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A guide to finding the best prepaid SIM card when traveling to Bermuda
Buy a local SIM card to reduce your phone bills.
Bermuda is not just fascinating because of the infamous triangle, it’s also a top tourist destination. Using your home phone network there can prove to be expensive, but the island has some good local SIM card deals available, deals that could reduce your bills. You can buy 1GB of data from Bermuda’s leading telco provider for BMD40 (US$40). Although this may sound expensive, it should work out cheaper than your current provider if you plan on staying for at least a few weeks. So, whether you’re planning a short trip or an island tour, check out the best SIM card options available on finder.com.
Telco providers in Bermuda
There are two main operators in Bermuda: CellOne and Digicel. Both operators go through a strict approval process before being allowed to operate on the island, and each competes with the other to offer the best deals. Their services have been tried and tested by both locals and travelers, and they can be trusted. According to OpenSignal’s coverage map, Bermuda has great network coverage across the entire island. CellOne appears to have the better signal out of the two providers.
About Bermuda’s operators
Roaming rates are good (compared to what your phone can offer abroad), and both operators sell prepaid credit, which allow users to take advantage of cheap offers and deals. Bermuda’s operators provide 2G, 3G and 4G services. The locals call their SIM cards “chips”, and they can be purchased and registered by showing your passport. Credit can be purchased from official stores, supermarkets and online by using your credit card. Below, we have broken down the two telco providers to highlight exactly what’s available during your visit to Bermuda.
CellOne
CellOne is the largest provider on the island. It offers 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from official stores and approved resellers, and credit can also be picked up from the same retailers. Your passport must be shown to the retailer before the SIM card is activated. SIM cards can be picked up for BMD20, which comes with BMD10 credit. Credit can be purchased in the form of credit vouchers that can be picked up from most stores across the island, or by using your credit card online. Top-ups can be added in amounts between BMD5 and BMD200. Dial *120# to check your balance.
The following options are available. Choosing a plan and dialing the code in the right-hand column below is the only way of purchasing data:
| 20MB | 24 hours | BMD2 | *777*11# |
| 500MB | 14 days | BMD15 | *777*12# |
| 1.5GB | 30 days | BMD45 | *777*13# |
| 5GB | 30 days | BMD99 | *777*4# |
There is also a social media pack available, which will allow unlimited 24-hour access to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for BMD2. Dial *777*14 to activate.
CellOne’s APN: web.c1.bm, and website: http://www.cellone.bm
Digicel Bermuda
Digicel is the only other provider in Bermuda and offers 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from official stores and approved resellers, and credit can also be picked up from the same retail outlets. Your passport must be shown to the retailer before the SIM card is handed over and activated. SIM cards can be bought for BMD20, and credit bonuses are available depending on the deals being offered at the time of purchase. Credit can be purchased in the form of credit vouchers that can be found in most stores across the island, or by using your credit card online. Top-ups can be added in varying amounts between BMD10 and BMD120. Dial *120# to check your balance.
The standard data rate is charged at BMD0.05 per MB. The following data packs can also be added:
| 300MB | 14 days | BMD10 |
| 600MB | 14 days | BMD20 |
| 1GB | 30 days | BMD40 |
| 5GB | 30 days | BMD99 |
Dial *100# and select the relevant plan.
The following “social plans” are available to supply unlimited social media:
- 7 days: BMD10
- 14 days: BMD20
- 30 days: BMD35
Digicel also offers a “Roam Like You’re Home” package that can be purchased for BMD20 and is valid for 10 days. This pack will allow you to use your SIM card while traveling in the USA, Canada and other Digicel Caribbean locations. Calls, SMS and data use will be charged at domestic rates. The standard data rate of BMD0.50 per MB will be charged on this package. Dial *153# to activate the plan.
Digicel’s APN: web.digicelbermuda.com
Website: http://www.digicelgroup.com/bm/en/mobile.html
Some top tips from finder.com staff:
- English is spoken throughout Bermuda.
- Bermudians call a SIM card a “SIM”, “card” or “chip”.
- Ask the retailers to set up the SIM for you, because they will know how to do it. If not, follow the instructions we have highlighted above or go to the official operator website to get advice.
- Get to the shops early to beat the crowds.
TripAdvisor tips for the best SIM cards and where to buy them
While it’s well known for reviews and booking hotels, flights and vacations, TripAdvisor also has many user comments that can help guide you through what SIM cards have been tried and tested in Bermuda.
Here are some top tips from TripAdvisor users:
“You won’t find much at the airport besides customs. Digicel has their main store in Hamilton and I know they have one in St. George’s called All Talk.”
“Cash from the ATM will be Bermuda dollars which are on par with the U.S. dollar. You will get change in a mixture of both. Obviously use the Bermudian bills and change first and you can ask, politely, for change in U.S. dollars if they have it.”
“One other thing to consider is adapters for phone chargers and laptop chargers. The electricity there is 120v 60hz, same as the US and Canada.”
Pros and cons of Bermuda’s top telco providers
Digicel and CellOne require you to have a SIM-unlocked, GSM-compatible international phone. To double check you have this phone, or whether it’s possible to unlock your device, contact your provider before you leave.
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Bermuda has good coverage
- Prepaid credit when required
- No in-store contract needed
- Could be compatible with your current phone
- Cheap handsets are sold in stores
- Digicel offers roaming in other territories
Cons:
- No devices offered with the SIM card packages
- Can only be used on SIM-unlocked GSM phones
- Roaming rates can sometimes be high depending on package
- Data speed can sometimes be slow
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