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Buying a SIM card for Mexico in 2024: All you need to know
Enjoy the art, color, and flavors of Mexico — all while staying fully connected without worrying about expensive roaming charges. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect SIM card for Mexico to help make your trip easy and unforgettable.
Internet connection is a travel essential these days. You don’t leave home without it, you keep up with your friends and family through it, you even need it for your basics: banking, directions, the lot!
To make sure you’re fully equipped with mobile internet for your upcoming trip, let’s find the best SIM card to get you mobile phone service in Mexico.
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Do I need a SIM card for Mexico?
If you want wireless access to the internet, local phone service, and a reliable connection, you’ll need a SIM card for Mexico.
As a traveler, it’s possible to connect to WiFi hotspots while on the go. Though, this is not a very stable option, as free public WiFi networks are not always secure.
Some websites even block transactions if accessed via public WiFi networks.
Plus, this option will also leave you dependent upon the location you access the internet from. How many coffees can you have, really?
Do US SIM cards work in Mexico?
Most major US carriers typically include Mexico in their international coverage. Sometimes even at no extra cost.
It’s important to check with your provider to confirm coverage, data limits, and any potential extra charges before you travel.
For world travelers from other countries, getting a local SIM card is a great option to avoid expensive fees that can occur through data roaming in Mexico.
Does 5G work in Mexico?
Yes, 5G works in Mexico. Navigation and uploads on the go are all yours. Availability varies depending on your location in Mexico and the carrier you’re using.
Major cellular providers in Mexico like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, and Movistar have 5G networks in various cities across the country.
However, coverage is not consistent throughout Mexico’s pristine coastlines and fertile plains.
If you’re traveling to Mexico with service from a foreign provider, be sure to review the 5G roaming agreements they have with local networks.
Where can I buy a SIM card for Mexico?
There are three options for buying a SIM card for Mexico, depending on your data needs and preferences. Each will take you to different locations, both digital and physical:
- Prepaid Mexican SIM card: Purchase prepaid SIM cards online before your trip. Find the provider you’d like to work with and make your purchase online. They’ll send you a physical SIM card to insert and activate upon arrival in Mexico. Be sure to plan ahead and check delivery time and fees.
- eSIM card: An eSIM connects you to local networks in Mexico and 24/7 customer service worldwide. With a quick scan of a QR code, you can set it up before you touch down. For affordable rates, convenient installation, and a reliable route for staying connected, try one of these top eSIMs for Mexico.
- Local SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card in Mexico when you land with a local provider. In this case, you’ll go to a physical store, ensure that your phone’s compatible, and start working with the carrier based on local rates and contract availabilities.
In all of these scenarios, you can find good coverage, avoid high roaming charges, and stay connected. For more on the eSIM option, check out this buying guide to help your search.
Buying a SIM card before your trip to Mexico
You’ve followed your Mexico packing list to a T, selected your seat for your flight, now it’s time to think about cell coverage.
To buy a SIM card before your trip, you can choose one of the following options:
- An international roaming SIM through your home carrier purchased online or in store
- A variety of local and international SIMs are found on online stores such as Amazon
- A third-party supplier such as Holafly that specializes in international travel eSIMs
In general, buying a SIM card for Mexico before you travel is a safer option than buying a SIM card in Mexico when you arrive. You’ll arrive in Mexico with coverage already sorted which means:
- Time to compare plans, prices, and data options in advance
- You can potentially work with your current mobile carrier
- The SIM card is delivered directly to your door
Second in convenience to virtual eSIMs for Mexico , purchasing a SIM card before your trip saves you the hassle of searching for a SIM card at the airport or in local shops.
It also lets you land knowing coverage already taken care of. There’s no price on peace of mind.
Now you just have to keep track of that home SIM card once you switch.
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Buying a SIM card in Mexico
Buying a SIM card in Mexico can be cheaper than purchasing a SIM beforehand if you can get a plan that suits your needs through local providers.
If you’re comfortable with a bit of uncertainty when landing, you can find a SIM card in Mexico from these locations:
- At kiosks in airports
- Mobile retail stores like Telcel and AT&T
- Convenience stores like OXXO, 7-Eleven, and Circle K
If you’re not arriving at the Cancun airport with coverage, land with this knowledge: there are often flexible data plans to meet your adventure needs.
Though this option can be convenient, be careful. Tourist areas often have higher prices and fewer options, so it’s best to shop around.
Buying your SIM card in Mexico sets you up for staying connected through local networks. You’ll be covered from Puerto Vallarta to Mexico City.
