Internet Connection in Tobago: What's Your Experience Been Like?

[Guillaume09]

Hello, everyone.
I'm planning a trip to Tobago and have a question about internet access there. I'd rather avoid using public Wi-Fi, since it may not be secure enough, and I'd prefer to have a connection as soon as I arrive. As is often said, not everyone can do without their phone and an Internet connection. It's often essential.Do any of you use an esimplanet when you travel? If so, which provider would you recommend?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Guillaume

For the past 25 years, we have suffered the 'joys' of grocery shopping and buying local SIMs on our first full day on the island. Attempting to engender any degree of courtesy, manners, humour or efficiency from the staff in any of the Pennysavers supermarkets and/or Digicel phone stores became a personal challenge (sadly, we were defeated).

We toured Argentina last year and used an eSIM for the first time. I opted for the Maya.net service. It was a great success and good value for money with perfect data connections throughout that huge country. We used half a dozen internal flights and my only 'criticism' was that my phone generally took 5-10 minutes before making a connection after landing/leaving an airport. I think the trick might be to switch the phone off fully on the flight so that on restart, it forces a new connection. Airports seem to confuse phone reception somewhat.

The Maya.net service was so successful that I decided to try it on our visit to Tobago this year - even though it meant having to forgo the pleasure of visiting a Digicel shop. Again, it worked perfectly, connecting within a few minutes of leaving the airport. The cost worked out about the same as buying a physical SIM - but frankly I would pay extra to avoid having to waste valuable holiday time buying a local SIM. Of course the disadvantage is that you don't have a local telephone service, but frankly most accommodation properties offer local call facilities.

[Hugh S]

I love your description of the never-ending search for a smiling and courteous Pennysaver (or any bank) clerk. I must have caught a few on off moments because I have seen an occasional smile at the Carnbee Pennysaver.

Hugh

[Guillaume09]

Thank you for your reply. I think I'll give your idea a try. Actually, I just wanted to be sure and get to the bottom of it.