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Antigua and Barbuda are one of the lovely Caribbean nations where you probably want to share all your experiences online - you should get a local SIM card to do so. Why? Because international roaming is costly. How much do SIM cards costs in Antigua and Barbuda? You can get a local SIM card for as little as 20 XCD (7.40 USD). For the same price, you can get a combo plan with 2 GB of data. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQJJcZGrcMY Unlike most Caribbean nations, you have three operators in Antigua and Barbuda, giving you more choice. In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Antigua and Barbuda. Let's get started. Original publication: 10th of March 2020. Last updated: 23rd of November 2020. Table of Contents Can You Buy a SIM Card in Antigua and Barbuda? Everyone living or visiting Antigua and Barbuda can buy a SIM card in the country. You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations. Also, your phone needs to support the frequencies used in Antigua and Barbuda. Finally, you need to have an unlocked phone (SIM-lock free) to use an Antiguan and Barbudan SIM card. Can You Use Your Phone in Antigua and Barbuda? GSM technology is used for mobile communications in Antigua and Barbuda. The 4G/LTE frequencies used in Antigua and Barbuda are used mainly 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 bought your phone in the Americas (ITU region 2) or have a high-end phone, then you can generally use your cellphone in Antigua and Barbuda. Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda have three mobile network operators: Flow AntiguaDigicel AntiguaAPUA INET The official names of Flow and Digicel indeed leave out Barbuda for unknown reasons. The following frequencies are used in Antigua and Barbuda: 2G: 850 MHz 3G: 850 MHz4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4 & Band 17) 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. Best SIM Card in Antigua and Barbuda If you want to buy a SIM card in Antigua and Barbuda, I would recommend going with either Flow or Digicel. Both operators have great coverage in Antigua and Barbuda. Speeds are identical with both operators. ALSO: Want to get an excel sheet of the best SIM cards of over 230+ destinations around the world, updated monthly? Sign up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter and get the excel sheet for FREE! SIM Card Registration in Antigua and Barbuda SIM card registration with your passport information is required in Antigua and Barbuda. It will be done at the point of purchase. Antigua and Barbuda Speeds, Internet Prices & Insights Many island nations have slower than average internet speeds. This applies to Caribbean countries too - to some extent. Some countries in the Caribbean have slow speeds, while others have decent or fast speeds. At least, compared to the world average. The Speedtest Global Index reported that Antigua and Barbuda had an average mobile download speed of roughly 28 Mbps, while the upload speed is close to 10 Mbps in August 2020. For reference, the world average is 36 Mbps download, and 11 Mbps download. What about SIM cards? Are those expensive? Not for Caribbean standards. The SIM card prices in Antigua and Barbuda are average when compared to other Caribbean nations. Compared to other places in the world, they could be considered expensive. So what about mobile data? Is it affordable in Antigua and Barbuda? The average price for 1 GB of data in Antigua and Barbuda is 5.92 USD, which is about the same as the Caribbean average of 7.19 USD. The world average is 5.03 USD. That is all according to Cable.co.uk. While SIM card prices and mobile data rates are average in Antigua and Barbuda when looking at them from a regional perspective, mobile internet speeds and nationwide coverage are better than the average. Therefore, you can expect a seamless mobile experience when in Antigua and Barbuda. Currency in Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda use the East Caribbean Dollar with the symbol XCD (which will be used throughout this guide). However, prices are often listed as ECD, EC$ or $. For example, 25 ECD is ECD/EC$/$ 25. XCD is pegged 2.70:1 to the Us Dollar (USD), meaning that 2.70 XCD is 1 USD. 27.10 XCD would be 10 USD. 270 is 100 USD, etc. 1 XCD is 0.37 USD, 10 XCD is 3.70 USD – you know the drill. 