Aruba – famous for its world-renowned beaches, exotic weather, and thrilling nightlife.
The country is part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) in the Caribbean. It is also one of the few countries where flamingos simply walk around on the beach.
To stay connected while in Aruba, you certainly want to get yourself an Aruban SIM card.
There is no doubt that you will have an exciting time when in this country, which is also one of the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. But there is quite a distance between the two countries.
While you are already planning on how you will be flexing on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter, you should be aware that international roaming can be expensive.
If you do not watch out, the roaming bill will cost as much as your trip to Aruba – or even more!
Luckily, one way to avoid excessive roaming bills is by getting an Aruban SIM card. Local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected when abroad.
But how much do SIM cards cost in Aruba?
You can get an Aruban SIM card for as low as 26.50 AWG (14.70 USD) in SETAR and Digicel stores. A data package with 1 GB of data can be purchased for as little as 5 AWG (2.80 USD).
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube
.
Okay, the SIM cards themselves may not be super cheap (many countries in this region have much lower starter rates), but the cost of data is reasonable.
But you probably want to know more about SIM cards in Aruba. So…
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Aruba. Let's do this.
Original publication: 9th of November 2020. Last updated: 18th of June 2021.
Table of Contents
Can I Buy a SIM Card in Aruba?
Anyone living or visiting Aruba can buy an Aruban SIM card from the local operators (SETAR & Digicel) without restrictions.
You need a phone that supports Aruba's frequencies, and your device needs to be SIM-lock-free (unlocked) to use local SIM cards.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Aruba?
You can get an Aruban SIM card in SETAR's and Digicel's official stores. It is also possible to buy a SIM card at Queen Beatrix International Airport.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it here or on YouTube.
You can expect to pay the following for Aruban SIM cards:
- SETAR: 37 AWG
- Digicel Aruba: 26.50 AWG
Can You Use Your Phone in Aruba?
Aruba uses GSM for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. Fortunately, there is about a 99% chance your phone 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, and 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, and South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American Frequencies, which are different from the European Frequencies.
by Denelson83, CC BY-SA 2.5Aruba uses a mix of American Frequencies and European Frequencies for 3G, depending on the operator. 2G and 4G/LTE are exclusively on European Frequencies.
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 either SETAR or Digicel Aruba. They support traditional European Frequencies on 2G, 3G & 4G/LTE. However, one of SETAR's 3G frequencies (850 MHz) is a traditional American Frequency. Luckily, the other one (2100 MHz) is a traditional European Frequency.
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 SETAR. It supports a traditional American Frequency on 2G and 3G. You will not be able to use 4G/LTE.
Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with either SETAR or Digicel Aruba, as your phone will support both American Frequencies and European Frequencies, even on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Aruba
Aruba has two mobile operators:
- SETAR
- Digicel Aruba
The following frequencies are used in Aruba:
- 2G: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
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 Aruba, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
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 Aruba
5G is not available in Aruba as of 2021, and the Aruban government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card in Aruba
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Aruba, I recommend going with either SETAR or Digicel. SETAR has the fastest speeds in Aruba. Digicel offers interesting combo plans (Prime Bundles) and more variety in plans.
SIM Card Registration in Aruba
SIM card registration, with the use of your personal information (such as your passport), is not required when buying a SIM card in Aruba.
EU Roaming in Aruba
Aruba is a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands itself is part of the European Union (EU). Aruba is not part of the EU nor the European Economic Area (EEA).
As a result, the EU/EEA Roam Like At Home roaming regulation does not apply in Aruba. Therefore, you should not expect to roam for free if you have an EU/EEA SIM card while traveling in Aruba.
This also means that you can not roam for free in the EU/EEA with an Aruban SIM card.
Aruba Internet Prices & Insights
When I initially wrote this guide in 2020, I said that mobile data was expensive in the Caribbean, especially in Aruba. In fact, Aruba was the 10th most expensive country for mobile data in the region. However, that has changed over the year.
In fact, the cost of mobile data has become relatively affordable.
