St Kitts & Nevis – one of six countries with and in their names.
The dual-island nation is primarily known for its beaches, resorts & lovely weather.
Located in the Lesser Antilles, you will not be missing out on sunshine while in Antigua and Barbuda.
Sure, you can spend all your time on the beach while in this country, but there are plenty of other things you can do there.
You should visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Mount Liamuiga is absolutely stunning.
And if you really prefer to be on the beach all day, head to Pinneys Beach and sunbathe in peace.
But before you post these incredible photos online, you should know that international roaming can be expensive.
That is why you should get a local SIM card to enjoy local rates.
Fortunately, SIM cards are not crazy expensive in St Kitts & Nevis.
You can get a St Kittitian and Nevisian SIM card for 23.40 XCD (8.65 USD) from Digicel. Flow even hands out SIM cards for free, but be prepared to purchase a plan or top-up on the spot. SIM cards are not sold at St Kitts/Basseterre-Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) nor Nevis/Charlestown-Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV).
Flow's cheapest plan, Prepaid 1 Day Plan, costs 5 XCD (1.85 USD), so SIM cards are truly inexpensive in St Kitts & Nevis.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in St Kitts and Nevis. Let's get started.
Original publication: 12th of March 2020. Last updated: 13th of April 2022.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in St Kitts & Nevis?
You can buy a St Kittitian and Nevisian SIM card from Digicel and Flow as a tourist. There is nothing preventing travelers from buying a SIM card in St Kitts & Nevis.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
Moreover, your phone has to support the frequencies used in St Kitts and Nevis.
Finally, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a St Kittitian and Nevisian SIM card.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in St Kitts & Nevis?
You can get a St Kittitian and Nevisian SIM card in the official stores of Digicel and Flow. They are not available at St Kitts/Basseterre-Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) nor Nevis/Charlestown-Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV).
You can expect to pay the following for St Kittitian and Nevisian SIM cards:
- Flow St Kitts & Nevis: Free! But expect to purchase a plan on the spot
- Digicel St Kitts & Nevis: 23.40 XCD
Can You Use Your Phone in St Kitts & Nevis?
St Kitts and Nevis GSM for their 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 & 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– & South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American frequencies, which are different from the European frequencies.
St Kitts and Nevis use a mix of American frequencies and European frequencies for 2G and 3G, depending on the mobile operator. 4G/LTE is exclusively on American frequencies.
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 Flow St Kitts and Nevis.
It supports traditional American frequencies on 2G, 3G & 4G/LTE, meaning that you can take full advantage of its 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 want to go with Digicel St Kitts and Nevis.
It supports traditional European frequencies on 2G and 3G, but you will not be able to use its 4G/LTE network.
Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with any mobile operator, as your phone will support both American frequencies and European frequencies, even on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts & Nevis has two mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
- Flow St Kitts & Nevis
The following frequencies are used in St Kitts & Nevis:
- 2G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz, 1900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 13 & Band 17)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in St Kitts & Nevis, 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.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in St Kitts & Nevis
Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFI calling) are not offered by the mobile operators in St Kitts and Nevis (yet).
This means that when you make a call, your phone will downgrade to 3G (or 2G when 3G is not available) instead of staying connected to 4G/LTE.
This is also why you often cannot use mobile while calling if not connected to WiFi.
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in St Kitts & Nevis
5G NR is not available in St Kitts & Nevis as of 2022, and the St Kittitian and Nevisian government has not made any indications of when it will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card St Kitts & Nevis
If you want to buy the best SIM card in St Kitts & Nevis, I recommend going with Digicel. Its 4G/LTE coverage is better than Flow's. Moreover, Digicel has attractive plans (Prime Bundles) with dedicated data allowances for Prime apps, TikTok & YouTube (up to 45 GB per app).
Best eSIM in St Kitts & Nevis
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM (to prepaid customers) in St Kitts & Nevis yet.
However, you can get the St Kitts & Nevis (Kittcom) eSIM from Airalo with 1 GB of data valid for 7 days.
With this eSIM, you can skip St Kitts & Nevis' SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in St Kitts & Nevis!
If you plan on visiting other neighboring Caribbean nations, consider the Island Hopper eSIM with 1 GB of data (7 days) in St Kitts & Nevis and these other islands:
With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit – averaging 8 USD/country in the Caribbean!
SIM Card Registration in St Kitts & Nevis
SIM card registration with your passport information is required in St Kitts & Nevis. It will be done at the point of sale.
St Kitts & Nevis Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
The Caribbean is not known for being a cheap travel region.
With many luxurious resorts and PRISTINE beaches, it is somewhat understandable why the region is a bit high-class (with some exceptions, like the Dominican Republic and Haiti).
But what about mobile data costs? Are they cheap in St Kitts & Nevis?
They are not cheap, but they are not expensive either.
The average price for 1 GB of data in St Kitts & Nevis is 3.70 USD, around the Caribbean average of 4.44 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
Just a year ago, the average cost of 1 GB of data was 7 USD more than now.
Compared to 2019's numbers, the average cost of 1 GB of data decreased by 75.2%.
While there is not much information about mobile data speeds in the country because not many people do speed tests there, I can mention something about speeds.
Flow St Kitts & Nevis claims the maximum achievable speed you can get on their network is 35 Mbps.
But remember, this is the maximum speed – you will most likely get speeds ranging between 10 Mbps and 25 Mbps.
With reasonably priced SIM cards, close to excellent nationwide coverage, decent mobile download speeds, and average mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in St Kitts & Nevis.
Currency in St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts & Nevis 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 $. For example, 25 ECD = ECD/EC$/$ 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.
