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5 ways to use your phone in Mexico
Thinking about how to use your cell phone in Mexico? Here you will learn everything on how to do it and which services you can use!
Whether using your phone to check for destinations, take photos, message friends and family, or simply listen to music, it’s a must-take on your trip to Mexico. With this agreed on, you might be asking the question: How can I use my phone in Mexico?
Here, you’ll find everything about using your cell phone in Mexico, including the different alternatives available to get an internet connection abroad and the main features you should keep in mind.
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Will my phone work in Mexico?
Yes! If you’re traveling from the U.S. to Mexico, your cell phone will work without issues. The only add-on you need is a data plan to stay connected to the internet in a foreign country.
While you can use data roaming in Mexico, as your phone will work when connected to local networks, this is an expensive option to get online.
Alternatives like purchasing a SIM or eSIM card in Mexico are also available options. The only thing you need to have is an unlocked phone since you’ll need it to connect to international networks.
Do I need an international plan in Mexico?
An international plan is one way to get mobile data and phone calls in Mexico. But, if you are using data roaming, daily charges can quickly add up, becoming quite expensive for your trip.
Instead, you can adjust your budget to use four other key options, such as an eSIM, SIM cards, pocket WiFi devices, or free WiFi.
Each alternative offers various features, costs, pros, and cons, making it a difficult task to find the best solution for your trip to Mexico.
That’s why we’ve covered them in detail one by one after our section on international roaming plans from local U.S. providers below.
Will my local service provider work in Mexico?
International roaming is a service offered by many carriers, allowing their customers to use their data allowance abroad.
The issue is how expensive this service is. If you are traveling from the U.S., you can stay connected in Mexico using AT&T and Verizon, so let’s see the prices and features of visiting the country.
Can I use my phone in Mexico with AT&T?
Even though AT&T is a phone carrier that’s also located in Mexico, if you are traveling from the U.S., you’ll need to purchase the data roaming plan, which costs $12 per day and includes unlimited data, text messages, and international calls.
If you have an unlimited plan in the U.S., it will work with no additional cost in Mexico, but the service might be capped at 2G, which means your internet connection will be quite slow.
Can I use my phone in Mexico with Verizon?
Another option when traveling internationally from the U.S. to Mexico is Verizon. They have a $10 USD daily pass, which costs $5 USD in Mexico, which includes unlimited data, text, and phone calls.
But, to use this service, you have to own an Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Welcome, or any other Unlimited plan from Verizon.
4 alternative ways to use your cell phone in Mexico
Using a local U.S. provider such as AT&T or Verizon will give an international plan with their roaming plans. However, these come with a high cost, and their services can be somewhat limited with data speeds or daily usage.
That’s where different alternatives come in handy, such as an eSIM or SIM card, pocket WiFi devices, or even relying on free WiFi to save some money.
Let’s see what each one offers and the main features you can get from these.
Unlimited data eSIM for Mexico
eSIMs are an accessible, cost-saving way to use your cell phone in Mexico. The only requirement to get an eSIM is to own a compatible smartphone.
Our Holafly eSIM is a go-to option for Mexico. We offer coverage in more than 200 destinations and are trusted by over 41K travelers based on Trustpilot reviews.
With our eSIM, you’ll get unlimited data with your Mexico eSIM starting at $6 per day and can share up to 500 MB of data per day, so no worries about data usage.
Additional features from our side include an easy installation with a QR code, or automatic installation on iOS devices, high-end customer support in 19 languages, and the ability to choose the exact amount of days you need your eSIM to work!
International SIM card for Mexico
If you don’t have an eSIM-compatible device, a local SIM card is another option to get cellular coverage within Mexico.
These SIM cards are sold through online stores, which means you’ll have to wait some time before they arrive. Prices range from $5 to $50 USD, depending on what these offer with their data plans. Some might include add-ons like text messages or phone calls.
Another option if you don’t want to wait for your SIM card to be delivered is to rely on local carriers such as Telcel, Movistar, or AT&T Mexico. These companies sell prepaid SIM cards, but data plans are a bit more limited.
Pocket WiFi for Mexico
If you’re traveling with multiple devices, using a pocket WiFi for Mexico is an alternative.
These devices are usually rented, but you can purchase yours. The good part is that you can carry them wherever you go during your trip since they are small devices.
The main disadvantage of this service is its price. Depending on which company you use, one week can cost up to $100 USD, including delivery fees, data plan, and any add-ons such as charges or an additional battery.
You also need to take care of these devices since most companies charge an additional fee if they sustain small damage, which can be up to $200 USD, depending on the terms and conditions.
Free WiFi in Mexico
Since Mexico receives more than 34 million visitors each year, finding free WiFi is quite common in restaurants, hotels, and malls, which can help you save some money.
But there’s a downside to this service. Free WiFi hotspots are not always reliable since everyone can access them, which means your data won’t be entirely safe.
So, try not to rely on free WiFi for an extended period, and avoid accessing any personal information when connected to one!
What’s the best option for using your cell phone in Mexico?
With so many options to choose from to stay connected in Mexico, the best one is undoubtedly our Holafly eSIM. Compared to the rest, this option is the most reliable in terms of pricing and additional features.
While using a SIM card in Mexico is a reliable option, it’s not the best due to the limited service and the fact that the rest are quite expensive compared to an eSIM.
So, if you are traveling internationally to Mexico from the U.S., the Mexico eSIM from Holafly is your best call!
FAQs
The best way to avoid roaming charges is to use an eSIM. The Holafly eSIM is a better option when traveling abroad since prices are lower compared to roaming and other alternatives.
Yes. If you are using an alternative to avoid roaming charges, avoid turning this feature on on your local SIM or eSIM.
Yes. T-Mobile works in Mexico with its Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, and other Go5G data plans. Without these plans, you would have to pay for their roaming packages, which range from $5 to $50 USD.
