- Basics
- Frequencies Used in the Bahamas
- Coverage & Speed
- At a Glance Comparison: ALIV vs. BTC
- Biometric User Registration
- What to Expect When Buying a SIM
- Device Registration
- SIM Card Price
- Prepaid Plans
- ALIV Prepaid Plans:
- BTC Prepaid Plans:
- Tourist SIM Cards
- ALIV Tourist SIM:
- BTC Tourist SIM:
- Data Add-Ons
- Activation Process
- Conclusion: Which Prepaid SIM is Best in the Bahamas?
Staying connected in the Bahamas is easy, thanks to a straightforward prepaid SIM card system. Whether you’re visiting Nassau for a cruise stop, enjoying the pink beaches of Harbour Island, or exploring the Out Islands, knowing how to get a local SIM can save you from costly roaming charges. This guide covers everything: networks, coverage, plans, pricing, and tourist SIM options.
Basics
The Bahamas has two major mobile network operators offering prepaid SIM cards:
Both providers offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists and locals, available at airports, mobile stores, convenience shops, and authorized dealers.
These SIM cards are compatible with most unlocked GSM phones. Make sure your phone is unlocked before arriving in the Bahamas to avoid issues with activation.
Frequencies Used in the Bahamas
To ensure your device works with Bahamian networks, check if it supports the following frequencies:
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTC | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz | 850 / 1900 MHz | 700 / 1700 MHz (Band 12, 4) |
| ALIV | — | 850 / 1700 MHz | 700 / 1700 MHz (Band 12, 4) |
Most modern smartphones from North America, Europe, and Asia support these bands. LTE coverage is widely available in populated areas.
Coverage & Speed
- BTC is the older and more established operator. It has extensive coverage even across the Family Islands.
- ALIV, though newer, offers solid 4G/LTE in most urban areas and is rapidly expanding.
In terms of speed:
- ALIV typically offers faster LTE speeds in cities like Nassau and Freeport.
- BTC may be more reliable in rural areas or smaller islands.
Both networks offer average download speeds between 20-40 Mbps, sufficient for browsing, video streaming, and social media.
At a Glance Comparison: ALIV vs. BTC
| Feature | ALIV | BTC |
|---|---|---|
| LTE Coverage | Strong in urban areas | Extensive, including remote islands |
| Speed | Fast LTE | Moderate LTE |
| Tourist SIM | Yes | Yes |
| Prices | Competitive | Slightly higher |
| Data Add-Ons | Yes | Yes |
| Availability | Airports, retail outlets | More widely available |
Biometric User Registration
The Bahamian government does not currently require biometric registration (like fingerprints or facial scans) to purchase a SIM card. However, valid photo ID (usually a passport for tourists) is required for registration due to anti-fraud and anti-terrorism regulations.
What to Expect When Buying a SIM
Here’s what a typical tourist experience looks like:
- Go to an airport kiosk, official store, or retail partner.
- Provide your passport for ID verification.
- Choose your prepaid or tourist plan.
- Insert the SIM, activate (often done by staff), and you’re ready to go.
Most SIM cards are activated on the spot and data is available immediately.
Device Registration
There is no mandatory device registration system in the Bahamas as of 2025. You can bring your own unlocked phone and use any local SIM without additional steps.
SIM Card Price
SIM card prices are affordable:
- ALIV SIM: Around $15 BSD, includes some credit or a bundled plan.
- BTC SIM: Around $10–15 BSD, depending on the package.
Note: 1 Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged to the US Dollar (1 BSD = 1 USD), so you can use either currency interchangeably.
Prepaid Plans
Both providers offer flexible prepaid packages:
ALIV Prepaid Plans:
- 7-Day Plan: $12 BSD – 2GB data, unlimited ALIV calls, 100 min local calls.
- 30-Day Plan: $30 BSD – 6GB data, unlimited calls and texts to any network.
- Unlimited Data Plan: Starts at $50 BSD/month with fair use policy.
BTC Prepaid Plans:
- Daily Plan: $3 BSD – 100MB data, free BTC-to-BTC calls.
- Weekly Plan: $15 BSD – 3GB data, 300 min calls, unlimited texts.
- Monthly Plan: $35 BSD – 8GB data, unlimited BTC-to-BTC calls.
Tourist SIM Cards
Both BTC and ALIV offer tourist-specific SIM cards designed for short-term visitors:
ALIV Tourist SIM:
- Price: $20 BSD
- Includes: 7 days validity, 3GB data, unlimited ALIV calls, international minutes.
BTC Tourist SIM:
- Price: $25 BSD
- Includes: 7 days validity, 5GB data, free incoming calls, international SMS.
These are often available at the airport or cruise terminals and are pre-activated.
Data Add-Ons
Ran out of data? No worries.
Both carriers offer top-up options via apps, kiosks, or convenience stores:
- ALIV Add-Ons: Start from $5 for 1GB.
- BTC Add-Ons: From $3 for 500MB, with 1GB+ options available.
You can buy these online with international cards or via scratch cards sold across the islands.
Activation Process
Activating your prepaid SIM is straightforward:
- Insert the SIM into your unlocked phone.
- It may auto-configure, or you’ll get a prompt to restart.
- Activation typically happens automatically at point of sale.
- You can manage your account via the MyALIV or BTC Bahamas apps.
Pro tip: Keep your passport handy and ask staff to help you configure APN settings if needed.
Conclusion: Which Prepaid SIM is Best in the Bahamas?
For most tourists, ALIV is a great option thanks to its faster LTE and affordable tourist SIM. However, if you’re planning to visit multiple remote islands, BTC offers better nationwide coverage and reliable service.
Choose ALIV if:
- You’ll stay in cities like Nassau or Freeport.
- You want faster internet speeds.
- You need a short-term tourist SIM.
Choose BTC if:
- You’re traveling to the Out Islands.
- You prefer wider coverage.
- You want easy top-up options anywhere.
Whichever you pick, using a local SIM card in the Bahamas will keep you connected affordably and easily so you can share that pink sand beach photo in real time!