Prepaid Bahamas SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

The best packages, where to buy them, and how to buy them are all covered in this travel guide on prepaid Bahamas SIM cards.

This guide is your complete resource for getting the best Bahamas SIM cards. Find out where to purchase them, how much they cost, and which options are ideal for tourists. Whether you’re exploring eSIM benefits or looking for activation tips, we’ve got everything you need. Jump in and make sure your island experience is smooth and connected from day one!

I. What are the Best Bahamas SIM cards for Tourists?

When traveling to the Bahamas, the best SIM card options for tourists are BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company) and aliv (by NewCo). Below is the breakdown of each option in detail.

1. BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company) SIM cards

BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company) is a top mobile network provider in the Bahamas, known for its dependable coverage throughout the islands. It is a favored option for visitors alike. BTC offers a variety of prepaid SIM card plans tailored for tourists.

Prepaid Combo Plans provide a combination of data, social media access, local and international minutes, and SMS.

Combo Plans (Data + Calls + SMS)

Plan	Duration	Data	Bonus Data	Calls & SMS	International Minutes	Price ($)
2GB Plan	1 day	2GB	1GB WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger, 500MB YouTube	Unlimited BTC to BTC	100 min	$5.00
1GB Plan	7 days	1GB	1GB WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger, 500MB YouTube	Unlimited BTC to BTC & ALIV	60 min	$8.00
3GB Plan	7 days	3GB	3GB TikTok, 3GB WhatsApp & Messenger, 500MB YouTube	Unlimited BTC to anywhere, Unlimited US & Canada	–	$15.00
4GB Plan	10 days	4GB	3GB TikTok, 3GB WhatsApp & Messenger, 500MB YouTube	Unlimited BTC to BTC & ALIV	Yes	$20.00
6GB Plan	30 days	6GB	7GB WhatsApp & Messenger, 3GB TikTok, 500MB YouTube	Unlimited BTC to BTC & ALIV	Yes	$39.00

Data-Only Plans are for users primarily interested in data without call or text services.

Plan	Duration	Data	Roll Over Data	Price ($)
3.5GB Data	10 days	3.5GB	Yes	$11.00
3.5GB Data	30 days	3.5GB	Yes	$18.00
7GB Data	30 days	7GB	Yes	$32.00

2. aliv (by NewCo) SIM cards

Aliv (by NewCo) offers SIM cards in the Bahamas with a variety of prepaid plans tailored for tourists. Known for providing reliable coverage across the islands, Aliv’s SIM cards offer flexible options, including data, talk, and text services.

Here is a summary of ALIV Bahamas’ prepaid mobile plans based on the image you provided:

Plan	Duration	Data	Bonus Data	Minutes	Calls to US/Canada	Texts	Texts to US/Canada	MMS	Cost ($)
Freedom 5	1 day	2GB	Unlimited WhatsApp messaging	30	30	30	30	0	$5
Freedom 8	7 days	1GB	Unlimited WhatsApp messaging	Unlimited	50	Unlimited	50	15	$8
Freedom 15	7 days	3GB	Unlimited WhatsApp messaging	Unlimited	100	Unlimited	100	20	$15
Freedom 45	7 days	Unlimited*	5GB WhatsApp full	Unlimited	900	Unlimited	900	30	$45
Liberty 40	30 days	5GB	Unlimited WhatsApp messaging	Unlimited	330	Unlimited	Unlimited	40	$40
Liberty 70	30 days	14GB	Unlimited WhatsApp messaging	Unlimited	600	Unlimited	Unlimited	60	$70
Liberty 120	30 days	Unlimited*	5GB WhatsApp full	Unlimited	900	Unlimited	Unlimited	80	$120

Note: If your phone supports eSIM, it’s the best option for convenience. No need to swap out your physical SIM, and on devices like the iPhone 14 Pro, you can use multiple carriers at once. eSIM also lets you keep multiple lines, making it ideal for travel. Plus, it saves time and effort—just activate online and stay connected instantly.

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in the Bahamas for Tourists?

Tourists can select to get Bahamas SIM cards in these three ways:

• Buy online
• Upon arrival at Bahamas airports
• In the city center

1. Buy Bahamas SIM Card Online 

It is convenient to buy Bahamas SIM cards in advance. You can purchase a SIM plan from home with reputable suppliers like Gigago. You can choose the one that best suits your requirements and the length of your Bahamas trip. They will email you a code. The Bahamas eSIM will be available quickly if you use your smartphone to scan that code. Once you arrive, you will have rapid access to the Internet. 

Pros: you may use the Internet right away after arrival, giving you time to research your alternatives and select the best Bahamas plan.

Cons: requires an eSIM-compatible device

Suitable for: those who want to avoid any delays and stay connected from the moment they land.

2. Buy SIM card at Bahamas airports

At Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, SIM cards are available for purchase. After clearing customs, you can find SIM card options from providers such as Aliv and BTC in the airport’s departure hall. 

Pros:

• Get connected immediately after arrival.
• Purchase directly from mobile operators.

Cons:

• Airport rates may be more expensive than city stores.
• Passport needed, and in some cases, a photo may be taken.

Suitable for: Travelers needing instant connectivity and those who prefer buying from an official provider despite a higher cost.

3. Buy SIM Card in Bahamas City

SIM cards are widely available at Aliv and BTC retail stores, shopping malls, convenience stores, and some supermarkets.