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! Antigua and Barbuda Prepaid SIM Cards Below, I will guide you through the Antiguan and Barbudan operators, Flow Antigua, Digicel Antigua & APUA INET, and go through: Background informationMobile coverageSIM card types, prices, and availabilityRecharge/top-up informationCombo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs) With that being said, let’s see what Antigua and Barbuda have to offer to us. Flow Antigua and Barbuda Flow Antigua and Barbuda, just Flow, is one of the three operators in Antigua and Barbuda. Together with Digicel Antigua and Barbuda, they dominate the mobile market in the country. It is unknown whether Flow has a larger market share than Digicel Antigua and Barbuda. This is what you will learn about Flow: * Coverage* How to Get a Flow 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 Digicel | Jump to APUA INET Flow Antigua and Barbuda Coverage Flow has excellent coverage in Antigua and Barbuda. The operator claims they cover 100% of Antigua and Barbuda. On its own, this may seem like a bold claim. However, the the country is not that large, so it could be true. Moreover, that is a general coverage claim, 4G/LTE. Flow has maps showing its 4G and 4G/LTE coverage on both Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua Barbuda Do not let "4G" fool you, as that is 3.75G (HSPA+), whereas 4G/LTE is the real 4G you are thinking of (unless you come from another country where Flow or Digicel operate). Below is a coverage map that gives you a better overview of Flow's coverage. Getting a Flow Antigua and Barbuda SIM Card & Price You can purchase a Flow SIM card for 20 XCD in Flow stores. The starter pack includes the 3 Day Always On Plan (1 GB, 200 minutes, and 200 SMS for 3 days). If you have forgotten your Flow number, you can retrieve it by dialing *555#. Topping-Up Your Flow Antigua and Barbuda Flow recharge cards are sold in values of 5 XCD to 200 XCD in Flow stores and at Top Up Vendors in Antigua and Barbuda, including supermarkets, electronic shops, and gas stations. Online recharge with (international) debit and credit cards is an option too. To redeem your Flow recharge voucher, dial *129#. To see your Flow balance, dial *120#. Flow Antigua and Barbuda Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers Flow has two types of plans - the Always On Prepaid Plans (combo bundles) and the Data Plans (data-only bundles). Flow Antigua and Barbuda Always On Prepaid Plans The always On Prepaid Plans are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS. They also include unlimited social media messaging for SWIFT, standing for Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. The following Always On Prepaid Plans are available: PricePlanDataUnlimited Social Media Messaging (SWIFT)Local Anywhere MinutesLocal Anywhere SMSValidityActivation Code8.50 XCDPrepaid 1 Day Plan (S)1 GB Yes25 minutes25 SMS1 day *244*0#20 XCDPrepaid 3 Days Plan (M)1 GB Yes200 minutes200 SMS 3 days *244*1#40 XCDPrepaid 7 Days Plan (L)3 GB Yes350 minutes350 minutes7 days *244*2#100 XCDPrepaid 30 Days Plan (XL)7 GB Yes700 minutes700 SMS30 days *244*3#120 XCDPrepaid 30 Days Plan (XXL)10 GBYes1000 minutes1000 minutes30 days *244*4# The Always On Prepaid Plans auto-renew. To cancel auto-renewal, dial *363*1#. You can check your data balance by dialing *129*4#. Flow Antigua and Barbuda Data Plans The Data Plans are standard data-only plans. The following Data Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *129#: PriceDataValidity2 XCD20 MB1 day3.29 XCD250 MB1 day12.99 XCD500 MB3 days 21.99 XCD500 MB7 days29.99 XCD1 GB7 days 44.99 XCD1 GB30 days 79.99 XCD3 GB30 days 99.99 XCD3 GB 30 days The Data Plans auto-renew. To cancel auto-renewal, dial *787#. You can check your data balance by dialing *129*4#. Flow Antigua and Barbuda APN Settings Name: FLOW InternetAPN: ppinternet Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched. RELATED GUIDES: Buying a SIM card in the Caribbean (All Caribbean nations)Buying a SIM card in St. Kitts & NevisBuying a SIM card in AnguillaBuying a SIM card in GuadeloupeBuying a SIM card in Dominica Digicel Antigua and Barbuda Digicel Antigua and Barbuda, just Digicel, is the operator that dominates the mobile market, together with Flow Antigua and Barbuda. It is unknown whether Digicel has a larger market share than Flow Antigua and Barbuda. 