Table of Contents Can I Buy a SIM Card in Trinidad and Tobago? Everyone residing in Trinidad or Tobago or visiting Trinidad and Tobago can buy SIM cards from the local operators, Digicel and Bmobile, without restrictions. You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations. Furthermore, your phone has to support the frequencies used in Trinidad and Tobago. Can I Use My Phone in Trinidad and Tobago? Trinidad and Tobago use GSM for their mobile telecommunications network. They use frequencies primarily used in the Americas (North-, Central-, and South America + the Caribbean - ITU Region 2). However, these frequencies are not used in other regions in the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania - ITU Regions 1 & 3). By Maximilian Dörrbecker (Chumwa) - Own work, using this file by Denelson83, CC BY-SA 2.5 If you purchased your phone in Europe, Asia, Africa, or Oceania, if your device has not been unlocked, or the phone does not support Trinidad and Tobago's frequencies, then you cannot use your phone in Trinidad and Tobago. Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago have two mobile operators: Digicel Trinidad and TobagoBmobile The following frequencies are used by the operators in Trinidad and Tobago: 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz4G/LTE: 700 (Band 28), 1700/2100 (Band 4 - AWS), 1900 MHz (Band 2) & 2500 MHz (Band 41) 5G NR: 2500 MHz (n41) 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. 5G in Trinidad and Tobago Bmobile is the only operator deploying 5G at the time of writing, which is available to only mobile broadband users with specified hardware (routers), not regular mobile subscribers (prepaid and postpaid). The Best SIM Card in Trinidad and Tobago If you want to buy a SIM card in Trinidad and Tobago, I would recommend going Digicel because they have the best coverage and the fastest speeds. Consider Bmobile if you want a plan with unlimited data at slower speeds. SIM Card Registration in Trinidad and Tobago SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Trinidad and Tobago. It will be done at the point of purchase. Trinidad and Tobago Speeds, Internet Prices & Insights As a (dual) island nation in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago are different from other island nations around because they are connected to several submarine cables (like most countries in the Caribbean). Therefore, the country can enjoy much faster internet speeds than island nations that have to rely on satellites (which are expensive and slow). Trinidad and Tobago currently have the fastest mobile speeds in the Caribbean. The average mobile download speed in Trinidad and Tobago is 40 Mbps, placing the dual-island nation in the top 50 countries on the Speedtest Global Index. Source For reference, the world average mobile download is around 36 Mbps, so the speeds in Trinidad and Tobago are slightly above the world average. Source But how much does mobile data cost in Trinidad and Tobago? Is it as expensive as other island nations? The average price for 1 GB of data in Trinidad and Tobago is 5.92 USD, which is below the Caribbean average of 7.19 USD. The world average is 5.03 USD. That is all according to Cable.co.uk. Cable & Wireless, which owns bmobile and is mainly known as Flow in other Caribean nations, used to monopolize the Caribbean telecom market. This was until Digicel entered the market. Since then, prices have dropped in Trinidad and Tobago. At the same time, the quality of service has improved. When you ask the Caribbean locals to describe the two companies, regardless of the Caribbean country you are in, they may be described with colorful language. In Trinidad and Tobago, however, you can expect good service with both operators. Currency in Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago use the Trinidad & Tobago Dollar with the symbol TTD (which will be used throughout this guide). However, prices are often listed as just TT, $, or TT$. For example, 25 TTD is $/TT/TT$25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between TTD and USD (US Dollars): 1 TTD = 0.15 USD10 TTD = 1.50 USD100 TTD = 14.75 USD1000 TTD = 147.75 USD For up-to-date TTD:USD exchange rates, search TTD to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use. If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Transferwise Borderless Account and Debit Card. Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Transferwise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks). I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Transferwise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Transferwise account FREE! Trinidad and Tobago Prepaid SIM Cards & Video Guide Below, I will guide you through the Trinidadian and Tobagonian operators, Digicel Trinidad and Tobago and Bmobile, and go through: Background informationSIM card types, prices, and availabilityRecharge/top-up informationCombo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs) If you prefer to watch a video of what the Trinidadian and Tobagonian operators have to offer, be sure to check the video below AND also subscribe to my channel for more local prepaid SIM card guides, SIM card reviews (prepaid and international), mobile hotspots, and international roaming guides. You should still go through the guide after watching the video (I refer to it multiple times throughout the video). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO6h1uc8MH4 With that being said, let’s see what Trinidad and Tobago have to offer to us. Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Digicel Trinidad and Tobago, just Digicel, is the largest operator in the nation. With innovative marketing, substantial investments, and, subjectively, better customer services, Digicel became the largest and fastest mobile operator in Trinidad and Tobago. It even won Trinidad and Tobago Speedtest Awards for the Fastest Mobile Network category in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Source This is what you will learn about Digicel: * Coverage* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price* Topping-Up Options & Methods* Internet Packages* APN SettingsClick on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.Jump to Bmobile Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Coverage Digicel has the best coverage in Trinidad and Tobago. Which has been verified during the Speedtest 2020 Trinidad and Tobago Best Mobile Coverage test. Source Digicel has the best general availability and best 4G availability. Source Getting a Digicel Trinidad and Tobago SIM Card & Price You can buy a Digicel SIM card for 49 TTD in Digicel stores across the nation. Digicel used to sell tourist SIM cards for 202.50 TTD or 30 USD, which was valid for 30 days. It contained 3 GB of data, unlimited WhatsApp messaging, and 200 anywhere minutes. This SIM card, or package, was available in Digicel stores as well. It looks like they discontinued this product. However, Digicel has done that multiple times and may reintroduce the package in the future. Topping-Up Your Digicel Trinidad and Tobago SIM Card Digicel recharge cards are sold in denominations starting from 20 TTD to 500 TTD in Digicel stores and many other retailers throughout the nation. eVouchers are available starting from 5 TTD to 500 TTD. On the Digicel website or the MyDigicel app, recharging online can be done with (international) debit and credit cards. To redeem your Digicel recharge card, dial *121*VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121*123456#. Dial *120# to check your Digicel balance. Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers Digicel offers Prime Bundles, which are combo bundles with data, data allowances for select apps, anywhere minutes (local and international minutes), and local SMS. The following Prime Bundles are available: PriceBundleAny Use LTE DataListen More (Music - D'Music) DataListen More (Radio - GoLoud) DataWatch More (PlayGo) DataPlay More (Sports Max) DataShare More (Bip) DataKnow More (Loop) DataStore More (Billo) DataOn-Net MinutesAnywhere MinutesLocal SMSValidity25 TTD1 Day Prime Bundle 10 GB 1 GB10 GB 1 GB1 GB 1 GB1 GB1 GB Unlimited 30 anywhere minutesUnlimited 1 day 125 TTD 10 Days Prime Bundle 14 GB10 GB 10 GB 10 GB10 GB10 GB 10 GB10 GB Unlimited 150 anywhere minutesUnlimited 10 days 249 TTD Prime 249 Bundle 25 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB Unlimited 200 anywhere minutesUnlimited 30 days 349 TTD Prime 349 Bundle 100 GB 50 GB 50 GB 50 GB 50 GB 50 GB 50 GB 50 GB Unlimited 400 anywhere minutesUnlimited 30 days You also get unlimited Do More data, which is for the MyDigicel App Prime Bundles can be activated on the MyDigicel app or by dialing *323#. Below is a list to download pages of the Prime Bundle Apps: Listen More (Music) with D'MusicListen More (Radio) with GoLoudWatch More with PlayGoPlay More with Sports MaxShare More with BipKnow More with LoopStore More with Billo Anywhere Minutes are minutes for: local use (both Digicel and Bmobile numbers)calls to mobile and landline numbers in Canada and the United Statescalls to mobile Teleconica numbers in Venezuelacalls to landline numbers in the United Kingdomcalls to Digicel Caribbean. Digicel Caribbean includes: AnguillaArubaBarbadosBermudaBonaireThe British Virgin Islands Cayman IslandsCuracaoDominicaFrench GuianaGrenada GuadeloupeMartinique PanamaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and GrenadinesTurks and Caicos Digicel Trinidad and Tobago APN Settings Name: DigicelAPN: web.digiceltt.com Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched. RELATED GUIDES: Buying a SIM card in the Caribbean (all Caribbean nations) Buying a SIM card in BarbadosBuying a SIM card in CuraçaoBuying a SIM card in GrenadaBuying a SIM card in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Jump back to the Table of Contents Bmobile bmobile used to be the sole operator before Digicel entered the market. After a while, bmobile lost its number 1 spot. This is what you will learn about Bmobile: * Coverage* How to Get a Bmobile SIM Card & SIM Card Prices* Tourist SIM Card* Recharging Options & Methods* Internet Packages* APN SettingsClick on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.Jump to Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Bmobile Coverage Bmobile has great coverage in Trinidad and Tobago. However, its coverage is not as extensive as Digicel's, which won the Speedtest 2020 Trinidad and Tobago Best Mobile Coverage test. Even then, coverage with Bmobile is decent, although its 4G availability is a bit behind. Source Getting a Bmobile SIM Card & Price You can purchase a Bmobile SIM card starting from 50 TTD with 25 TTD in credit in Mobile stores. Tourists can decide to buy the Bmobile Tourist SIM card with a starting price of 210 TTD. Bmobile SIM cards are sold in four variants: 50 TTD with 25 TTD in credit75 TTD with 75 TTD in credit100 TTD with 150 TTD in credit200 TTD with 300 TTD in credit Bmobile Tourist SIM Card The Bmobile Tourist SIM card is a short-term SIM card for visitors of Trinidad and Tobago. They are sold in three variants and include data, minutes, and SMS. The Bmobile Tourist SIM is available in the Bmobile Duty-Free store, Bmobile Hilton, and select channel partners and hotels. The following three variants of the Bmobile Tourist SIM are available: PricePrice with VATDataBmobile Talk (On-Net Minutes)Local MinutesInternational MinutesGlobal Text (International SMS)Validity210 TTD236.25 TTD10 GBN/AN/AN/AN/A14 days225 TTD253.13 TTD10 GBUnlimited100 local minutes50 international minutes* Unlimited30 days 350 TTD 393.75 TTD Unlimited UnlimitedN/AN/AUnlimited30 days * International minutes are to numbers in Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States. When the Tourist SIM card is active, you can purchase one of the regular Bmobile plans. The Tourist SIM bundle, however, cannot be repurchased. When the Tourist SIM bundle has expired, you can keep the SIM card and phone number if you top up at least 50 TTD within 7 days of expiry. After that, you can purchase regular Bmobile plans. Topping-Up Your Bmobile SIM Card Bmobile scratch cards are sold in denominations of 20 TTD, 50 TTD, and 100 TTD in Bmobile stores and many establishments in Trinidad and Tobago. Ecards (vouchers/receipts) are available in values between 10 TTD and 200 TTD. Ecards are available in the following values: 10 TTD15 TTD20 TTD25 TTD30 TTD40 TTD50 TTD60 TTD75 TTD100 TDD200 TTD To redeem your Bmobile scratch card or Ecard card, dial *135#VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *135*123456#. To check your Bmobile balance, dial *120#. Bmobile Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers Bmobile has one type of plan, which is the Prepaid Unlimited Plan. This plan includes (mostly) unlimited data, on-net calls, and international SMS. They also come with unlimited Facebook and WhatsApp messaging. The following Prepaid Unlimited Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *123#: PricePrice with VATDataRoaming DataBmobile Talk (On-Net)Anywhere MinutesFacebook & WhatsApp MessagingNews SitesValidity20 TTD22.50 TTDUnlimitedN/AUnlimited30 anywhere minutesUnlimitedUnlimited1 day40 TTD45 TTDUnlimitedN/AUnlimited75 anywhere minutesUnlimitedUnlimited3 days 99 TTD111.37 TTDUnlimitedN/AUnlimited175 anywhere minutesUnlimitedUnlimited7 days215 TTD241.87 TTD 25 GB1 GBUnlimited200 anywhere minutesUnlimitedUnlimited30 days349 TTD 392.62 TTD Unlimited3 GBUnlimited400 anywhere minutesUnlimitedUnlimited30 days Anywhere minutes: local calls and calls to Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, United Kingdom, and United States News sites: BBC, CNN, Trinidad Express, Trinidad Guardian & Trinidad Newsday Do note that Fair Usage applies to unlimited data and Bmobile Talk. "On the rare occasion that a customer far exceeds the average use of 99% of our customers, bmobile, at its discretion, may notify the Customer that they are using excessive amounts of services, may prompt an investigation to ensure policy violations are not occurring, or have