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Barbados: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

Barbados – known for its tropical beaches, for being an amazing surf destination & being the birthplace of rum.

With average temperatures rarely going below 20°C (or (20*9/5)+32 for the Fahrenheit lovers 😏), you better wear some good sunscreen while in Barbados to avoid getting sunburned.

Perhaps you will explore the Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park, or maybe take a tour through the St. Nicholas Abbey.

And do not forget about the Andromeda Botanic Garden.

Or you could just enjoy one of the many beaches in Barbados – getting a nice tan, huh?

Before you share your amazing beach-life photos on Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram, you should know that international roaming can be expensive.

So expensive that it should almost be criminal.

That is why you can be better off with a travel eSIM to save on data costs abroad.

How much will you pay for a travel eSIM for Barbados?

You can get an eSIM for Barbados for as little as 9.50 USD and up to 54 USD from Airalo (Barbnet) and Holafly.

I will also introduce you to a few global eSIMs that be used in Barbados and 110+ other countries, including Barbados' (indirect) neighbors, for competitive rates.

Buying an eSIM for Barbados Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Island Hopper, Barbnet, Alosim & Airalo)

Original publication: 2nd of January 2023. Last updated: 7th of March 2024.


Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about five eSIM options in Barbados (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Barbados without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

Note: the promo codes mentioned above can also be used for regional and global eSIMs (they are not restricted to country-specific eSIMs only). In other news, the eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Barbados-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Barbados 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?


Airalo Barbnet eSIM for Barbados

Airalo Logo
© Airalo

If you have looked for travel eSIMs before, you have undoubtedly read or heard of Airalo – the largest, oldest & most popular eSIM platform out there, covering around 190 countries (more than any other eSIM platform out there).

Airalo is so popular and loved, even by myself, because Airalo's eSIMs are often the most affordable while using (one of) the best local networks while also offering plenty of data options so that you can pick the one that suits your needs.

The latter does not really apply to Barbados or the Caribbean in general, but let's not get ahead of ourselves 😏.

Anyway, the Airalo eSIM for Barbados is called Barbnet and uses the Flow Barbados network (on 4G/LTE – no 5G NR because there is no 5G NR in Barbados yet 🗿).

Barbados Barbnet eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Wait… why does the Barbnet eSIM use the Flow Barbados network?

Flow Logo
© Flow

Travel eSIM providers like Airalo set up roaming agreements with local mobile operators.

And that is not an Airalo-specific thing – basically all mobile operators do, allowing their customers can still stay connected when abroad (at high prices).

Otherwise, they would need to build their own networks in 190 countries, which is $$$.

For example, 2degrees in New Zealand claims it spent more than a billion (New Zealand) dollars on its network, and New Zealand is not even that big.

Imagine how much it would cost to build your own network in every country out there 😳.

Anyway, you may have been distracted by the term roaming because you may have read stories of travelers going back home facing a 7000 USD roaming bill or something.

Worry not; that will not happen when you use the Barbnet eSIM (or any other travel eSIM mentioned in this guide), as long as you make sure to turn data roaming off on your main SIM card.

Okay, that is enough background information – let's check what Airalo's options are in Barbados.

  1. Barbados/Barbnet 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9.50 USD
Airalo Barbados Barbnet eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

Now, you may think this is a sad selection or that 1 GB of data is insufficient.

Both points are true… I agree – but you can make unlimited top-ups with the Barbnet eSIM through the Airalo website or apps.

So if you need 5 GB of data, you can purchase the Barbnet 1 GB eSIM and get four 1 GB top-ups.

Yes, it is a bit inconvenient for now; Airalo may offer 3 GB, 5 GB & 10 GB plans with a 30-day validity for the Barbados soon, as it did for many other countries it supports.

Be aware: most travel eSIMs, including Airalo's Barbados Barbnet eSIM, are data-only eSIMs, so you cannot call or text with them (nor can you receive any calls or SMS).

Hopefully, that is not a dealbreaker because the Barbnet eSIM is the cheapest eSIM mentioned in this guide.

The main issue with the Barbnet eSIM is that it has only one option: 1 GB for 7 days.

But you can make unlimited top-ups with the Barbnet eSIM through the Airalo website or apps.

So if you need 5 GB of data, you can purchase the Barbnet 1 GB eSIM and get four 1 GB top-ups.

Yes, it is a bit inconvenient for now; Airalo may offer 3 GB, 5 GB & 10 GB plans with a 30-day validity for Barbados soon, but we have to be patient now.

