Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
The Bahamas is one of the few places where a local SIM may genuinely lose to a travel eSIM on price, so compare properly before buying. Prepaid SIMs typically expire within 30-90 days if credit lapses, VAT can be added at the till, and coverage on the Family Islands (Exumas, Andros, Eleuthera) is thinner than on New Providence and Grand Bahama.
The incumbent, with the most widespread coverage across the islands and the most tourist-facing products, including a dedicated tourist eSIM.
The newer challenger with a large share and 4G almost everywhere. Its SIM comes bundled with a starter plan.
A passport is required, and a photo of you may also be taken as part of the process. The same ID check applies at airport kiosks and city stores alike.
Airport rates run above city stores, with airport SIMs quoted around $25-50 versus $15-30 in town, and the same ID process either way.
Guac eSIM covers Bahamas with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.
SIM cards and eSIM in Bahamas