Guyana – known for being the only (official) English-speaking country in South America.
The country is also known for its rainforests, the blend of multiple cultures & its natural resources.
But there is also a lot to see and to do in Guyana.
You could see the Kaieteur Falls with your own eyes.
You can also explore many cathedrals and churches, like the St. George's Cathedral.
And, of course, you can enjoy your time on the beach, such as the Shell Beach.
Honestly, there is no reason to be bored in Guyana.
You should know that Guyana is expensive compared to other South American countries, so any way to save some cash is always appreciated.
That is why you should use local SIM cards to enjoy local rates, like a Guyanese one.
Fortunately, SIM cards are not too expensive in Guyana.
You can get a Guyanese SIM card for 2000 GYD (9.55 USD) from Digicel and GTT in their stores or from SIM vendors, such as grocery stores, pharmacies & electronic shops. SIM cards are also sold at Georgetown/Timehri-Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO – Digicel only).
Okay, those SIM cards are not cheap at all, especially not for South American standards.
What will probably upset you, even more, is that Guyana is the country with the most expensive mobile data rates in South America (if we exclude the Falkland Islands).
Still, these rates will still be cheaper than international roaming!
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Guyana. Let's get started.
Original publication: 28th of December 2019. Last updated: 30th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Guyana?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Guyana, I recommend going with Digicel or GTT. Digicel has (slightly) better (4G/LTE) coverage than GTT. GTT offers more plan choices than Digicel.
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Guyana has two mobile operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to travelers:
- Digicel Guyana
- GTT(+) (formerly Cellink Plus)
Anyone living in or visiting Guyana can buy a Guyanese SIM card without restrictions.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Guyanese SIM Card (+Prices)?
YYou can get a Guyanese SIM card in the official stores of Digicel and GTT (formerly Cellink Plus) and select third-party stores (also called SIM vendors). Some Guyanese airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Guyanese SIM cards:
- Digicel Guyana: 2000 GYD
- GTT (formerly Cellink Plus): 1500 GYD to 2000 GYD
Note that Guyanese SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date GYD (Guyanese Dollar) to your currency (let's say USD – US Dollar) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between GYD and USD (US Dollars):
- 10 GYD = 0.050 USD
- 100 GYD= 0.50 USD
- 1000 GYD = 4.75 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Guyana
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, no Guyanese mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my Guyana eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Guyanese SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Latin (Central- and South) America-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Guyana SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Guyana eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Guyana:
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: DEC15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, DEC10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my Guyana eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Guyanese Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Digicel Guyana & GTT (formerly Celllink Plus), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Guyana offers us.
Digicel Guyana
Digicel Guyana, just Digicel, is one of the two mobile operators in Guyana.
Digicel, as a company, is active in the Caribbean, Central America & Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Digicel Guyana
Digicel has decent coverage in populated areas throughout Guyana.
But you should not expect any coverage in the dense rainforests.
Below is Digicel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Digicel Guyana
You can get a Digicel SIM card for 2000 GYD in Digicel stores and from resellers, including grocery stores, electronic shops & phone stores. Digicel SIM cards are also sold at Georgetown/Timehri-Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO).
Dial *100# to access the Digicel menu.
Dial *129# to see your Digicel phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Digicel has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Guyana, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Digicel.
Especially if you get a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Latin American countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Guyana eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Gucom (Guyana only) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Nomad: Guyana & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Guyana eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Digicel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Guyana
Digicel top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores throughout Guyana.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *121*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *120# to check your Digicel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the MyDigicel app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Guyana
Digicel has two data-featured prepaid plans: Prepaid Prime Bundles (combo) & Digicel Prime Bundles (combo).
I will list all the prices in GYD (Guyanese Dollar).
