Prepaid Guadeloupe SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide
In this blog post, we’ll look at the best SIM cards for tourists in Guadeloupe, including prepaid physical SIM cards and eSIMs. We’ll cover the different mobile networks, data plans, prices, and where to buy them.
Are you planning a trip to Guadeloupe and want to stay connected? Getting a local SIM card is a smart way to avoid high roaming fees and keep in touch with friends, family, and the internet.
In this article
I. What are the Best Guadeloupe SIM cards for Tourists?
Note: 1 USD = 0.92 EUR
Guadeloupe has three mobile operators:
- Digicel Guadeloupe
- Orange Guadeloupe
- SFR Guadeloupe
1. Digicel Guadeloupe
Digicel has two data-featured prepaid plans: Offres Carte-Recharge Premium/Card Offers & Pass Extra Data.
Offres Carte-Recharge Premium/Card Offers
Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
2 EUR | 500 MB | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 1 day |
5 EUR | 1 GB | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 5 days |
10 EUR | 3 GB | 120 minutes | Unlimited | 10 days |
25 EUR | 10 GB | 180 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
Pass Extra Data
Price | Data | Validity |
5 EUR | 2 GB | Until plan expires |
2. Orange
Orange has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Les Recharges Max/Max Refills
- Les Recharges Classiques/Classic Refills
- Les Recharges Internet/Internet Refills
Les Recharges Max/Max Refills
Price | Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
10 EUR | 1 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 5 days |
15 EUR | 3 GB | Unlimited | 45 minutes | Unlimited | 10 days |
20 EUR | 5 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | Unlimited | 15 days |
Les Recharges Classiques/Classic Refills
Price | Credit | (Bonus) Data | Validity |
5 EUR | 5 EUR | 50 MB | 6 days |
10 EUR | 10 EUR | 200 MB | 15 days |
20 EUR | 20 EUR | 1 GB | 45 days |
30 EUR | 30 EUR | 5 GB | 50 days |
50 EUR | 50 EUR | 10 GB | 90 days |
Les Recharges Internet/Internet Refills
Price | Data | Validity |
3 EUR | 1 GB | 10 days |
5 EUR | 2 GB | 10 days |
15 EUR | 10 GB | 30 days |
50 EUR | 40 GB | 60 days |
3. SFR
Price | Data | Local/EU Minutes | International Minutes | Local/EU SMS | Validity |
5 EUR | 10 GB | 120 minutes | N/A | Unlimited | 1 month |
14.99 EUR | 30 GB | 240 minutes | N/A | Unlimited | 1 month |
24.99 EUR | 150 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
34.99 EUR | 250 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 |
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Guadeloupe for Tourists?
As a tourist, you have several options to get a SIM card or eSIM for your visit to Guadeloupe:
- Buy a SIM Card Online Before Your Trip
- Buy a SIM Card in the City
- Buy an eSIM
1. Buy a SIM Card Online Before Your Trip
Many Guadeloupe mobile operators let you order a prepaid SIM card online and have it delivered to your home before you travel. This way, you’ll have the SIM card ready as soon as you arrive in Guadeloupe.
2. Buy a SIM Card in the City
If you prefer to wait until you’re in the city, you can find prepaid SIM cards at various mobile operator stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets throughout Guadeloupe.
You can purchase a SIM Card at the Center Commercial Milenis mall near the Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP).
3. Buy an eSIM
You can usually purchase eSIMs online from the mobile operator’s website or through their app. The advantage of an eSIM is that you can activate it instantly on your compatible device without needing to change a physical SIM card.
Notes
Remember to have your passport or another form of ID with you when buying a SIM card or eSIM in Guadeloupe, as providers may ask for it for registration.
III. How Much is a Tourist Guadeloupe SIM Card?
You can buy a Guadeloupe SIM card for 10 EUR from Digicel, or for 15 EUR from Orange and SRF. You can find these SIM cards in their stores or from resellers.
Note: SIM cards are not available at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), but you can purchase them at the Center Commercial Milenis mall near the airport.
IV. What types of Guadeloupe SIM cards are available for tourists?
When it comes to SIM cards in Guadeloupe, tourists have two main choices: prepaid physical SIM cards and prepaid tourist eSIMs.
1. Prepaid Physical SIM Card in Guadeloupe
Prepaid SIM cards are the traditional option for tourists. These cards come in standard, micro, and nano sizes to fit different phone models. They offer voice, text, and data packages that you can easily top up as needed.
2. Prepaid Tourist Guadeloupe eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile data plan directly on your compatible smartphone without needing a physical card. Some Guadeloupe mobile operators provide prepaid eSIM options specifically for tourists.
Advantages of eSIMs:
- Convenience: You don’t need to change your SIM card, making it easy to switch between carriers.
- Instant Activation: You can activate the eSIM and start using data right after you purchase it.
- Compatibility: eSIMs work with many recent smartphones, including newer iPhones and Android devices.
► Recommendation:
Both prepaid physical SIM cards and eSIMs are great options for tourists in Guadeloupe. The best choice depends on your device’s compatibility and your personal preference.
V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Guadeloupe travel?
Yes, you should get an Guadeloupe SIM card for several reasons:
- Affordable Rates: Local SIM cards offer much cheaper data and call rates compared to the high costs of international roaming from your home carrier.