But how affordable is mobile data in Aruba?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Aruba is 4.44 USD, the same as the Caribbean average of 4.44 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
Compared to 2020's figures, the average cost of 1 GB of data has gone down by a staggering 51.3%.
Mobile data speeds are pretty fast in Aruba too. The maximum download speed you can get hovers around 30 Mbps. That is way below the global average of 54 Mbps, but it could be much slower.
With affordable plans, decent speeds, and nationwide coverage, you can expect a smooth network experience in Aruba.
Currency in Aruba
Aruba uses the Aruban Florin with the symbol AWG (which will be used throughout this guide). However, prices are often listed as just Afl or ƒ. For example, 25 AWG = Afl/ƒ 25.
AWG is pegged 1.79:1 to the US Dollar (USD), meaning that 1.79 AWG = 1 USD. 1 AWG = 0.56 USD. 10 AWG would be 5.56 USD.
Shops in Aruba generally accept USD as a payment form (at a slightly worse exchange rate). However, you will mostly get your change back in AWG.
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 Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Aruban Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through the Aruban operators, SETAR & Digicel Aruba, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Aruba has to offer to us.
SETAR
SETAR is one of the two operators in Aruba. It is a local operator that operates only in Aruba. According to locals, SETAR is the best option in Aruba.
SETAR uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz
This is what you will learn about SETAR:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a SETAR SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Jump to Digicel
Coverage – SETAR
SETAR has extensive coverage in Aruba.
You will be able to get 4G/LTE coverage almost everywhere throughout Aruba with SETAR.
Below is SETAR's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – SETAR
You can get a SETAR SIM card for 37 AWG in SETAR stores.
SETAR SIM cards can be purchased at Aruba International Airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport).
You can also get a Data SIM (aimed at tourists) in the following two variants:
| Price | Starter Kit | Data | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 USD | 1 Day Kit | 1 GB (1 day) | 5.70 USD |
| 55 USD | 1 Week Kit | 4 GB (7 days) | 5.70 USD |
The Data SIM can be topped up with Data Bundles.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SETAR
SETAR top-up vouchers, in values between 5 AWG to 50 AWG, are sold in SETAR stores and many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores.
The following top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 5 AWG | 15 days |
| 10 AWG | 30 days |
| 15 AWG | 30 days |
| 25 AWG | 45 days |
| 35 AWG | 60 days |
| 50 AWG | 90 days |
To top up your SETAR SIM card, dial *123# and follow the instructions. The same shortcode can be used to check your balance.
It is also possible to tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Recharging online with (international) debit and credit cards is also an option.
You can also top up and check your balance on the SETAR app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SETAR
SETAR has two types of data-featured plans: Prepaid One Bundles & Data Bundles.
Prepaid One Bundles – SETAR
The Prepaid One Bundles are combo bundles with data, minutes, and SMS.
The following Prepaid One Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *123#.
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Freebies | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 AWG | 1 GB | 1000 minutes | 100 SMS | N/A | 1 day |
| 30 AWG | 4 GB | 1000 minutes | 100 SMS | N/A | 7 days |
| 60 AWG | 9 GB | 1000 minutes | 100 SMS | WhatsApp, Facebook. Instagram, Snapchat & Pinterest | 30 days |
When purchasing the 30-day bundle, you will automatically receive a Freebees bundle. This bundle will allow you to continue using WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat & Pinterest until the end of the 30 days, even if you have exhausted your data balance.
Data Bundles – SETAR
The Data Bundles are data-only plans.
The following Data Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *123#.
| Price | Data | Freebees | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 AWG | 1 GB | N/A | 1 day |
| 15 AWG | 3 GB | N/A | 7 days |
| 30 AWG | 6 GB | N/A | 7 days |
| 49 AWG | 8 GB | WhatsApp, Facebook. Instagram, Snapchat & Pinterest | 30 days |
When purchasing the 30-day bundle, you will automatically receive a Freebees bundle. This bundle will allow you to continue using WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat & Pinterest until the end of the 30 days, even if you have exhausted your data balance.
