Are you heading to Cancun for your dream vacation or planning to explore the Mayan pyramids? Mexico has so much to offer, and that’s why it’s worth staying online to find the best restaurant, check maps, search for information online, or share your experiences with loved ones. The best solution for that is eSIM Mexico.
Are you wondering if it’s better to buy a local SIM card? What prices can you expect? The following lines will answer your questions.
Data eSIM Mexico: How to Choose the Best One?
When choosing an eSIM, you need to consider how long you’ll be there and how much data you’ll roughly use. Wi-Fi coverage in Mexico shouldn’t be bad, especially in the cities, but if you tend to be online often, opt for larger data packages. Keep in mind that you’ll likely use apps you don’t need at home, like maps or a translator, which will also consume data. If you need some help deciding, check out our article on how to choose the best eSIM.
In Mexico, you’ll find three main operators: Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar. You may also come across Altan Redes, which is a virtual operator but has started building its network. Telcel is the absolute leader in Mexico, with the best coverage. If you plan to explore this beautiful country, we highly recommend getting a SIM from Telcel or an eSIM provider that connects to their network. With other operators, you should be fine in tourist areas.
Best Data eSIM for Mexico
Let’s take a look at the most popular data packages and their prices.
Cheapest Packages
If you don’t plan to use your phone much on your vacation, 1 GB might be enough. It’s a good backup in case you need to check maps or look something up online. You could also purchase this package to stay connected right after landing, send a message to your loved ones, or find your way from the airport, and later buy a local SIM card.
The cheapest 1 GB option comes from Jetpac, offering it for just $1, but it’s only valid for 4 days.
At Global YO, you can get 1 GB valid for 7 days, which is more standard. The price is $3.99.
With Nomad, you can get unlimited data for $4 per day, which may be an interesting alternative for some.
Airalo offers a 1 GB package for $6.
Average Data Usage (5 GB)
If you want to use the internet more in Mexico but will still connect to Wi-Fi at times, 5 GB should be enough for you.
An excellent offer comes from Monty eSIM, where you can choose based on the number of days. If 10 days is enough, you’ll pay $11.50, and if you need more, 30 days will cost $13.50.
You can get a 5 GB eSIM at Jetpac for $16, valid for 30 days. With Nomad, you’ll pay $18. Global YO is priced at $16.99.
Airalo charges $23.50 for a 5 GB package.
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High Data Usage (10 GB)
If you need to stay connected, use maps, social media, and the internet regularly, you’ll want at least 10 GB.
Monty eSIM offers great packages. 10 GB for 15 days costs a reasonable $21, and just two dollars more if you need 30 days.
Nomad offers 10 GB for $28. Other providers charge well over $30, with Airalo pricing at $42. Mobimatter charges $36.99, but it connects to Telcel, Mexico’s best option.
An interesting alternative is Airhub, offering 30 GB of data plus unlimited calling in Mexico for $30.
eSIM Mexico – Unlimited Data
If you don’t want to limit yourself during your travels in Mexico or need plenty of data for work, there are plenty of unlimited data options to choose from.
For instance, Nomad offers a plan for $35 with 1 GB per day and then throttled speed to 512kbps for ten days.
Similarly priced, you’ll find unlimited data for $37 for 10 days with the popular Holafly. You can even choose the number of days, from 1 to 30, depending on how long you’ll be in Mexico.
If you’re okay with just 7 days of validity, check out Global YO, currently offering unlimited data for $36.09, and with various promotions, you could get an even better deal.
An interesting alternative is Firsty, which offers basic internet (messages, emails, and maps) for free if you watch ads. If you pay 1.2 Euros per day, you get some limits, but enough for normal use. For 2.4 Euros per day, you basically get almost unlimited data. You’ll need to first install the app and then activate your eSIM, which will work with any current or future Firsty plans. You can just top up as needed.
Summary of the Best eSIM Mexico Packages
| Provider | GB | Price | Validity |
| Jetpac | 1 GB | $1 | 4 days |
| Monty eSIM | 5 GB | $11.50 | 10 days |
| Monty eSIM | 10 GB | $21 | 15 days |
| Holafly | Unlimited | $37 | 10 days |
Meixco Local SIM Card
Getting a local SIM card will be cheaper, but it might take a bit more effort. You can buy a SIM card when you arrive at the airport, but we recommend waiting until you exit the transport area. Head to smaller stores like 7-Eleven, or try to find an official Telcel store.
As mentioned earlier, Telcel has the best network coverage and fast 4G and LTE internet throughout Mexico. If you’re in larger cities or tourist areas, you should be fine with internet speeds from AT&T as well.
The process of buying a SIM card might be a bit challenging. This can be due to the language barrier or some places trying to overcharge you. It’s best to visit official operator stores, or reliable places like 7-Eleven.
Keep in mind that you’ll likely have to pay extra for the SIM card itself or other services. This varies by store. It can be around $5, but can go as high as $20. Even at official Telcel stores, you might still be charged for the SIM card.
The prices below are without these extra charges, so keep in mind that buying a SIM card might cost a bit more. This could bring the total cost close to that of eSIM providers.
Approximate Operator Prices
- 10 GB for 30 days + unlimited social media + unlimited calls: $11 (AT&T)
- 6 GB for 30 days + unlimited social media + unlimited calls: $8 (Movistar)
- 6 GB for 30 days + unlimited social media + unlimited calls: $11 (Telcel)
All these plans include calls and SMS to the USA (and with Telcel, even data).
Summary of eSIM Mexico
If you’re deciding between getting an eSIM or a local SIM card in Mexico, there are a few factors to consider. Local SIMs are cheaper, but when you add extra fees (such as for the SIM card itself), the difference isn’t that big. One advantage of local eSIMs is that you get unlimited data for social media.
We definitely recommend eSIM, as you’ll be online immediately after landing and won’t have to deal with the process of buying a local SIM from vendors. This can be trickier due to the language barrier. With eSIM, everything is set up in just a few minutes.
If you also need to make calls and send texts, check out the plan from Airhub, which offers unlimited calls and 30 GB of data for just $30.
