Trinidad and Tobago – one of the oldest hydrocarbon producers in the world. It is also known for its carnivals.
The islands are also home to beautiful islands, such as Maracas Beach. If you are into bays, head to Englishmans Bay.
Like birds? The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is stunning.
Of course, you can also snorkel and scuba dive almost anywhere around the two islands.
Not into water-related activities? The National Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see. Let's not forget about the Siewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir Temple in the Sea.
Overall, there is no reason to be bored when in Trinidad and Tobago.
Whether you want to share your beach-life photos or remarkable pictures of bays online with your friends or family, you should know that international roaming can be expensive.
The best way to save a lot of money on phone usage is by using local SIM cards, like one from Trinidad and Tobago. That way, you can enjoy local rates.
Are SIM cards cheap in Trinidad and Tobago?
You can get a Digicel SIM card for 49 TTD (7.20 USD) or a Bmobile SIM card for between 50 TTD (7.40 USD) to 200 TTD (29.50 USD) in Digicel or Bmobile stores, respectively. You can get an unlimited data plan for as low as 20 TTD (3 USD).
Although the SIM card prices are standard, an unlimited data package for 3 USD is close to unheard of.
But of course, there are strings attached to such an offer. And there are many things you should know about SIM cards in Trinidad and Tobago.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Trinidad and Tobago. Let's do this.
Original publication: 21st of March 2020. Last updated: 25th of October 2021.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Trinidad and Tobago?
You can buy a Trinidadian and Tobagonian SIM card from Digicel or Bmobile as a tourist. There is nothing preventing travelers from buying a SIM card in Trinidad and Tobago.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations. Moreover, your phone has to support the frequencies used in Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a Trinidadian and Tobagonian SIM card.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Trinidad and Tobago?
You can get a Trinidadian and Tobagonian SIM card in the official stores of Digicel and Bmobile. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Piarco International Airport.
You can expect to pay the following for Trinidadian and Tobagonian SIM cards:
- Digicel Trinidad and Tobago: 49 TTD
- Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago: from 50 TTD to 200 TTD
The following operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago: 210 TTD, 225 TTD & 350 TTD
Can You Use Your Phone in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago use GSM for its 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.
Fortunately, there is a 99% chance you have a phone that supports GSM.
Trinidad and Tobago use traditional American frequencies, which are mainly used in the Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2).
Other parts of the world (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania – ITU Regions 1 & 3) use European frequencies, which are different from the American frequencies.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Trinidad and Tobago.
If you bought 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, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Trinidad and Tobago or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Trinidad and Tobago (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago have two mobile operators:
- Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
- Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago
The following frequencies are used in Trinidad and Tobago:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700/2100 MHz (Band 4 – AWS) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
- 5G NR: 2500 MHz (n41)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Trinidad and Tobago, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
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.
5G NR in Trinidad and Tobago
Commercial 5G NR is available in Trinidad and Tobago as of 2021. However, it is currently only used for mobile broadband for home use.
Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago launched 5G NR in late 2019. It is unknown when Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago and Digicel Trinidad and Tobago will get the proper licenses for mobile 5G NR use.
Best SIM Card in Trinidad and Tobago
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Trinidad and Tobago, I recommend going with Digicel. Its 4G/LTE coverage is almost nationwide, whereas Bmobile's 4G/LTE reception is limited. Moreover, Digicel has the fastest speeds. Do consider Bmobile for unlimited data plans at slower speeds.
SIM Card Registration in Trinidad and Tobago
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Trinidad and Tobago. It will be done at the point of purchase.
Trinidad and Tobago Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Mobile data used to be crazy expensive in the Caribbean. Nowadays, the average cost of data has gone down by a lot.
Trinidad and Tobago were somewhat exempt from this generalization. Its mobile data rates were reasonable.
So, how much does mobile data cost in Trinidad and Tobago?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Trinidad and Tobago is 1.90 USD, below the Caribbean average of 4.44 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
This places Trinidad and Tobago on spot 5 of the Caribbean nations with the lowest average cost for 1 GB of data.
So what about speeds? Do you get fast speeds for these low prices or slow speeds?
Trinidad and Tobago's average mobile download speed is around 38 Mbps.
Those speeds are not bad at all! Sure, the average is slightly below the global average, but only 47 countries have average download speeds above the worldwide average.
