Aruba eSIM & SIM Card Guide: Avoid Roaming Charges

Planning a trip to Aruba? Sorting out your mobile data in advance is a smart move, whether you're considering a travel eSIM or picking up a local SIM card once you arrive.

You've got two main options to stay connected: get a travel eSIM before your trip, or buy a local SIM card after you land. Each has its advantages, but for most trips to Aruba a travel eSIM is the most convenient choice. You skip the local paperwork and queues, you can activate it before you even leave home, and it's far more flexible whether you're staying a few days or several weeks. Local tourist SIMs are usually valid for a maximum of 14 days and tend to be more expensive, especially if you don't need much data.

One thing worth knowing: data costs in Aruba, like on many Caribbean islands, run higher than in Europe or North America, so it pays to pick a plan that fits your travel style.

Short on time? Sim Local is my top pick, a genuine local Digicel eSIM with the lowest latency I've found in Aruba. Use code FYESIM15 for 15% off.

Aruba eSIM for UK Travellers

Looking for an eSIM for Aruba? It's easy. On Find Your eSIM you can compare eSIMs from 40+ different providers via our Aruba eSIM comparison, with prices starting from just £2. You can filter by data allowance or validity to find the ideal match for your trip.

Not sure how much data you'll need? A helpful way to estimate is to look at your typical monthly usage back home. Brits use around 10 GB of mobile data per month on average, and we've found 10 GB is also a common choice among travellers. If you'll mostly relax by the pool on resort Wi-Fi, a small bundle may be enough. But if you plan to explore beaches, towns or natural parks, extra data makes navigation and bookings much easier. Use our data calculator to estimate what you'll really use.

Installing an eSIM is incredibly simple. The process varies slightly by provider, but it usually involves an app or scanning a QR code. Once set up, you're ready to use mobile data seamlessly during your trip.

How to Choose the Right eSIM for Aruba?

The best option mostly comes down to what you'll be doing online, and whether latency matters to you. Because Aruba sits far from Europe, many travel eSIMs route your data internationally, which adds delay. A genuine local connection avoids that.

I tested the main providers and three stood out:

• Sim Local for the best performance, a genuine local Digicel eSIM with the lowest latency
• Saily for privacy and home content, thanks to its genuine, controllable VPN feature
• aloSIM for its app and perks, including free calling credits through the integrated Hushed app

Want to compare prices yourself? Browse all 40+ providers via our Aruba eSIM comparison tool, or read on for my personal picks.

Unlimited data eSIM for Aruba

You'll find several "unlimited" eSIM options for Aruba on Find Your eSIM. Convenient in theory, but I'd strongly advise being extra cautious with these plans for this destination.

Data costs in Aruba, like on many Caribbean islands, can be relatively high. As a result, you should not expect truly unlimited high-speed plans like you might have at home. Fair use policies here tend to be more restrictive than in Europe or North America.

Crucially, avoid any provider that isn't completely transparent about its fair use policy. If they don't clearly state the exact amount of high-speed data you get per day before speeds are throttled, look elsewhere. Vague policies often hide significant speed reductions or low network priority. Want to explore the options yourself? Visit our Aruba comparison page and select "Unlimited", but check the fair use details carefully.

Local networks in Aruba

These are the major mobile networks in Aruba:

• Setar
• Digicel

Both Setar and Digicel offer coverage across the island, including in and around Oranjestad and popular tourist areas such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. If you're planning to explore more remote parts of Aruba, such as Arikok National Park or the rugged northern coast, it's worth checking coverage in advance, as it can be less consistent. nPerf provides helpful, up-to-date coverage and performance maps.

Buying a local SIM card

Although many travellers now choose an eSIM for ease and flexibility, a physical SIM card can still be a good option, especially if your phone doesn't support eSIM or you'd like a local number for calls within Aruba.

After passing through customs at Aruba's Prinses Beatrix airport, you'll find stands from both Setar and Digicel in the arrivals hall. If you'd rather not buy at the airport, both providers have shops across the island, and SIM cards are also available in some supermarkets. Tourist SIM cards in Aruba typically start at around $20.

Digicel offers three tourist plans:

• 3 Days in Paradise ($20): unlimited data (fair use), unlimited on-net calls & SMS, 15 international/off-net minutes
• 7 Days in Paradise ($30): unlimited data (fair use), unlimited on-net calls & SMS, 50 international/off-net minutes, 50 off-net SMS
• 14 Days in Paradise ($50): unlimited data (fair use), unlimited on-net calls & SMS, 100 international/off-net minutes, 50 off-net SMS

Setar offers the following tourist bundles:

• 7 Days ($30): unlimited data (5 GB/day), 200 Setar minutes, 30 off-net minutes, 50 SMS
• 14 Days ($50): unlimited data (5 GB/day), 300 Setar minutes, 60 off-net minutes, 50 SMS

More info: Digicel Aruba tourist SIM and Setar Aruba tourist SIM. If you're staying longer than 14 days, it may be worth visiting a local Setar or Digicel shop outside the airport to ask about top-up options or long-stay packages. Standard resident rates are lower but usually aren't available to tourists, though topping up a tourist SIM at local rates is often possible once it's activated.

Local prices last checked in October 2025.