And you know that I would purchase multiple top-ups because I use a lot of data when traveling and testing eSIMs 🤪.

But… do I not often say that local SIM cards or eSIMs are cheaper than any other option, including travel eSIMs?

Yep, that is true (and you have a good memory!) – but you will have to deal with Barbadian SIM card registration laws.

(Why does this matter? Because hackers can steal your (critical) personal data if the mobile operator does not secure your data properly, like what happened in Australia (10 million Optus customers were affected, where info, like passport numbers, were stolen (including mine – luckily not my passport number but my boyfriend was not as lucky) or Indonesia (1.3 billion SIM card-related data was hacked)).

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Anyway, the Airalo Barbados Barbnet eSIM is an affordable option to stay connected in the country.


Holafly eSIM for Barbados

Holafly Logo
© Holafly

Holafly is one of the many travel eSIM resellers out there, but it is one of the few that I recommend.

It started with selling, in my opinion, overpriced travel SIM cards before entering the eSIM market with (reasonably priced) eSIMs.

But any resellers pop up every week trying to sell the same service for more cash for themselves while offering zero customer service (which is why you only see me recommend a handful of eSIM providers… ones I have tested myself).

So why do I recommend Holafly?

Mostly because it started offering unlimited data plans for popular travel destinations as of June 2022, giving it some uniqueness.

Those eSIMs can be used in various East– and Southeast Asian countries, almost all European Union member states (except for Liechtenstein) & a few other countries, like Canada and the United States.

Unfortunately, unlimited data eSIMs are not available in Barbados.

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner
No unlimited data for Barbados

But Holafly did not cover Barbados until recently…. so one step at a time 😜.

Unlike the Airalo Barbnet eSIM, you have a few more options with Holafly for Barbados, which I will list below:

  1. Barbados 3 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 37 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Barbados 7 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 44 USD
  3. Barbados 15 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 54 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Holafly Barbados eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

The Holafly Barbados eSIM uses the Digicel Barbados network, one of the country's better networks.

As expected, you cannot use 5G NR (yet) with the Holafly Barbados eSIM, nor can you call and text (it is a data-only eSIM).

Moreover, you cannot top up or extend the validity with the Holafly Barbados eSIM – so you need to buy another eSIM when you are out of data, or the eSIM expires; you have to purchase a new one.

Holafly is working on top-ups, but it has been working on it for a while now… so keep your expectations low.

On the other hand, you can use your phone as a hotspot with your Holafly Barbados eSIM (which you cannot do in countries with unlimited data eSIMs).

On top of that, you can get 5% off each and any Holafly purchase (so it does not have to be the Barbados eSIM) when you use code PHONETRAVELWIZ 😏.

Okay, but why did I rank Airalo higher than Holafly?

It is because if you use less than 7 GB of data, getting multiple top-ups for the Airalo Barbnet eSIM is cheaper than getting a Holafly Barbados eSIM.

Only if you use more than 7 GB of data will Holafly be cheaper.

However, you can use up to 500 MB of data per day with any Holafly Barbados eSIM for some reason.

So if you want to use your data freely, the Airalo Barbnet eSIM will be a better option.

But honestly, with the relatively slow data speeds in Barbados, you have to try hard to hit your 500 MB limit in the country, lmao.

Anyway, use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for your Holafly Barbados eSIM and get 5% off!

Holafly Travel eSIM Reviews by Phone Travel Wiz

International eSIM for Barbados & More Caribbean Countries

Okay, I went over the Barbados travel eSIM options offered by Airalo and Holafly.

As expected, these eSIMs can only be used in Barbados and not in neighboring Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, or Trinidad and Tobago.

So what if you plan on visiting any of those countries, or you are on a world tour and wish to use one eSIM in multiple countries – do you have any other options?

Yes, you do. Airalo, Holafly & Nomad have regional, global & international eSIMs covering at least 80 countries; some include Barbados too.

If you see names that you do not recognize because they have not been mentioned in this guide, it is because they either do not cover Barbados or the prices are criminal – I want you to save money, not get robbed 🗿

So let's see which multi-country eSIMs can be used in Barbados and other countries, including Barbados' neighbors.


Holafly Caribbean eSIM for Barbados

Holafly recently introduced upgraded the Caribbean eSIM, covering 16 countries with 6 GB 7 GB of data for 15 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD.

