How to get a SIM card in Curacao: Tourist guide 2025

Staying connected in Curacao is essential for navigation, communication, and sharing your tropical adventures online. In this 2025 tourist guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get a Curacao SIM card, whether you prefer buying one upon arrival or activating a digital eSIM before you land.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Curacao?

There are several convenient places to purchase a Curacao SIM card as a tourist. Whether you prefer buying on arrival at the airport, in the city center, or online before your trip, you’ll find flexible options that suit your travel needs.

Hato International Airport Curacao

The most convenient place to buy a Curacao SIM card is at Hato International Airport upon arrival. Digicel and Flow both have kiosks located in the arrivals area. 

Digicel sells prepaid SIM cards near the baggage claim between belts 1 and 2, while the Flow kiosk is positioned at the entrance of the arrival hall. Both kiosks are open for all international flights and accept credit cards, as well as currencies like ANG, USD, and EUR - making it easy for travelers to stay connected immediately after landing.

Willemstad city center

If you missed buying a Curacao SIM card at the airport, head to Willemstad city center. Digicel has a tourist-friendly store located at the end of the Queen Emma floating bridge, close to the cruise terminal. You can also find Digicel SIM cards at Café Italia, a small eatery in the historic part of town.

Flow has a shop about 15–20 minutes on foot from the bridge, near a local McDonald's. Both locations offer prepaid tourist plans with competitive rates and solid coverage across the island.

Buy online before your trip

For maximum convenience, you can order a Curacao SIM card online before your journey. Physical prepaid SIM cards can be shipped to your home and come pre-activated, ready for use.

Alternatively, choose an eSIM for Curacao and receive instant delivery via email. eSIMs do not require passport registration and are ideal for travelers who want to avoid the in-person registration process. This option allows you to connect as soon as you land without any hassle.

How much does a prepaid SIM card in Curacao cost?

The cost of a Curacao SIM card varies depending on the provider, data allowance, and duration of use. Tourists can choose between local options like Digicel and Flow or international eSIM providers such as Holafly. Understanding the price structure helps you pick the best plan for your travel needs.

Price overview from Digicel and Flow

Local providers like Digicel and Flow offer prepaid SIM cards in Curacao starting from around $10 – $15 USD, with data packages available for top-up based on usage. Typical tourist data plans can range from 2 GB to 10 GB or unlimited data, costing between $10 and $30 for short-term stays. Both providers offer competitive rates and reliable coverage across the island, making them suitable choices for travelers.

What affects the cost: data, validity, speed

The price of a Curacao SIM card depends on several key factors:

• Data volume: The more data you need, the higher the cost. Unlimited plans are generally more expensive than limited data packages.
• Validity period: Plans for longer stays (e.g., 15 or 30 days) typically offer better value per day than short-term ones.
• Internet speed: High-speed 4G or 5G access may come at a premium, especially with eSIM providers.
• Type of SIM: Physical SIM cards from local providers may be cheaper, while eSIM options like Holafly offer convenience with unlimited data plans from $21.90/day or $64.90/month for digital nomads.

Best Curacao SIM card for tourists in 2025

Choosing the right Curacao SIM card can make your trip smoother and more connected. In 2025, tourists have a variety of options, from physical SIM cards offered by local carriers to convenient eSIMs available online. Let’s explore the top SIM and eSIM choices to help you stay connected without hassle during your stay in Curacao.

The BitJoy SIM & eSIM for Curacao

The BitJoy SIM & eSIM are popular among travelers visiting Curacao thanks to their user-friendly activation and flexible data plans. Both options provide reliable coverage across the island and fast 4G speeds, with no contracts required. BitJoy offers unlimited data plans for short-term tourists, making it a convenient choice for those who want seamless internet from arrival to departure.

Product title

25

Buy now

Product title

25

Buy now

Product title

25.00

Buy now

 

eSIM options: Airalo, SimOptions, eSIM.net

For tech-savvy travelers, digital eSIMs from providers like Airalo, SimOptions, and eSIM.net offer easy online purchase and instant activation. These eSIMs come with competitive pricing and various data packages tailored for Curacao, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. Perfect for those with eSIM-compatible devices, they ensure you stay connected immediately upon landing, with coverage and speeds suitable for both casual browsing and remote work.

