Best Turks & Caicos SIM cards for Travelers

This guide will help you find the best Turks & Caicos SIM cards for your 2024 visit, making it easy and affordable to stay connected.

Turks & Caicos is a beautiful island with so much to see and experience. Having reliable internet access to map your way, look up information, and share your adventures is essential. Getting a Turks & Caicos SIM card for your phone is the best way to get affordable data and calls during your trip.

I. What are the Best Turks & Caicos SIM cards for Tourists?

You can buy a Turks and Caicos SIM card from Digicel or Flow as a tourist. There is nothing preventing travelers from buying a SIM card in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

1. Digicel

Price	Data	Social Data	On-Net Minutes	Off-Net Minutes	International Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
7.50 USD	23.5 GB	2 GB/app	Unlimited	20 minutes	N/A	N/A	1 day
27 USD	125 GB	12 GB/app	Unlimited	60 minutes	N/A	Unlimited	7 days
46 USD	308 GB	30 GB/app	Unlimited	300 minutes	45 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
72 USD	358 GB	35 GB/app	Unlimited	500 minutes	60 minutes	Unlimited	30 day

2. Flow

Price	Data	Social Data	On-Net Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
6 USD	1 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	25 SMS	1 day
14 USD	1.5 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	200 SMS	3 days
25 USD	4 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	350 SMS	7 days
40 USD	5 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	500 SMS	30 days

► Recommendation: If you’re looking for the best SIM card in the Turks and Caicos Islands, I suggest choosing Digicel. It offers the best coverage and fastest internet speeds. 

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Turks & Caicos for Tourists?

Here are three ways to buy a SIM card for your trip to Turks & Caicos:

• Get an eSIM Online Before You Leave

• Order a SIM Card Online Before You Leave

•  Buy a SIM Card in the City

1. Order a SIM Card Online Before You Leave

You can easily find online providers that sell SIM cards for Turks & Caicos. Just buy one and have it delivered to your home before your trip.

• Price: Generally affordable, though delivery may have a fee.

• Pros: Be ready with internet access before you arrive and choose a plan that suits you.

• Cons: You might have to wait for delivery, and there could be delays.

2. Buy a SIM Card in the City

Once you settle into your hotel, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at phone stores, convenience stores, or even gas stations. Use Google Maps to find the nearest seller in cities like Cockburn Town.

• Price: Cheaper than at airports.

• Pros: Better prices and a wider selection of plans.

• Cons: You’ll need to travel to the store.

3. Get an eSIM Online Before You Leave

If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can buy an eSIM plan online. You’ll receive a QR code via email within minutes. Just scan it to activate your eSIM, so you won’t need a physical card.

• Pros: Easy to set up before your trip, saving you time and shipping costs.

• Cons: Only works if your phone has eSIM capability.

III. How Much is a Tourist Turks & Caicos SIM Card?

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, you can buy a tourist SIM card for 10 USD from either Digicel or Flow . These SIM cards are available in their official stores, but not at the airports.

IV. What types of Turks & Caicos SIM cards are available for tourists?

There are two types of SIM cards available in Turks & Caicos: physical SIM cards and eSIMs.

Physical SIM Card

A physical SIM card is a small chip that you insert into your phone. It holds your mobile number, subscriber details, and network settings.

Pros:

• Affordable Plans : Turks & Caicos offers various plans to meet different needs, often at better rates than roaming.

• Wide Compatibility : Physical SIM cards work with many devices and are available from several service providers.

• Local Availability : You can easily buy a local SIM card while traveling for better rates and coverage.

Cons:

• Need for a Physical Card : You must keep the SIM card with you and insert it into your device, which can be inconvenient if you switch devices often.

• Risk of Loss or Damage : Physical cards can be lost, damaged, or stolen, which may result in losing your mobile number and connection.

eSIM (Embedded SIM)

An eSIM is a digital SIM that is built into your device.

Pros:

• Convenience : Since eSIMs are embedded, there’s no need to insert or remove a physical card.

