I dwell in Mexico and have skilled a pay as you go and post-paid Mexico sim card. Additionally, you will discover choices for Mexico E-SIMS on this article. Let’s get began!
💌 Hey Trish! Your digital nomad guides about Mexico are tremendous useful. I’ll lastly go away the USA this 12 months and plan to check the waters in Mexico. I work on-line however I’m anxious about wifi in Mexico. I heard a whole lot of horror tales in small cities. I do know you lived in lots of locations in Mexico. I learn all of the digital nomad guides! I need to ask what’s the finest Mexico sim card? I’ve been studying blended opinions and I need to hear from somebody such as you who lives there. Many thanks in your service. That is actually a tough job and also you present a whole lot of insightful info!
-Vernon Millard, Washington
Join The Good Nomad Publication and obtain tendencies about dwelling overseas, digital nomad visa information, value of dwelling, and all the things you must find out about transferring and dealing out of the country.
Hello Vernon!
I’m glad you selected Mexico as your digital nomad vacation spot! I’ve been right here for 7 years now and I like it!
I solely put the Telcel Mexico sim card right here as a result of that’s the one I’ve expertise with.
There’s additionally a evaluation of E-SIM right here however to be very truthful, out of all these decisions, Telcel remains to be finest when it comes to aggressive pricing and speeds.
Anyway, browse away and let me know you probably have any questions!
Xx,
Trisha
Do I want a SIM card for Mexico?
With this Web age of connection and sharing photographs whereas on a visit, you most likely want a sim card for Mexico.
Although thousands and thousands of People and Canadians go to Mexico, it nonetheless will get dangerous press for being unsafe. If it’s your first time touring to Mexico, you’d really feel extra snug in the event you may simply join in case of emergencies.
Other than that, additionally, you will want the Mexico sim card for:
Be part of my Mexico group journeys for single vacationers!
I dwell in Mexico and have been main group journeys joined by solo vacationers of all ages. Come be part of me in Mexico this 12 months!
Mexico SIM Card vs Mexico E-sim
I dwell in Mexico so I’ve the post-paid plan at 499 pesos ($29 USD) per thirty days. However earlier than that, I used to be on a pay as you go plan for 4 years.
As a digital nomad who is consistently touring, I all the time have a back-up E-sim that works in Mexico. For those who journey steadily, right here’s a comparative information for a neighborhood Mexico sim card vs a Mexico E-SIM:
| Native SIM Card | E-SIM | |
| Expertise | It is a bodily chip that you simply insert into your cellphone’s SIM card slot. It shops your subscriber info and is offered by the native cellular operators in Mexico like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, or Movistar. | An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan out of your provider without having a bodily SIM card. It’s embedded straight into your smartphone, smartwatch, or different gadgets. |
| Set up and Activation | It is advisable to bodily receive a SIM card, both by buying one at a retailer or ordering it on-line. Set up entails inserting the SIM into your system, which may fluctuate relying on the system design. | Activation may be accomplished remotely by scanning a QR code offered by your provider or through a provider app. This course of doesn’t require a bodily change or modification of your system. |
| Flexibility and Comfort | You have to bodily change the SIM card every time you turn operators or numbers. | Permits for a number of profiles to be saved on a single system. This implies you may have each your house nation’s SIM and a neighborhood Mexican provider’s plan on the identical system without having to swap something bodily. |
| Availability and Assist | Virtually universally supported throughout all cellular gadgets which have a SIM card slot. It’s simple to search out and buy these SIM playing cards in shops all through Mexico. | Not all gadgets assist eSIM know-how but. It’s typically accessible in newer smartphones and sure gadgets. |
| Value | Prices might embody the SIM card worth and the service plan. SIM playing cards can typically be bought cheaply in Mexico, however roaming fees may be excessive in the event you use a international SIM. | Typically there’s no bodily product to purchase, so that you solely pay for the service plan. Pricing fashions fluctuate by provider, and a few would possibly cost a premium for the comfort of eSIM companies. |
| Safety | Bodily SIM playing cards may be misplaced or stolen, doubtlessly compromising your private info. | Since there’s no bodily element to steal or lose, it’d provide higher safety. It additionally may be remotely wiped in case your system is misplaced or stolen. |
Lastly, I came upon not all E-SIMs for Mexico embody native or worldwide calls. It’s a data-only plan.
