Flow SIM Cards and eSIM is the best choice during your Jamaica vacation. They are extremely convenient for maps, translations, ride hailing apps, restaurant bookings, and keeping in touch with your family back home.
This comprehensive guide will provide complete details on Flow SIM Cards and eSIM, network coverage, Speeds, rates, top-up, FAQs, and everything you need to know to stay connected during your Jamaica trip with Flow mobile service.
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about Flow
Flow holds a significant market share in Jamaica. It is one of the major mobile operators in Jamaica, offering a range of telecommunications services, including mobile, landline, internet, and television services. Here are some quick facts about Flow:
- Founded in 2006
- Owned by Liberty Latin America
- Over 1 million mobile subscribers
- Close to 100% population coverage on 2G and around 95% coverage on fast 4G/LTE mobile networks in Jamaica
- Offer a wide range of telecommunications services in Jamaica, including mobile, landline, internet, and television services
- Support eSIM capability
Overall, Flow is a good choice for mobile users in Jamaica. It offers a wide range of mobile plans at competitive prices, and it has good network coverage.
II. Jamaica Flow Coverage and Speed in Jamaica
Before getting Flow SIM cards and eSIM in Jamaica, it’s good to understand their network coverage and speeds across the country.
1. Flow Coverage in Jamaica
Flow provides 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE mobile network across Jamaica.
- 2G Coverage: Flow has almost 100% of Jamaica’s population covered by their basic 2G coverage footprint allowing calls, texts and slow internet access across the country. 2G is available on 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz frequency bands.
- 3G Coverage: 3G UMTS/HSPA+ networks provide faster mobile internet than 2G allowing better connectivity for social media, emails, maps and messaging while travelling. Flow’s 3G on 900 Mhz reaches well over 95% population coverage across Jamaica’s parishes and cities providing great coverage, especially in rural areas and while on the move between places.
- 4G/LTE Coverage: Flow’s 4G LTE network is live across Jamaica on 700 Mhz and 1700/2100 Mhz bands reaching over 95% geographic coverage at excellent speeds. Flow’s 4G network equals or outperforms international operator services for data speeds and latency in most areas.
So tourists with unlocked 4G/LTE devices will get wide high speed coverage for HD video streaming, video calls, mobile gaming,maps, photos and avoiding issues like congestion in high demand locations.
2. Jamaica Flow Speed
Flow offers high-speed data services to its customers. It has been investing in upgrading its network infrastructure to support faster data speeds and improved performance.
- Flow’s 3G HSPA+ network offers average download speed of 5-12 Mbps and upload speed of 1-2 Mbps
- Flow’s widespread 4G LTE network offers blazing fast download speed of 33 Mbps on an average with upload speed of 9 Mbps
So as per coverage and speed tests, Flow generally offers excellent connectivity meeting needs of any visitor whether you are in popular cities like Montego Bay or Negril or heading to offbeat places across Jamaica.
III. Flow connectivity options for travelers to Jamaica
Flow offers multiple short-term connectivity options for visitors to Jamaica allowing easy access to voice, text and internet during your travels.
Connectivity Options | Pros | Cons |
Flow Tourist SIM Card | No long contracts, credit checks, or deposits. | Requires purchasing and swapping physical SIM card. |
Prepaid SIM active for your entire trip duration. | Limited to the coverage and services provided by Flow. | |
Bundled minutes, texts, and data at great rates. | May not be suitable for devices without a SIM card slot. | |
Unlimited texting to Jamaica numbers and many international destinations. | ||
Auto-renewing data bundles for uninterrupted usage. | ||
Works on unlocked smartphones. | ||
Flow Regular Prepaid SIM Card | Available for purchase easily across Jamaica at Flow stores. | Requires providing local address proof. |
Longer validity of 365 days for SIM card and credit. | Limited to the coverage and services provided by Flow. | |
Low-cost options for calling, texting, and data. | May not be suitable for tourists without local contacts. | |
More flexibility to customize talk time and data needs. | ||
Flow Nofrills Prepaid SIM Card | Cheapest prepaid SIM card from Flow Jamaica. | Limited to the coverage and services provided by Flow. |
No registration paperwork, making it easy for tourists. | May require purchasing additional call and text bundles. | |
SIM comes with small initial credit. | ||
Call and text bundles available for top-up. | ||
Data passes can be added a-la-carte. | ||
Flow Jamaica eSIM | Avoids the need for physical SIM card installation. | Availability of eSIM support may be limited. |
No risk of losing or misplacing a physical SIM card. | Requires a device with eSIM support. | |
Seamless connectivity across Jamaica. | Limited to the coverage and services provided by Flow. |
So in summary, considerations such as device compatibility, ease of use, cost, and coverage will help determine the best connectivity option for your needs.