Below is an overview of all the countries the Holafly Caribbean eSIM can be used:

  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Aruba
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominica
  • French Guiana
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Martinique
  • Saint Kitts & Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Turks & Caicos Islands
Holafly Caribbean eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Holafly Travel eSIM Reviews by Phone Travel Wiz

Airalo Island Hopper eSIM for Barbados

Island Hopper Caribbean eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Airalo also has the Island Hopper eSIM covering 24 countries with 1 GB of data for 7 days, costing 15 USD.

The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in the following 24 Caribbean countries:

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Aruba
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bonaire
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Curaçao
  • Dominica
  • French Guiana 1
  • Grenada 2
  • Guadeloupe
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Martinique
  • Montserrat 2
  • Panama
  • Puerto Rico
  • Saint Kitts & Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Turks & Caicos Islands


1 the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
2 on 3G only

Airalo Island Hopper Caribbean eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version)

Like the Lucnet eSIM, top-ups are available if you need more data.

The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe, Latamlink for Latin America & Menalink for the Middle East).

This is why I recommend the Holafly Caribbean eSIM over the Island Hopper one because you get much more data for the same money.

However, the Holafly eSIM does not cover as many countries as the Island Hopper eSIM.

I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link eSIM so that it offers you better value (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).

But do not get the Island Hopper eSIM just for Saint Lucia because the Lucnet eSIM is more than half the price of Island Hopper.

For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).


Nomad Global eSIM

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Besides Nomad's eSIM for Barbados, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in Barbados and a total of 109/139 countries (including most European ones).

While Nomad's Global eSIM covers a few more countries than Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs (109/139 vs. 130 (previously 85+)), it is significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it, especially after Nomad improved it (with its 139 Country Plan powered by eSIM Go (has 5G NR access in 50+ countries) instead of the 109 Country Plan by Truphone (4G/LTE only).

Anyway, you have these six Nomad Global eSIMs:

  1. Global (109 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Global (139 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 19 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Global (109 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Global (139 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Global (109 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Global (139 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Nomad Global eSIM 109 Countries Plan with Prices (Truphone)
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.
Nomad Global eSIM 139 Countries Plan with Prices (eSIM Go)

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

  • Åland Islands 2, 3
  • Albania
  • Algeria 2
  • Andorra 2
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan 2
  • Bahrain 2, 3
  • Bangladesh 2
  • Barbados 1
  • Belarus 2
  • Belgium
  • Bermuda 1
  • Bolivia 2
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina 2
  • Botswana 2
  • Brazil
  • Brunei 2
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon 2
  • Canada 2, 3
  • Central African Republic 2
  • Chad 2
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2
  • Congo, Republic of the
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic 2
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt 2
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini 2, 3
  • Faroe Islands 1
  • Fiji 1
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana 1
  • French Southern Territories 2
  • Gabon 2
  • Georgia 2
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland 2
  • Grenada 1
  • Guadeloupe 1
  • Guam 2
  • Guatemala
  • Guernsey
  • Guinea-Bissau 2
  • Guyana 1
  • Holy See (Vatican City) 1
  • Honduras 1
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India 2
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq 2
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Ivory Coast 2
  • Jamaica 1
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Jordan 2
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya 2
  • Kosovo 2
  • Kuwait 2, 3
  • Kyrgyzstan 2
  • Laos 2
  • Latvia
  • Liberia 2
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau 2
  • Madagascar 2
  • Malawi 2
  • Malaysia
  • Mali 2
  • Malta
  • Martinique 1
  • Mayotte 1
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat 1
  • Morocco 2
  • Mozambique 1
  • Myanmar 2
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger 2
  • Nigeria 2
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman 2
  • Pakistan 2
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico 1
  • Qatar
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia 2
  • Saint Kitts & Nevis 1
  • Saint Lucia 1
  • Samoa 1
  • San Marino 1
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal 2
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles 2
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands 1
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Suriname 1
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan 2
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad & Tobago 1
  • Tunisia 2
  • Turkey
  • Turks & Caicos 1
  • Uganda 2
  • Ukraine 2
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States 2, 3
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan 2
  • Vanuatu 1
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen 2
  • Zambia 2

1 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
2 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
3 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Barbados (Airalo vs. Holafly)

I introduced you to various travel eSIMs that can be used in Barbados.

While I have already informed you which eSIM(s) I recommend the most, I will list them once more for you.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for Holafly eSIMs, and code ADU123 for Nomad eSIMs – a code is unnecessary for Airalo eSIM purchases.


Buying a SIM Card in Barbados

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Barbadian SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.

Buying a SIM Card in Barbados Guide (logos of Digicel & Flow)