If you must name/textual content regionally and internationally, the native SIM card (Telcel) is best than the E-SIM. I’m about to strive different E-SIMS in different international locations and see that are the perfect.
However this Mexico E-SIM works rather well and it’s tremendous low-cost (from $8 USD for 7 days).
Which native sim card is finest in Mexico?
Tried and examined from somebody dwelling right here: the perfect native sim card in Mexico is Telcel. It has method higher protection than AT&T and Movistar.
After I first traveled to Mexico for a backpacking and digital nomad journey, I stayed in Mexico Metropolis for a month and one other month in Guadalajara.
In each cases, I didn’t purchase a Mexico SIM card. Mexico Metropolis, because the capital has no points. Because it is without doubt one of the hottest digital nomad cities on the earth, wifi could be very robust in every single place.
Equally, Guadalajara is a giant metropolis and has good wifi in every single place. I just about survived in Guadalajara as a digital nomad with no Mexican sim card.
After Guadalajara, I went to Guanajuato Metropolis and there, I someway felt the necessity to purchase a sim card.
As a first-timer in Mexico who had no concept about native cellular suppliers, I went to an abarrote or tienda (that are small comfort shops in Mexico).
The girl requested which supplier I most popular, and I merely instructed her to determine herself since I had no concept.
I didn’t care anyway as a result of I believed that each one native SIM playing cards in Mexico would work the identical.
She gave me an AT&T SIM, which is a well known model within the US. I didn’t protest. However AT&T in Mexico and the US usually are not the identical. Extra on that later…
FYI, I converse Spanish fluently so I can simply purchase a Mexico sim card in a tienda/abarrote, it’s essential to know converse Spanish to know these knowledge plans higher.
AT&T labored in Guanajuato completely! However after I went to my subsequent vacation spot which is Sayulita, all the things modified. Apparently, in small cities like Sayulita, Telcel guidelines.
I’ve proved that to be the identical as Puerto Escondido. A pal of mine had a Movistar sim and once we traveled to Puerto Escondido collectively, she was compelled to vary to Telcel.
Since then, I’ve been loyal to Telcel and switched to a post-paid knowledge plan when I moved to Cabo. However you may solely convert to post-paid if you’re a Mexican residency visa holder.
Why Telcel is the perfect native SIM card in Mexico
Telcel Mexico is the perfect Mexico SIM card for numerous causes:
After all, there are cons. Telcel doesn’t have English-speaking workers, not even of their native name facilities which is difficult for non-Spanish audio system.
One other factor that applies to all suppliers is that the 5G connection in Mexico is just for developed and touristic areas.
I’ll use my residence for example. In Cabo’s heart, my Telcel all the time adjustments to 5G as a result of it’s a touristy space. The second I get residence, a 10-minute drive from the middle, it switches again to 4G.
5G connections in Mexico are nonetheless on a location foundation. It’s not country-wide.
The final CON I can say about Telcel is that there’s one textual content message that you’ll obtain on a regular basis, pondering it’s essential.
They’re the UNOTV updates, that are fairly annoying and ineffective, particularly in the event you don’t converse Spanish.
Sadly, regardless of diligently following the Spanish tutorial, I’ve not succeeded in turning off these UNOTV updates. I even tried it with a Mexican pal, and he didn’t perceive it both!
Telcel Mexico sim card knowledge plans
There are various plans for Telcel Mexico however the lowest is $0.58 USD for 1 day. Many of the plans have the identical options like:
Beneath are the perfect Telcel knowledge plans for vacationers and what’s included in every plan:
Amigo Sin Límite 100
$6
Amigo Sin Límite 200
$12
Amigo Sin Límite 300
$18
Amigo Sin Límite 500
$29
If you wish to see extra knowledge plans for Telcel, you may go to their web site, nevertheless, they’re solely in Spanish. Get in contact in the event you need assistance or see the useful Spanish phrases beneath for getting a sim card in Mexico.
📱 The phrase “limitless” could also be fairly obscure, however as defined to me on the Telcel distributor retailer, “a vast plan on Telcel means there are not any knowledge caps or restrictions primarily based on utilization.”
