If you’re looking for a SIM card for Mexico but you’re confused by all the options, I’m here to help. While I always try to disconnect when I’m away, it’s still a good idea to have Internet when traveling, especially if you run into any unforeseen events. Plus, it’s nice to be able to look up information or send photos to family and friends.
On my last trip to Mexico, I bought the Holafly eSIM card, which was cheap, easy to use, and had unlimited data. If your cellphone is compatible with digital SIM cards, this is the best option, and we even have a discount for Holafly.
However, if your phone isn’t compatible, I recommend one of the physical SimOptions cards. These SIM cards work very well, but keep in mind that they’ll arrive to your house by mail, so you must order them in advance. On the other hand, you can buy an eSIM while you’re already abroad.
In addition to these two options, there are other good Mexico SIM card alternatives that you might like. In this guide, I’ve compiled all the information about each one so you can choose the best option depending on the duration and reason for your trip. Keep reading to see the best SIM cards for Mexico, including the pros, cons, where to buy them, and other tips.
How do SIM cards in Mexico work?
A Mexico SIM card works the same way any SIM card in your home country would work. You can use it to connect to the Internet and, in some cases, send texts and make calls at no additional cost. However, keep in mind that some cards may not be compatible with your device, so I always suggest checking your phone’s compatibility before buying.
How do SIM cards in Mexico work?
In our case, we made sure the eSIM for Mexico was compatible with our phones by checking this site. It shows all the brands and models that work with the Holafly eSIM, so I recommend looking there to avoid any surprises. Of course, if you opt for a local Mexico SIM card, I recommend checking your phone’s compatibility at the place where you buy it.
Moreover, installing and activating the digital SIM is simple. All you need to do is scan the QR code, which you’ll receive via email after making your purchase. If you get the physical SIM card, insert it into your device and it should start working. Remember, if your phone doesn’t have a dual card slot, you’ll have to remove your current SIM card and replace it with the Mexico SIM card. Hang onto it so you can use it again after your trip!
Mexico SIM cards price comparison
To give you an idea of the different SIM cards in Mexico that are available, here is a chart comparing the durations, prices, and data limits. I’ve included the Holafly eSIM, the SimOptions physical card, and the most popular local Mexico SIM cards for you to compare.
CARD | 10 DAYS | 15 DAYS | 20 DAYS | 30 DAYS | 60 DAYS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited/$34 | Unlimited/$47 | Unlimited/$54 | Unlimited/$64 | Unlimited/$84 |
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10 GB/$49 | |||||
2.3 GB/$7.85 | |||||
1.5 GB/$5.25 | 2 GB/$7.35 | 3 GB/$10.50 | |||
500 MB/$2.60 | 3 GB/$5.25 |
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BEST SIM CARDS FOR MEXICO |
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After analyzing these options, you’ll see that the Holafly eSIM is the best prepaid SIM card for Mexico if you want unlimited data. So, if you use social media a lot, you’re working remotely, or you need to stay connected while traveling, this is the top choice.
From my own experience, I need at least 15GB of data per month, so the local SIM cards fall a bit short. While they have a cheap price upfront, the cost can quickly go up if you have to buy more data later on. For this reason, I prefer using Holafly or SimOptions.
Another advantage of Holafly and SimOptions is that you can access the Internet as soon as you get to your destination since you can get the SIM card ahead of time. With AT&T, Telcel, and Movistar, you must buy the SIM card in Mexico, so you’ll have to go shopping after you get settled at your destination.
What is the best SIM card for Mexico?
As I’ve already mentioned, the best SIM card for Mexico is the Holafly eSIM, which is what we used for our trip. It’s the most practical and convenient option, plus you get unlimited data, and you can even buy it when you’re already abroad since it arrives via email.
If you prefer a physical card, I recommend SimOptions, which offers a good data plan for two weeks of travel. Just keep in mind that you’ll receive the card via regular mail, so you must purchase it in advance before you leave.
That said, I’ll give you an overview of each Mexico SIM card below, including their pros and cons, so you can make the best choice for your trip.