APN/Internet Settings – SETAR
- Name: SETAR
- APN: internet.setar.aw
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Digicel Aruba
Digicel Aruba, just Digicel, is the other operator in Aruba. It is almost as big as SETAR in terms of subscribers. Digicel as a company is active in many other Caribbean nations, Central America, and Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Jump to SETAR
Coverage – Digicel Aruba
Digicel has extensive coverage in Aruba.
Digicel covers practically all of Aruba. However, its 4G/LTE coverage is slightly worse than SETAR's.
Below is Digicel's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Digicel Aruba
You can get a Digicel SIM card for 26.50 AWG with 250 MB, 25 on-net minutes, and 25 on-net SMS in Digicel stores.
Digicel SIM cards can be purchased at Aruba International Airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport).
You may have to call 146 to activate your Digicel SIM card if the salesperson has not done that for you.
Dial *123# to access the Digicel menu.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Aruba
Digicel top-up vouchers, in values between 5 AWG to 50 AWG, are sold in Digicel stores and many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *125#VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125#123456#.
You can also use *141# to recharge.
It is also possible to tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Recharging online with (international) debit and credit cards is also an option.
Dial *120#, *123#, or *142# to see your Digicel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Digicel app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Aruba
Digicel has three types of data-featured plans, which are:
- Prime Bundles (combo)
- Unlimited LTE Plans (combo)
- Unlimited LTE Data Plans (data-only)
All Digicel plans can be activated by dialing *123#.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Prime Bundles – Digicel Aruba
Digicel introduced the new Prime Bundles. They are combo bundles with data, minutes, and SMS. Additionally, dedicated data allowances for select apps are given.
The following Prime Bundles are available, which you can activate by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Any Use Data | Listen More (Music) Data | Listen More (Radio) Data | Watch More Data | Play More Data | Share More Data | Know More Data | Store More Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 AWG | 1 Day Digicel Prime Data Plan | 3 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 8 AWG | 1 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 3 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 12 AWG | 3 Day Digicel Prime Data Plan | 9 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | N/A | N/A | 3 days |
| 17 AWG | 3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 9 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 25 AWG | 7 Day Digicel Prime Data Plan | 21 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
| 30 AWG | 7 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 21 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 70 AWG | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 12 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
You also get unlimited Do More data, which is for the MyDigicel App
You can download any Prime Bundle app by visiting the links below:
- Listen More (Music) with D'Music
- Listen More (Radio) with GoLoud
- Watch More with PlayGo
- Play More with Sports Max
- Share More with Bip
- Know More with Loop
- Store More with Billo
Unlimited LTE Plans – Digicel Aruba
The Unlimited LTE Plan is a combo plan with “unlimited” data (with a daily Fair-Use Policy – FUP) and minutes.
You can activate an Unlimited LTE plan by dialing *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 AWG | Unlimited LTE 1 Day | “Unlimited”, 3 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 24 hours |
| 15 AWG | Unlimited LTE Weekends | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 1 weekend (Friday 20:00 – Sunday 23:59) |
| 40 AWG | Unlimited LTE Weekly | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 7 days |
If you go over your FUP allowance, you can still browse the web at 2G speeds.
Unlimited LTE Data Plans – Digicel Aruba
The Unlimited LTE Data Plan is a data-only bundle with “unlimited” data (with a daily Fair-Use Policy – FUP).
You can activate an Unlimited LTE Data Plan with *123#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 AWG | Unlimited LTE 1-Day | “Unlimited”, 3 GB | 24 hours |
| 11.50 AWG | Unlimited LTE 3-Day | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day | 3 days |
| 21 AWG | Unlimited LTE 7-Day | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day | 7 days |
If you go over your FUP allowance, you can still browse the web at 2G speeds.
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Aruba
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digicelaruba.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Aruba
Besides getting a local SIM card in Aruba, there are other ways to get online while traveling on the island.
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.
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.
International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works. This in-depth guide explains it all.
Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for Aruba 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 Aruba.
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 Aruba
Getting a SIM card from either SETAR or Digicel would do you well when considering an Aruban 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:
- Dominican Republic
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Montserrat
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Eustatius
- Sint Maarten
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks 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! 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!