The place to purchase native Mexico SIM card
Mexican SIM playing cards may be purchased in every single place, however listed here are the precise locations for buy:
Can I get a Mexican SIM card on the airport?
ABSOLUTELY! Virtually all main airports have Telcel kiosks on the arrivals gate. The benefit of shopping for a Mexican SIM card on the airport is that they’re educated to talk English.
OK, not all can converse English however there will likely be somebody there who will. If you’re arriving in Mexico Metropolis, you may open this location of the Telcel kiosk on Google Maps, (open from 7 AM – 9 PM).
For these touchdown at Cancun Airport, I hate to interrupt it to you however the sim card costs there are stupidly costly. Like waaayyyy costlier.
I’d perceive if it’s simply $5 USD extra, however Cancun Airport SIM playing cards are a rip-off! There are various Telcel kiosks throughout Cancun, so that you don’t want to purchase them on the airport.
Easy methods to purchase a Mexico SIM card at Oxxo
If it’s your first time in Mexico, Oxxo is your pal. It has all the things! Oxxo is a comfort retailer in Mexico that one can find in each nook, wherever you’re. It’s not exhausting to overlook.
For those who don’t converse Spanish, enter Oxxo and say, “Chip de Telcel, por favor.” It’s a brief phrase that’s simple to say, and everybody at Oxxo will perceive.
Oxxo will cost you round 39 pesos ($2.28 USD) for the SIM card payment. Nevertheless, this isn’t topped-up with knowledge.
Most of the time, the cashier will NOT ask you if you would like a top-up as a result of they aren’t conscious that vacationers know in regards to the top-up as a separate buy.
Some actually first rate cashiers will give you a reload once they notice you’re a foreigner. For those who weren’t provided a top-up, simply say, “Recarga por favor.”
The SIM payment and the “recarga” (top-up) are individually punched into the money register, so it’s essential to do 2 transactions.
I counsel that after paying for the SIM card, go to the aspect of the road, put the SIM card in your cellphone, after which fall in line once more for the top-up.
This manner, you’ll know if the SIM card works, and you may repair it instantly if one thing is flawed.
When you ask for a top-up, the cashier will ask you what plan (paquete) you need. They may even present you the money register display for choices.
At Oxxo, you may pay through bank card so it’s not a difficulty you probably have not exchanged Mexican peso but. Maintain the receipt, simply in case.
Purchase a Mexico sim card in abarrotes or tiendas
Abarrotes and tiendas are small comfort shops in Mexico and also you see them in every single place. Comply with the identical buy steps as Oxxo however you might have to talk extra Spanish this fashion.
In contrast to Oxxo, abarrotes and tiendas are much less automated so you actually should be clear in regards to the knowledge plan and what you’re paying.
Some abarrotes have bank card terminals, and a few don’t. Money is safer when shopping for a Mexico SIM card this fashion. And sure, it is a LEGIT method of shopping for a Mexico SIM card.
Be certain to place the SIM in entrance of the woman. For those who come again the following day and report you had an issue, she most likely gained’t bear in mind you.
Abarrotes don’t give receipts. The costs for Mexican sim playing cards in abarrotes and tiendas are double since retailer house owners need to earn somewhat bit extra.
For instance, in Oxxo, the Telcel sim card is simply 29 pesos whereas in abarrotes, it’s 69 pesos. The highest-ups have the identical costs in every single place however the SIM card charges are completely different per service provider.
Mexico SIM card at Walmart and different grocery shops
Telcel SIM can be accessible at Walmart. You’ll be able to go straight to the cashier and observe the steps on purchase a SIM card at Oxxo above. It’s the identical course of.
Other than Walmart, it’s also possible to purchase a Mexico SIM card at main supermarkets like Soriana, La Comer, Chedraui, and Fresko. They’ve branches everywhere in the nation.
Up to now, I don’t suppose you should buy a SIM card at Costco however I’ll examine and replace this publish!
🛃 When shopping for a SIM card in Mexico, it’s possible you’ll or is probably not requested in your passport. Be certain to convey an identification! I’m not certain if you need to use any ID. Up to now, they’ve solely requested me for a passport, particularly on the airport.
Ask your airport service or airport driver
This is probably not a conventional method of shopping for a Mexico SIM card, however lots of my pals who don’t converse Spanish depend on the tour operators in Mexico.
