SIM Card Guides

How to buy a Chile SIM card in 2025

Planning a trip to Chile? Stay connected with a prepaid Chile SIM card for tourists or a digital alternative. Explore all options here.

When visiting Chile, you’ll need to stay connected, whether you’re navigating Santiago’s streets, exploring rustic rural areas, or communicating with friends and family. One way to ensure this is by getting a Chile SIM card. A local SIM card provides reliable internet connectivity at local rates and avoids high roaming charges.

This Chile SIM card guide contains various prepaid SIM card options from major providers like Entel and Movistar, including pricing, requirements, and where and how to buy them. We’ll also explore the possibility of opting for a digital alternative, an unlimited data eSIM.

In this article

Where to buy a Chile SIM card?

There are generally two options for where to buy a SIM card for Chile: ordering one online before you travel or picking one up in person when you arrive. Each option has its own advantages, depending on your schedule and connectivity needs.

Before you travel: You can order a prepaid SIM card for Chile online and have it delivered to your address before departure. This is helpful, especially if you need to get online as soon as you land. SimOptions, Amazon, TravelSim, and SimCorner are third-party retailers that offer a selection of international SIM cards with coverage in Chile.
After you land: You can also grab a prepaid SIM card for Chile at Santiago Airport, Terminal 1. You’ll find an Entel store near the baggage claim counter and a Movistar kiosk in the domestic departure area. Both offer various prepaid data, calling, and text packages for Chile. Otherwise, head to official mobile provider stores in malls like Costanera Center and Parque Arauco to purchase prepaid Chile SIM cards.

If you prefer an alternative solution that eliminates the hassle of getting a physical SIM card or waiting for delivery, consider an eSIM. This digital version of a physical SIM is typically activated within minutes via a QR code. Many eSIM providers offer limited and unlimited data eSIM plans, which are especially convenient for using data-heavy apps.

The best part is there’s no physical SIM card swapping involved, which is a huge pointer when it comes to the virtual SIM vs. physical SIM debate.

Requirements to buy a SIM card in Chile

You can purchase a SIM card in Chile, but there are a few requirements to keep in mind. To register a prepaid SIM card, you’ll need to provide:

A valid passport or national ID: Identification is required for registration.
A local address: You can use your hotel or Airbnb address.
An unlocked phone: Make sure your device can accept foreign carriers.
To fill out a short form: Some vendors might ask you to complete a basic registration at the counter.

How to buy a prepaid Chile SIM card

When choosing the best SIM card for Chile, there are three major mobile operators: Entel, Movistar, and Claro. Each provider offers a range of prepaid local SIM cards suitable for tourists; below is a quick overview of these Chilean SIM card plans and where you can buy them.

Entel SIM card for Chile

Entel is a top Chilean telecommunications company and offers country-wide network availability. They offer various SIM card packages for tourists in Chile with prices ranging from 500 CLP (~$0.59 USD) to 5000+ CLP (~$5). Packages vary in terms of data allowances (600 MB to unlimited data) and validity periods from one to seven days.

Where to buy Entel SIM cards for tourists: 130+ Entel stores across the city (Santiago, Viña del Mar, Antofagasta, Concepción), Chile Airport kiosks, Avenida Vitacura Mobile shops in malls

Claro SIM card for Chile

Claro Chile is another popular telecom company offering network services to locals and tourists. Network coverage is strong in cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción, but may be weaker in rural areas. They offer prepaid SIM card plans for tourists with prices ranging from 750 CLP to 1000+ CLP (~$1-2) and varying data allowances from 6 GB to 18 GB to free navigation on social networks. Validity periods also vary, from one day to 30 days.

Where to buy Claro SIM cards for tourists: Claro kiosk and vending machines in Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Claro stores at Plaza de Armas, Florida Center, Plaza Sotomayor, or Plaza de la Independencia

Movistar SIM card for Chile

Movistar is one of Chile’s largest mobile providers and operates in 14 Latin American countries. Prices for prepaid Movistar SIM cards for tourists are similar to those of the previous two operators, starting from 250 CLP (~$0.30) and going up to 5000+ CLP (~$5). Data packages vary from 3 GB to 7 GB for 3 hours to 30 days.

Where to buy a Movistar SIM card for tourists: Kiosks and Fotokina shop in Santiago International Airport, Mall Plaza Vespucio in Santiago, Movistar official store in Viña del Mar, and Lider Supermarket chains

Holafly’s eSIM for Chile: Unlimited data, peace of mind

A more convenient and modern solution for staying connected while visiting Chile is Holafly’s eSIM for Chile. This digital SIM eliminates the need to visit a store, wait in long airport lines, or swap out your current physical SIM.

Instead, it offers a super simple activation process by scanning a QR code. One of the biggest pros of Holafly’s Chile eSIM is its unlimited data plans, which means you won’t have to worry about how much data you’re using while navigating, streaming, or making video calls, perfect for heavy data users.

You can choose your validity period based on your plans, from one to 90 days, a highly flexible feature for both short and extended stays in Chile. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone. If you’re unsure, you can always check if your phone is eSIM-compatible.

However, if you plan to stay in Chile for a while, consider Holafly Plans instead. For only $64.90 per month, you can get unlimited data and unlimited hotspot for all your internet needs. This monthly eSIM subscription service is best for frequent travelers, remote workers, or digital nomads.

FAQs about Chile SIM cards

Can I use my US phone in Chile?

Yes, most unlocked US phones work with SIM cards in Chile, including prepaid SIMs and eSIM options.

Why buy a SIM card for Chile?

A Chile SIM card offers reliable access to the internet at local Chilean rates while avoiding high roaming fees.

How much does a Chile SIM card cost?

A prepaid SIM card in Chile usually costs between $1-10, including mobile data packages. However, this may vary depending on the provider and plan.

Who is the best SIM card provider in Chile?

Entel, Movistar, and Claro are the major mobile providers for physical SIM cards in Chile. Holafly’s eSIM for Chile is a popular digital alternative offering instant activation, unlimited data, and 24/7 support for travelers.

Traveling beyond Chile? Check out our other SIM card guides:

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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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