IV. Best Flow SIM cards for tourists & cost
With multiple SIM card options and plans, choosing Flow Jamaica SIM card depends on your requirements during the trip.
Below options make it easy to decide Flow prepaid SIM best-suited for your travel needs in Jamaica:
Plan Name | Price (USD) | Data | Calling | Roaming | Validity |
Basic Plan | $10 | 1 GB | 100 minutes (local) | No international calling | 30 days |
Standard Plan | $20 | 3 GB | 300 minutes (local) | Limited international | 60 days |
Premium Plan | $30 | 5 GB | 500 minutes (local) | Some international | 90 days |
Unlimited Plan | $40 | Unlimited | Unlimited (local) | Some international | 30 days |
Tourist Plan | $50 | 10 GB | Unlimited (local) | Some international | 30 days |
Roaming Plan | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
If you intend to consume a large amount of data, it may be beneficial to acquire an eSIM from alternative providers like esimJamaica.com. These providers usually have more cost-effective data packages compared to Flow.
V. Does Flow Jamaica support eSIM?
Yes, Flow offers eSIM support and digital plans for tourists visiting Jamaica. Instead of physical plastic SIM card, you can directly download Flow’s tourist plan on the eSIM embedded within your phone. Read on eSIM compatibility list to know whether your devices are compatible with eSIM or not.
There are several benefits to using eSIM, including:
- Convenience: eSIMs are more convenient than physical SIM cards because they do not require users to swap out cards when they want to change carriers or travel to a different country.
- Space savings: eSIMs take up less space than physical SIM cards, which can free up room for other components in a device.
- Security: eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards because they are not as susceptible to theft or damage
So instead of putting in physical SIM card, your phone directly connects to Flow Jamaica’s network using downloaded eSIM profile once configured.
Another provider you can consider for eSIM service when traveling to Jamaica is esimjamaica.com, which operates on Digicel’s network and provides access to multiple plans.
VI. Where can you buy Flow SIM cards and eSIM?
Flow offers multiple convenient options to purchase Flow SIM cards and eSIM during your travels:
1. Jamaica Airport
You can buy Flow SIM cards and eSIM from kiosks at Sangster International Airport Arrival Halls in Montego Bay on the spot before you leave the airport.
2. Hotels & Resorts
Many popular hotels, villas and resorts across Jamaica offer Flow SIM cards and eSIM for sale at reception through partnerships. You can enquire and purchase during check-in.
3. Online Before Travel
It is recommended to book Flow Jamaica eSIM plan online before reaching Jamaica for fastest internet connectivity as you land. Contact Flow via website or call center to purchase and activate eSIM profile before taking the flight to Jamaica.
4. Physical Flow Stores
You can also visit any of the Flow Stores located across Jamaica to purchase SIM card easily. Carry your passport as tourist SIM may require documentation.
So try online Flow eSIM activation first for ready-to-use internet, else you can easily procure anywhere in Jamaica on arrival.
VII. How to activate Jamaica Flow SIM Cards and eSIM
Activating your Flow SIM cards and eSIM is quite fast and convenient with both online and in-store options:
1. How to use Flow Jamaica SIM card
- Ensure your phone is unlocked
- Insert the SIM card
- Power on your phone
- Activate the SIM card
- Top up the SIM card
- Configure APN settings (if necessary)
- Start using your Flow SIM card
2. How to activate Flow Jamaica eSIM
- Install the Flow app on your phone.
- Sign up for an account and verify a Jamaica payment method.
- Go to eSIM section and scan the QR code you received.
- Follow prompts to download and install eSIM profile.
- May need to reboot phone to switch to eSIM.
