We want to help you choose best SIM cards to Morocco, where, how and which SIM card to buy at the be...
SIM Cards
Getting a local SIM card in Mexico is one of the easiest ways for travelers to stay connected while avoiding high roaming fees. This guide highlights six trusted SIM card providers in Mexico, including Telcel, Oxxo, and Movistar.
Mexico’s mobile market is one of the largest and most advanced in Latin America, with nearly 127 million active connections in 2025 and expanding 4G and 5G coverage across major regions, according to DataReportal.
This connectivity makes it simple for visitors to find affordable, prepaid SIMs that deliver consistent internet access almost anywhere.
For travelers, choosing the right provider can make a big difference in convenience and cost.
A local SIM card lets you use navigation apps, book rides, or message local businesses without worrying about expensive roaming charges or unstable WiFi connections.
Getting a SIM card in Mexico is one of the easiest ways to stay connected without paying for costly international roaming. Here’s why getting a local SIM card is a good idea:
Whether you are visiting for work or leisure, choosing the best SIM card provider in Mexico ensures reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted internet access throughout your trip.
Staying connected also helps you discover more about the country, from its culture to fun trivia like these interesting facts about Mexico.
The cost of a SIM card in Mexico depends on the provider, the data package you choose, and where you buy it. Prices can vary between carrier stores, convenience shops, and online retailers.
For travelers who prefer a quick and digital setup, eSIMs are an easy way to get connected before arriving in Mexico.
Holafly offers unlimited data for $6.90 per day. Nomad provides a short-term plan for $18 covering 3 days with unlimited data, while Ubigi offers 10 GB for $39 valid for 30 days.
Buying a SIM card in Mexico is simple, but knowing where to get one and how to activate it can save you time once you arrive.
Here’s how the process usually works:
Where to buy a SIM card in Mexico:
What to bring:
Activation process:
Topping up your balance:
Drawbacks to consider:
Overall, purchasing a SIM card in Mexico is an affordable way to stay connected for calls, navigation, and data. But if you prefer instant activation and no registration steps, an eSIM can be a faster alternative.
The top SIM card providers for Mexico are Telcel, OXXO CEL, AT&T, and Movistar, each offering prepaid options that make it easy for travelers to stay connected.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a month, these options provide affordable internet access, local calling, and coverage across most major cities and tourist destinations.
The Telcel Mexico Prepaid SIM Card, available on Amazon, provides unlimited calls and SMS within Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, making it ideal for travelers exploring multiple destinations. It also includes unlimited access to popular social apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. The SIM supports LTE connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable coverage in most major cities and tourist areas across Mexico.
OXXO CEL is a prepaid SIM card available at any OXXO convenience store across Mexico, making it an easy option for travelers to purchase upon arrival. It includes unlimited access to popular social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X, plus roaming coverage in the United States. Activation is simple: insert the SIM, top up at least MXN $50, and wait for the confirmation SMS to start using your mobile service immediately.
AT&T Prepaid plans starting at $40 include roaming benefits in Mexico at no extra cost. You can use your existing SIM card, making it convenient for travelers who already have an active AT&T line. This option works well for frequent visitors between the U.S. and Mexico who want to stay connected without buying a separate local SIM.
The Movistar Chip Recarga is a prepaid SIM designed for short-term connectivity with automatic activation and a 14-day validity. It also offers unlimited calls and messages to Mexico, the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Users can enjoy unlimited access to popular social and navigation apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Waze, and Spotify, making it a flexible and travel-friendly choice.
For travelers who prefer skipping the process of buying and registering a local SIM card in Mexico, eSIMs are a more convenient solution.
They can be purchased and activated online before your trip, giving you instant internet access upon landing.
Holafly’s Mexico eSIM gives travelers fast, reliable internet without worrying about running out of data. The eSIM can be installed before or during your trip, and activation begins once you arrive in Mexico. It’s an ideal option for visitors who need instant connectivity for navigation, communication, and streaming, backed by 24/7 customer support and no roaming charges.
Nomad offers flexible Mexico eSIM plans suitable for both short and extended trips. Travelers can choose between pay-per-GB plans or unlimited options depending on their usage needs. The eSIM supports 5G on compatible devices and can be purchased and activated directly through the Nomad app, giving travelers quick, reliable access to mobile data upon arrival.
Unlike Holafly and Nomad, Ubigi does not offer unlimited data. Instead, it provides fixed GB plans ranging from 500 MB for 2 days at $4 to 10 GB for 30 days at $39. These one-time-use plans suit travelers who prefer predictable data use and short-term flexibility. Activation is done directly through the Ubigi app, allowing you to monitor usage, top up, or extend validity without needing a physical SIM.
Holafly stands out as the best choice because of its strong user reputation and overall reliability.
It holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on more than 60,000 reviews, with travelers praising its simple setup, stable coverage, and 24/7 support.
Nomad follows closely with a 4.4 rating for its flexible data options, while Ubigi holds a 4.1 rating, appealing to users who prefer fixed data plans but do not need unlimited usage.
Telcel is often considered the best SIM card in Mexico for its nationwide 4G and 5G coverage. Travelers looking for short stays can also consider OXXO, Movistar, or Wraptel for easy prepaid options.
Yes, SIM cards are available at major Mexican airports like Mexico City International and Cancún. However, the selection is limited and prices are usually higher than in the city.
Choose a provider based on your travel needs, length of stay, and network coverage. Telcel offers the widest reach, while OXXO and Movistar provide affordable prepaid plans for tourists.
Most SIM cards activate automatically once inserted into your phone. For some prepaid options, you may need to send a short text or follow on-screen instructions after purchase.
No, SIM cards at airports tend to cost more due to convenience pricing. You’ll find better deals and more bundle choices at OXXO stores, carrier shops, or online before your trip.
Yes, Telcel generally provides stronger coverage and faster speeds, especially outside major cities. Movistar is cheaper but may have weaker signal in rural or coastal areas.
Telcel is the best network provider in Mexico for reliability, speed, and nationwide availability. AT&T and Movistar follow closely in urban areas, offering competitive prepaid data packages for tourists.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
Reviews