Currently, the only Caribbean country with a faster average download speed than Trinidad and Tobago is Jamaica (40 Mbps). Suriname (38 Mbps) is closely following Trinidad and Tobago.
Mobile reception and speeds are much better and faster on Trinidad than on Tobago – that is something to be aware of.
Overall, you should have a smooth network experience in Trinidad and Tobago.
Currency in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago use the Trinidad & Tobago Dollar with the symbol TTD (which will be used throughout this guide). However, prices are often listed as just TT, $, or TT$. For example, 25 TTD = $/TT/TT$25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between TTD and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 TTD = 0.15 USD
- 10 TTD = 1.45 USD
- 100 TTD = 14.75 USD
- 1000 TTD = 147.25 USD
For up-to-date TTD:USD exchange rates, search TTD to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
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!
Trinidadian and Tobagonian Prepaid SIM Cards (Videos)
Below, I will guide you through Digicel Trinidad and Tobago & Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago, 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 Trinidad and Tobago have to offer to us.
Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
Digicel Trinidad and Tobago, just Digicel, is the largest mobile operator in Trinidad and Tobago. It entered the Turks and Caicos market to disrupt Bmobile's monopoly. Since then, Digicel has managed to become the larger player, also because it is the fastest mobile operator in the country. It won the Fastest Mobile Network Awards three years in a row (2018, 2019 & 2020)
Digicel as a company is active in many other Caribbean nations, Central America, and Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 Mhz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 17), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
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 Trinidad and Tobago
Digicel has the best coverage in Trinidad and Tobago.
It even won the Trinidad and Tobago Speedtest Best Mobile Coverage Award of 2020.
Below is Digicel's general and 4G availability:
Below is Digicel's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
You can buy a Digicel SIM card for 49 TTD in Digicel stores and authorized dealers. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Piarco International Airport.
Digicel used to sell tourist SIM cards for 202.50 TTD or 30 USD, which was valid for 30 days. It contained 3 GB of data, unlimited WhatsApp messaging, and 200 anywhere minutes.
This SIM card, or plan, was available at Piarco International Airport and select in Digicel stores. It looks like they discontinued this product somewhere in 2020.
However, Digicel has discontinued this offer multiple times, only to reintroduce it later – this may happen again soon.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
Digicel top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores and authorized dealers and many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores.
Each top-up extends your validity by 120 days.
To top up your Digicel SIM card, dial *121*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121*123465#.
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 *323# 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 Trinidad and Tobago
Digicel has three data-featured plans:
- Prime Bundles (combo)
- Freedom Bundles (combo)
- Data Add-Ons (data add-ons)
All Digicel plans can be activated by dialing *323#.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Prime Bundles – Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
Digicel has the new Prime Bundles, which are bundles with data, data for select Digicel apps, minutes, and SMS.
The following Prime Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *323#:
| 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 | Store More Data | Anywhere Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 TTD | 1 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 20 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes/day (30 min) | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 50 TTD | 3 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 30 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes/day (90 min) | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 125 TTD | 10 Day Digicel Prime Bundle | 14 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 119 TTD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle 199 | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | 150 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 249 TTD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle 249 | 25 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | 30 GB | Unlimited | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 299 TTD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle 299 | 50 GB | 40 GB | 40 GB | 40 GB | 40 GB | 40 GB | 40 GB | 40 GB | Unlimited | 300 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 349 TTD | 30 Day Digicel Prime Bundle 349 | 100 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB | Unlimited | 400 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
You also get unlimited Do More data, which is for the MyDigicel App
Below is a list to download pages of the Prime Bundle Apps:
- 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
Anywhere Minutes are minutes for:
- local use (both Digicel, Flow (landline) and Bmobile numbers)
- calls to mobile and landline numbers in Canada and the United States
- calls to landline numbers in the United Kingdom
- calls to Digicel Caribbean
Digicel Caribbean includes:
Prime Bundles auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *323#.
Freedom Bundles – Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
The Freedom Bundles are combo bundles with data, minutes, and SMS.