their access temporarily reduced or suspended until it ascertains whether the customer is using services properly." Moreover, video, audio, and game streaming is limited to 512 Kbps. However, you can circumvent this speed restriction when using a VPN. Bmobile APN Settings Name: bmobileAPN: bmobile Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched. Jump back to the Table of Contents Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Trinidad and Tobago Besides getting a local SIM card in Trinidad and Tobago, there are other ways to get online while traveling on these islands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhLfhARWaJ0 However, these methods may be more expensive than getting a SIM card from the two local operators. International Roaming International roaming is the most convenient way to stay connected when traveling in other countries because you do not have to buy a new SIM card, have to deal with SIM card registration regulations, nor have multiple phone numbers to deal with. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X7xGPry-Tc However, international roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases, especially compared to buying local SIM cards. That is why many travelers are not fond of international roaming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNXUQnX3Uww International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works. This in-depth guide explains it all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSKtHeE0rVg Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for Trinidad and Tobago here. Using an International SIM Card or Travel SIM Card International SIM cards are SIM cards made for the traveler in mind. Using them is often cheaper than international roaming. However, they are almost always more expensive than using a local SIM card. There are many other advantages and disadvantages of getting international SIM cards, which you can learn about here. Using a Mobile Hotspot (Pocket WIFI) Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local operators of the country you are visiting. Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card. You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one. Using Free WIFI Networks Using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free. The major downside of trying to use WIFI hotspots is that you will have to locate them, and they are not available on every corner in Trinidad and Tobago. Make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data. The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Trinidad and Tobago Getting a SIM card from Digicel would do you well when considering a Trinidadian and Tobagonian SIM card. Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other Caribbean Countries Visiting other countries in the Caribbean? Check out my Caribbean SIM card buying guide, covering other Caribbean nations, such as: AnguillaAntigua and BarbudaArubaBahamasBarbadosBonaireBritish Virgin IslandsCayman IslandsCubaCuraçao Dominican RepublicGrenadaGuadeloupeHaitiJamaicaMartiniqueMontserratPuerto RicoSaba DominicaSaint BarthelemySaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSint EustatiusSint MaartenTrinidad and TobagoTurks and Caicos Islands Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world. Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do: Check Out My Resource Page Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel! Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises, and accommodation. Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too! Start Your Own Online Business - Make Money While Traveling Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling? In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services, and products I have for this site and my YouTube channel. If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too! Learn About Your Phone Travel Options You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally. Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you. Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out! Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter Sign up for my newsletter: Get an excel sheet of the best SIM cards of over 230+ destinations around the world, updated monthly! Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on how to save money while traveling every now and then. Let's Be Social Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone? A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJrV0ZZBPv8 Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and repin some pins! Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!

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