SIM Card for Mexico: What to Buy, Where, and Why It Matters
Dear traveler, welcome to this post, where you will find out all about the best SIM card for Mexico.
I’ve spent the past 3 months traveling non-stop through Mexico, working online and enjoying the country, food, and friendly locals. Based on this experience, I’ve put together this post so that during your next trip to Mexico, you can stay as connected as possible.
The best SIM card for Mexico is just a step away from being discovered in this post.
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Why do you need a SIM card in Mexico?
I believe that staying connected in 2025 makes traveling so much easier. Having a SIM card with good coverage isn’t just useful for digital nomads, but for every kind of traveler.
For example, booking a taxi through apps in (almost) any destination in Mexico. You can’t imagine how much money you can save, not to mention avoiding scams and possible safety issues that could come with using a regular taxi without having your trip tracked and without knowing how much you’ll need to pay until the end.
It’s also useful for finding your way with online maps, searching for great restaurants or the best tacos in the area, or finding attractions that aren’t listed in printed guides.
In short, you’ve already figured out that having a SIM card on your next trip is essential in Mexico.
So let’s move on to the next question.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Mexico
Here are three possible options I can recommend:
Airports
This is the easiest and probably most convenient choice. As soon as you arrive in Mexico, you’ll likely find stores from various providers selling SIM cards at different prices and packages. To be honest, most of the offers are quite similar.
However, there are two downsides. First, the prices at airports tend to be slightly higher than in regular stores. Second, not all airports offer this service, so it’s a good idea to check in advance if your arrival airport has SIM card vendors.
For example, at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, there’s no such service, so you cannot buy a SIM card when you arrive in Mexico.
Local Stores
This is my top pick. It’s cheaper, efficient, and often provides better service than what you’ll get at the airport. You can purchase SIM cards at any official phone provider’s store or in one of the countless OXXO shops that you’ll find everywhere in Mexico. Basically, staying connected in this country is easy.
eSIM Card
Ideal for those who prefer everything set up before arriving. eSIMs are very convenient since there’s no physical card involved. Being able to land and immediately use mobile data is a huge relief.
I often use this option myself. For instance, when I arrived in Mexico, I had a work meeting right away, and I knew there were limited physical SIM options at Puerto Vallarta airport.
I bought the eSIM from the SALLY provider, and here you can check their offers.
Our Tip: Wise is a great card when you are travelling to a country with a different currency than yours like Mexico. We use this online bank during our trips and we never had problems, even in remote places around the world.
Top SIM Card Providers in Mexico
There are several providers in Mexico, but here are the most popular ones that I’ve used and recommend:
Telcel
This is arguably the number one telecom company in the country. I bought a Telcel SIM card after using an eSIM after arrival, and it turned out to be a great choice. I rarely had coverage issues, even in rural areas. While their plans may be a bit more expensive than others, the service quality makes it worth it, especially when you need to work on your trip.
OXXO CEL
Remember those OXXO stores I mentioned? Besides selling other companies’ SIM cards, they now have their own. Simone bought one and was very happy with it. This provider uses Telcel’s network, so the coverage is the same. Prices are similar, maybe slightly higher, but there’s a great benefit.
After a few days, we found out about SPIN Premia, OXXO’s rewards program. By signing up and using it to buy your data packages, you get bonus data for free. Just buy the OXXO CEL SIM, request a free SPIN Premia card, download the two apps, sign up, and check which packages come with extra data. It’s convenient and cost-effective.
Movistar
This is a well-known provider in Europe, and it’s a great choice if you plan to make international calls. The prices are good, but the coverage is mostly suited to urban areas. In rural regions, service can be limited.
AT&T Mexico
Similar to Movistar, this provider is great for city travelers. The prices are fair, but coverage in remote or countryside areas is not as reliable. If I were only visiting cities, this would be a solid option.
Grab your new travel sticker below and let the adventure begin!
How Much Does a SIM Card Cost in Mexico?
Physical SIM cards in Mexico are very affordable. Most of the time, they cost just a few pesos. The price depends on where you buy it, whether it’s at the airport, an official store, or an OXXO.
If I remember correctly, we paid around 30 to 40 pesos each, which is practically nothing.
When it comes to mobile data, I wouldn’t say it’s super cheap. After living in a country like Italy, where data packages are very low-cost, I’d say that in Mexico, mobile data can feel a bit pricey. Overall, your perception of the cost depends on where you’re coming from.
That said, on average, about 4 to 5 GB of data (valid for 30 days) can cost between 200 and 300 pesos, which is roughly 9 to 14 euros or 10 to 15.5 US dollars.
How Good Is the Internet in Mexico for Travelers or Digital Nomads?
This is a question I often get from online communities and friends. I’d say Mexico is a great country for digital nomads. I’ve never had connectivity issues, and considering that I had several meetings every week with clients without any problems, I can confidently say that if you’re planning to work online while traveling in Mexico, you should be fine.
The only thing I would recommend is to choose the SIM card that best suits your specific needs. And if you’re unsure, it’s always smart to have two SIM cards from different providers. That’s what we usually do.
As for internet access in remote or rural areas, I can’t guarantee you’ll always have a connection. It really depends on where you’re going.
Obviously, it’s going to be harder to get a signal deep in the jungle than near a well-known “Pueblo Mágico.” Still, based on my personal experience, I haven’t faced many issues during these past three months of traveling.
Final Tips Before Landing in Mexico
We’re almost at the end of this post, covering everything you need to know about SIM cards before traveling to Mexico.
Still, I feel the need to leave you with a few extra tips that could come in handy:
- Make sure your phone is unlocked and can accept a foreign SIM card.
- Turn off international data roaming on your current SIM to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Check if your carrier offers an international plan that includes Mexico and is worth using.
- If you live in the United States, you might be able to use your domestic data allowance in Mexico.
- If you’re planning to visit the United States after your trip to Mexico, check if your Mexican provider also offers data service there. Data in Mexico is often cheaper, so this could be a money-saving option.
- Download and save offline maps, just in case you lose signal.
- If you choose to use an eSIM, make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.
- Once you’ve selected your eSIM package, complete all the steps and configurations in advance before arriving in the new country to avoid any issues.
- If you decide not to buy a SIM card and rely entirely on free Wi-Fi, I highly recommend using a good VPN like Surfshark to secure your data and connections.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We’ve reached the end of this post. I hope the information has been helpful and that your next trip to Mexico is as connected as possible.
We publish a new post every week, whether it’s about travel tips or what to eat in the countries we explore, so we hope to see you again on the pages of our blog.
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Sending hugs from me and the entire Fun Food Travelling team.
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