A trip to the ABC islands might mean a few days on Aruba's beaches, a flight to Curaçao for Willemstad's waterfront, then a week of diving on Bonaire. All three belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so it is easy to assume a European SIM works there as it does at home. It does not: the islands are outside the EU, and Roam Like at Home does not apply on any of them, Dutch SIMs included.
This guide explains why, how networks and emergency numbers differ from island to island, whether one eSIM for Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao beats a plan per island, and what signal to expect on boat and dive trips.
Key facts for the ABC islands
- EU roaming: not on any of the three; they belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands but are outside the EU
- One plan for all three: the Caribbean zone covers Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, plus 26 other destinations
- Local networks: Digicel on Aruba, Setel or Digicel on Bonaire, varying on Curaçao (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: different on each island; 911 works on all three, but not for the same services
- Embassies: none; a US consulate general and a Dutch representation are in Willemstad
Dutch islands, but outside EU roaming
Aruba and Curaçao are countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands, but none of them is part of the EU. Roam Like at Home stops at their shores, so every visiting SIM, a Dutch one included, pays its operator's roaming rates unless the tariff includes the islands.
One eSIM for Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao: what changes by island
On each island the eSIM connects to a local network, which depends on the plan. With the Caribbean zone plan, the same eSIM works on all three, so the hop between islands changes the network, not the plan.
The emergency numbers change too, and the same number can mean different things. On Curaçao, 912 is an ambulance; on Bonaire, it is the fire service. The police are on 100 on Aruba but on 911 on Bonaire and Curaçao. Save each island's numbers before you land.
Boat and dive trips
Out at sea, away from the coast, the signal fades, so do not count on data during a boat or dive trip. Download what you need beforehand, tell someone ashore when you expect to be back and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. On all three islands, the coastguard answers on 913.
Which plan fits your trip
For two or all three islands, the Caribbean zone plan covers Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao on one eSIM, along with 26 other destinations. If you are staying on one island, its own plan may fit better: Aruba, Curaçao or Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
Telcomia's standard plans are data only: no local number or SMS, with calls through apps such as WhatsApp. The plan details show the Activation line, which gives the start of the validity period, plus the duration, the data and whether sharing the connection is allowed.
Before you leave
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi and keep it until the trip ends; some eSIMs can be installed only once.
- Make the eSIM your mobile data line, with data roaming on for it and off for your home line.
- Save the emergency numbers for each island, as they differ.
- Download offline maps and anything you need before a boat or dive trip.
- Note your country's mission for the islands in the Telcomia app before you fly.
Consular protection: three islands, three sets of numbers
- On Aruba, 100 is the police and 911 an ambulance or the fire service.
- On Bonaire, 911 reaches the police, an ambulance and the fire service; 913 also reaches an ambulance and the coastguard, and 912 the fire service.
- On Curaçao, 911 is the police and the fire service and 912 an ambulance; the coastguard answers on 913 here and on Aruba too.
- There are no embassies on the islands. The US has a consulate general in Willemstad, the Netherlands is represented in Willemstad and Oranjestad, and British consular help comes from The Hague. The app shows which mission is responsible for you, with address and phone.
- The app keeps key emergency phrases ready to show on screen, including Dutch and Spanish.
Questions travellers ask about the ABC islands
Does EU roaming work on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao?
No. The islands belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands but are outside the EU, so Roam Like at Home does not apply, even to Dutch SIMs.
Can one eSIM cover all three islands?
Yes, with the Caribbean zone plan, which covers Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Each island also has its own plan if you stay in one place.
Which emergency number do I call on each island?
On Aruba, 100 for the police and 911 for an ambulance or fire; on Bonaire, 911 for all three services; on Curaçao, 911 for the police or fire and 912 for an ambulance.
Is there signal on dive boats?
Do not count on it: away from the coast the signal fades. Download what you need and agree your return time before you go out.
The short version
Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are Dutch but outside EU roaming, so even a Dutch SIM roams there. One Caribbean eSIM covers all three: install it at home, save each island's emergency numbers and do not rely on signal out at sea.
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