Mexico SIM Card for Tourists: What to buy and how to buy
Everything you need to know about Mexican SIMs for tourists
Summary
Mexico is a diverse and beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. But, the truth is, staying connected as you travel through the colourful markets and ancient ruins can be difficult if you don't have a SIM card that provides you with data connectivity in Mexico.
The good news is that staying connected in Mexico is easy and affordable, with various options to choose from. You can buy a physical SIM card from one of Mexico's major providers like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, or Movistar. Alternatively, you can choose a travel eSIM for a digital, QR code-activated solution. If you prefer to stick with your current provider, international roaming is also available, though it can be more expensive.
Let's take a look at the various options out there for you to stay connected in Mexico - from international roaming, to local tourist SIMs for Mexico, or travel eSIMs for Mexico. We'll explore how to get connected and where to find the best deals, whether you're landing in Cancun or exploring Mexico City.
Why You Should Get a Data SIM in Mexico?
If you were hoping to be able to get around in Mexico solely relying on public WiFi, we hate to break it to you that it would unfortunately be really difficult. The infrastructure in Mexico is not as sophisticated as some countries, and public WiFi isn't readily available. Even if WiFi was available, they are not always the most stable.
So, if you are going to have to stay connected during your trip in Mexico - so that you can navigate and find your way around, or to use your favourite social media apps - getting a SIM card with data connectivity is your best bet.
What Mexico SIM card should I get?
There are three main mobile network operators in Mexico, namely Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar. Of the three operators, Telcel is the largest operator and known to have the best coverage where others may not, but is also the most expensive. AT&T is the second-largest operator and has rather good coverage, though it could be less stable in the rural areas; and Movistar, while not as big, also offers decent coverage. AT&T and Movistar offer plans at much more competitive rates.
When choosing a SIM card in Mexico, it's important to consider how you prefer your coverage.
Telcel boasts the best nationwide coverage, including rural areas. AT&T Mexico offers strong urban coverage with improving rural reach, while Movistar is a budget-friendly option but weaker in rural areas. Mexico generally has reliable 4G/LTE in cities, with 5G being available in limited areas. However, you may experience slower speeds in remote regions.
The three telcos don't have tourist plans per-se, but they do offer prepaid cards that are available for tourists to purchase.
How much are the Mexican SIM card for tourists?
The prices of the Mexican SIM cards vary depending on provider. It is important to do some shopping on the various websites, or at the physical shops, to find the available plans and prices. As a guideline:
- Telcel: You can get a 1.2GB prepaid data SIM at approx. USD5.
- AT&T: You can get a 1.5GB prepaid data SIM at approx. USD5. There is an ongoing promotion where you can get 4GB of extra data.
- Movistar: You can get 4GB of prepaid data at approx. USD5.
The packages provided by all three providers typically include unlimited data for certain applications, which usually include WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook. Some plans also include data allowance for multimedia streaming.
However, it is important to note that these are the charges just for the data bundles. Network operators mostly also have a separate charge for the physical SIM card and activation.
Where can I buy a tourist SIM card for Mexico?
If you are planning to buy a tourist SIM card for Mexico, here are some ways you can do so:
- Buy from kiosks at the airport: Counters for Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar sell prepaid tourist SIMs at most international airports. You can easily pick a tourist SIM from any of these kiosks, but do note that the cost of SIM cards at the airport could be more expensive at the airport than in the city center.
- At Mobile Carrier Stores: All three major carriers have stores in major cities like Mexico City, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. Buying directly from a carrier store usually offers a wider selection of plans and better customer support. This is a great option if you're unsure how to activate your SIM card or want personalized assistance. However, you might need to register your passport, and there could be language barriers if your Spanish isn't fluent.
- Buy from the convenience stores: Prepaid SIM cards are also available at convenience stores like Oxxo, 7-Eleven, and Extra throughout Mexico. This is a convenient option if you need a SIM card outside of regular business hours. The stores that have SIM cards available will usually have a label of the telco's logo, so keep a look out for that. Some stores might require ID for activation, and the plan options might be limited.
- Buy online before you arrive: It is possible to buy a SIM card online before you arrive. Several websites offer prepaid SIM cards with delivery to your hotel or even your home before you depart for Mexico. This can be a good option if you want to have everything set up in advance. Where to buy your SIM card online depends on your preference, but be sure to factor in shipping times and compare prices, as they might be more expensive than buying directly from the operators after arrival. If you will be buying the SIM card online, remember to check if the SIM card you are purchasing is an empty SIM card, or if it comes with data included—and remember to also cater sufficient time for the SIM card to be shipped to you.
How do I top up my Mexico SIM card?
Since you will likely be buying an empty Mexican SIM card, it is important for you to learn how to recharge (or top-up) your SIM card so that you can get connected.
To top-up your Mexican SIM card, you will have the following options:
- Visit the kiosks: You can go to the kiosks of the network operators to recharge your SIM card. When you first buy your SIM card from the kiosks, you can also ask them to do the top-up from the get-go.