To convert GYD to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Prepaid Prime Bundles – Digicel Guyana
Prepaid Prime Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Digicel Prime Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *136#:
| Price | Plan | Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 485 GYD | 1 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 800 MB | 10 minutes | 10 SMS | 1 day |
| 815 GYD | 3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 1.6 GB | 20 minutes | 20 SMS | 3 days |
| 1760 GYD | 7 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 3.5 GB | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 7 days |
| 3960 GYD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 5 GB | 80 minutes | 80 SMS | 30 days |
| 5830 GYD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 12 GB | 200 minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days |
1 undisclosed data allowance per app for Apple Music, BiP, GoLoud, HBO Max, iTunes, Loop, SportsMax, Spotify, TikTok & YouTube. This dedicated apps data will not roll-over
with auto renew upon expiry
Digicel Prime Bundles – Digicel Guyana
Digicel Prime Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900 GYD | 3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 13 GB | 1 GB/app | 20 minutes | 20 SMS | 3 days |
| 2000 GYD | 7 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 30 GB | 2 GB/app | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 7 days |
| 6500 GYD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 127 GB | 7 GB/app | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Guyana
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digicelgy.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
GTT (formerly Cellink Plus)
GTT, sometimes also known as GTT+ by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, is one of the two mobile operators in Guyana.
GTT uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 17 & Band 28)
- 5G NR: N/A – rollout not announced yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about GTT:
* Coverage
* How to Get a GTT SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – GTT (formerly Cellink Plus)
GTT has decent coverage in populated areas throughout Guyana.
But you should not expect any coverage in the dense rainforests.
Below is GTT's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – GTT (formerly Cellink Plus)
You can get a GTT SIM card for 1500 GYD to 2000 GYD in GTT stores and from SIM vendors, including grocery stores, electronic shops & pharmacies. They are not sold at Georgetown/Timehri-Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO).
Dial *100# to access the GTT menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
GTT has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Guyana, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from GTT (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Latin (Central- and South) America-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Guyana or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Guyana eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Gucom (Guyana only) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Nomad: Guyana & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Guyana eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with GTT for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – GTT (formerly Cellink Plus)
GTT top-up vouchers are sold in GTT stores and by Top Up Vendors, such as kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores throughout Guyana.
To top up your GTT SIM card, dial *100# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *100# or text Menu to 6202428 to check your GTT balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the MyGTT app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – GTT (formerly Cellink Plus)
GTT has two data-featured prepaid plans: GTT Prepaid Social Plans (combo) & GTT Gyaff-A-Lot Bundles (combo).
I will list all the prices in GYD (Guyanese Dollar).
To convert GYD to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The GTT Prepaid Social Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes and SMS.
The following GTT Prepaid Social Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *100*2#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 GYD | Social 1 | 1 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | N/A | 10 SMS | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 750 GYD | Social 3 | 2 GB | Unlimited | 20 minutes | N/A | 20 SMS | N/A | N/A | 3 days |
| 1500 GYD | Social 7 | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Unlimited | 15 SMS | 15 minutes | 7 days |
| 3000 GYD | Social 7 Unlimited | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 600 minutes | Unlimited | N/A | 1200 minutes | 7 days |
| 3500 GYD | Social 30 | 35 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 35 minutes | Unlimited | 35 SMS | 35 minutes | 30 days |
| 5000 GYD | Social 30 Plus | 50 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 minutes | Unlimited | 50 SMS | 50 minutes | 30 days |
| 7500 GYD | Social 30 Unlimited | 75 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 600 minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1200 minutes | 30 days |
1 for unlimited social messaging Bip, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, Telegram, TenCent QQ, Twitter, WeChat & WhatsApp
GTT Gyaff-A-Lot Bundles – GTT Guyana
The GTT Gyaff-A-Lot Bundles are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes and SMS.
The following GTT Gyaff-A-Lot Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *100#:
| Price | Plan | Data | WhatsApp Chat | On-Net Minutes | Local/International Minutes 1 | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 960 GYD | Gyaff-A-Lot 3 Days Bundle | 200 MB | Unlimited | 2250 minutes | 30 minutes | 1500 SMS | 3 days |
| 1540 GYD | Gyaff-A-Lot 7 Days Bundle | 800 MB | Unlimited | 5250 minutes | 50 minutes | 2250 SMS | 7 days |
| 3080 GYD | Gyaff-A-Lot 14 Days Bundle | 1 GB | Unlimited | 10 500 minutes | 100 minutes | 3000 SMS | 14 days |
| 5870 GYD | Gyaff-A-Lot 30 Days Bundle | 3 GB | Unlimited | 22 500 minutes | 200 minutes | 4000 SMS | 30 days |
1 for Canada and United States
APN/Internet Settings – GTT (formerly Cellink Plus)
- Name: gtt
- APN: gtt
- Username: gtt
- Password: gtt
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Guyana
Getting a SIM card from Digicel or GTT would do you well when considering a Guyanese SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
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