- Unlimited Data Packages: Many Guadeloupe SIM providers offer unlimited data plans, so you can browse the internet and stream content without worrying about data limits.
- Stay Connected: With a local SIM card, it’s easy to stay in touch with friends and family, share your travel experiences, and access important information during your trip.
- Reliable Coverage: Guadeloupe mobile networks have good coverage across the country, providing stable connections even in remote areas.
Overall, a Guadeloupe SIM card is cost-effective and offers flexible coverage wherever you go, without any surprises. You won’t have to search for WiFi hotspots or deal with expensive roaming fees. It’s much more convenient to stay connected and access maps or chat freely while exploring Guadeloupe. Prepaid SIM cards often start at just 10 euros, making them a great value.
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Guadeloupe?
When buying a prepaid SIM card in Guadeloupe, you’ll need to bring your passport. The store will make a copy of it, and your new Guadeloupe SIM card will be registered under your name and passport number. This registration process is free.
VII. Guadeloupe eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards
eSIMs are a convenient alternative to traditional SIM cards, offering several benefits for tourists in Guadeloupe :
- Instant Activation: You can activate eSIMs right after purchase, so you don’t have to wait for a physical SIM card to arrive.
- No SIM Card Swap: With an eSIM, you don’t need to remove or insert a SIM card, making it easier to switch between carriers or plans.
- Compatibility: eSIMs work with many recent smartphones, including newer iPhones and Android devices.
- Convenience: You can buy and manage your eSIM plan directly from your device, which means you don’t have to visit a store.
To use an eSIM in Guadeloupe, make sure your device supports eSIM technology.
When purchasing an eSIM, follow the provider’s instructions carefully to scan the QR code or enter the activation code correctly. This ensures the eSIM is installed and activated properly on your device.
eSIMs provide a modern and easy way to stay connected while traveling in Guadeloupe. You can also consider buying an eSIM from providers like Gigago, which offer:
- More options for data and validity
- Better prices
- A simpler purchasing process
- No need for identity documents
For Guadeloupe, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $7.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Guadeloupe eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $7.00 – $41.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Guadeloupe, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Guadeloupe?
The duration of a tourist SIM card in Guadeloupe can vary based on the carrier and the plan you choose. Here are some common options:
- Digicel: Digicel offers prepaid plans for tourists that are usually valid for 1, 5, 10, 30 days. These plans typically include data, local and international call minutes, and texts.
- Orange: Three provides prepaid SIM cards with plans that are often valid for 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 days. These plans usually come with data bundles, call minutes, and texts, and some include international call minutes.
- SFR: SFR offers prepaid SIM cards with plans that generally last for 30 days. These plans include data, local calls, and texts.
In summary, most tourist SIM cards in Guadeloupe are valid for about 5 to 30 days, depending on the carrier and plan you choose.
IX. How to activate a SIM card in Guadeloupe?
Once you’ve bought your prepaid SIM card or eSIM for Guadeloupe, here’s how to set it up and activate it:
1. Using Prepaid Guadeloupe Tourist SIM Cards
Step 1: Insert the SIM Card
If you have a physical SIM card, turn off your phone before removing the old SIM (if you have one) and insert the new Guadeloupe SIM card.
Step 2: Set Up the SIM Card
Turn your phone back on and follow the on-screen instructions to set up and activate the SIM card.
Step 3: Top Up and Activate Your Plan
Most prepaid SIM cards come with some credit already loaded. To activate your chosen data plan, you’ll need to add more credit.
Step 4: Manage Your Usage
After setting up your SIM card, you can use it for calls, texts, and mobile data. Keep track of your usage to avoid running out of data or credit unexpectedly.
2. Setting Up and Activating Guadeloupe eSIM
Step 1: Check Device Compatibility
Before buying an eSIM, make sure your phone supports eSIM technology. Most recent iPhones and Android devices do, but it’s good to double-check.
Step 2: Purchase and Activate the eSIM
You can buy an eSIM plan from the mobile operator’s website or an app. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code or enter the activation code to install the eSIM on your device.
Step 3: Configure the eSIM
After activating the eSIM, you may need to set it as your main SIM. Check your device manual or the operator’s instructions for help.
Step 4: Start Using the eSIM
Once the eSIM is active and set up, you can use it for calls, texts, and mobile data. Remember to monitor your usage and manage your account through the mobile operator’s app or website.
Note: Both prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs are easy ways to stay connected while traveling in Guadeloupe. Follow the setup steps carefully, and don't hesitate to contact customer support if you have questions or run into problems.
X. FAQs
Can I buy a SIM card in Guadeloupe as a tourist?
Yes, tourists can purchase SIM cards from various providers like Digicel, Orange and SFR.
Is my phone compatible with Guadeloupe’s networks?
Your phone needs to be unlocked and support GSM frequencies, which most modern smartphones do.
Can I use my EU SIM card in Guadeloupe?
Yes, EU SIM cards can roam in Guadeloupe without additional charges, as it is part of the EU.
What is the mobile internet speed like in Guadeloupe?
Mobile internet speeds can range between 10 Mbps and 25 Mbps, depending on the provider and location.
Having a local Guadeloupe SIM card or eSIM can make your trip more enjoyable. It helps you stay connected, find important information, and share your experiences with loved ones back home. By thinking about network coverage, data options, and costs, you can choose the best plan for your needs and budget.