- Top up online on the telco's website: Go to the telco's website and recharge. However, their websites are mostly in Spanish, so you might need to use a translation plug-in on your browser if you cannot read the language.
- Top up at a convenience store: Another option is to head to the convenience stores to top it up. Simply let them know which plans you would like to top up.
Get Nomad's Travel eSIM for Mexico
If you are going to Mexico, consider getting Nomad's eSIM for Mexico travel instead of a local SIM card. If you are not sure what an eSIM is, it stands for embedded SIM, and is a digital SIM that is embedded within your device.
Using Nomad's travel eSIM provides a variety of advantages over getting a local SIM card, including:
- Get your eSIM even before you arrive: You can buy and install your eSIM even before you get to Mexico, so that you can get connected as soon as you land. You do not have to worry about having to pick up a SIM card at the airport, or to find a way to get to the city center before being able to get connected. You also don't have to worry about shipping like you would if you had to get one from the e-commerce sites.
- No hidden costs: Prices are transparent, and what you see listed is what you get - you don't have to worry about additional costs required for activation or for different costs depending where you purchase your SIM. Although Nomad's data cost is slightly more expensive than if you were to get a local Mexican SIM, they are relatively similar if you were to add in the extra charges that might be incurred with a local SIM.
- Keep your home SIM card active: With an eSIM, you can keep your home SIM card within your phone so that you can continue to stay connected on your primary line. You don't have to worry about having to swap SIM cards, or to even take out your SIM tray.
- Automatic network switching: Nomad's eSIMs for Mexico hooks on to the AT&T and Movistar networks, and it will be automatically switch to the network that has a stronger or more stable signal. Compared to getting a SIM card that is locked to a single network, the ability to switch networks provide better stability, and is less susceptible to any network outages.
What do I need to use a Nomad Travel eSIM for Mexico?
To use a Nomad travel eSIM for Mexico, you will need to make sure that:
Once you have confirmed that you can use your eSIM on your device, you can easily purchase a Nomad travel eSIM for Mexico from the web store or the Nomad app on iOS or Android. After you have successfully bought a Nomad eSIM, you will receive an email containing installation and activation instructions for your eSIM.
It is recommended to buy your eSIM ahead of time and install it before you fly, as a stable internet connection is required to buy and install your eSIM.
How much does a SIM card cost in Mexico?
As you can see, each option has its pros and cons. Telcel offers the best coverage, but it comes at a higher price. AT&T and Movistar are more budget-friendly, but their coverage might be less reliable in certain areas. Nomad's eSIM offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to activate your data plan before you even arrive in Mexico and keep your primary number active.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize coverage above all else, Telcel is a good option. If you're on a tight budget, AT&T or Movistar might be more suitable. And if you value convenience and flexibility, Nomad's eSIM is the way to go.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to research and compare the latest plans, how they hold up against competitors, and their pricing before making your decision. Understanding where you can buy your Mexico SIM cards—whether it's at the airport, in convenience stores, or online—will help you stay connected and make the most of your trip.
Can I use my home SIM card for data in Mexico?
Yes, you can. And in fact, if you are from the United States or Canada, you might want to check with your carrier if your plan already includes free roaming in Mexico. Providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all have plans that offer free roaming in Mexico, and if you are already on those plans, then you wouldn't need to get an additional SIM card or pay more for data in Mexico.
If your plan does not include free roaming in Mexico, or if you are not from the US, turning on international roaming is also an option - provided your home telco offers that service for your plan. However, it is important to note that international roaming is often expensive, so it is recommended that you first check how much international roaming costs for Mexico, and if your home carrier has roaming plans that offer better packages.
Frequently asked questions about buying a SIM card in Mexico
Which carrier has the best coverage for rural areas?
While Telcel generally offers the most extensive coverage in Mexico, including rural areas, AT&T and Movistar have been expanding their networks.
If you plan on venturing off the beaten path, it's worth checking coverage maps for all three carriers to see which one offers the best service in the specific regions you'll be visiting. You can usually find these maps on the carriers' websites.
Do I need a Mexican ID to buy a SIM card?
No. Most major carriers in Mexico, including Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar, sell prepaid SIM cards to tourists without requiring a Mexican ID. You might need to show your passport as proof of identification.
Check with the specific store or kiosk beforehand to confirm their requirements.
Are there data-only SIMs available for tourists?
Yes, all three major carriers offer data-only SIM cards suitable for tourists. These SIMs typically come with a certain amount of prepaid data and may include unlimited access to specific apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter.
Some plans also offer data for multimedia streaming. Be sure to inquire about the available data-only options when purchasing your SIM card.
Do I need a SIM card, or can I rely on free WiFi?
While free WiFi is available in some places like hotels, cafes, and restaurants, network coverage and stability can vary, and you might find yourself without connectivity in many areas, especially in rural regions.
Having a Mexico SIM card with data ensures you stay connected throughout your trip, allowing you to navigate, access essential information, and share your experiences online without relying on potentially unreliable WiFi networks.