As somebody with a journey enterprise in Mexico, I added the choice to buy a Mexico SIM card earlier than arriving on the airport.
I solely do that for my purchasers, however you may strive it along with your tour supplier. Simply ask them the favor to purchase the SIM card for you and have it prepared by arrival.
Upon arrival in Mexico, or earlier than heading to your resort, you may ask your driver to cease in a sim card retailer and provide help to discuss to the seller.
For certain, they’ll! Mexican tour operators are superior and are all the time prepared to assist.
Purchase Telcel SIM from the US or Canada
For those who actually need to purchase a Mexico SIM card earlier than leaving the US and Canada, you may order the Telcel Chip through Amazon.
The Telcel chip will likely be delivered to the doorstep and also you would possibly discover that it’s barely open. However this doesn’t imply that the sim card is USED.
The rationale why it seems opened is as a result of the seller has to open it for activation and top-up. It’s the identical actual course of like shopping for within the Oxxo the place it’s important to do 2 transactions.
They can not manually reload a Telcel chip with out opening it so don’t be uncertain about it.
To name and textual content internationally, it’s essential to add the world codes for every nation. United States and Canada is +1 and Mexico is +52.
You can not straight dial with out an space code. Not even on Whatsapp!
To examine your Telcel steadiness from the US or Canada:
- dial *133# (asterisk, 133, pound). It provides you with an possibility
- Choose possibility quantity 3 which says “detalles de saldo,” (present steadiness)
- Then choose possibility 2 “paquete amigo sin limite”
In case your cellphone is unlocked with Verizon or AT&T, it gained’t work with Telcel. Even in the event you purchase a Mexico AT&T SIM card, it gained’t work with an AT&T-locked US cellphone.
AT&T operates in each the US and Mexico, however the firm capabilities barely in another way in every nation. They aren’t the identical.
This additionally goes with out saying that your US cellphone will solely work in Mexico in the event you subscribed for a global knowledge plan. Unlocked US telephones don’t work with Telcel.
Purchase Mexico SIM Card in distributor shops
You should buy a Mexican SIM Card in official distributor shops which you could find everywhere in the nation however in comparison with shopping for at Oxxo, there’s a line within the shops the place it’s important to get a quantity to fall in line.
Moreover, the Telcel or Movistar distributor shops will barely have somebody talking English.
Greatest Mexico E-SIM (from $1.14 per day)
I’ve lately began utilizing Airalo, an E-SIM for Mexico. Though it isn’t as low-cost because the native Mexican SIM, you don’t should undergo speaking to native personnel or talking Spanish as a result of Airalo is automated.
There isn’t a bodily SIM card to place in. The customer support can be very quick and everybody can converse English.
The one subject with Airalo in Mexico is that it’s a data-only plan. It doesn’t contain calls or textual content. Up to now, I’m glad about it, and I’ve made an in-depth evaluation of how Airalo works in Mexico!
As for Airalo speeds in Mexico, I’m 50-50, and I don’t know if I’m impressed with the velocity. I used to be simply most likely in an space with weaker sign however I’ll preserve utilizing it whereas in Mexico to see if the E-SIM protection is de facto by space.
As a digital nomad, I preserve making an attempt new E-SIMS however should strive them earlier than recommending them to you. Attempt Airalo and inform me about your expertise within the remark field beneath!
📶 For those who use a VPN like me, the information utilization will likely be greater (tried and examined on Telcel). However the knowledge consumption for Airalo, when linked to VPN, remains to be unclear to me.
Mexico E-SIM plans and costs
Airalo’s E-SIM for Mexico is kind of a giveaway and could be very low-cost for the service that you’re getting. In contrast to Telcel, Airalo E-SIM has a smaller number of packages so that you gained’t get overwhelmed.
The costs are straight to the purpose. My recommendation is to strive the bottom bundle which is $8 USD for 7 days.
For those who prefer it, then you may add extra. However this plan is already adequate, particularly for a brief trip to Mexico.
