Digicel is one of Jamaica’s top mobile network operators, providing connectivity to millions of users across the country. As a tourist visiting Jamaica, getting Digicel SIM cards and eSIM for your smartphone is crucial to stay connected on the go.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using Digicel while traveling in Jamaica – from network coverage and speeds to SIM card options, activation, call rates, and more.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Digicel
Digicel’s services are designed for both individuals and businesses. They offer a range of mobile solutions, including voice, data, and messaging services, to meet the needs of individual users. Here are some key information about Digicel.
- Founded in April 2001.
- The largest mobile network operator in Jamaica and the Caribbean region
- Offers phone/data plans with some of the best coverage in Jamaica
- Over 99% population coverage
- Provide mobile and internet services to urban areas, towns, and rural communities.
- SIM cards and eSIM support available for tourists
II. Why Digicel When You’re Exploring Jamaica-Coverage and Speed
When visiting anywhere abroad, you want a cell network you can depend on while traveling throughout the area. Digicel excels in providing widespread connectivity across Jamaica to keep visitors connected no matter where their adventures take them.
1. Digicel Coverage in Jamaica
- Digicel has extensive coverage across Jamaica, including urban areas, towns, and rural communities.
- Their network infrastructure is designed to provide reliable mobile and internet services to a wide population.
- Digicel’s coverage includes voice and data services, allowing customers to make calls, send messages, and access the internet.
- The coverage is available in both 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE technologies, providing varying levels of speed and performance.
- In urban areas and major towns, customers can expect faster network speeds and better coverage due to the denser network infrastructure.
- Rural areas may have slightly slower speeds and coverage limitations due to the challenges of providing network access in remote locations.
2. Digicel Speed
Digicel offers fast speeds for Apps, uploads & streaming
- Fast 3G/4G speeds up to 1 Gbps on Digicel’s LTE network
- Quick speeds for web browsing, using maps/transport apps, uploading social media
- Streaming music or video clips doesn’t eat up your data
So whether you’re exploring inland mountain areas, relaxing beachside, or hopping between cities, Digicel provides the coverage to complement your Jamaica travel lifestyle.
III. Digicel Connectivity Options for Travelers to Jamaica
As a tourist visiting Jamaica, you can choose from these simple connectivity options on Digicel network:
Connectivity Options | Pros | Cons |
Prepaid SIM Card | Widely available and easy to purchase | Physical SIM card may be inconvenient to carry |
Can be used in most unlocked devices | May require manual SIM card installation | |
Flexible top-up options and plans available | Limited availability for eSIM-capable devices | |
Good coverage and network performance | ||
eSIM | Convenient and eliminates the need for a physical SIM card | Limited availability for eSIM-capable devices |
Can be activated remotely without visiting a store | Requires an eSIM-compatible device | |
Can switch between multiple profiles seamlessly | Limited availability compared to physical SIM cards | |
No risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card | ||
Roaming Services | Convenient for travelers who want to use their existing SIM cards | Can be expensive, with high roaming charges |
No need to switch SIM cards | Network coverage and speeds may vary | |
Works with existing contacts and phone number | Limited to specific roaming agreements |
So whether visiting for a quick weekend or an extended holiday across Jamaica, Digicel offers the SIM cards, eSIM options and broadband plans to stay conveniently connected.
IV. Best Digicel SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Digicel prepaid SIM cards provide flexibility on data amounts and prices to meet different connectivity needs for visitors. Here are top options with pricing in Jamaican Dollars (JMD):
Prepaid Plan | Data | Calling (Local) | SMS | Validity | Cost (USD) |
1-Day Tourist SIM | 700MB | 75 minutes | Not specified | 24 hours | $5.56 |
7-Day SIM Card | 3.5GB | 200 local minutes | Free to Digicel | 7 days | $11.84 |
15-Day SIM Card | 6GB | 400 local minutes | Not specified | 15 days | $18.08 |
With ample data and call minutes, this longer stay SIM allows you to use data freely while traveling for two weeks. Stream, upload and activate your location freely without data worries.
V. Does Digicel Support eSIM in Jamaica?
Yes, Digicel launched eSIM support in September 2022 throughout Jamaica. This allows devices like newer iPhones and Android phones to activate a Digicel mobile plan through the eSIM profile rather than using a physical SIM card. Check eSIM compatibility list to ensure your devices are compatible with eSIM.
Digicel eSIM benefits for travelers:
- Dual SIM Functionality: You can have both your home SIM and a Jamaica Digicel eSIM activated simultaneously. Manage both lines conveniently from your phone settings.
- Easy Activation Online: Before you depart for Jamaica, purchase and activate a Digicel eSIM conveniently online in minutes from their website.
- In-Country eSIM Setup: If you decide to get Digicel service after arriving in Jamaica, you can still easily set up their eSIM by scanning a QR code at locations selling top ups around the island or through their app.
If you are contemplating utilizing an eSIM with Digicel, the Jamaica eSIM offered by esimJamaica.com could be a superb option. By using a Jamaica eSIM, you can maintain communication with your loved ones while in Jamaica without incurring costly roaming fees. esimJamaica.com provides a range of data plans to select from, enabling you to discover the ideal plan that suits your requirements.
