Country guide · South AmericaLocal SIM Cards in Guyana: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Guyana start at $1.6 from GTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph). Buy at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Timehri. Digicel has a counter in the arrivals area. In Georgetown, the Digicel store on Main Street near the Stabroek Market is the main city retail location.. Passport required for registration. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $9.8 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $9.8, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $1.6 USDGTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph)
- Network
- 4G LTE (Georgetown and coast), 3G inlandGTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph)
Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America and one of the most biodiverse nations on Earth. Georgetown on the coast has solid 4G from Digicel and GTT. For the interior. Kaieteur Falls, the Rupununi savanna, and the Amazon rainforest lodges. GTT provides better 3G coverage in the main settlements. Many eco-lodges use satellite internet, which is separate from local carrier signal. Plans start around $8 USD for 3 GB over 30 days. The Guyanese Dollar (GYD) runs roughly 209 to 1 USD.
Guyana's telecom market has two main operators: Digicel and GTT. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) oversees the sector. GTT has broader interior coverage; Digicel leads in Georgetown. Guyana is undergoing rapid economic growth from offshore oil discovery (first production 2019).
eSIM for Guyana: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
For Guyana, the gap between local ($8) and eSIM ($10) is small. For interior wildlife travel, a local GTT SIM (not available as eSIM) provides marginally better inland coverage.
HelloRoam Guyana eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam offers Guyana via Digicel roaming. Convenient for eco-tourism visitors heading to Kaieteur Falls and the Rupununi.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $9.8 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 30 days | $11 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $9.8 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
| Airalo | $11 | 3 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.6/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.9/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Guyana →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Guyana
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Guyana across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | Yes, passport |
| Price from | $9.8 USD | $1.6 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Guyana
Guyana has 2 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digicel GuyanaTop pick | major | 4G LTE (Georgetown and coast), 3G inland | 350 GYD / $1.7 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| GTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph)Top pick | major | 4G LTE (Georgetown and coast), 3G inland | 330 GYD / $1.6 | 4 | Carrier Store, Supermarket |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Guyana, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Digicel Guyana
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 1,700 GYD | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Prepaid 6GB | 6 GB | 2,900 GYD | 30 days | 120 min local | Unlimited |
| Prepaid 10GB | 10 GB | 4,200 GYD | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Daily 1GB | 1 GB | 350 GYD | 24 hours | 30 min local | 20 SMS |
APN settings: APN: internet.digicelguyana.com
GTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTT Prepaid 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 1,600 GYD | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| GTT Prepaid 6GB | 6 GB | 2,700 GYD | 30 days | 120 min local | Unlimited |
| GTT Prepaid Unlimited | Unlimited | 6,000 GYD | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| GTT Day Pass 1GB | 1 GB | 330 GYD | 24 hours | 30 min local | 20 SMS |
APN settings: APN: wap.gtt.co.gy
Where to buy a SIM card in Guyana
The best place to buy is Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Timehri. Digicel has a counter in the arrivals area. In Georgetown, the Digicel store on Main Street near the Stabroek Market is the main city retail location.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Supermarket
Large supermarkets carry prepaid SIM starter packs in the electronics aisle. No-frills packaging, but prices are fair and no registration delay if no ID is required.
Buying experience
Cheddi Jagan International Airport (40 km from Georgetown) has a Digicel counter in the arrivals area. GTT's main store is on Church Street in Georgetown, 10 minutes from the city center. The Nigel's Supermarket chain (multiple Georgetown locations) sells recharge vouchers for both carriers.
Coverage & network in Guyana
Guyana operates on 4G LTE (Georgetown and coast), 3G inland networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Guyana
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Digicel Guyana
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
GTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
GTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph) leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 4/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Georgetown city center, Main Street, and the Stabroek Market area have 4G from both Digicel and GTT. The East Bank corridor toward Ogle Airport has 4G. Parika (the ferry port for the Essequibo River) has 3G. Kaieteur Falls airstrip: GTT 3G. Rupununi settlements (Annai, Lethem, Karanambu): GTT 3G. Deep jungle lodges: satellite internet only. Download Maps.me offline for all interior Guyana travel.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Guyana
Best for: Kaieteur Falls visitors, Rupununi wildlife safari travelers, Georgetown eco-tourism base, Oil sector business visitors.
