Best eSIM for Mexico in 2024 | Complete Guide

Are you planning your trip to Mexico and looking for the best way to stay connected with an eSIM card? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM card when traveling to Mexico including a comparison of the best Mexico eSIM cards in 2024.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM card for Mexico on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per October 2024, including all specifications per tourist eSIM card.

This guide shows you where and when to order an eSIM card for Mexico, an answer to all FAQ about using eSIM cards, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G and data speed, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Mexico and of course links to directly order your eSIM card for traveling to Mexico online.

Table of Contents

Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In 2022 I visited 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIM cards I used throughout the last 2 years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIM cards to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trip to Mexico I tested the below recommended Mexico eSIM cards for tourists.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

You can also find a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Mexico in 2024 for those who don't have an eSIM compatible phone.

Traveltomtom also wrote specific and in-depth guides for buying eSIM cards in: Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Asia, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, USA, international eSIM cards and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money while traveling!

Some links in this article about the best eSIM cards for Mexico are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Dont worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that although Nomad is the best value eSIM card for traveling to Mexico, the most recommended eSIM is Airalo. This has all to do with the mobile data network the Airalo eSIM card for Mexico is using. More info below.

1. Jetpac eSIM for Mexico - $16 USD

• 5 GB data-only eSIM
• 5G ready
• Operates on the Telcel network
• Valid in Mexico only
• Valid for 30 days
• $3.2 USD per Gigabyte

Jetpac is the best value eSIM for Mexico in 2024 and it operates on the Telcel network, by far the best mobile data network in Mexico.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!

2. Airalo eSIM for Mexico - $23.5 USD

• 5 GB data-only eSIM
• 4G/LTE
• Operates on the Telcel network
• Valid in Mexico only
• Valid for 30 days
• $4.7 USD per Gigabyte

Traveltomtom also recommends an Airalo eSIM for traveling to Mexico.

For my research about the best Mexico prepaid sim cards for tourists Traveltomtom compared all the 4G/5G data networks of the mobile internet operators in Mexico and I found out that the AT&T as well as the Movistar 4G/5G network coverage is very weak compared to Telcel.

Don't make the mistake to end up with an eSIM that operates on the AT&T or the Movistar network. You will regret later!

For traveling in Mexico Traveltomtom always recommends a prepaid or eSIM card from Telcel over any other mobile internet provider.

If you are not planning to go off the beaten path and are going to stick to the common tourist destinations in Mexico then an eSIM card from Nomad will also do the job.

Is Mexico one of your stops on a trip to Central or North America then you can also look into getting an eSIM card for world travelers. There are a bunch of eSIM cards that cover multiple countries.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM card for Mexico or in general before using an eSIM card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIM cards for tourists only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

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eSIM compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: eSIM cards only work if your smartphone supports eSIM cards, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly. 

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM card for traveling to Mexico.

However, you can still order a sim card for Mexico on the internet before your trip. Find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024.

Mexico eSIM comparison

Buying an eSIM card on arrival in Mexico is unfortunately still not possible at the international airports of for example Cancun, Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta. As of October 2024 there are some phone stores that now offer eSIMs for tourists.

Some Telcel stores have eSIMs for tourists available, but definitely not all of them. They still mostly sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. For more info check out Traveltomtom's guide about buying a local prepaid sim card in Mexico.

But don't worry there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell Mexico eSIMs for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Mexico from one of the well-known eSIM card providers like: Jetpac, Nomad, Airalo, SimOptions, Holafly, etc. which have proven to be reliable operators. 

Traveltomtom's favorite eSIM providers are SimOptions and Airalo, simply because I have used them in more than 100 countries around the world without any problems. But are they still the best, the competition is fierce.

So before you buy an eSIM card first read all my tips below!

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for Mexico. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your door step before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in Mexico.

Airalo, Holafly, Jetpac and Nomad only sell eSIM cards for Mexico.

Jetpac

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider and they do not only offer eSIM solutions but also add a couple other benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac. Traveltomtom has tested, reviewed and approved Jetpac eSIMs for Mexico.

The Traveltomtom team has tried Jetpac now in a couple different countries without any issues, only positive reviews.

One of the main reasons why Jetpac is listed as one of the best eSIMs for Mexico is because the Jetpac Mexico eSIMs also operate on the Telcel network, just like Airalo.

