Beat costly roaming fees and explore Mexico worry-free!
If you’ve got some vacation time coming up, Mexico is a great choice for those seeking a lively local culture, good food, and beautiful beaches. A translator app will probably be your best friend throughout your stay, though, so reliable access to the internet is incredibly important.
There are plenty of alternatives to international roaming now, thankfully. You don’t have to worry about accumulating insane roaming fees just to use the internet, keep in touch with your loved ones, and find your way around the country.
One of these alternatives is the eSim, which is quickly becoming a popular option among travelers around the world. They’re quick and easy to install, plus they’re much cheaper than international internet plans offered by major carriers. Most mobile devices support them, too. Keep reading to learn more about them and your other options for staying connected in Mexico for a fuss-free trip!
eSims, Physical Sims, or Pocket WiFi – what works best for you?
What are the pros and cons of using an eSim, a physical SIM card, or a Pocket WiFi device? It’s tough to decide which one might suit you best, especially since they can all be used on the go. To better help you make your decision, we go deeper into what makes each unique here.
San Miguel De Allende
Let’s start with eSims.They are just like the physical SIM cards we all know and have except there’s no need to physically swap the card in and out of your device. This lessens the risk of you accidentally losing or damaging that small chip. Plus, you don’t have to wait until you arrive at your destination country to install it! eSims can be activated before you fly, though they’ll only start working once you’re connected to the local network of your destination country.
And the best thing about eSims? They come really cheap. You don’t have to worry about any hidden charges, either. When you purchase a Travel eSim with Klook, you make a one-time payment for the eSim plan you choose. Our 7-day data plan starts at just $USD 4.90.
Isla Mujeres Catamaran
While major carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile may offer free roaming services in Mexico, you’ll have to check if your plan is eligible for it. If it’s not, T-Mobile’s International Pass — purchased as an add-on for your existing plan — starts at $USD 5 per day. Verizon’s international roaming plan, TravelPass, has a daily fee of $USD10 per day*.
*Please note that these prices are subject to change.
If you want to skip the surprise of seeing your phone bill at the end of your trip, an eSim might just work better for you.
Chichen Itza in Mexico, Photo Credit: Filip Gielba on Unsplash
Moving on to your next option: Pocket WiFi. These are portable devices that allow you to connect to the internet via hotspot and usually support multiple users at once. There are also some Pocket WiFi devices that offer coverage throughout Latin America, which is helpful if you’re heading beyond Mexico. If you’re traveling with family or with a large group, this is a cost-efficient choice.
But, this means that all members of the group have to be within the vicinity of the Pocket WiFi in order to use it. You’ll also have to take care not to lose or damage it. It might also be challenging to find a kiosk selling reasonably priced Pocket WiFis in Mexico’s international airports. It’s best to purchase it online in advance for pick-up at the airport or for delivery to your hotel.
Still searching for a place to stay in Mexico? We’ve got you covered. You can find hotels on Klook, too! If you’ve got some travel non-negotiables like proximity to public transportation and wheelchair accessibility, just tick off the filters for these when you search.
Local markets in Mexico City
The most popular option for internet access in Mexico is the traditional prepaid SIM card. This is a great choice if you have a dual SIM phone, or if your phone is not eSim compatible. You’ll also get a Mexican phone number, so it’ll be easier to call and text local numbers.
To use a Mexican SIM card, just make sure your phone is unlocked before you fly out. Having an unlocked phone means that it can connect to different carriers, and not just the one you’re registered with. If your phone is locked, don’t sweat it. Unlocking a phone takes only minutes. Just get in touch with your mobile network provider! For our recommended mobile network carriers in Mexico, we’ll get to them in a bit.
Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios, Photo Credit: Pedro Lastra on Unsplash
You might also be wondering if free public WiFi is available in Mexico. Like in most countries, it is available in major tourist areas! Just keep in mind that the connection you’ll get isn’t the most reliable, and take extra caution when accessing sensitive private information.
Apart from tourist spots, you might find WiFi hard to come by when exploring, so it’s best to have your internet access already on you. This is where eSims and physical SIM cards come in handy. They’re less bulky since you don’t have to carry around another device unlike when you use a Pocket WiFi.
Does eSim work in Mexico?
