Bermuda is an expensive place to visit. Mostly because it is an isolated territory in the Atlantic Ocean. This makes the cost of living expensive – even getting there will not be cheap.
When speaking of expensive things, SIM cards and mobile data rates are also expensive in Bermuda.
You can get a Bermudian SIM card for as low as 20 BMD (20 USD) in the stores of the Operators (One Communications & Digicel). Getting 1 GB of data will cost you at least 30 BMD (30 USD).
Depending on what definition you use of regions and continents in the world, SIM card and mobile data prices in Bermuda are much higher than the North American and the Caribbean average.
In fact, Bermuda is the 4th most expensive place to get 1 GB of data.
Do not let that discourage you, though. If you plan on using data while in Bermuda, you should get yourself a local SIM card. International roaming will certainly not be cheaper than what the local operators, One Communications and Digicel Bermuda, will charge you.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Bermuda. Let's get started, shall we?
Original publication: 12th of March 2020. Last updated: 27th of January 2021.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Bermuda?
Everyone living in or visiting Bermuda is allowed to buy a SIM card from both One Communications and Digicel Bermuda.
You do have to meet the following requirements when wanting to buy and use a Bermudian SIM card:
- Get your SIM card registered with your personal information
- Have a device that supports the frequencies used in Bermuda
- Be aware of the Government License Fee
- Make sure your phone is unlocked (SIM-lock free)
Can You Use Your Phone in Bermuda?
GSM technology is used for mobile communications in the Bahamas. The 4G/LTE frequencies used in the Bahamas 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 (Africa, Asia – including the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania – ITU Regions 1 & 3 – often called European Frequencies).
by Denelson83, CC BY-SA 2.5If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU region 2) or have a high-end phone, then you can generally use your cellphone in Bermuda.
If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and it is not a high-end device (Tri-Band or Quad-Band) supporting the Bermudian frequencies, then you cannot use your phone in the Bermuda.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Bermuda
Bermuda has two mobile operators:
The following frequencies are used in Bermuda:
- 2G: 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 12, Band 13 & 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 Bermuda
If you want to buy a SIM card in Bermuda, I recommend going with Digicel. Although both One Communications and Digicel have great coverage throughout Bermuda, Digicel's offer (much) more than One Communications for the same price or even less.
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 Bermuda
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Bermuda. It will be done at the point of purchase.
Bermuda Government License Fee
A Government License Fee of 0.40 BMD a day for those with a prepaid SIM card, which translates to 12 BMD a month.
The Government License Fee for postpaid customers or those on a plan/subscription is 9.50 BMD.
Bermuda Internet Prices & Insights
(Mobile) internet on island nations is, generally, more expensive than in countries on land.
Bermuda lies more than 1000 kilometers (or more than 620 miles) from the US coast (Cape Hatteras, North Carolina), making it a remote British Overseas Territory.
Cable.co.uk found that Bermuda is one of the most expensive places where you can get 1 GB of data in the world.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Bermuda is 28.75 USD.
Cable.co.uk groups Bermuda with other North American countries. The North American average for 1 GB of data, which consists of Bermuda, Canada, Greenland, and the United States, according to Cable.co.uk's definition, is 14.71 USD. The world average is 5.03 USD.
Only Saint Helena, the Falkland Islands, and Nauru are more expensive than Bermuda. All those island nations use satellites for mobile data, which is much more costly than submarine cables (which 99% of the internet uses).
Bermuda does have submarine cable landing points on the territory (four of them). Yet, internet prices are criminally high, even after Digicel entered the market to end One Communication's monopoly.
Speeds, however, are quite decent in Bermuda. Still, you should keep your expectations at a reasonable level (mostly because of latency – data has to travel at least 1000 kilometers from the request to you. There are barely, or if any, CDNs in Bermuda).
While SIM cards are expensive, and mobile data rates may be considered criminal, the rates charged by One Communications and Digicel Bermuda will be nothing compared to the standard roaming rates your operator may charge you when roaming in Bermuda.
Currency in Bermuda
Bermuda uses the Bermudian Dollar as its currency with the symbol BMD (which will be used in this guide). BMD is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar (USD), meaning that 1 BMD is 1 USD, 10 BMD is 10 USD, 100 BMD is 100 USD, etc.
USD is widely accepted in Bermuda. You may get your change back in USD instead of BMD when paying in USD.
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!
Bermuda Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through the Bermudian operators, One & Digicel Bermuda, 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 Bermuda has to offer to us.
One Communications
One Communications, just One, is the incumbent operator in Bermuda. They held a monopoly in Bermuda until Digicel entered Bermuda in 2005.
This is what you will learn about One:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a One SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping-Up Options & Methods
* Plans
* APN Settings
Jump to Digicel
One Communications Coverage
One has extensive coverage throughout Bermuda.
You will have coverage almost everywhere with One.
Getting a One Communications SIM Card & Price
One SIM cards are sold for 25 BMD in One stores (in Hamilton, Heron Bay & St. George's).