Let's check out the eSIM card plans Jetpac has for Mexico in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $10 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM card for Mexico.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!

The Jetpac eSIM plan for Mexico with 5 GB data for $16 USD is the best value eSIM card for Mexico with a rate of only $3.2 USD per Gigabyte.

You can instal your Jetpac eSIM card before your trip to Mexico, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Mexico. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.

The Jetpac Mexico eSIM cards are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Data is only valid in Mexico and the Jetpac eSIMs operate on the Telcel 4G/LTE/5G network. Yes, the Jetpac eSIMs for Mexico are 5G ready.

An extra advantage of using a Jetpac eSIM is that you get a free VPN subscription, 50% discount on airport lounges and Fast Track passes. And they provide free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided.

These are all complimentary services that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.

Airalo

Airalo is a very reliable eSIM card provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM card. 

Why using Airalo? When it comes to Mexico eSIM cards Airalo has the best eSIM card plans and in contrary to Nomad and SimOptions they operate on the best mobile data network in Mexico: Telcel.

Therefore Traveltomtom recommends Airalo as one of the best eSIM cards for Mexico.

Here are the Airalo data-only eSIM card plans for Mexico for 2024: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $11.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $15.5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $23.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD

Click here to order an eSIM card for Mexico from Airalo.

Airalo always has ongoing promotions with 50% off their eSIM plans so be sure to check them out!

The Airalo eSIM cards for Mexico are from Chorro Fon and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel. Unfortunately the Airalo Chorro Fon eSIM cards for Mexico are not 5G ready yet.

At the moment the best value eSIM card from Airalo gives you 10 GB data for $42 USD, which comes down to $4.2 USD per Gigabyte.

In the most popular places to visit in Mexico you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty good these days. There is in fact still very little 5G in Mexico, especially on the Movistar and AT&T network.

For more info about the best 4G/5G mobile data network in Mexico check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Mexico in 2024, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

All the Airalo eSIM cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a reputable eSIM card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM card for Mexico through SimOptions is done fast and easy.

Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM card deals.

SimOptions has their own eSIM card plans as well as international eSIM card plans. For Mexico they only sell international eSIM cards. These eSIM cards are valid in multiple countries and not only in Mexico.

The Three HK (Hong Kong) international eSIM cards are valid in 93 countries around the world:

• 3 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Unfortunately SimOptions does not specify on which network in Mexico the Three HK eSIM cards use operate in Mexico. On top of that users have reported that with these HK eSIM cards they had problems using TikTok, as per Hong Kong regulations TikTok is banned and blocked.

The good thing about the Three HK international eSIM cards is that they come with a Hong Kong phone number starting with +852. This means incoming phone calls and sms are supported. These eSIM cards do not come with calling credit, so outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

Be aware that the credit validity starts immediately after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in Mexico.

Click here to order a Three HK international eSIM card via SimOptions.

SimOptions has more eSIM cards for Mexico.

Here are the above eSIM cards for Mexico from SimOptions for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5.90 USD
• 1 GB data for 7 days = $7.40 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $16.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $20.40 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 15 days = $25.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 15 days = $33.40 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 14 days = $39.90 USD

Click here to order any of the above SimOptions eSIM cards for Mexico.

All the SimOptions eSIM plans for Mexico are pretty expensive compared to Nomad and Jetpac eSIMs. The best value Mexico eSIM card deal from SimOptions is the Orange Holiday World eSIM with 10 GB data for $39.90 USD which comes down to $3.99 USD per Gigabyte.

Unfortunately SimOptions doesn't specify exactly which mobile network operator in Mexico they use and therefore it is not Traveltomtom's first pick. The international eSIM cards from SimOptions are not 5G ready, so the max data speed on the SimOptions Mexico eSIM cards  is 4G/LTE.

The validity of these eSIM cards is 1 year. Apart from the Three HK eSIMs the credit validity only starts when it connects to a supported network in Mexico. For more info check the SimOptions website. 

Nomad

Lately I have been recommending Nomad eSIM cards a lot as they have really great deals for a lot of countries. The Nomad eSIM card plans for Mexico are not bad at all. In fact some are even better value deals than the Airalo, Jetpac and SimOptions eSIM cards.