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 Flow | Jump to APUA INET Digicel Antigua and Barbuda Coverage Digicel has excellent coverage in Antigua and Barbuda. They used to have a coverage map on their site. This map, unfortunately, vanished when Digicel redesigned their website. Luckily, we have the coverage map checked by Speedtest. Getting a Digicel Antigua and Barbuda SIM Card & Price Digicel SIM cards can be bought for 20 XCD in Digicel stores. You may have to dial *122# to activate your Digicel SIM card if the salesperson has not done that for you. Topping-Up Your Digicel Antigua and Barbuda SIM Card Digicel recharge vouchers are sold in denominations of 5 XCD to 200 XCD in Digicel stores and other establishments like gas stations, grocery stores, and post offices. Online top-ups with (international) debit or credit cards are available as well. To redeem your Digicel recharge voucher, dial *125#VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125#123456#. To see your Digicel balance, dial *120#. Digicel Antigua and Barbuda Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers Digicel has two types of bundles - the Prime Bundles and the Pick Lite bundles. Digicel Antigua and Barbuda Prime Bundles Digicel has the new Prime Bundles, which are combo bundles with data, minutes, and SMS. There are also dedicated data allowances for select apps. The following Prime Bundles are available: PriceBundleAny Use LTE DataListen More (Music) DataListen More (Radio) DataWatch More DataPlay More DataShare More DataKnow More DataStore More DataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesOn-Net SMSValidity8 XCD1 Day Digicel Prime Bundle 2 GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GBUnlimited75 off-net minutesUnlimited 1 day40 XCD7 Day Digicel Prime Bundle5 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GBUnlimited400 off-net minutesUnlimited 7 days110 XCD30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle 12 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB Unlimited1000 off-net 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 *141#. You can download any Prime Bundle app by visiting the links below: 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 Digicel Antigua and Barbuda Quick Pick Bundles The Quick Pick Bundles are combo bundles, data-only, or call/SMS-only bundles available as Pick Talk, Pick Data, and Pick Data & Talk. The following Quick Pick Bundles are available: PriceBundleDataUnlimited Social MediaOn-Net MinutesOn-Net SMSValidity28 XCDPick Data 500 MB NoNoNo7 days 28 XCDPick TalkN/ANoYesYes7 days 35 XCDPick Data & Talk700 MB Yes, one app UnlimitedUnlimited7 days 90 XCDPick Data 3 GB NoNoNo30 days 90 XCDPick TalkN/A NoYesYes30 days 105 XCDPick Data & Talk3 GB Yes, one app UnlimitedUnlimited30 days Unlimited on-net minutes has a daily Fair Use limit of 8 hours a day. You have to select which app you want for unlimited social media data (Instagram, Twitter & Instagram) on the MyDigicel app. Unused data will roll over when you let your Quick Pick Bundle auto-renew or if you purchase another Quick Pick Bundle before it expires. Up to 15 GB can be rolled over. To check your Quick Pick Bundle call balance, dial *120*2#. To check your data balance, dial *120*131#. The Quick Pick Bundles auto-renew. To cancel auto-renewal, dial *141#. Digicel Antigua and Barbuda Pick Lite The Pick Lite bundles are combo bundles with data and minutes. The following Pick Lite bundles are available: PriceDataLocal MinutesValidity4 XCD50 MB10 minutes1 day20 XCD350 MB70 minutes7 days70 XCD1.5 GB300 minutes30 days Unused data and minutes will roll over when you let your Pick Lite bundle auto-renew or if you purchase another Pick Lite bundle before it expires. Up to 15 GB can be