Ernest Adu – Page 3 – Phone Travel Wiz

Dominica, sometimes confused with the Dominican Republic, is a lovely island nation in the Caribbean (so is the Dominican Republic. Hence, people confuse the two). With so much to do and to see in Dominica, you are bound to share your experiences online, The thing is, international roaming is expensive - especially on Island nations; Dominica is an island. But how much will a Dominican SIM card cost you? Both Flow and Digicel sell SIM cards for 20 XCD (7.40 USD) in their stores. A plan with 3 GB of data valid for 3 days will cost 9 XCD (3.33 USD). Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube. For Caribbean standards, those are decent prices. You could almost call them cheap. It is undoubtedly one of the reasons why you should get a Dominican SIM card when traveling in Dominica. In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Dominica. Let's get started. Original publication: 11th of March 2020. Last updated: 26th of February 2021. Table of Contents Can You Buy a SIM Card in the Dominica? Tourists and short-term visitors can buy a SIM card from Flow Dominica and Digicel Dominica without limitations. To use a Dominican SIM card, you need to register your SIM card, get a phone that supports the frequencies used in Dominica, and have an unlocked phone (SIM-lock free). Can You Use Your Phone in the Dominica? You need a GSM compatible phone to use your device in Dominica. Depending on where you bought your phone and its specifications, you may only be able to go with Flow Dominica, Digicel Dominica, or either operator. The telecom world is split into three regions - the ITU regions. Countries in a particular region usually use the same frequencies for seamless connections. The Americas (North-, Central-, and South America + the Caribbean - ITU Region 2) use different frequencies than used in Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU regions 1 and 3). Often, you will hear American Frequencies and European frequencies. By Maximilian Dörrbecker (Chumwa) – Own work, using this file by Denelson83, CC BY-SA 2.5 Unlike most Caribbean nations that stick with traditional American region frequencies, European frequencies are also used in Dominica by Digicel. 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 would want to go with Flow Dominica. They support traditional American frequencies on 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE, meaning that you can take full advantage of their 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 would want to go with Digicel Dominica. They support traditional European frequencies on 2G and 3G. However, Digicel's 4G/LTE network uses American frequencies, meaning that you will not be able to take full advantage of Digicel Dominica's network. Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with either Flow Dominica or Digicel Dominica, as your phone will support both American and European frequencies, even on 4G/LTE. Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Dominica Domincia has two mobile operators: Flow DominicaDigicel Dominica The following frequencies are used in Dominica: 2G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz & 1900 MHz3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 13 & Band 17) You can learn more about frequencies in the video below. Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube. To check whether your phone will work in Dominica, check out this page by Will My Phone Work. 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. Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube. Best SIM Card in Dominica If you want to buy a SIM card in Dominica, I recommend going with either Flow or Digicel. Both operators have identical coverage, offer packages with generous allowances, and provide fast speeds. SIM Card Registration in Dominica SIM card registration with your passport information is required in Dominica. It will be done at the point of sale. Dominica Internet Prices & Insights Mobile internet can be expensive - especially in the Caribbean. However, it is relatively affordable in Dominica, even by Caribbean standards or the world average. The average price for 1 GB of data in Dominica is 4.92 USD, which is much less than the Caribbean average of 7.19 USD. The world average is 5.03 USD. Source If only you were visiting the Dominican Republic - then mobile internet would be even cheaper. Either way, internet prices on the islands are not overly high, nor are the SIM card prices. It is worth getting yourself a Dominican SIM card when in the country. Currency in Dominica Dominica uses 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, 100 XCD is 37 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! Dominica Prepaid SIM Cards & Video Guide Below, I will guide you through the Dominican operators, Flow Dominica & Digicel Dominica, 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) If you prefer to watch a video of what the Dominican 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). Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube. With that being said, let’s see what Dominica has to offer to us. Flow Dominica Flow Dominica, just Flow, is the incumbent provider in Dominica. It used to have a monopoly until Digicel decided to enter the Dominican market. This is what you will learn about Flow: * Coverage* How to Get a Flow SIM Card & SIM Card Price* Topping-Up Options & Methods* Plans* APN SettingsClick on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.Jump to Digicel Flow Dominica Coverage Flow has extensive coverage in Dominica. Mobile coverage is close to excellent around the coast, especially on the roads. Below is Flow's 4G/LTE map: Source However, you may have no coverage or bad coverage when you go more inland into the reservers (Northern Forest Reserve and Central Forest Reserve). The map below by Speedtest gives you a better indication of what to expect in terms of coverage when in Dominica. Source Getting a Flow Dominica SIM Card & Price You can purchase a Flow SIM card for 20 XCD in the Flow Old St Retail Store. Topping Up Your Flow Dominica SIM Card Flow recharge cards ranging from 5 XCD to 200 XCD are sold in the Flow store and various stores, including supermarkets and gas stations. You can also top-up online with (international) debit and credit cards. To activate your Flow top-up card, dial *121#VoucherCode#. For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121#123456#. Dial *120# to check your Flow balance. Flow Dominica Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers Flow has the Prepaid plans, which are bundles with data, unlimited social messaging for SWIFT apps (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter), local minutes, and local SMS. The following Prepaid Plans are available: PricePlanDataUnlimited Social Messaging (SWIFT)Local Anywhere MinutesLocal Anywhere SMSValidityActivation Code5 XCDPrepaid 1 Day Plan1 GBYes25 minutes25 SMS1 day*244*0#14 XCDPrepaid 3 Days Plan3 GBYes200 minutes200 SMS3 days*244*1#29 XCDPrepaid 7 Days Plan 4.5 GBYes1000 minutes1000 SMS7 days*244*2#100 XCDPrepaid 30 Days Plan 10 GB Yes1000 minutes1000 SMS 30 days*244*3# SWIFT apps: Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter You can check your Prepaid Plan data balance by dialing *146*0#. Flow Dominica APN Settings Name: FlowAPN: 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 Antigua and BarbudaBuying a SIM card in Saint LuciaBuying a SIM card in GuadeloupeBuying a SIM card in Martinique Jump back to the Table of Contents Digicel Dominica Digicel Dominica, just Digicel, is the other operator in Dominica, which decided to ruin Flow’s monopoly in 2003. This is what you will learn about Digicel: * Coverage* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price* Topping-Up Options & Methods* Plans* APN SettingsClick on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.Jump to Flow Digicel Dominica Coverage Digicel has extensive coverage in Dominica. Unfortunately, Digicel has no (official) coverage map (anymore), nor could a reputable map be found. Digicel's coverage is on par with Flow's, so you can check Flow's coverage map to get an idea of what to expect with Digicel in Dominica. Getting a Digicel Dominica SIM Card & Price Digicel SIM cards are available for 20 XCD in Digicel stores and authorized resellers. You may have to dial *122# to activate your SIM card if it does not work after inserting it into your phone. Topping Up Your Digicel Dominica SIM Card Digicel recharge cards can be purchased in values of 5 XCD to 250 XCD in Digicel stores and many other stores in Dominica, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and corner shops. To activate your Digicel top-up card, dial *125# and follow the instructions. You can check your Digicel balance by dialing *140#. Digicel Dominica Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers Digicel has two types of bundles: the Prime Bundles and the Quick Pick Bundles. Digicel Dominica Prime Bundles Digicel has the new Prime Bundles, which are bundles with Any Use Data, unlimited on-net minutes, off-net minutes, anywhere minutes (international minutes), and data allowances for select apps. The following Prime Bundles are available: PriceBundleAny Use DataListen More (Music) DataListen More (Radio) DataWatch More DataPlay More DataShare More DataKnow More DataStore More DataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesAnywhere MinutesValidity6 XCD1 Day Digicel Prime Bundle1 GB 1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GB1 GBUnlimited15 off-net minutesN/A1 day 9 XCD3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle 3 GB3 GB3 GB3 GB3 GB3 GB3 GB3 GBUnlimited100 off-net minutes 15 anywhere minutes 3 days 32 XCD7 Day Digicel Brime Bundle 7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GB7 GBUnlimited400 off-net minutes30 anywhere minutes7 days 85 XCD30 Day Plus Digicel Prime Bundle 20 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB 30 GB Unlimited400 off-net minutes100 anywhere minutes 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 *140#. 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 Anywhere Minutes are minutes for: 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: AnguillaAntigua and BarbudaArubaBarbadosBermudaBonaireThe British Virgin Islands Cayman IslandsCuraçaoDominicaFrench GuianaGrenada GuadeloupeMartinique Saint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and GrenadinesTrinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Digicel Dominica Quick Pick Bundles PricePlanDataUnlimited WhatsApp MessagingLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity6 USD Pick Data 7 Days 350 MBYesN/AN/A7 days 7 USDPick Talk 7 Days N/ANoUnlimitedUnlimited 7 days 8 USD Pick Data & Talk 7 Days 350 MB YesUnlimitedUnlimited 7 days 22 USDPick Talk 30 Days N/ANoUnlimitedUnlimited30 days 22.50 USD Pick Data 30 Days 1.5 GB Yes UnlimitedUnlimited30 days 24 USDPick Data + Talk 30 Days 1.5 GB Yes UnlimitedUnlimited30 days To activate a Quick Pick Bundle, dial *140#. The same shortcode can be used to check your Quick Pick Bundle balance. Digicel Dominica APN Settings Name: DigicelAPN: web.digiceloecs.com Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched. Jump back to the Table of Contents Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Dominica Besides getting a local SIM card in Dominica, 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 Dominica 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 Dominica. 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 Dominica Getting a SIM card from either Flow or Digicel would be your only when considering a Dominican 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!