1. Holafly eSIM, the best SIM card for Mexico
The Holafly eSIM is a digital SIM card for Mexico, so it’s the ideal option for travelers who are already abroad or don’t have a dual card slot in their phones.
Activating this card is simple since all you have to do is scan the QR code you’ll receive by email after purchasing. Once you activate it, you’ll have mobile data on your device. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to print out the QR code or send it to your travel companion so you can scan it with your phone.
1. Holafly eSIM, the best SIM card for Mexico
Also, remember to check if your device is compatible with this type of prepaid SIM for Mexico by going to this website.
This international eSIM card has unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about limiting your Internet usage while traveling. It’s the best option if you want to save money while using mobile data abroad for work or pleasure, and you can even get an Holafly discount for being our reader.
This option guarantees you get great coverage during your trip, but if you don’t need unlimited data, this won’t be the cheapest option. However, if you run into any issues or concerns, you can access Holafly’s customer service 24/7, which is super convenient.
DAYS | GB | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
5 days | Unlimited | $19 |
10 days | Unlimited | $34 |
15 days | Unlimited | $47 |
20 days | Unlimited | $54 |
30 days | Unlimited | $64 |
60 days | Unlimited | $84 |
90 days | Unlimited | $99 |
HOLAFLY ESIM FOR MEXICO |
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2. SimOptions card, a cheap SIM card for Mexico
If you prefer a physical SIM card for Mexico, I recommend ordering one from SimOptions in advance. This is the best option for a physical card since you can insert it into your device before leaving for your trip.
Once you order it, you’ll receive the card within 3-5 business days via USPS, or 1-2 days if you choose priority overnight service via FedEx. You can get more shipping details here.
To install the card, insert it into your mobile device. You should be able to start using your data, but if you have any issues or questions, you can contact customer support. The support team is available by chat, email, and phone.
This prepaid phone card for Mexico is great if your device has a dual SIM card slot. Otherwise, you’ll have to take out your current SIM card and keep it in a safe place while you use the Mexico SIM card. On the other hand, one of the best advantages of using SimOptions is that the card allows you to share data with your travel companions, so you can use it on more than one device. This is a feature that Holafly doesn’t offer.
The downside here is that SimOptions only offers two-week plans, so it’s best for short-term trips. If you’re taking a longer trip, Holafly and some local cards are cheaper, but SimOptions is the best physical card you’ll find on the market.
DAYS | GB | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
14 days | 10 GB | $49 |
SIMOPTIONS SIM CARD FOR MEXICO |
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3. AT&T Mexico SIM card, another good SIM card for a Mexico trip
If you’d rather get a local SIM card for Mexico, the AT&T card is a good option. AT&T is one of the biggest communications companies in the country, so they generally provide good coverage. That said, you could run into connectivity issues if you go to some rural areas.
The AT&T Mexico SIM card offers cheap monthly plans, although the mobile data is more limited than Holafly and SimOptions. If you only plan on sending a few messages during your trip, AT&T should be fine, but you’ll need more data to access maps and search the web.
To get an AT&T card, you can go to any authorized AT&T store. Some supermarkets even have AT&T services, so you shouldn’t have any problems. If you need assistance with your SIM card, AT&T’s customer support is available several days a week by live chat and phone.
DAYS | GB | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
30 days | 2.3 GB | $7.85 |
30 days | 3 GB | $10.50 |
AT&T SIM CARD FOR MEXICO |
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4. Telcel SIM card, another Mexico SIM card option
Another local option is the Telcel Mexico SIM card. This phone company is the largest operator in the country and has the best 4G and 5G coverage, so it’s a great alternative if you plan on exploring remote places or spots that don’t have Wi-Fi.
Telcel’s prepaid phone cards for Mexico range from two weeks to 30 days, and the prices are quite affordable. With Telcel, you can enjoy unlimited calls, texts, and social networks in the country, so it’s ideal if you want to upload travel photos to Facebook or Instagram.
Another advantage of this card is that if your plan expires and you still have mobile data left, you can start a new plan with that rollover data.