- Top-up your eSIM through the app as required.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
- Activate eSIM on iPhone
- Activate eSIM on Samsung phones
- Activate eSIM on Google Pixel Phones
VIII. Jamaica Flow Call & SMS rates
Flow Jamaica Tourist SIM cards and plans come with bundled local and international minutes as well as texts. Beyond specified buckets, below are the standard overage rates:
Destination | Call Rate (USD/min) | SMS Rate (USD/SMS) |
Local (within Jamaica) | $0.10 | $0.05 |
USA | $0.15 | $0.10 |
Canada | $0.15 | $0.10 |
UK | $0.20 | $0.15 |
Other International | Rates may vary | Rates may vary |
It’s always best to check with Flow Jamaica directly or visit their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on their call and SMS rates, including specific destinations and any applicable charges.
XI. Useful USSD codes for Jamaica Flow SIM cards and eSIM
Flow offers special dialing codes called USSD codes on your mobile to access account details and other services quickly without internet access:
Physical Flow StorSome helpful USSD services you must use:
- *131# - To purchase data packs and minute add-ons
- *133# - Track avail balance before calling/texting/data
- *140# - Check data used, plan validity, bonuses
- 133# - Check Balance
- 110# - Activate Roaming
So remember above Jamaica Flow USSD codes during trip to stay on top of your tourist SIM usage.
X. How to top-up Jamaica Flow SIM cards and eSIM
You need to add credit to Flow Prepaid SIM card to pay for consumption beyond bundled units or do overage.
Below are easiest ways to recharge Flow SIM cards and eSIM during travel:
- Online Top-up: Visit the official Flow Jamaica website and look for the “Top-up” section.
- Flow Mobile App: Open the app, navigate to the top-up section, enter your mobile number, and choose the desired top-up amount.
- Vouchers: Purchase a voucher of the desired value, scratch off the protective layer to reveal the unique code, and follow the instructions provided on the voucher to add credit to your account.
- USSD Code: Dial the designated USSD code for top-up on your phone’s dial pad.
- Authorized Retailers: Visit authorized Flow Jamaica retailers, such as Flow stores, kiosks, or other authorized outlets.
XI. Alternatives to Jamaica Flow SIM Cards and eSIM
While Flow is the top mobile network in Jamaica, you can also consider some alternatives:
- Digicel Prepaid Tourist SIM Card: Second biggest Jamaican provider also offers prepaid SIMs to visitors
- International Roaming on Home Network: Enable roaming at standard high rates on your own provider
- esimJamaica.com: provides eSIM data plans that allow you to stay connected in Jamaica without changing your physical SIM card.
So, unless you specifically need Digicel, sticking to Flow Jamaica generally works out cheaper and better for most travelers. Avoid roaming on home network due to exorbitant charges to stay connected.
Enjoy 1-3GB of high-speed data per day with esimjamaica.com 5-day eSIM plan. Prices start from $6/1GB daily:
Plan that may interest you
XII. FAQs about Flow SIM Cards and eSIM in Jamaica
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions tourists have about Flow Jamaica mobile service:
Does Flow Jamaica offer country-wide coverage?
Yes, Flow has over 99% population coverage across Jamaica on 2G, 95% on 3G and 95% coverage on speedy 4G network.
Will my unlocked phone work?
Flow network is compatible with standard unlocked phones purchased globally supporting relevant frequency bands. Confirm before travel.
Can I use Flow Jamaica SIM in other countries?
Roaming outside Jamaica will not work on prepaid tourist SIM cards. Buy local SIM of visiting country.
Is 4G/LTE available on Tourist SIM cards?
Yes, Flow Tourist SIMs and plans are enabled for high speed 4G/LTE data access subject to device compatibility.
How to contact Flow support?
Dial 138 from your Flow Jamaica SIM for customer service. Or start a chat from MyFlow app.
Feel free to reach out in case any other questions about using Flow Jamaica SIM card or eSIM during your travels.
XIII. Final words
We hope this guide offers complete transparency on what to expect from Flow Jamaica during your vacation. Opting for Flow SIM cards and eSIM will provide you convenient access to call, text and internet across the scenic country without any bill shocks.
You now have all details to decide the right prepaid Flow plan as per your trip duration and usage needs in Jamaica. Don’t forget to use the USSD codes for self-help during travels.
Most important benefit of unlocking your phone and using Flow over roaming is saving a lot of money while enjoying Jamaica without worrying about expensive phone bills after the trip.
So stay connected to hotels, travel apps, maps, family and moments that matter without going offline in Jamaica with Flow’s high-speed country-wide mobile network tailored for visitors.