The two mobile service providers operating in the Cayman Islands are Digicel and FLOW. Both companies offer prepaid options (or pay-as-you-go top-up and plans), as well as postpaid plans (billed per month).
Both options include voice calls, text messaging and data, and some also include a certain number of international calls (anywhere minutes).
Most residents have Android or iOS smartphone devices. FLOW and Digicel use both 4G and 5G technology, and the coverage across the islands is very good. Both companies have apps that enable customers to view and pay their bills for postpaid phones, top-up credit on prepaid phones, as well as activate a number of add-on plans, such as reduced international calling rates, roaming and data plans.
Prepaid Mobile Services
The advantage of prepaid mobile phones is that there is no contract, no monthly fee and no deposit required.
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from mobile service provider stores, as well as from other retailers, like supermarkets and gas stations. If you have an unlocked phone, all you need to do is purchase the SIM card, put it in your phone, add credit and start calling. Credit can be added at the same locations. SIMs can be bought online and through the mobile service providers’ apps. Digital eSIMs are also available at both FLOW and Digicel.
The disadvantage of prepaid phones is that the per-minute rates are higher than for postpaid plans. Local calls cost 23 to 43 cents per minute, depending on the time of day and whether you are calling numbers within your network or to other networks. The prepaid credit can be used for making calls, using mobile data or texting. You will get better value by purchasing data, text and voice calling bundles.
Postpaid Mobile Services
You will usually be required to sign a contract for 12 or 24 months with a postpaid plan. These are easy to set up – you just need to take ID, proof of address and a deposit to your chosen provider – and there are a choice of plans allowing customers to choose the one that best fits their needs.
Postpaid plans are paid monthly, and include a basic allocation of minutes, text messages and data allowance. Contracts often include a discount on handsets and the cost of the phone can usually be spread out over the course of the contract. As there is no such thing as a credit rating system in the Cayman Islands, you will need to put down a deposit, typically CI$100-$200, if you choose a postpaid plan.
FLOW currently offers unlimited plans, which include limitless data, WhatsApp, local texts and minutes, as well as an allowance of international minutes and free incoming calls whilst roaming. These start at CI$140. Customers who have broadband receive a discount on their unlimited mobile plan.
Handsets
Mobile phones can be bought locally at Cellular World and Cell Cayman. Both stores sell accessories (car chargers, cases, screen protectors, etc).
FLOW also sells a wide range of new handsets, some of which will be discounted. You will get a warranty and access to authorised repair services, however, you will be locked to the provider.
Roaming
All mobile phone providers offer worldwide roaming so you can make and receive calls while travelling on your Cayman number.
If roaming is not in your plan, these calls fall outside your monthly allocation, meaning that you will be billed at a much higher rate than at home for both outgoing and incoming calls and text messages. This is because overseas networks charge higher rates for visiting users.
Phone Repairs
If you are having issues with your mobile phone's hardware or software, Cellular World and Cell Cayman can both diagnose and repair most issues, including cracked screens and charging problems.
