Buy a local SIM card to reduce your phone bills.
Grenada is popular with tourists who want to explore the Caribbean islands. However, using your phone there can prove to be expensive, so keep costs down by switching to a local SIM card. Take advantage of better plans, deals and tariffs to reduce your phone bills. Grenada has several prepaid SIM deals for travellers, and offers that could cut costs. You can buy 1GB of data from the leading telco provider for as little as XCD27 (about AUD$13). So, whether you’re planning a quick break or just going for a longer, more relaxing time, check out the best SIM card options.
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Telco providers in Grenada
Grenada has two main phone operators: Digicel and Flow. Both operators have been tried and tested by locals and international travellers, so they can be trusted. Passports must be shown to purchase SIM cards. According to OpenSignal’s country map, network coverage is extremely strong around the shoreline and Dunfermline, St. George’s and Mome Rouge, but as you head inland, it becomes much weaker.
About telco providers in Grenada
Grenadan providers offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services. Prepaid SIM cards are available from official stores, approved resellers and select supermarkets. There are several plans available that include data and reasonably priced international calls, and they are probably cheaper than your home phone network charges. Credit can be purchased from almost anywhere across the island, and online activation is also available. Below, we have listed the two providers in Grenada and the best deals they offer.
About Digicel
Digicel is Grenada’s market leader and offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services. The 4G service is a repackaged 3G-plus platform, but it’s still very good. SIM cards can be purchased for XCD20 in official stores or approved resellers. Passports must be shown for purchase. Credit can be purchased at the same outlets, online or at supermarkets across the island. The “CreditU” service is also available, which allows you to top up one number from another. Dial *128* and enter your number and credit amount to top up. Dial *120# to check your balance.
The standard data rate is XCD0.30 per MB, but the following data plans can be added:
| 75MB | Valid for 1 day | XCD3 |
| 120MB | Valid for 1 day | XCD3.50 |
| 300MB | Valid for 3 days | XCD9 |
| 600MB | Valid for 7 days | XCD17 |
| 1GB | Valid for 7 days | XCD26 |
| 500MB | Valid for 30 days | XCD40 |
| 1GB | Valid for 30 days | XCD45 |
| 3GB | Valid for 30 days | XCD80 |
| 5GB | Valid for 30 days | XCD120 |
Dial *140# and follow the instructions to activate a plan.
Digicel’s “Roam Like You're Home” plan is pretty good and can be purchased for XCD27, valid for 7 days. This SIM card will allow you to use the service at the same rates in any other Digicel region: the Caribbean, Canada or the USA. Dial *153# to activate and confirm by dialling *153*1#. The standard data rate is charged at XCD0.30 per MB while roaming.
Digicel’s APN: web.digicelgrenada.com, and website: https://www.digicelgroup.com/gd/en/mobile.html
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About Flow
Flow is the only other provider on the island, but it offers fantastic prices and good promotions. Check stores at the time of purchase for the latest deals because there are updates from time to time. Flow offers 2G, 3G and 4G networks, but the 4G service is a repackaged 3G-plus network.
SIM cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers for XCD25. Your passport must be shown before the SIM card can be activated by the store assistant. Credit can be purchased from XCD5 to XCD200 at official stores, supermarkets, petrol stations and online by using your credit card. All top-up amounts are valid for 90 days. Dial *3733 to check your balance.
The standard data rate outside of any plan is XCD1 per MB. The following data add-ons can also be purchased:
| 60MB | Valid for 1 day | XCD2.70 | *146*60# to activate |
| 120MB | Valid for 1 day | XCD3.69 | *146*120# to activate |
| 300MB | Valid for 3 days | XCD11.99 | *146*300# to activate |
| 500MB | Valid for 7 days | XCD16.99 | *146*507# to activate |
| 1GB | Valid for 7 days | XCD27.00 | *146*1007# to activate |
| 500MB | Valid for 14 days | XCD29.99 | *146*514# to activate |
| 1GB | Valid for 14 days | XCD38.99 | *146*1014# to activate |
| 1GB | Valid for 30 days | XCD45.99 | *146*1000# to activate |
| 3GB | Valid for 30 days | XCD79.99 | *146*3000# to activate |
| 5GB | Valid for 30 days | XCD119.99 | *146*5000# to activate |
Flow "Travel Passes” are also available to allow roaming in the US, Canada, Suriname, Bermuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama and the Bahamas:
- 100MB: 7 days – XCD26.99
- 250MB: 30 days – XCD64.99
- 500MB: 30 days – XCD129.99
Flow’s APN: ppinternet, and website: http://discoverflow.co/grenada
Some top tips from finder.com.au staff:
- Locals call a SIM card a “card” or “SIM”.
- Ask the retailers to set up the SIM card for you. They are official sellers and will be happy to help.
- Try and get to the stores early to beat the crowds.
Pros and cons of Grenada telco providers
Both operators require you to have a SIM-unlocked, GSM-compatible international phone. To double check you have this option, or whether it’s possible to unlock your device, contact your provider before you set off on your travels.
Pros:
- Prepaid credit when required
- No in-store contract needed
- Could be compatible with your current phone
Cons:
- No phone devices offered with the SIM card packages
- Can only be used on SIM-unlocked GSM phones
- Signal weakens the farther inland you head
TripAdvisor tips for the best SIM cards and where to buy them
While it’s well known for reviews, booking hotels, flights and holidays, TripAdvisor also has many user comments that can help guide you through the SIM cards that have been tried and tested in Grenada.
Here are some top tips from TripAdvisor users:
“There is a Digicel store at Le Marquis shopping center in the Grand Anse area. The store is located across from Gibson's. That's where I get my SIM card. They are open late.”
“Lots of local shops sell the Digicel SIM cards - check the gift shops at the airport (street-side) they may also sell them.”
“You could also consider purchasing one of the cheaper phones from a local Grenada supplier. We purchased in Bequia last year and found it to be reasonably cheap and hassle free. You can be sure the phone will work. Bringing one from home sounds good, but what if it doesn't work?”
An important question
Q: What do I do if I lose my phone?
A: Your phone is your lifeline, especially when travelling around the Caribbean. Make sure you keep it safe and always make a note of where it is. The importance of having a direct link to family and friends via social media or through phone services can never be underestimated. If you do lose your phone, then retrace your steps and ask around. If you still have no luck, then cancel any plans or payment methods associated with the phone, report it missing and make a note of the crime number to claim on insurance. Finally, find a cheap replacement to keep in touch with the outside world, and don’t let this one out of your sight!