Still Traveltomtom considers Jetpac as the best eSIM card for traveling to Mexico. That is because the Nomad eSIM cards operate on the 4G/LTE mobile data network of Movistar and unfortunately not on Telcel.

However, if you visit to one of the amazing places to visit in Mexico and don't travel around too much, a Nomad eSIM card is a good choice. An eSIM card that uses the Telcel network is recommended for those going off the beaten path in Mexico.

Nomad has two different Mexico eSIM plans: regular plans and daily plans.

Regular plans

Here are the Nomad eSIM card plans for Mexico: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD

Click here to order an eSIM card for Mexico from Nomad.

The Nomad website is a little less user friendly for finding the best eSIM cards for traveling to Mexico. You can't see all eSIM card deals in one overview, you have to click a little here and there.

As you can see above the prices for Nomad Mexico eSIMs aren't bad at all compared to Airalo, SimOptions, Jetpac, etc. The best value eSIM card for Mexico from Nomad is the one with 10 GB data for $28 USD, which comes down to $2.8 USD per Gigabyte.

The Nomad eSIM cards are from eSIM Go and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. They operate on the LTE/4G network of Movistar.

The Nomad Mexico eSIM cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Mexico. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.

Daily plans

Nomad also has daily plans. These eSIM cards could perfect for those going on a short trip to Mexico. You basically get 1 GB high speed data per 24 hours. After you used 1 GB data your data speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which is similar to an E signal. Check the following daily plans:

• 1 GB data per day for 1 day = $4 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 3 day = $11 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 5 day = $18 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 7 day = $25 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 10 day = $35 USD

Personally, these daily plans would not be enough for me as I can easily spend 1 GB data in just 1 hour bus or train ride.

Watching TikTok video for about 45 minutes is about 1 GB data, watching Instagram reels for 30 minutes is also already 1 GB data. It depends how many gigabytes you use per day, but it could be a great eSIM card for traveling to Mexico.

Click here to order this Nomad daily plan eSIM card for Mexico from Nomad. 

Holafly

Holafly sells eSIM cards for Mexico with unlimited data. Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIM cards with 'unlimited' data, but more about that later. Here are the Holafly eSIM plans for traveling to the United States of Mexico:

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
• 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
• 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
• 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
• 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
• 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD

The Holafly eSIM cards for Mexico are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel and AT&T. The Holafly eSIMs for Mexico are not 5G ready.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly Mexico eSIM cards, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Why 'unlimited'? Because Holafly eSIMs have a so-called 'Fair Use Policy' (FUP) which means that after you used an X amount of GB per day your data speed is reduced to an E signal.

Traveltomtom has had bad experiences in the past with eSIM cards with unlimited data and an FUP in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.

Personally, my biggest frustration is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIM cards with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Mexico.

Telcel

Telcel now also sells eSIM cards for tourists in official Telcel stores in Mexico. That means tourists can get an prepaid sim card in a Telcel phone shop as an eSIM, but only on arrival in Mexico, not on the internet.

• 3 GB data + unlimited social media + unlimited calling/texting for 30 days = $200 MXN - $11 USD
• 4 GB data + unlimited social media + unlimited calling/texting for 30 days = $300 MXN - $16.5 USD
• 6 GB data + unlimited social media + unlimited calling/texting for 30 days = $300 MXN - $28 USD

You can not buy a Telcel eSIM in a convenient store.

Why not showing Movistar and AT&T eSIMs? Trust me you want a Telcel based eSIM when traveling to Mexico. For that reason alone Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM from either Jetpac or Airalo and not from SimOptions, Nomad or Holafly.

What is the cheapest eSIM card for Mexico?

Truly the cheapest eSIM card for Mexico is a Jetpac eSIM for just $1 USD, but it is only valid for 4 days.

SimOptions has another cheap eSIM for Mexico for just $5.90 USD for 1 GB for 7 days. Airalo offers the same eSIM card plan but charges $6 USD. These eSIMs are only valid in Mexico and do not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Mexico

eSIM cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes. 

The most important reason to get an eSIM card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Mexico without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless. 

One of the best things about arriving in Mexico with an activated eSIM card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Mexico, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Mexico so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

eSIM cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty  much every amazing tourist destinations in Mexico there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the eSIM cards for Mexico are.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: ''Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!''. Trust me, get yourself an eSIM card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Mexico.

Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends. 

Where to buy an eSIM card for Mexico? 

Online

You can buy an eSIM card for Mexico on the internet through an eSIM card provider. There are multiple eSIM card providers for Mexico. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM card providers in 2024: SimOptions, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, Holafly.

When buying an eSIM card for Mexico through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Mexico

There are 3 main mobile internet provider in Mexico: AT&T, Movistar and Telcel. As of October 2024 some of the mobile internet operators in Mexico offer eSIM cards for tourists. Other only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Mexico in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Mexico, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. In that comparison you will clearly see the difference in network strength between AT&T, Movistar and Telcel.

Flying into Mexico and landing at Mexico City Airport then you can buy a tourist sim card for Mexico on arrival at the airport. Click on the link to read Traveltomtom's complete guide on where to buy a local prepaid sim card at Mexico City Airport.

At the international airports in Mexico you will find several sim card shops and phone stores that sell all kind of tourist sim cards. If you can't see any phone shops you can try your luck at the convenient stores. They randomly charge you something but if you are lucky they help you set up the sim card.

But as mentioned before the sim cards shops and convenient stores in Mexico only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, no eSIMs.

When to order/activate an eSIM card for Mexico?

You can order an eSIM card for Mexico pretty much any time you want. Most eSIM cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM card. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIM cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM card on the day of departure to Mexico or before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your eSIM card. Pretty much all the international airports in Mexico have free public WiFi which works ok most of the time, so you could use that to install your eSIM card.

Just make sure it is a stable internet connection. Therefore just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM card in your home country. 

My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM card for Mexico before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands you will be connected to the internet without any problems. 

How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Mexico 5 times and traveled all around the country. Check out my list of the best places to visit in Mexico.

How to activate an eSIM card

Installing and activating an eSIM card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code. 

When you order an eSIM card plan for Mexico you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Mexico eSIM card. 

But installing an activating an eSIM card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM card on. The QR contains all the information about your Mexico eSIM card. 

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM card is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur. 

Tip: if you order an eSIM card with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM card for Mexico 

Here are some general tips and FAQ’s for using eSIM cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Mexico eSIM cards, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: eSIM cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Mexico. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone. 

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If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Mexico or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Mexico and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIM cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM card is if your smartphone supports eSIM cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIM cards. 

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these eSIM card providers?

All the eSIM card providers for Mexico recommended mentioned in this guide are reputable eSIM card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Mexico.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue. 

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM card provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIM cards with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Mexico eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIM cards for traveling to Mexico.

All eSIM card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Mexico eSIM card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM card to stay connected when traveling to Mexico. An eSIM card can be used next to your physical or eSIM card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM card.

So you can have multiple eSIM cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Mexico eSIM card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and eSIM cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a Mexico eSIM card?

No, unfortunately all the tourist eSIM cards for Mexico available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting. All the eSIM cards from Jetpac, SimOptions, Airalo, Holafly and Nomad are data-only eSIM cards and any outgoing calls/sms are not supported. 

If you buy a prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in Mexico in a store or at the airport then you get (unlimited) calling and texting included.

Most hotels, restaurants and tour companies in Mexico have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes.

Does a Mexico eSIM card come with a phone number?

No, most of the Mexico eSIM cards that you can buy on the internet do not come with a phone number, which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.

There is one exception and that is the Three HK international eSIM card that you can order via SimOptions. This eSIM comes with a Hong Kong phone number starting with +852.

Local prepaid sim cards that you can buy on arrival in a phone store in Mexico offer incoming and outgoing calling and texting.

In the above Mexico eSIM card comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.

Can I use 5G on an Mexico eSIM card?

Yes, Jetpac now offers 5G on their Mexico eSIM cards. Jetpac operates on the Telcel network, the best mobile data network in Mexico.

The max data speed on all other eSIMs is 4G/LTE. That said, AT&T and Movistar barely offer 5G in Mexico anyway. The only provider with a decent 5G network is Telcel, but compared to other countries it is also still fairly small. There is not much 5G in Mexico yet as of October 2024.

Are there eSIM cards for Mexico with unlimited data?

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? There is mostly a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy), which sometimes is already 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down. Sometimes eSIM cards have an FUP of 30, 50, 80 GB data per month. It depends on the eSIM specifications.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it barely works!