Just keep in mind that you’ll have to secure a reliable vendor, navigate language barriers, and of course get to a physical store.
How much does a SIM card cost in Mexico?
Local SIM cards typically cost between $10 to $20 USD, offering basic data packages of 2-3 GB. This makes them an affordable option for travelers looking for a SIM card for Mexico.
For a more costly and comprehensive option plan, expect to pay for up to $30. This depends on the carrier and plan, which we’ll cover in the following sections.
Which is the best SIM card for Mexico?
The best physical SIM card for Mexico is with Telcel. They are the largest and most popular company in the country. Their Amigos sin Limite plan offers competitive prices and reliable coverage.
That’s why Holafly partnered with Telecel to provide travelers with the eSIM for Mexico. You get the win-win of working with the best in Mexico and securing coverage wherever you start your journey from.
What’s an eSIM? It’s the way to acquire coverage without a physical SIM card. You just need to scan a QR code once you’ve chosen your plan, and you’re instantly connected to the internet.
Holafly offers a range of flexible data plans to meet any traveler’s needs.
For those who want to land knowing they’re fully connected and share their story as they travel, Holafly offers the Mexico SIM card with unlimited data.
Still curious? Here are some of the standout features of the eSIM with Holafly:
- Affordable rates for data
- Easy installation by scanning the QR code and following the prompts!
- Arrive with connection and the assurance of knowing you’re already covered.
Traveling to other countries from Mexico? Holafly offers continental solutions like the North America eSIM to keep you covered under one plan as you continue your journey.
Mexico is also included in the eSIM for Latin America coverage area, so if you visit the southern part of the continent you will be able to stay connected.
Let’s explore all of the physical SIM options available for Mexico to find the one that best suits your needs.
Telcel Mexico
Telcel is the largest company in the country and the first to bring 4G and 5G speeds to Mexico.
This fan-favorite provider offers one of the most popular SIM cards for Mexico through its Amigos sin Limite plan. You can buy a Telcel SIM card in Mexico at various stores marked with their logo or online.
Telcel Mexico SIM cards also work in Canada and the USA, which could be a bonus if that’s part of your travels. Here’s the latest Amigos sin Limites price list:
- $100 for 1.3 GB, unlimited minutes, SMS, and social media apps for 15 days
- $150 for 2 GB, unlimited minutes, SMS, and social media apps for 25 days
- $270 for 3 GB, unlimited minutes, SMS, and social media apps for 30 days
AT&T Mexico
Travelers looking for a reliable SIM card for Mexico can opt for AT&T. The company is a well-known service provider in Mexico.
You can get a prepaid SIM with them and then choose one of their AT&T packages based on your data needs.
You can purchase in advance or you can find a local SIM card in Mexico with AT&T at convenience stores or their retail stores and kiosks across the country.
Packages begin at $50 USD for 500 MB for five days, with unlimited social network apps, unlimited minutes, and unlimited SMS.
Cheaper than alternatives like pocket WiFi for Mexico, AT&T’s SIMs offer one of the inexpensive solutions to secure service while traveling.
Movistar Mexico
Movistar’s plans include unlimited calls, texts, and social media use. Though Movistar is not known for its extensive coverage, it can be an affordable option for travelers who plan to stay in well-covered areas.
Movistar may not provide the best SIM card in Mexico for rural areas, but its plans work well in cities. Prices can range from $50 USD for 1 GB for 14 days to $100 for 4 GB for 30 days, with free usage of a range of social media apps included.
Grab an eSIM for Mexico as a great SIM card alternative
Grab a SIM online in advance through suppliers like Amazon, buy one a kiosk from local carriers when you land, or try an eSIM with Holafly for peace of mind.
No matter the traveler, we all need peace of mind. Don’t arrive in Cancun, or show up at Playa del Carmen, without a swimsuit, or service. Land with peace of mind and reliable connection using the Holafly eSIM for Mexico.
No worries about finding local shops to purchase a SIM when you land, juggling luggage and a physical SIM, or roaming fees, just connection that’s as steady as the Cancun sun.
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Detroit native, foothills and lakes of North Carolina raised, Barcelona-based writer and creator. Sam lives and loves by the phrase: words create worlds. An international lifestyle matched with a background in psychology, business, and creative writing has allowed Sam to create content for a range of artists, entrepreneurs, and fashion and lifestyle brands across the globe. Sam's an avid water sports athlete with a passion for fashion, well-being, and adventure.