Guyana is cheaper for mobile data than neighboring Trinidad and Tobago and comparably priced to Suriname. Interior coverage limitations mirror Suriname and French Guiana. All three Guianas share the challenge of vast forested interiors with minimal cellular infrastructure.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Guyana SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Bring your passport
Registration is mandatory. The vendor scans your passport ID page and enters details into a government portal. Keep your passport accessible.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Guyana
Guyana is 83% rainforest. GTT has the best interior coverage for the Rupununi savanna and Kaieteur Falls area.
Georgetown has strong 4G from both Digicel and GTT. The city is expanding rapidly due to oil sector investment.
Kaieteur Falls: GTT has 3G at the airstrip. Flights from Georgetown to Kaieteur take 30 minutes. Download offline photos and lodge contacts before the flight.
The Rupununi savanna (Annai, Lethem, Dadanawa) has GTT 3G coverage in the main settlements. This is the main tourism region for wildlife safaris.
Recharge at any Nigel's Supermarket, Ram's Superstore, or most pharmacies in Georgetown.
The GYD (Guyanese Dollar) runs at approximately 209 GYD to 1 USD in mid-2026.
Georgetown's Stabroek Market area and Main Street commercial district have strong 4G from both carriers.
For the Amazon rainforest lodge sector, pre-book connectivity expectations with your lodge. Many use satellite internet, not cellular.
Common mistakes to avoid
Choosing Digicel for interior Guyana travel. GTT has better inland and Rupununi coverage for wildlife safari regions.
Not downloading offline maps before Kaieteur Falls or Rupununi trips. Interior cellular coverage is 3G with gaps.
Miscalculating GYD to USD. Divide GYD by approximately 209 for the current USD rate.
Expecting rapid oil-sector development to have improved rural connectivity uniformly. Interior coverage improvement lags coastal urban areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which carrier is best for Kaieteur Falls?
GTT has the best coverage for interior Guyana, including the Kaieteur airstrip area. Download offline maps and any Kaieteur National Park information before your flight from Ogle Airport.
How much does a SIM cost in Guyana?
Plans start around 1,600-1,700 GYD ($7.60-8 USD) for 3 GB over 30 days. The GYD is approximately 209 to 1 USD.
Can I buy a SIM at Cheddi Jagan Airport?
Yes. Cheddi Jagan International Airport has a Digicel counter. GTT has representation at the separate Ogle Airport (domestic/charter airport closer to Georgetown).
Is eSIM available in Guyana?
Digicel and GTT Guyana do not offer prepaid eSIM as of mid-2026. HelloRoam offers Guyana via Digicel roaming.
How is coverage in the Rupununi?
Annai and Lethem (the main settlements) have GTT 3G. Wildlife lodge areas between villages have spotty coverage. Many lodges use satellite internet which is separate from local carrier signal.
Is Georgetown safe for SIM purchase?
Purchase at the official Digicel or GTT stores in downtown Georgetown or at the Cheddi Jagan Airport counter. The Stabroek Market area has GTT and Digicel retail presence. Standard city security awareness applies.
Which eSIM is best for Guyana?
HelloRoam connects to Guyana's 4G LTE (Georgetown and coast), 3G inland network and plans start at $9.8 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Guyana?
For Guyana, the gap between local ($8) and eSIM ($10) is small. For interior wildlife travel, a local GTT SIM (not available as eSIM) provides marginally better inland coverage. A local SIM from GTT (Guyana Telephone and Telegraph) starts at $1.6 and requires passport registration. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
- eSIM vs Local SIM: Which to Choose
- eSIM Setup Guide (iPhone and Android)
- SIM Registration Requirements
- Best SIM Cards by Region
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Guyana? These guides cover nearby destinations.