Experience a full week of Jamaica’s data for only $6.50. Say goodbye to roaming charges and access 1-20GB with the convenient Jamaica eSIM 7 Day Plan. Buy now for hassle-free connectivity during your trip!
So with eSIM capabilities now offered, more travelers to Jamaica can easily activate Digicel plans digitally for call, text and mobile data during their vacations.
Plan that may interest you
VI. Where can You Buy Digicel SIM cards and eSIM?
It’s convenient for tourists to get activated Digicel SIM cards and eSIM upon arrival in Jamaica at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Digicel has a shop in the arrivals area past immigration and customs where friendly staff can set you up.
1. Where to buy Digicel SIM Card in Jamaica
- Digicel Stores: Visit one of the official Digicel stores located throughout Jamaica.
- Digicel Authorized Retailers: There are numerous authorized retailers across Jamaica that sell Digicel SIM cards.
- Airports: Digicel SIM cards may be available for purchase at major international airports in Jamaica, such as Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
- Online Platforms: Visit the official Digicel website or reputable online marketplaces to check if they offer SIM card sales and delivery services.
You’ll also find Digicel stores and top ups available around the island in major cities and tourist destinations like Negril, Ocho Rios, Kingston, Dunn’s River Falls and more. Many hotels, restaurants and gas stations also sell Digicel credit to recharge your Digicel SIM cards and eSIM.
2. Where to buy Digicel eSIM Jamaica
- Digicel Stores: Visit the nearest Digicel store to inquire about the availability of eSIM and the process for purchasing and activating it.
- Online Channels: Digicel may offer eSIM provisioning and activation through their official website or mobile app.
- Authorized Retailers: If Digicel has partnered with specific authorized retailers to distribute eSIM, you may find it available at these retailers.
VII. How to activate Digicel SIM cards and eSIM in Jamaica?
Activating your Digicel SIM cards and eSIM is easy and quick whether you are in Jamaica:
1. How to use Digicel SIM Card in Jamaica
- Insert the SIM Card
- Power on Your Device
- Activate the SIM Card
- Configure APN Settings
- Top Up Your Account
- Start Using Digicel Services
2. How to activate Digicel eSIM Jamaica
- Check Device Compatibility
- Obtain the eSIM QR Code
- Access eSIM Settings
- Add eSIM
- Activate eSIM
- Top Up Your Account
Please check your detailed instructions below:
- Activate eSIM on iPhone
- Activate eSIM on Samsung phones
- Activate eSIM on Google Pixel Phones
Both Digicel SIM cards and eSIM make it easy for tourists get connected quickly through Digicel while visiting Jamaica.
VIII. Jamaica Digicel Call & SMS Rates
One benefit with Digicel is clear, simple rates when using either PAYG credit or bundled packages:
Service | Rate (per minute/SMS) |
Local Calls | $0.15 |
International Calls | Varies by destination |
Digicel-to-Digicel Calls | $0.05 (with certain plans) |
SMS (Local) | $0.05 |
SMS (International) | Varies by destination |
So calling or texting friends and family back home while exploring Jamaica stays low cost with Digicel SIMs. Rates are even cheaper calling or messaging local Digicel numbers while traveling around Jamaica.
IX. Useful USSD code for Digicel SIM cards and eSIM
To check your SIM usage or access other services, dial these shortcodes:
- *107# – Remaining credit
- *123*Voucher# – Enter top up serial number
- *124# – Check data balance
Save these codes to easily pull up account details, activate top ups, monitor data levels and more directly from your device.
X. How to top-up Digicel SIM cards and eSIM
Keeping your prepaid account active is easy by purchasing Digicel credit bundles as needed:
In Person Top Up:
- Buy scratch card or PIN at Digicel stores, hotels, gas stations and shops
- Redeem code by texting to activate
Online Top Up:
- Register SIM and add funds via MyDigicel app or website
- Voucher less process for instant activation
Low Balance Auto Top Up:
- When credit runs low, set up auto top with registered payment
- Never have service interrupted when exploring
With widespread availability for SIM credit around Jamaica along with online options, recharging when you need more texts, calls or data is convenient with Digicel service.
XI. FAQs about Digicel in Jamaica
Is network coverage reliable across Jamaica?
Yes! With over 600 cell towers, Digicel gives strong connectivity from busy cities to remote countryside for calling/texting and internet access.
Can I use Digicel service abroad or international roaming?
Digicel has roaming partnerships worldwide, so service may work abroad. But data rates are very expensive overseas, so best to purchase local SIM card when traveling internationally.
What forms of payment accepted for Jamaica SIM cards or eSIM?
Digicel takes cash, credit/debit card both online and locally in Jamaica. Carry USD, Jamaican Dollars or international payment card for easy transactions buying SIM or topping up service.
How long is my SIM card valid without making recharge?
Normally 180 days, however new regulatory rules are changing inactive limits. Best to make a small top up for using longer term or inactive SIM cards may get deactivated after shorter periods.
XII. Final words
A Jamaica vacation means making vivid memories from mountain peaks to sparkling shores across the island. With Digicel cell service, those special moments get shared in real-time no matter where your exploration takes you thanks to widespread connectivity. Plus, helpful features like eSIM support and easy top ups keep your mobile account active. Enjoy seamless coverage with fast data across Jamaica when you connect with Digicel.