So yes, there are eSIM cards for Mexico with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

Jetpac, SimOptions and Airalo do NOT offer eSIM cards for Mexico with unlimited data. No hidden fees, no Fair Use Policy. Clear terms & conditions!

Holafly is different and Holafly only offers eSIM cards with unlimited data plans per day. However, Holafly but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP) and therefore it is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation.

On Holafly eSIM cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! 

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIM cards for Mexico with unlimited data. But if you think you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite eSIM card.

However, if the FUP is 2 GB per day then what is the point of having an eSIM card with unlimited data!? Right?

Some of the Nomad or SimOptions eSIMs give you 10 GB data, which for most travelers is more than enough for their trip to Mexico. If this is not enough you can also order 2 eSIM cards and after one is done, you instal the second one.

There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Mexico in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are eSIM cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico?

eSIM cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Mexico, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Mexico:

• Local prepaid sim cards
• International prepaid sim cards
• eSIM cards

Let's compare eSIM cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.  

Local prepaid sim cards

In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. 

Local Mexico prepaid sim cards for tourists offer bigger data plans than the tourist eSIM cards you order online. In fact local prepaid sim cards with data are fairly cheap for tourists in Mexico. For around $10 USD you get a physical sim card plan with unlimited social media and 3 GB data.

However, a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Mexico in a phone store or at the airport but NOT on the internet. 

Another big difference is that local prepaid sim cards have the advantage that they come with a local phone number and mostly with calling minutes and sms bundles. That means incoming and outgoing calls are supported.

More info about the best Mexico sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Mexico in 2024. 

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Mexico. Some of them are great for Mexico as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Mexico you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024.

As I mentioned before SimOptions also sells physical prepaid sim cards for traveling internationally.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your door step before your trip to Mexico. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Mexico and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Mexico directly online via SimOptions.

eSIM cards

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIM cards:

• eSIM cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIM cards that you buy in Mexico in a mobile internet provider store

However, as of October 2024 not all the mobile internet providers in Mexico offer eSIM cards for tourists. Most of them still only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists in Mexico.

On arrival at any International Airport in Mexico it is not possible to get an eSIM, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. Some Telcel stores now offer eSIMs for tourists, but it is still a hit or miss.

eSIM cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Mexico.

You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Mexico. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

But what is cheaper? An eSIM card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare the prices for Mexico eSIM cards with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Mexico, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable as you get many more Gigabytes for the same price.

In fact, for around $10 USD you can already get a prepaid sim card with unlimited social media and 3 GB data for 1 month. For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for Mexico in 2024. 

But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Mexico on arrival in a sim card shop or at the airport and a tourist eSIM card for Mexico can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet before your trip to Mexico. 

Remember that some of the eSIM cards for Mexico also go down to only $2.45 USD per Gigabyte as well. 

After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With eSIM cards you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.

For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIM cards for Mexico in the comparison above.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM card for Mexico. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM card is that eSIM cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIM cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIM cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIM cards can be less compared to a local prepaid Mexico sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM card for your trip to Mexico were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM card for Mexico right away.

Best 4G/5G mobile data network in Mexico

Traveltomtom researched the 4G/5G network of all the mobile internet providers in Mexico and compared the mobile internet coverage maps of AT&T, Movistar and Telcel.

Although the above mobile data network coverage map of Telcel is updated for 2024 it is not 100% accurate. However, it is a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Mexcio in 2024.

Telcel has the strongest 4G/5G network in Mexico. see the network coverage map below.

This is Movistar 4G/5G network coverage map.

Traveltomtom came to the conclusion that there is a huge difference between the 4G/5G coverage of AT&T, Movistar and Telcel. For more information check out Traveltomtom's article about the best prepaid sim card for Mexico in 2024.

I am sure now you understand why Traveltomtom recommends an eSIM card for Mexico that operates on the Telcel network.

• Jetpac eSIM cards for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel
• Nomad eSIM cards for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Movistar
• Airalo eSIM cards for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel
• Holafly eSIM cards for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel and AT&T
• SimOptions does not specify on which network their eSIMs operate in Mexico

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM card for your trip to Czech Republic were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison and all my tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your preferred eSIM card for Czech Republic.

If you still have any questions about eSIM cards then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 650K Instagram account or 1.4 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of October 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Mexico!