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 Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has 2 telecom providers: Digicel St. Lucia and Flow St. Lucia. Both providers have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks.
Best SIM Card Saint Lucia
If you want to buy a SIM card in Saint Lucia, I would recommend going with either Digicel or Flow. Both operators have great coverage throughout the country. However, Flow is faster with the introduction of LTE-A, reaching speeds up to 200 Mbps, while Digicel offers speeds up to 100 Mbps.
SIM Card Registration Saint Lucia
Like most countries in the Caribbean, you have to show your passport when buying a SIM card in Saint Lucia.
Currency in Saint Lucia
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).
Digicel St. Lucia
Digicel St. Lucia
, just Digicel, is the more popular operator in Saint Lucia. They entered Saint Lucia in 2003 when Flow used to have a monopoly in Saint Lucia. Since then, Digicel has managed to get a market share of more than 70%, while Flow lost popularity.
Digicel SIM cards can be bought for 25 XCD in Digicel stores. You can buy top-up vouchers in various places around the island, but you can also top-up online with a credit card. To check your Digicel credit balance, you have to dial *120#, or you can use the My Digicel App.
Digicel has several Freedom Plus Bundles, which are their combo plans:
- 6 XCD: 1 GB and 50 on-net minutes for 1 day
- 13 XCD: 1 GB and 250 on-net minutes for 3 days
- 20 XCD: 1.5 GB and 300 on-net minutes for 5 days
- 26.50 XCD: 3 GB and 250 local minutes for 7 days
- 95 XCD: 10 GB and 1000 local minutes for 30 days
You can activate a Digicel Freedom Plus Bundle online, by dialing *140# and selecting option 2, or on the My Digicel App. All Prepaid Freedom Plus Bundles auto-renew if there is enough credit. Unused data and minutes roll-over if the auto-renewal is successful. To check your data and call balance, dial *140# and select option 6 or on the My Digicel App.
Flow St. Lucia
Flow St. Lucia, just Flow, is the incumbent provider in Saint Lucia. Since Digicel entered Saint Lucia, Flow has lost its monopoly and popularity. However, that does not make Flow bad. As of 2019, they offer LTE-A, which can reach speeds up to 200 Mbps.
Flow offers its SIM cards for free in Flow stores as long as you top-up or activate a plan in the store. After that, you can buy top-up vouchers across the island in supermarkets and gas stations from 5 XCD to 200 XCD or online with a credit card. To check your balance, dial *120# or use the Flow app.
The following Flow prepaid bundles are available, which all come with unlimited social messaging (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat):
- 5.50 XCD: 1 GB, 25 minutes, and 25 SMS for 1 day. Activation: dial *244*0#
- 12 XCD: 1 GB, 200 minutes, and 200 SMS for 3 days. Activation: dial *244*1#
- 25 XCD: 3 GB, 350 minutes, and 350 SMS for 7 days. Activation: dial *244*2#
- 95 XCD: 10 GB, 1000 minutes, and 1000 SMS for 30 days. Activation: dial *244*3#
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Saint Lucia
I would highly encourage anyone visiting Saint Lucia to get themselves a Saint Lucian SIM card – you will be saving a lot of money when you do so.
However, for some, getting a Saint Lucian 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 Saint Lucia, 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 Saint Lucia 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 Saint Lucia.
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 Saint Lucia
Getting a SIM card from either Digicel or Flow would do you well when considering a Saint Lucian 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!
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!
Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and repin some pins!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!