Local providers: Digicel, Flow

Curacao’s leading local carriers, Digicel and Flow, provide widespread coverage and reliable prepaid SIM cards. Both offer a range of data packages suited for tourists, with affordable prices and easy top-up options. Buying from Digicel or Flow stores or kiosks at the airport guarantees local customer support and access to the best network quality across Curacao, ideal for travelers prioritizing service reliability.

Should you use an eSIM in Curacao?

With the growing popularity of eSIM technology, many travelers to Curacao wonder if switching to an eSIM is the best choice. Understanding the benefits and limitations of eSIMs compared to traditional physical SIM cards can help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the pros and cons, along with device compatibility and setup tips, so you can enjoy seamless connectivity during your trip.

Pros and cons of eSIM vs physical SIM

Using an eSIM in Curacao offers several advantages: instant activation without waiting in line, the ability to switch between multiple carriers easily, and saving physical space in your device. eSIMs also reduce the risk of losing or damaging your SIM card while traveling.

However, eSIMs require compatible smartphones, which might not be available for all travelers. Physical SIM cards, on the other hand, offer broad compatibility with almost all devices and can be purchased easily at local stores or airports. Yet, they involve a physical swap and may require more effort to set up or manage multiple numbers.

Device compatibility and setup tips

Before opting for an eSIM in Curacao, ensure your smartphone supports eSIM technology - most newer models from Apple, Samsung, and Google do. Setting up an eSIM is straightforward: after purchasing, you’ll receive a QR code to scan, which installs the profile directly onto your device.

For a smooth setup, connect to Wi-Fi before scanning, follow the carrier’s instructions carefully, and verify your cellular data is activated. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, or if you prefer a backup, having a physical SIM card from providers like Digicel or Flow is recommended.

Mobile internet coverage in Curacao

Curacao offers reliable mobile internet coverage that meets the needs of most travelers, whether you’re here for a quick vacation or a longer stay. Understanding the network availability and data speeds of the main providers will help you choose the best SIM card and plan to stay connected throughout your trip.

4G/5G availability of Digicel and Flow

Both Digicel and Flow provide widespread 4G LTE coverage across Curacao, including in major cities like Willemstad and popular tourist spots. While 5G infrastructure is still expanding on the island, select areas offer 5G services mainly through Digicel, delivering faster speeds and more reliable connections. Tourists can expect stable mobile internet access for browsing, streaming, and communication with either provider.

Data speed expectations for tourists

Tourists using mobile internet in Curacao can generally expect fast and consistent data speeds, especially with 4G LTE networks from Digicel and Flow. Speeds are sufficient for common activities like social media, video calls, and GPS navigation.

However, in more remote or rural areas, speeds might decrease slightly due to network limitations. For uninterrupted performance, choosing a plan with higher data allowance and checking provider coverage maps before traveling is recommended.

FAQs about SIM cards in Curacao

If you're planning to stay connected during your trip to Curacao, it's normal to have a few questions. Here are the most frequently asked questions about getting and using a Curacao SIM card as a tourist.

Can tourists buy a SIM card easily?

Yes, tourists can easily buy a Curacao SIM card upon arrival at the airport or from local mobile stores across the island. Providers like Digicel and Flow offer prepaid plans with data, and the process is usually quick, requiring only a valid ID.

Do I need ID to register?

Yes, purchasing a Curacao SIM card typically requires a valid form of identification, such as a passport. This is a standard requirement by local telecom providers for activating any prepaid SIM card or eSIM on the island.

Can I use eSIM and physical SIM together?

Absolutely. Most modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality, meaning you can use both an eSIM and a physical Curacao SIM card at the same time. This is ideal if you want to keep your home number active while enjoying local data rates in Curacao.

Is Wi-Fi enough for short stays?

While Curacao has decent Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas, relying solely on it can be limiting. A Curacao SIM card ensures uninterrupted connectivity for navigation, translation apps, and ride-hailing services, especially when you're exploring remote areas or beaches. 

Getting a Curacao SIM card is one of the smartest decisions you can make for a hassle-free trip in 2025. Whether you go with a local provider or a convenient eSIM, staying connected has never been easier—so you can focus on enjoying every moment on this Caribbean island paradise.

read more:

Dominican Republic SIM card for tourists: Best prepaid options 2025