• Flexibility : You can easily switch between different mobile service providers and activate multiple eSIM profiles on one device.

• Remote Activation : You can activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code or using a digital activation code, so you don’t need to visit a store.

Cons:

• Compatibility : Not all devices support eSIMs, so check if your device is compatible before choosing this option.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Turks & Caicos travel?

Yes, many public places in Turks & Caicos offer free WiFi, but it’s still a good idea to get a SIM card for reliable data on your phone.

Having a SIM card can help you order an Uber, get directions on Google Maps, and find hotels, supermarkets, or restaurants. It’s also important for emergency situations or checking your banking apps. Overall, a SIM card ensures you stay connected when you need it most.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Turks & Caicos? 

To buy a prepaid SIM card in Turks & Caicos, you need to bring your passport. The store will make a copy of it and register the SIM card under your name and passport number. You’ll receive a physical SIM card with a phone number that starts with +1 (649).

If you want to skip the registration process, you can order an international prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for Turks & Caicos online. When ordering online, you only need to provide your email address—no ID verification is required.

VII. Turks & Caicos eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

Turks & Caicos prepaid eSIMs have many advantages over other options like roaming, pocket WiFi, free WiFi, and physical SIM cards.

Convenience and Flexibility

• Prepaid eSIMs don’t require any physical installation or swapping of cards. With an eSIM, you can easily switch between different providers and plans with just a few taps on your phone, giving you great flexibility during your trip.

Cost-effectiveness

• Prepaid eSIMs often have competitive prices compared to roaming or buying physical SIM cards.

Easy Activation and Setup

• You can usually purchase and download the eSIM directly from the provider’s website.

One reputable provider is Gigago, which offers excellent prepaid eSIM options for travelers in Turks & Caicos. Here’s why Gigago stands out:

• Various Plan Options

• Reliable Network Coverage

• User-Friendly Experience

For Turks & Caicos, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Turks & Caicos eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Turks & Caicos, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Turks & Caicos? 

The duration of a tourist SIM card in Turks & Caicos can vary depending on the provider and plan you choose. Here are some common options:

• 7 Days : Great for short trips or a weekend-long vacation.

• 15 Days : Suitable for travelers staying for about two weeks.

• 30 Days : Ideal for those planning to stay for a month.

Be sure to check the details of the SIM card you are buying, as some plans may allow you to extend the validity or add more credit if needed. Additionally, some providers offer special packages for tourists that include data, call minutes, and text messages.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Turks & Caicos? 

Here’s a simple guide on how to activate prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs in Turks & Caicos.

1. Using Prepaid SIM Cards

• Purchase a SIM Card : Get a prepaid SIM card from a local mobile network provider or authorized retailers in Turks & Caicos.

• Check Your Phone : Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Turks & Caicos networks (usually GSM 900/1800 or 3G/4G/LTE).

• Insert the SIM : Place the SIM card into your phone’s SIM card slot.

• Activate the SIM : Follow the instructions from the provider to activate the SIM card and choose a prepaid plan that works for you.

• Top Up as Needed : Add credit to your SIM card when necessary to keep your service active.

• Enjoy : Use local calls, messaging, and data while exploring Turks & Caicos.

2. Setting Up an eSIM

• Check Compatibility : Make sure your phone supports eSIM functionality.

• Choose a Provider : Find a mobile network provider in Turks & Caicos that offers eSIM services, either by visiting their website or contacting them.

• Purchase and Activate : Follow the provider’s steps to buy and activate an eSIM plan.

• Set Up the eSIM : You may need to scan a QR code or enter an activation code to get your eSIM working.

• Enjoy the Convenience : Use your eSIM for calls, messaging, and data without needing a physical card.

X. FAQs

Getting a SIM card in Turks & Caicos is a great way to keep in touch during your trip. Whether you choose a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM, you can enjoy local calls, messaging, and data services without the high costs of roaming. Just make sure your phone is compatible, follow the activation steps, and pick a plan that meets your needs. With a Turks & Caicos SIM card, you can explore the country freely and share your experiences with friends and family. Happy travels!