Pros: 

• Greater flexibility in choosing data packages.
• Generally cheaper than airport SIM cards.

Cons: 

• Requires finding a store and completing registration.
• Same ID verification process as the airport.

Suitable for: Travelers staying longer in the Bahamas who want better deals and don’t need immediate connectivity.

Here are some places you can search on Google Maps:

• BTC: G6VX+H4F, Main St, Spanish Wells, Bahamas
• Aliv Cable Beach: Atlantic Dr, Nassau, Bahamas

III. How Much is a Tourist Bahamas SIM Card? 

Depending on the network and data plan you select, a Bahamas SIM card usually costs $5 to $120 USD. For instance, more extensive plans with 5GB to 10GB of data can cost $20 to $30, while basic plans with 1GB to 3GB of data often start at about $10. Depending on the supplier (such as Aliv or BTC), the cost may change, and there might be extra fees for texting or calling.

IV. What types of Bahamas SIM cards are available for tourists? 

For tourists, 3 types of Bahamas SIM cards are available, offering various options based on your needs:

• Prepaid SIM card
• Data-Only SIM Cards
• eSIM 

Feature	Prepaid SIM card	Data-Only SIM Cards	eSIM
Convenience	Easy to buy and activate in many places (convenience stores, airports, etc.)Flexible top-up options (scratch cards, apps, etc.)	Focuses on data only, no need to worry about calls/SMS. Convenient for data-only devices (tablets, 4G routers)Data can be shared with multiple devices	No physical SIM card needed, received and activated onlineEasy to switch between carriers and plansConvenient when traveling, no need to change physical SIMs
Compatibility	Most phones are compatibleMultiple SIM sizes available (Nano, Micro, Mini)	Requires a device with a SIM card slot or eSIM support (if using a data eSIM)	Requires a device with eSIM support (phones, tablets, smartwatches)
How to use	Insert SIM into phoneTop up to useMake calls, send texts, access the internet	Insert SIM into deviceActivate data planAccess the internet	Scan QR code or enter provided information to installChoose a plan and use
Price	SIMs are usually cheap, from a few dollarsPlan prices depend on the carrier and data allowance	Data SIMs can be cheaper than regular SIMs if only data is neededPlan prices are competitive, with more offers	eSIMs don’t have physical SIM costsPlan prices are comparable to or better than regular SIMs

You can configure data packages directly on your smartphone rather than fumbling with a little plastic SIM card. With eSIMs’ data-only options, you can use applications to call and message friends and family. This enables guests to communicate without incurring additional costs for phone calls or SMS. 

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Bahamas travel? 

Yes, you should buy a SIM card when traveling to the Bahamas. Here are some reasons:

• Cost-effective: International roaming can be very expensive. A local SIM card helps you avoid these fees.
• Convenient: Easily contact family and friends, book transportation, find directions, look up travel information, etc.
• Reliable connection: Local SIM cards usually have better connectivity than international roaming.

eSIMs are a great option for convenience and security. You can install an eSIM before arriving in the Bahamas and use it immediately upon landing

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Bahamas? 

When buying a SIM card in the Bahamas, you will need to present your passport and have an unlocked phone. Payment can usually be made via cash (USD) or credit/debit card.

To avoid the registration and verification procedures, tourists may want to consider purchasing an eSIM if their phone supports it. This way, you can activate a mobile plan online without needing to show your passport or go through the registration process.

VII. Bahamas eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

While traditional SIM cards have been the famous option for years, eSIM is now a superior alternative for tourists. With convenience, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, you definitely should choose a Bahamas eSIM over a traditional Bahamas SIM card. You don’t need to visit a store or wait in line to buy a physical SIM card.

Gigago stands out as a trusted Bahamas eSIM provider. Starting at just $10.50 for 7 days, Gigago Bahamas eSIM includes 1GB of data, perfect for light users who need basic connectivity for maps, messaging, and social media. For heavier data users, Gigago offers a range of plans to suit your needs, with prices between $10.50 – $51.50 .

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in the Bahamas?

Tourist SIM cards in the Bahamas are designed to cater to short-term visitors and usually come with validity periods ranging from 7 days to 1 month, depending on the plan you select. Most providers offer options such as 7-day, 14-day (2 weeks), or 30-day (1 month) plans, which include varying amounts of data, calls, and texts. It’s important to check the specific terms and conditions of the SIM card provider.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Bahamas

Here are some steps to activate a SIM card in the Bahamas:

1. Using Prepaid Bahamas tourist SIM Cards

To activate a prepaid tourist SIM card in the Bahamas:

• Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone.
• Follow the instructions provided with the SIM card or contact the carrier’s customer support if needed.
• Dial the activation number (typically included in the SIM card packaging) or visit the carrier’s store.
• Provide your passport for registration if required.

2. Setting up and activating Bahamas eSIM:

To activate an eSIM in the Bahamas:

• Ensure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
• Buy an eSIM plan online from a carrier or third-party provider before your trip.
• Scan the QR code sent by your eSIM provider or manually enter the activation details.
• Activate the eSIM by following the instructions on your phone (usually under the cellular settings).

With eSIM, there’s no need for physical SIM cards or the typical registration process, making it a convenient choice for travelers.

X. FAQs about Bahamas SIM card

XI. Conclusion 

In conclusion, a prepaid Bahamas SIM card offers tourists a cost-effective and convenient way to stay connected. By considering coverage, cost, and data needs, travelers can choose the best option and enjoy seamless communication throughout their trip.