This guide is being updated. Information may be missing or out of place in the meantime. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Table of Contents
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Montserrat
Montserrat has 2 telecom providers: Flow Montserrat and Digicel Montserrat. Both operators have 2G and 3G networks. Digicel also has a 4G/LTE network.
Best SIM Card Montserrat
If you want to buy a SIM card in Montserrat, I would recommend going with Flow. Even they do not offer 4G/LTE like Digicel, Flow has much better coverage throughout Montserrat than Digicel.
SIM Card Registration Montserrat
Like most countries in the Caribbean, you have to show your passport when buying a SIM card in Montserrat.
Currency in Montserrat
The East Caribbean Dollar, XCD, is pegged 2.70:1 to the US Dollar, meaning that 2:70 XCD is 1 USD (or 1 XCD is $0.37).
Flow Montserrat
Flow Montserrat, just Flow, is the original operator in Montserrat. Before Digicel entered the Montserratian market, Flow held a monopoly on the island nation. Since then, it has lost some of their market share, but Flow is still the most popular operator on the island and has the best coverage as well, which is why I recommend them.
Flow SIM cards are sold for 25 XCD in the Flow store on Sweeneys Road. Top-up vouchers are sold from 5 XCD to 200 XCD in various stores like supermarkets and gas stations, but you can also top-up online with a credit card. To check your Flow balance, dial *120# or use the Flow app.
Flow has several Always On Prepaid Plans, which are their combo plans that come with unlimited social messaging – also referred to as SWIFT apps (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter):
- 5 XCD: 1 GB, 25 minutes, and 25 SMS for 1 day. Activation: dial *244*0#
- 16 XCD: 1 GB, 200 minutes, and 200 SMS for 3 days. Activation: dial *244*1#
- 35 XCD: 3 GB, 350 minutes, and 350 SMS for 7 days. Activation: dial *244*2#
- 120 XCD: 10 GB, 1000 minutes, and 1000 SMS for 30 days. Activation: dial *244*3#
These Flow Always On Prepaid Plans auto-renew if there is enough credit. If the auto-renewal is successful, then unused data will roll-over to the new period.
Digicel Montserrat
Digicel Montserrat, just Digicel, entered the Montserratian market to compete with Flow. Digicel has entered almost all Caribbean markets where Flow held a monopoly since 2000.
Unlike Flow, Digicel does have a 4G/LTE network. However, Digicel’s overall coverage lacks behind the one of Flow.
You can buy a Digicel SIM card for 20 XCD in their store in Brades (#7 Farara Plaza). Digicel reload cards are sold in many stores across the island, but you can also top-up online with a credit card. To check your Digicel balance, dial *120#.
Digicel has several Quick Pick Bundles, which are their combo plans:
- 5 XCD: 100 MB, 10 minutes, and unlimited local SMS for 1 day
- 25 XCD: 1 GB, 70 minutes, and unlimited local SMS for 7 days
- 90 XCD: 4 GB, 200 minutes, and unlimited on-net SMS for 30 days
You can activate a Digicel Quick Pick Bundle online or on the My Digicel App. All Quick Pick Bundles auto-renew if there is enough credit. Unused data will roll-over to the new period, as long as the auto-renewal is successful.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Montserrat
I would highly encourage anyone visiting Montserrat to get themselves a Montserratian SIM card – you will be saving a lot of money when you do so.
However, for some, getting a Montserratian SIM card is not an option. For example, your device may be SIM-locked, meaning that you cannot use any SIM card other than the SIM card provided by your operator.
There are other ways to stay online while in Montserrat, but they may not be cheap.
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 Montserrat 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 Montserrat.
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 Montserrat
Getting a SIM card from Flow would do you well when considering a Montserratian 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
- 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!
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Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!