Listed here are the costs for Airalo’s E-SIM for Mexico and what you’ll get:
CHORRO FON MEXICO
$8
1 GB knowledge legitimate for 7 days
CHORRO FON MEXICO
$15
2 GB knowledge legitimate for 15 days
CHORRO FON MEXICO
$21
3 GB knowledge legitimate for 30 days
CHORRO FON MEXICO
$32.50
5 GB knowledge legitimate for 30 days
CHORRO FON MEXICO
$49
10 GB knowledge legitimate for 30 days
📶 Airalo’s native associate is Telcel, so the protection and high quality are the identical. Airalo E-Sim is a data-only plan, whereas calls and texts are included in Telcel.
Useful Spanish phrases for getting a SIM card in Mexico
Shopping for a SIM card in Mexico is simple with out talking Spanish provided that you purchase your sim card in touristic areas like airports.
Well-known resort cities like Tulum, Los Cabos, Cancun are English-speaking areas so in the event you’re right here and forgot to purchase a sim card on the airport, this gained’t be difficult.
Nevertheless, if you’re in distant cities or not-so-popular locations in Mexico (i.e., the rugged Baja California)
| English | Spanish |
| Dónde puedo comprar un chip de Telcel? | The place can I purchase a SIM card? |
| Cuánto cuesta el chip de Telcel? | How a lot does a SIM card value? |
| Este chip tiene datos ilimitados? | Does this SIM card have limitless knowledge? |
| Puedo usar este chip con cualquier teléfono? | Can I take advantage of this SIM card with any cellphone? |
| Necesito identificación para comprar un chip? | Do I want identification to purchase a SIM card? |
| Cual es el mejor plan de datos para turistas? | What’s the finest knowledge plan for vacationers? |
| Ya esta activado el chip? | Is it already activated? |
| Tienen recarga de Telcel? | Do you have got Telcel top-up? |
| Qué cobertura tiene este chip? | What protection does this SIM card have? |
🇲🇽 In Mexico, as a substitute of utilizing “SIM,” you need to use the phrase “chip,” which is the Mexican Spanish for a SIM card.
Mexico SIM Card how-to’s
Easy methods to activate Mexican SIM card
After shopping for the SIM card, you must put a top-up (minimal of fifty pesos / $3 USD) or simply purchase a full limitless knowledge bundle.
The highest-up prompts the SIM card. Simply insert it and will probably be good to go. No different steps wanted except for the top-up.
Nevertheless, don’t wait till you come to your resort to insert the SIM. In case any drawback happens, it’s essential to insert the SIM and take a look at the information earlier than leaving the Telcel store or wherever to procure your SIM card.
In case your Mexico SIM card is inactive inside 245 days, will probably be invalid, except you registered the quantity in your identify. They typically give out the identical inactive numbers to new subscribers so if it’s previous 245 days, don’t hassle and get a brand new one.
Easy methods to register a pay as you go SIM to your identify
For those who come again to Mexico repeatedly and don’t need to change numbers, you may register your cellphone quantity formally by presenting paperwork on the Telcel distributor retailer.
This manner, you’re certain that the quantity is yours. Simply convey legitimate paperwork and also you don’t should be a Mexican resident to do that. aba
It’s additionally essential to notice that you must current your vacationer visa card and that it’s legitimate.
Easy methods to high up Mexico SIM card
The highest-up for Telcel and different community suppliers in Mexico is just about the identical. You’ll be able to examine the the place to purchase SIM card within the part of this text.
All these locations could have a top-up possibility and so they can present the costs to you on the screens (aside from abarrotes and tiendas which have a better pricing vary).
If you end up in the course of an emergency with no knowledge, you may merely ask a Mexican if they will top-up for you.
All Mexican banks (it doesn’t matter what it’s), could have the top-up possibility for Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T on the cellular financial institution app.
Then you may simply pay that particular person in money. The highest-up from financial institution apps are on the spot and there’s no have to activate or do anything when you obtain the top-up.
Easy methods to know your Telcel cellphone quantity
To know your Telcel quantity, observe the steps beneath. You’ll be able to even do that with out cellphone credit! All it’s important to do is to textual content or dial 051.
For those who obtain a textual content message with a 4-digit PIN, simply ignore it. Please word that it is a Spanish-only textual content/voice.
TALK TO TRISHA
Let me provide help to plan your journey!
I’ve been giving knowledgeable and real recommendation to solo vacationers and digital nomads for the final 15 years. You select the vacation spot and I’ll reply all of your questions!