To buy this SIM card in Mexico, go to one of the official Telcel stores or an electronics store. You can also find Telcel in some supermarkets and convenience stores.
DAYS | GB | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|
15 days | 1.5 GB | $5.25 | |
26 days | 2 GB | $7 | |
30 days | 3 GB | $10.50 | |
30 days | 4 GB | $15.70 | |
30 days | 6 GB | $26.15 | |
TELCEL SIM CARD FOR MEXICO |
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5. Movistar SIM card, a Mexico SIM card alternative
Finally, the Movistar SIM card for Mexico is the cheapest alternative if you want an Internet connection during your trip. Of course, its coverage isn’t as good as the other companies, and it’s often a bit slower, so if you definitely need to rely on a connection while traveling, I don’t recommend it.
This card also includes unlimited social networks, so it’s a low-cost option for those who want mobile data mostly for entertainment. You can buy it and reload it in authorized stores, supermarkets, and with authorized resellers, so it’s not hard to get.
DAYS | GB | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
7 days | 500 MB | $2.60 |
30 days | 3 GB | $5.25 |
MOVISTAR SIM CARD FOR MEXICO |
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Where to buy a SIM card for Mexico
You can buy a Mexico SIM card in the United States or once you get to Mexico. So, whether you want to prepare ahead and purchase it before the trip, or get a local SIM at your destination, it’s up to you.
Buy a Mexico SIM card in the U.S.
If you want to get a SIM card for Mexico while you’re still in the U.S., you must purchase it online. You can either opt for the eSIM card, which arrives to your email instantly, or you can order a physical SIM card, which will arrive by mail to your house within 1-5 days, depending on the delivery method.
In my opinion, these two options are the best alternatives since you can take care of setting up your mobile data before you leave for your trip, and you’ll have Internet as soon as you land. Personally, I don’t want to waste my vacation time looking for phone cards at booths, kiosks, and stores. Plus, if I have any questions or problems with my SIM card, I can deal with those issues before I travel.
Buy a SIM card for Mexico at the destination
Of course, if you’re already traveling and you haven’t decided which Mexico SIM card to get, you can always buy the Holafly eSIM card and access it via email. Just remember that you have to print the QR code or send it to a travel buddy so you can scan it and start using the Internet.
In addition to the digital SIM, you can get a local SIM card in Mexico at an authorized store like AT&T, Telcel, or Movistar. Lots of supermarkets, convenience stores, and airport shops sell these phone cards, too.
Something to keep in mind is that your mobile device must be compatible with the SIM card, so make sure you check at the store before agreeing to buy it. With Holafly, you can check compatibility ahead of time online here, so it’s super convenient.
How to activate a SIM card for Mexico
Activating a SIM card or eSIM for Mexico is quick and easy. If you get the Holafly eSIM, all you have to do is scan the QR code to download the data plan, so it only takes a few seconds. To do this, you’ll need to print the QR code or have it on another device so you can scan it.
How to activate a SIM card for Mexico
For the other cards, you have to insert the physical international SIM card into your device, and then it’ll be ready to use. If your phone has a dual slot, you can keep your current SIM card in and add the Mexico SIM card. This will allow you to receive calls to both numbers.
Remember to change the settings in your phone so you don’t get charged extra roaming fees. Go to your device’s mobile data menu and choose the SIM card for Mexico as the default. If you plan on using the Mexico phone line, change the settings for calls, too.
Requirements to use the SIM card in Mexico
Firstly, the Holafly eSIM card is compatible with most new mobile devices, but I recommend checking for your specific model here. Also, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with Mexico’s network frequency. But, this is also the case with the other local Mexico SIM cards, including the ones offered by SimOptions.
Apart from that, you don’t need to show any type of documentation or anything. Just pay and you’ll get the phone card.
Installation is super simple, especially with the digital card. Purchase the Mexico eSIM and scan the QR code that gets sent to your email. For physical phone cards, insert it into your mobile device and you can start using data.
Now you know how to get Internet in Mexico, as well as all the best options to choose from. If you have any questions about getting a SIM card in Mexico, or you want to share your experience, leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you! Have a great trip!