You have two base plans to choose from when you go with One. The Pay Per Use plan and the Daily Talk & Text plan. Below is an overview of the two plans:
| Plan | Price | Local Minutes Peak | Local Minutes Off-Peak | Long Distance Minutes (Outgoing) | Local SMS (Outgoing) | International SMS (Outgoing) | Government Licence Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Per Use Basic Talk | 0.00 BMD | 0.35 | 0.2 | 0.75 BMD | 0.05 BMD | 0.25 BMD | 0.40 BMD/day |
| Daily Talk & Text | 2.50 BMD/day | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0.75 BMD | Unlimited | 0.25 BMD | 0.40 BMD/day |
1. One charges you for taking incoming calls (both local and international calls). Incoming SMS are free of charge.
2. Peak hours: 7:00 – 19:00 (7 AM – 7 PM). Off-peak hours: 19:00 – 7:00 (7 PM – 7 AM) + all weekends and holidays.
If you plan on getting a package, go with the Pay Per Use plan, which has no daily charge. Consider the Daily Talk & Text plan if you plan on calling or testing a lot.
Topping-Up Your One Communications SIM Card
One top-up cards are sold in values of 10 BMD, 15 BMD, 20 BMD, 35 BMD, and 40 BMD in One stores or Direct Top Up Locations, which include supermarkets, cafes, and liquor stores.
To activate your One recharge card, dial *8255# and select option 2.
To check your One balance, dial *8255# and select option 1.
One Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
One sells Prepaid Plans, which are its data only plans.
The following Prepaid Plans are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 BMD | 20 MB | 24 hours | *777*11# |
| 3 BMD | 100 MB | 24 hours | *777*1# |
| 15 BMD | 500 MB | 14 days | *777*2# |
| 45 BMD | 1.5 GB | 30 days | *777*3# |
| 99 BMD | 5 GB | 30 days | *777*4# |
Plans can also be activated by dialing *8255#.
If this is your first time purchasing a Prepaid Plan, you have to visit a One store to get it activated (the activation codes will not work), or you can call 700.7000.
You also have the daily Unlimited Social Media Plan, with unlimited data for WhatsApp, BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook Messenger & iMessenger:
| Price | Data | Apps | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 BMD | 20 MB high-speed data, unlimited data at 128 Kbps | WhatsApp, BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook Messenger & iMessenger | 1 day | *777*14# |
Do note that you can only use those apps when you have the Unlimited Social Media plan activated. You will have to use WIFI connections to browse the web or use another non-social media app.
One Communications APN Settings
- Name: One
- APN: web.c1.bm
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Digicel Bermuda
Digicel Bermuda, just Digicel, entered Bermuda in 2005 to end One Communication's monopoly. Unlike other markets Digicel entered, mobile data prices did not decrease (as much) in Bermuda.
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 Flow SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping-Up Options & Methods
* Plans
* APN Settings
Jump to One
Digicel Bermuda Coverage
Digicel has extensive coverage on Bermuda.
Unfortunately, Digicel has no (official) coverage map (anymore), nor could a reputable map be found.
Digicel's coverage is on par with One's, so you can check One's coverage map to get an idea of what to expect with Digicel in Bermuda.
Getting a Digicel Bermuda SIM Card & Price
You can get a Digicel SIM card for 20 BMD in the Digicel Retail Flagship Store in Hamilton.
You may have to dial *122# to activate your Digicel SIM card if your SIM card does not work upon purchase.
Topping Up Your Digicel Bermuda SIM Card
Digicel refill cards are sold in denominations of 10 BMD, 15 BMD, 20 BMD, 35 BMD, and 40 BMD in the Digicel Retail Flagship Store in Hamilton or Direct Top Up Locations, which include malls, cafes, and liquor stores. Online top-up with (international) debit and credit cards is possible as well.
To redeem your Digicel recharge card, dial *125*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125*123456#.
Dial *120# to check your Digicel balance.
You can also dial *100# to check your balance, but *120# is the faster method without you having to browse through menus.
Digicel Bermuda Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
Digicel offers two types of plans or bundles: the Prime Bundles and Freedom Plans.
Digicel Bermuda Prime Bundles
Digicel has the new Prime Bundles, which are data bundles Any Use Data, unlimited on-net minutes, unlimited minutes to Canada and the US, unlimited local SMS, and data allowances for select apps.
The following Prime Bundles are available:
| Price | Bundle | Any Use Data | Social Messaging 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 | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes (Canada & US) | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 BMD | 7 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 1 GB | 5 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 50 BMD | 14 Day Digicel Brime Bundle | 2 GB | 5 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 14 days |
| 90 BMD | 30 Day Pro Digicel Prime Bundle | 3 GB | 10 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 115 BMD | 30 Day Max Digicel Prime Bundle | 5 GB | 10 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 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 *100#.
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
Digicel Bermuda Freedom Plans
The Freedom Plans are combo plans with data, data for select social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter), and unlimited local minutes and SMS (Talk & Text).
The following Freedom Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Data | WFIT Data | Local Talk & Text | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 BMD | Freedom Weekly | 250 MB | 5 GB | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 35 BMD | Freedom 14 Days | 500 MB | 5 GB | Unlimited | 14 days |
| 70 BMD | Freedom Monthly Pro | 1 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 99 BMD | Freedom Monthly Max | 2 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 150 BMD | Freedom Monthly Elite | 5 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | 30 days |
WFIT Data: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
Dial *100# to check your Freedom Plan balance.
Digicel Bermuda APN Settings
- Name: Digicel
- APN: internet.bm
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Bermuda
Besides getting a local SIM card in Bermuda, 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 Bermuda 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 Bermuda.
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 Bermuda
Getting a SIM card from One would do you well when considering a Bermudian 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
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Montserrat
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Dominica
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Eustatius
- Sint Maarten: Buying Guide”>Sint Maarten: Buying Guide”>Sint Maarten: Buying Guide”>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, 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!