rolled over. To check your Pick Lite balance, dial *141#. The Pick Lite bundles auto-renew. This can be deactivated on the MyDigicel app. Digicel Antigua and Barbuda APN Settings Name: DigicelAPN: web Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched. APUA INET APUA INET, mostly referred to as INET, is the smallest operator in Antigua and Barbuda. They have been offering mobile data for less than five years, while its competitors have been offering it for more than a decade. This is what you will learn about APUA INET: * Coverage* How to Get an APUA INET 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 Flow | Jump to Digicel APUA INET Coverage APUA INET claims to have great coverage in Antigua and Barbuda. Sadly, APUA has no official coverage map, nor could any other coverage map be found. Compared to Flow Antigua and Barbuda and Digicel Antigua and Barbuda, APUA INET has not been offering mobile data services for long, meaning that their coverage has yet to be proven. I assume that their coverage is good to excellent (mostly because Antigua and Barbuda are not so large). Still, I suspect it to be (slightly) worse than Flow Antigua and Barbuda's and Digicel Antigua and Barbuda's coverage. Getting an APUA INET SIM Card & Price APUA INET SIM cards can be purchased for 25 XCD in the APUA store. Topping-Up Your APUA INET SIM Card APUA INET recharge vouchers are sold in denominations of 5 XCD to 200 XCD in the APUA store and from other Top Up Vendors. To redeem your APUA INET recharge voucher, dial *121#. To see your APUA INET balance, dial *121#. APUA INET Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers APUA INET offers several packages, which are: Italk n Surf - Talk & Data (combo plans) Data Only (data-only bundles) Data Add Ons (data add-ons) Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in. APUA INET Italk N Surf (Talk & Data) The Italk n Surf bundles, also known as Talk & Data plans, are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS. The following Italk n Surf bundles can be bought, which can be activated by dialing *121#: PricePlanDataBonus DataLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity6.95 XCDItalk n Surf 700700 MBN/A50 minutes"Unlimited" 5000 SMS1 day 20 XCDItalk n Surf 2G2 GBN/A200 minutes"Unlimited" 5000 SMS3 days 39.95 XCDItalk n Surf 4G4 GB1.5 GB500 minutes"Unlimited" 5000 SMS7 days 89.95 XCDItalk n Surf 8G8 GB 3 GB 800 minutes"Unlimited" 5000 SMS30 days109.95 XCDItalk n Surf 10G10 GB4 GB1200 minutes"Unlimited" 5000 SMS30 days Unused data and minutes will roll over when you renew your plan or ranother plan. Up to 50 GB and 5000 minutes can be in your data and call bank. APUA INET Data Only The Data Only plans are standard data-only bundles. The following Data Only packages can be activated, which can be purchased by dialing *121#: PriceData PlanDataValidity5 XCDMy Data 250250 MB1 day 25 XCDMy Data 750750 MB7 days 34 XCDMy Data 1G1 GB7 days 79 XCDMy Data 3G3 GB30 days 99 XCDMy Data 5G5 GB30 days Unused data and minutes will roll over when you renew your plan or purchase another plan. Up to 50 GB can be in your data bank. APUA INET Data Add Ons The Data Add Ons are data boosters for the Talk n Surf and Data Only plans. The following Data Add Ons can be purchased, which can be activated by dialing *121#: PriceAdd OnDataValidity3 XCDData Plus 100100 MB5 days 8 XCDData Plus 300 300 MB5 days 10 XCDData Plus 512512 MB5 days 19 XCDData Plus 10241 GB5 days APUA INET APN Settings Name: APUAAPN: internet Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched. Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Antigua and Barbuda Besides getting a local SIM card in Antigua and Barbuda, there are other ways to get online while traveling on the island. 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 Antigua and Barbuda 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 Antigua and Barbuda. 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 Antigua and Barbuda Getting a SIM card from either Flow of Digicel would do you well when considering an Antiguan and Barbudan 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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