SIM Card Guides

How to buy a South America SIM card: A tourist’s guide

Stay connected with a South America SIM card. This guide includes the best SIM cards for South America, prices, plans, and digital alternatives.

Journeying through the beautiful landscapes of South America for pleasure or work purposes? Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins in Costa Rica or cafe-hopping in Buenos Aires, you need to stay connected. One way to do this is by opting for a South America SIM card.

With so many local providers and options, finding the best SIM card for South America is tricky. This guide contains everything you need to know, including the best South America travel SIM cards, prices, packages, requirements, and a fully digital solution — an unlimited data travel eSIM.

In this article

Why you need a South America SIM card

A SIM card for South America can give you direct access to local networks and help you avoid high roaming fees. But it’s not the only way to stay connected. Other ways include:

Pocket Wifi: Rentable portable routers that connect multiple devices simultaneously. You can opt for pocket Wifi for Colombia, for example.
International roaming: If your current provider includes roaming services in South America, you can use this instead.
Virtual SIM: This is a digital SIM you can activate online before landing. It is one of the most significant advantages of the virtual SIM vs. physical SIM card debate.

Where to buy a SIM card for South America?

You have two options for purchasing a South American SIM card: buy one online before travelling or pick one up on arrival. Choose one based on how quickly you’d like to connect to mobile internet in South America.

Buy a South America SIM card before you travel (online)

With this option, you can activate your physical SIM card the moment your plane lands. The only other way you can do this is with an eSIM. Here are some third-party online retailers that ship SIM cards to the USA, Australia, and other global destinations:

Amazon: International SIM cards for South America and individual countries
SimCorner: South America SIM cards that cover multiple countries with large data bundles
TravelSIM: Flexible international SIM cards for South America with global roaming

Buy a South America SIM card after you arrive (in person)

If you’d like to buy in person to make sure you choose the correct SIM card, you’ll find various South America SIM card options at most major airports, shopping malls, or local mobile provider stores.

Airports: Bogota, Lima, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo Airports have SIM card kiosks or carrier booths in the arrivals halls and terminals.
Local shops and mobile stores: You can find Claro, Entel, and Movistar’s official carrier stores in the city along with local shops offering South America SIM card options for tourists.
Convenience stores and supermarkets: Some local providers may sell prepaid SIM cards here.

How much does a South America SIM card cost?

The cost of a SIM card for South America ranges from $3 USD to $25. However, this may vary depending on your chosen country, provider, and data package.

Basic packages tend to be placed at the lower end of the range. South America SIM cards with larger data allowances or multi-country coverage will be priced higher. Always keep some wiggle room for additional costs like activation fees, SIM registration, or top-ups.

Best South America travel SIM card plans

No single SIM card for South America offers complete regional coverage. You’ll have to rely on local providers within each destination for the best options.

Three major mobile providers are popular in the region: Claro, Movistar, and Entel. Below, you’ll find an overview of popular South America travel SIM card plans in popular destinations like Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. These examples will give you an insight into what to expect when it comes to South America travel SIM card prices.

Movistar SIM card for South America

While Movistar doesn’t offer a complete SIM card solution for South America, it’s a popular choice for destinations like Colombia. Here are some South America SIM card plans for Colombia:

2 GB, unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook, 10 minutes of international calls for $1.63 (7-day validity) + 2 GB welcome bonus
3 GB, unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook, 15 minutes of international calls for $1.88 (8-day validity) + 3 GB welcome bonus
10 GB, unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook, 100 minutes of international calls for $5.25 (30-day validity) + 3 GB welcome bonus for 15 days

Claro SIM card for South America

Claro is a well-known local provider in Brazil and offers prepaid SIM cards to tourists in South America. Buying a Claro prepaid SIM card costs 10 BRL (~$2) for the registration. Here are some of the prepaid SIM card plans they offer:

2 GB for 7 days for 9.99 BRL (~$1.80)
6 GB for 30 days = 29.99 BRL (~$5)

These physical SIM card packages also include unlimited calling minutes in Brazil.

Entel SIM card for South America

Entel is another popular SIM provider offering reliable coverage, especially if you’re travelling to Bolivia or Chile. With strong networks and coverage, you can select one of the prepaid SIM card plans that range from 120 MB to 20 GB, valid for 1 to 30 days. Such SIM cards typically cost between $2 to $20.

How to get a single-destination SIM card for South America

If you’re only visiting a single country in South America, you won’t need a regional SIM card. You’ll find plenty of options for local SIM cards available to purchase in person.

For more detailed information, check out our single-destination SIM card blogs for South American countries:

How to buy a South America SIM card: Rules and requirements

Before you purchase your South America SIM card, there are a few crucial requirements to remember. You’ll need to meet the local regulations for SIM activation; this applies whether you’re buying from local providers, at the airport, or online.

Unlocked phone (ensure your device isn’t carrier-locked)
Valid passport and/or ID
Local address (some providers may ask for proof of accommodation or hotel stay)
Phone compatibility (ensure the SIM fits your device)
CPF or Brazilian personal tax identification number on a local Brazilian ID (Brazil-specific registration rule)
Valid payment methods (carry local currency along with a working credit/debit card authorized for international use)

The SIM registration process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re planning a South America trip that spans multiple countries. From registration rules to phone compatibility and language barriers, getting physical SIM cards in each destination can quickly become stressful.

Opt for an eSIM instead. With providers like Holafly, you can save money, skip the queues and complications entirely. South America travel eSIMs offer regional coverage, meaning you stay connected as you move from Peru to Brazil to Colombia without needing to switch SIM cards. Plus, many eSIM plans come with unlimited data, so you can travel worry-free with reliable internet wherever your adventure takes you.

Holafly eSIM for South America: one eSIM plan, unlimited travel

Holafly’s eSIM for South America is the most convenient way to stay connected across borders. It offers unlimited data in 18 countries, including destinations like:

You can explore the continent without worrying about switching SIM cards.

Also, you get 500 MB of daily hotspot allowance, 24/7 customer support, and the flexibility of matching your plan to your vacation.

Here are some potential eSIM plans for a trip to South America across ALL regions included:

5-day trip: $31.90 for unlimited data
7-day trip: $39.90 for unlimited data
10-day trip: $50.90 for unlimited data

On the other hand, if you’re planning to stay a while, Holafly Plans is the more ideal option. This monthly eSIM subscription service offers unlimited data for just $64.90/month, perfect for remote workers and frequent travellers.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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