KnowRoaming eSIM Data Plans for Bahamas

Jake3Dused KnowRoaming in Bahamas 🇧🇸

I wanted an eSIM that I could load before I got to Georgetown, Exuma, The Bahamas, as I needed to use data to connect with a boat captain anchored nearby, and I guessed (correctly) there would be no place to buy local SIMs at the local airport GGT.

I followed all the installation instructions to the letter. One issue is that, on Android at least, you need a second device, or printer, to display the QR code so the actual device can then read it. Crazy, but I think this will be the case for all eSIM vendors who don't take the trouble to publish an actual app.

Anyway, when I landed at the airport - I got strong signal, but no data! I rebooted, scaled back to 3G, and tried all combo of settings, but nothing, nada, zilch data connection.

Luckily I just asked some other sailors I met in a bar to use their handheld VHF radio to connect with my captain, modernity be damned.

When I eventually boarded and connected to the boat's wifi I was able to Whatsapp to KnowRoaming's very efficient customer service, who (eventually) explained that I would need to remove my USA carriers' SIM card from my device ( despite it having no service of any kind in Bahamas), as it was confusing the eSIM. Bingo - data connected! Why they don't include this in their otherwise complete instructions is beyond me.
Service worked well from then on at full speed depending on local towers, which in far flung islands was just 3G, and at distance 2G.

This service failed me in my prime goal of hitting the tarmac with data working, but I'd use it again if I were in the Bahamas again for just a few days. For a longer stay I'd get a local SIM ($16) and local data + mins package $10 -$30.