The following Freedom Bundles are available, which you can activate by dialing *323#:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Anywhere Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 TTD | 1 Day Bundle | 10 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 99 TTD | 10 Day Bundle | 7 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 10 days |
Data Add-Ons – Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
The data add-ons are add-ons that can be activated with an active data-featured plan. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
You have the following Data Add-Ons, which can be purchased by dialing *323#:
| Price | Data |
|---|---|
| 25 TTD | 1 GB |
| 50 TTD | 3 GB |
| 75 TTD | 5 GB |
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Trinidad and Tobago
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digiceltt.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago
Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago, just Bmobile and not to be confused with Bmobile in Papua New Guinea, is the other mobile operator in Trinidad and Tobago. It used to be the sole mobile operator until Digicel entered the scene. Since then, it lost its number 1 spot.
Bmobile uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
- 5G NR: 2500 MHz (n41 – for mobile broadband only)
This is what you will learn about Bmobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Bmobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago
Bmobile has extensive coverage throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
However, its 4G/LTE coverage is extremely limited compared to Digicel's
Below is Bmobile's general and 4G availability:
Below is Bmobile's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago
You can buy a Bmobile SIM card for between 50 TTD and 200 TTD, depending on the starter plan you choose, in Bmobile stores and from authorized dealers. It is also possible to get a SIM card at Piarco International Airport.
The following starter plans are available:
- 50 TTD with 25 TTD in credit
- 75 TTD with 75 TTD in credit
- 100 TTD with 150 TTD in credit
- 200 TTD with 300 TTD in credit
Short-term travelers can also take advantage of the Bmobile Tourist SIM cards. they feature data, minutes (local & international) and SMS (local & international). They are available in the Bmobile Duty-Free store, Bmobile Hilton, and select channel partners and hotels.
The following Bmobile Tourist SIM cards are available:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes 1 | Local/International SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 210 TTD | 10 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 14 days |
| 225 TTD | 10 GB | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 50 international minutes* | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 350 TTD | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 to Canada, the Caribbean, United Kingdom, and United States
Once the plan has expired, it is not possible to renew it. Instead, regular plans can be purchased. However, this has to be done within 7 days of the Tourist SIM plan expiring.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago
Bmobile top-up vouchers are sold in Bmobile stores, authorized dealers, and many other stores, including grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.
The following top-up options are available:
- 10 TTD
- 15 TTD
- 20 TTD
- 25 TTD
- 30 TTD
- 40 TTD
- 50 TTD
- 60 TTD
- 75 TTD
- 100 TDD
- 200 TTD
To top up your Bmobile SIM card, dial *135#VoucherCode# or *123# and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *135#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 Bmobile balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the My Bmobile app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago
Bmobile has one type of data-featured plan, which is the Prepaid Plans. They include data and minutes.
You can activate Prepaid Plans by dialing *123#:
| Price | Data | Roaming Data 3 | Social Data 1 | Local/International Minutes 2 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 TTD | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 1 day |
| 40 TTD | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 75 minutes | 3 days |
| 99 TTD | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 175 minutes | 7 days |
| 215 TTD | 25 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 30 days |
| 349 TTD | Unlimited | 3 GB | Unlimited | 400 minutes | 30 days |
1 Facebook & WhatsApp
2 Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, United Kingdom & United States
3 Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, United Kingdom, United States, and Turks & Caicos
Do note that Bmobile has a Fair Use Policy for its unlimited data and unlimited call allowances. The Fair Use limit is not set in stone. Instead, you need to be aware of the following:
“On the rare occasion that a customer far exceeds the average use of 99% of our customers, bmobile, at its discretion, may notify the Customer that they are using excessive amounts of services, may prompt an investigation to ensure policy violations are not occurring, or have their access temporarily reduced or suspended until it ascertains whether the customer is using services properly.”
Moreover, video, audio, and game streaming are limited to 512 Kbps.
However, you can circumvent this speed restriction with a VPN.
APN/Internet Settings – Bmobile Trinidad and Tobago
- Name: bmobile
- APN: bmobile
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Trinidad and Tobago
I would highly encourage anyone visiting Trinidad and Tobago to get themselves a Trinidadian and Tobagonian SIM card – you will be saving a lot of money when you do so.
However, for some, getting a Trinidadian and Tobagonian SIM card is not an option. For example, your device may be SIM-locked, meaning that you cannot use any other SIM card than the SIM card provided by your operator.
There are other ways to stay online while in Trinidad and Tobago, 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 Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidad and Tobago.
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 Trinidad and Tobago
Getting a SIM card from Digicel would do you well when considering a Trinidadian and Tobagonian 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:
- 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:
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