Having unlimited data doesn't necessarily mean that you will have constant, high-speed internet at a...
Mobile Internet
Learn everything you need to know about Mobile internet in Buenos Aires: international carriers, rates, plans, mobile coverage, and more.
What’s the best option to connect to the internet in Buenos Aires? If this is the question that has brought you here, let me tell you that you’re in the right place or post. Well, that is the topic that we’re going to explain right now, with as many details as possible.
The thing is, if you're going on a trip to the capital of Argentina, you're going to need an internet connection because only in this way will you be able to look online for the city maps, the agenda of the most important tourist places, such as the famous Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada and the presidential palace, with its iconic balconies. In addition, it’s the only option to share the experiences with your loved ones.
Therefore, if you want to know how to have a reliable internet connection in Buenos Aires and what the best option between roaming, cellular data coverage, international SIM card, eSIM, and portable or public WiFi is, you just have to continue reading until the end of this post. Moreover, we also leave you some important information such as rates and our recommendation.
First, you should know that it’s possible to have internet in Buenos Aires with data consumption. This is possible through the use of several options such as roaming in Argentina, a data plan with a local cellular operator, a chip with international data, or the Holafly eSIM, likewise, if you use portable WiFi or connect to public WiFi networks.
Equally important, in the case of roaming, you should know that this option is not cheap at all. In addition, there are a few users who have reported getting some consumption fee surprises on their bills when they return from the trip.
As a matter of fact, having internet in Buenos Aires with your domestic cellular operators is quite simple, as many operators offer this service. The complicated thing can be to decide on which plan or service suits you best. And while coverage is guaranteed, not all carriers offer plans directed at travelers. Therefore, you may not meet all the requirements that are needed to get a new line.
If you are a U.S. resident, then you probably know AT&T, one of the most famous operators in this American country. And if you happen to be a customer of this company, then you will be able to use AT&T international roaming during your trip to Buenos Aires. They offer different ways to use roaming, which we will explain below.
First, you can purchase the International Travel Pass, which is a daily plan that will allow you to use your cellular data and other phone services for $10 per day. On the other hand, if you prefer the pay-per-use option, that's another option that's available to you, and you will only be paying for your consumption. For example, you can use cellular data at a rate of $2.05/MB and make calls for $3 per minute.
On the other hand, if you are a user of the American operator, T-Mobile, you can also use international roaming for Buenos Aires. However, this company is characterized by offering roaming benefits depending on the current plan you have.
So if you have one of the Simple Gold Plans, then you will be able to enjoy T-Mobile's roaming services at no extra cost. However, if you have any other plan from this company, then you will have to pay for your data usage, which is priced at $15/MB.
Finally, we have a very famous international operator, especially in Europe, it is Vodafone. So if you are a Vodafone user, then you can use their international roaming service when you travel to Buenos Aires, and you will only have to pay $6 per day, with which you can enjoy different telephone benefits.
In the following chart, you can see the cellular internet rates in Buenos Aires. Here, you will notice that the prices vary depending on the cellular operator and the benefits of the plan, as well as the coverage.
Service | Internet prices in Buenos Aires |
AT&T roaming | $2.05/MB |
T-Mobile roaming | $15/MB |
Vodafone roaming | $6 per day |
The SIM card to have internet in Buenos Aires is one of the most used by travelers because, with it, you will have a cellular internet connection without assuming the costs of roaming with your domestic operator. You can buy it online with Holafly, and they deliver it to you in a short time. If you buy a SIM card for Argentina, you’ll have the possibility of receiving it at your address in just 48 hours. So, this is perfect if your trip is just around the corner.
The data eSIM for Buenos Aires is one of the best options, so you can connect to the internet easily and safely. If you don't know what an eSIM is, it’s a virtual card that comes with cellular data included and many other benefits. It’s easy to activate, you don’t have to wait for a package with the chip to arrive, and you just need to have a compatible cellphone with the eSIM to use it with.
Moreover, you can buy one from the Holafly website, choose Argentina as your destination, fill out the purchase form and that's it! A piece of cake! Instantly, you will have a QR code with your eSIM in your email. You will only have to scan it to enjoy its benefits.
Similarly, you can choose to have portable WiFi in Buenos Aires. This is possible through a wireless device that is also known as Pocket WiFi, Hotspot, or router. For some travelers, it’s an innovative solution, while for others, it’s not so convenient or comfortable to carry an additional device to have an internet connection at the destination. Some of the options you can find are the following:
From the moment you arrive in Buenos Aires there are free WiFi hot spots all around the city as well as different places such as casinos, tourist hotspots, parks and more. Hotels also offer this service as well as restaurants and cafés, as long as you buy something on the premises. Although, in other places, they give you the WiFi password in exchange for an extra fee. But you should know that public internet networks is not safe because your data is exposed. So, you must be very careful.
Certainly, we want to help you a bit more. Therefore, here you can see a comparison of internet rates in Buenos Aires. In the following table, you’ll find the costs of each of the options that we have mentioned above.
Service | Internet prices in Buenos Aires |
SIM card in Buenos Aires | 15 days / 6 GB for $47.00 |
eSIM in Buenos Aires | 15 days / 6 GB for $47.00 |
Public WiFi in Buenos Aires | Free |
Wifivox Pocket WiFi | Daily rental: $7.95 |
MIOWIFI Pocket WiFi | Daily rental: from $8.00 |
From snapping street art in Palermo to streaming tango performances live from San Telmo, having reliable Mobile Internet in Buenos Aires turns every moment in the Argentine capital into a seamless adventure. These days, being online isn’t just about sharing photos from La Boca — it’s your guide to finding the best parrilla, checking Subte schedules, or arranging last-minute meetups in the city that never seems to sleep. Before you pick a SIM, eSIM, or pocket WiFi for your trip, take a moment to ask yourself: how much data will you actually need?
Your Mobile Internet usage can vary greatly depending on your habits. Watching football highlights, making video calls from a café in Recoleta, or using Google Maps to get around the sprawling avenues can quickly use up your data. To help you stay one step ahead, check out the infographic below — it details estimated hourly Mobile Internet usage for common activities and popular apps, so you can select the perfect plan for your Buenos Aires adventure.
Curious about which apps drain your data allowance fastest? The video below reveals the biggest offenders (one app can use almost 200 MB in just five minutes!) and includes expert tips for making your Mobile Internet in Buenos Aires go the distance. Definitely worth a watch before you touch down in Argentina.
Looking to optimize your app usage? Read our guide to Spotify’s data needs while streaming and get practical tips in our article on managing Google Maps data in the city.
And finally, we want to end this post by telling you our recommendation for having internet in Buenos Aires. Considering each one of the previous options and thinking about the comfort, speed, and quality that all travelers like, we have nothing left to tell you, but for you to go to the Holafly virtual store. Once there, you will find a virtual SIM card for travelers or a SIM card with international data included. Both options are good, and you just have to choose the one that suits you best.
The eSIM card for Buenos Aires connects to the Movistar Argentina network. This is one of the best cellular operators in the country.
eSIM cards only include data. But you can use calls and messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram, but remember that these apps consume data from your plan.
Yes. You must do this so that the eSIM has quality coverage. But don't worry, this is not an additional expense for you. The only thing you have to do is previously set up the eSIM as the preferred data usage medium.