For up-to-date XCD:your currency (let's say Euro) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
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!
St Kitts & Nevis Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Digicel St Kitts & Nevis & Flow St Kitts & Nevis, 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 being said, let’s see what St Kitts & Nevis have to offer to us.
Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
Digicel St Kitts & Nevis, just Digicel, is one of the two mobile operators in St Kitts & Nevis.
Digicel, as a company, is active in many other Caribbean nations, Central America & Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 13 & Band 17)
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
Digicel has the best 4G/LTE coverage in St Kitts & Nevis.
4G/LTE reception is available almost everywhere in St Kitts.
The same counts for Northern Nevis. However, you will most likely deal with 3G reception on Southern Nevis.
Below is Digicel's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
You can get a Digicel SIM card for 23.40 XCD in Digicel stores. They are not sold at St Kitts/Basseterre-Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) nor Nevis/Charlestown-Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV).
You may have to dial *122# to activate your Digicel SIM card if your SIM card does not work upon purchase.
Dial *129# to see your Digicel phone number.
Dial *141# to access the Digicel menu.
Digicel SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 120 days (no top-up for 120 days or no activity for 120 days).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
Digicel top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores, kiosks, gas stations & grocery stores.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *125*VoucherCode# or dial *141# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *125*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# or *141# to check your Digicel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Digicel app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
Digicel has two data-featured plans: Prepaid Prime Bundles (combo) & Prepaid Prime Plus Bundles (combo).
All Digicel plans can be activated by dialing *141#:
Prepaid Prime Bundles – Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
The Prepaid Prime Bundles are combo plans with data, data for select Digicel apps, minutes & SMS.
The following Prepaid Prime Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *141#:
| 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 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 XCD | 3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 2 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 100 minutes | N/A | 3 days |
| 50 XCD | 14 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 6 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 14 GB | 1000 mintues | N/A | 14 days |
| 130 XCD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 15 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 1200 minutes | 500 minutes | 30 days |
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
Prepaid Prime Bundles auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *141#.
Prepaid Prime Plus Bundles – Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
The Prepaid Prime Plus Bundles are combo plans with data, data for select Digicel apps, minutes & SMS.
Unlike the Prepaid Prime Bundles, Prepaid Prime Plus Bundles include TikTok and YouTube data allowances as well.
The following Prepaid Prime Plus Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *141#:
| 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 | TikTok Data | YouTube Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | International Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 XCD | 1 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 15 XCD | 3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | 3 days |
| 35 XCD | 7 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 6 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | 7 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | 7 days |
| 140 XCD | Prime More | 25 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
| 215 XCD | Prime Extra | 50 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 250 minutes | 30 days |
| 250 XCD | Prime Max | 60 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | 45 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1000 minutes | 30 days |
Prepaid Prime Plus Bundles auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *141#.
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel St Kitts & Nevis
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Flow St Kitts & Nevis
Flow St Kitts & Nevis, just Flow, is one of the two mobile operators in St Kitts & Nevis.
Flow is a brand by Cable & Wireless used throughout the Caribbean.
Flow uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 13 & Band 17)
This is what you will learn about Flow:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Flow SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Flow St Kitts & Nevis
Flow has extensive coverage in St Kitts & Nevis.
While Flow's 4G/LTE coverage on St Kitts is extensive, 4G/LTE reception is weak in Nevis.
You will often be on 3G.
Below is Flow's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Flow St Kitts & Nevis
You can get a Flow SIM card for free in Flow stores. However, be prepared to purchase a plan or top-up when getting your free SIM card. They are not sold at St Kitts/Basseterre-Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) nor Nevis/Charlestown-Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV).
Dial *129# to access the Flow menu.
Dial *555# to see your Flow phone number.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Flow St Kitts & Nevis
Flow top-up vouchers are sold in Flow stores, including grocery stores, gas stations & bars.
To top up your Flow SIM card, dial *129# 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 *120# or *129# to check your Flow balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Flow app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Flow St Kitts & Nevis
Flow has one type of data-featured plan: the Super Combo Prepaid Plans. It includes data, minutes & SMS.
The following Super Combo Prepaid Plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | SWIFT Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 XCD | Prepaid 1 Day Plan | 1 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 1 day | *244*0# |
| 15 XCD | Prepaid 3 Day Plan | 3 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | 3 days | *244*1# |
| 35 XCD | Prepaid 7 Day Plan | 7 GB | Unlimited | 350 minutes | 350 SMS | 7 days | *244*2# |
| 100 XCD | Prepaid 30 Da Plan | 10 GB | Unlimited | 1000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days | *244*3# |
1 for Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter
APN/Internet Settings – Flow St Kitts & Nevis
- Name: Flow Internet
- APN: ppinternet
Note: do not use just “internet” as a prepaid customer. That APN is reserved for postpaid customers. Leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in St Kitts & Nevis
I would highly encourage anyone visiting St Kitts and Nevis to get themselves a St Kittitian and Nevisian SIM card – you will be saving a lot of money when you do so.
However, for some, getting a St Kittitian and Nevisian SIM card is not an option.
For example, your device may be SIM-locked, meaning that you cannot use any other SIM card other than the SIM card provided by your mobile operator.
There are other ways to stay online while in St Kitts and Nevis, but they may not be cheap.
However, these methods may be more expensive than getting a SIM card from the local mobile 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.
Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for St Kitts and Nevis 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 mobile 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 St Kitts and Nevis.
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 St Kitts & Nevis
Getting a SIM card from Digicel would do you well when considering a St Kittitian and Nevisian 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:
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:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
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 & 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 & 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
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving 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!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!