Staying Connected while in Barbados

The question of what to do about your connection while you’re traveling abroad is always a concern. Should you turn on roaming data and deal with the fee later, or should you just go totally offline and hope for the best? Between differing rates in different destinations and accessing vital digital information like addresses and tickets, it can get difficult to keep up with how best to manage all things digital. When it comes to Barbados, here’s what we recommend to keep the cost low while staying online.

1. Get an eSIM

An eSIM is functionally a digital SIM card, only cheaper, more convenient, and far less complicated than a physical SIM card. eSIMs allow you to have access to local data connections without purchasing a physical local SIM card. You can buy one from an app (we recommend Airalo) suited to how long you’ll be staying on the island and how much data you’ll be using. eSIMs are such a convenient and significantly cheaper option compared to the cost of roaming data that you’ll start wondering how you ever traveled without one. 

1. Ask for the WiFi

No matter whether it's at where you’ll be staying, at a beach bar, or at a little shop you’ve just popped into for a minute to escape the sun, ask for the WiFi. Not only is the connection likely to be more stable than data, but you’ll be using less data overall, whether that's taking some of the weight off of your roaming bill or saving the data left on your eSIM. 

1. Save to offline

Make sure everything important is saved offline, like downloading your travel itinerary, important documents, and any and everything else you might need when you’re out and about. Screenshot directions, write down addresses, ensure everything you might need is accessible without a connection.

1. Download a calling/texting app

Any app that lets you get in contact with others without relying on your roaming data. WhatsApp is a great option if you don’t use it already!

1. Turn off roaming data

No seriously. With everything else on this list, you’re unlikely to need it anyway. Plus, this way, you can avoid any surprise charges.