Yes, eSims work in Mexico! There are different eSim plans available online with varying plans to suit your travel needs. If you’re heading to Mexico for a short vacation, you can consider our Travel eSim since it gives you coverage for 7 days.
You can easily purchase your eSim from the Klook app or website. Here’s a step-by-step on how it works:
- Check this page if your device is eSim compatible.
- Head over here to select your desired package and purchase your eSim. You’ll receive immediate confirmation and booking details over email.
- Find your purchased eSim under “My Orders” in the Klook app.
- Your eSim is now ready to install. There are two ways to do this. You can either scan the QR code provided in the booking details from your confirmation email OR you can install it directly via the Klook app. Your phone will prompt you through the activation process. Just make sure your Klook app is updated to the latest version!
- Once you’ve arrived at your destination country, go to your phone settings and switch to your eSIM. The eSIM will only be activated after you connect to the local network.
![[Global] eSIM Compatible Devices](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1716259670/ckyu0xbi1p5ayp26fcir.jpg)
After you activate the eSim, it is valid for your selected duration on a 24-hour basis. For example, if you purchase a 7-day eSIM and activate it on 1 October at 9 PM, it will be valid until 8 October at 9 PM.
Klook Tip: Traveling with a friend? We’ve got you! Our Travel eSim allows hotspot connection, just like regular cellular data.
In case your initial eSim plan runs out of data during your trip, no worries. You can easily buy more data - you’ll be able to see this option in the booking page once your eSim is activated. For more details on purchasing, installing, and activating our Travel eSim, we’ve prepared this handy infographic guide below.
🔥 Limited time only: Get FREE 1GB on eSims!
Enjoy 1GB of free data when you book your Mexico eSIM on Klook. Get high-speed WiFi with no hidden fees or charges. Just go to this page, choose the "Data in total" package, and enjoy seamless connectivity on your trip!
Where can you buy a prepaid SIM card in Mexico?
San Miguel de Allende
Now, if your device isn’t eSim compatible, a prepaid SIM card is your next best bet for hassle-free internet access in Mexico. You can find prepaid SIM cards at major international airports and convenience stores like 7-Eleven. You’ll also usually find mobile network retail shops and even street vendors selling SIM cards around major tourist areas.
What are the best mobile networks for Mexico?
There are only a few mobile network providers in Mexico, so choosing the right one for you should be easy enough. Here’s a quick run-down of each:
- Telcel, by far, is the most popular choice for both locals and travelers. It has the widest data coverage in the country, and you can expect reliable internet access even in more rural areas.
- If you’re an AT&T user, you’re in luck. AT&T Mexico offers free roaming to existing AT&T users on eligible plans. It also has decent coverage, especially in major tourist areas.
- Movistar is another option if you’re only staying in big cities, and offers more economical options compared to Telcel.
For more information, you can check this website for the data coverage of major network providers in Mexico.
How do I use an internet package with my Mexico prepaid SIM card?
In the municipality of Tulum, Photo Credit: Jared Rice on Unsplash
After buying a prepaid SIM card, you’ll have to register it and purchase a separate internet package in order to access cell data. There are some countries where major mobile carriers already have special SIM card plans for tourists, but this is not the case for Mexico. As mentioned earlier, you need to buy data credits upon purchasing the SIM card, so you’ll have to coordinate with the staff from the place you’re buying from.
This can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t speak Spanish, and especially after a long flight. So if your phone is able, we highly recommend you skip the stress (and head straight to the beach!) by purchasing an eSim since you can just do everything online on your phone. If you need to buy more data, you can just do it online, too.
And since it’s online, you’ll be sure that your credit / debit / e-wallet is accepted since Klook accepts various payment method options. No need to bring out cash or your credit card just for internet access.
Find more things to do in Mexico
Taxco de Alarcón, Photo Credit: Pedro Lastra on Unsplash
Traveling light is always a good practice, and it’s especially important in Mexico’s tropical climate. Plus, you’ll probably spend most of your trip beachside sipping margaritas or exploring cultural heritage sites!
You can travel even lighter with an eSim since all you need is your phone to access the internet — just like how you would at home. And you can get some well-deserved R&R without the weight of hefty international roaming charges waiting for you once you get back. How’s that for a stress-free vacation? 😉
If you’re still putting your itinerary together, you can check out some of the top things to do in Mexico below:
