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Will my phone work in Mexico?
Your phone will work in Mexico, given it as carrier-unlocked and compatible with Mexico’s frequency bands. Learn how to use your phone in Mexico here.
Yes – your phone will work in Mexico, as long as it’s carrier-unlocked and compatible with Mexico’s frequency bands. Most modern smartphones are.
You can get connected in a few different ways; international roaming, eSIMs (like the unlimited data eSIM by Holafly), prepaid SIM cards, and pocket WiFi.
Read on to see how each option gives you cell service in Mexico.
Get connected quicker
Buy, set up, and activate a Holafly eSIM for Mexico in no more than a few of minutes.
Can I use my phone in Mexico?
Wherever you’re traveling from, you’ll most likely be able to use your cell phone in Mexico. This is because Mexico uses the GSM standard (Global System for Mobile Communications), which is widely supported by international smartphones – no need to worry about frequency bands here!
This said, how you can use your phone in Mexico depends on the carrier you use at home. Your cell may be locked to your current carrier, meaning you can’t use another provider’s plan until it is unlocked.
If your cell phone is locked, you will only be able to use data roaming in Mexico, and won’t be able to get an international plan until it is unlocked by your carrier.
Here’s a snapshot of how major carriers stack up in Mexico:
| Home country | Carrier | Will my phone work in Mexico? |
|---|---|---|
| US | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon | Yes, but first check if your cell is carrier-unlocked by contacting your provider. |
| Canada | Bell, Rogers, Telus | Yes, all cell phones sold after 2017 are carrier-unlocked. |
| UK | EE, O2, Three, Vodafone UK | Yes, all mobiles sold after 2021 are carrier-unlocked. |
| Australia | Optus, Telstra, Vodafone AU | Yes, but first check if your cell is carrier-unlocked by contacting your provider. |
How to use your cell phone in Mexico
You’ll need to purchase an international plan – or accept automatic international roaming charges – to get mobile internet in Mexico. Here are four options to get service in Mexico, with steps on how to do it for each:
International roaming in Mexico
Data roaming in Mexico is the quickest way to get connected. Your home carrier will have partnerships with local Mexican carrier(s), putting you on the same connections as Mexican cell phones.
Typically, you can use international roaming in Mexico through the following services:
- Monthly roaming plans: International roaming is included in your home plan, at an extra monthly cost.
- Roaming passes and packages: Pay a daily, or total, fee to access your home allowance or a predetermined amount of data, texts, and calls in Mexico
- Pay-per-use: You are automatically placed on a pay-as-you-go rate that is added to your bill; the most expensive way to use your phone in Mexico.
If you’re traveling from the US, read more about what your carrier offers in our dedicated roaming blogs:
eSIM for Mexico
eSIMs work as digital SIM cards, built into all eSIM-compatible phones and ready to be activated.
To buy a Mexican eSIM, all you need to do is find the best package for you – like Holafly’s unlimited data eSIM for Mexico – and follow the easy activation steps:
- Buy online and receive a QR code by email.
- Scan the code to install the eSIM before departure.
- Activate upon landing in Mexico.
- Start browsing with full-speed, high speed data coverage on trusted local networks.
Note: Many eSIMs don’t include texts and calls. If you’re wondering how to get cell service in Mexico with an eSIM, you’ll need a dedicated talk and text plan – or you can use apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger to make your calls at no additional cost.
Prepaid SIM card for Mexico
With a prepaid local SIM card, there’s no doubt your cell phone will work in Mexico. This is a solid option for older devices not compatible with eSIM technology.
You can buy a Mexico SIM card online before you fly through third-party vendors like Amazon and SimCorner. Or you can get your prepaid SIM once you land at:
- Kiosks in airports
- Mobile retail stores like Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar
- Convenience stores like OXXO, 7-Eleven, and Circle K
Note: You will usually need to show your passport or other government-issued ID to get a local Mexican SIM card.
Pocket WiFi in Mexico
You can use multiple devices at once in Mexico with a pocket WiFi. These are a top choice for groups or remote workers who need to power a handful of phones and laptops.
Pocket WiFI in Mexico is a more expensive option, due to high delivery, insurance, and data costs. For your phone to work in Mexico on a pocket WiFi, you’ll need to:
- Choose a provider.
- Rent or buy a device.
- Wait for delivery.
- Buy a data plan and connect it to your device – these can be bought directly from the pocket WiFi provider, or from separate providers.
- If a rental, return after your trip.
A simpler way to use multiple cell phones in Mexico? Holafly Connect. For $64.90/month, you’ll get unlimited cellular data and unlimited hotspot. A single plan covers 170+ global destinations, Mexico included. So, there’s no SIM swapping, delivery fees, or complicated contracts.
Simply activate your plan and stay connected for as long as you travel, no matter the number of devices.
Tips for using your cell in Mexico
Before you land, here are some things to consider to make your phone work in Mexico stress-free:
- Check local cell service coverage (especially outside tourist zones).
- Download offline maps and tools before you go.
- Learn the dialing code: Mexico is +52 — this is the country code you’ll need to call local numbers.
- Bring power adapters (Type A/B).
- Enable airplane mode and WiFi in hotels to reduce battery/data drain.
Will your phone work in Mexico? The verdict
Still asking “Will my phone work in Mexico?” Thanks to international frequency bands, as long as it’s unlocked the answer is yes, it will.
The final step is buying the best data plan for your trip. Holafly’s eSIM for Mexico starts at $6.90, with plans reaching as low as $1.55/day – the price of a street-side taco in Mexico City!
- 3 days of unlimited data: $4.30/day
- 7 days of unlimited data: $4.27/day
- 15 days of unlimited data: $3.39/day
Choose Holafly to use your cell phone with peace of mind in Mexico.
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Born and raised in the UK, I discovered content creation as a journalist while studying at the University of Manchester. I've since covered a range of roles, both editorial and SEO, across the travel, hospitality, and professional services industries. I spend my weeks ensuring Holafly's content is relevant, insightful, and helpful, and my weekends exploring new destinations to satisfy my ever-growing travel bug.
