Stay Connected in Mexico
Navigate, share, and stay in touch with our comprehensive eSIM guide for Mexico.
1Introduction to Mexico as a Travel Destination
Traveling in Mexico offers an amazing variety of experiences – from exploring ancient ruins to lounging on tropical beaches – and one thing you'll want throughout is reliable internet on your phone. Staying connected during your travels is crucial for navigation, communication, and safety. You'll likely use Google Maps to find your way, Uber or DiDi for rides, WhatsApp to chat with locals or fellow travelers, and translation or dining apps to enrich your trip. This guide will show you how to get internet in Mexico for tourists, covering both local SIM cards and convenient eSIM options.
2Mobile and Internet Infrastructure
Mexico has three major mobile carriers: Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T Mexico. Among these, Telcel is the dominant player with the widest coverage and user base. In fact, Telcel covers about 99% of the population with 4G service, leading the country in both coverage and speed.
All three carriers provide solid 4G/LTE signals in major cities and tourist destinations. Areas like Mexico City and Cancún have strong coverage on all networks, so you'll generally get a good signal and data speeds with any provider in such locations. However, as you move to rural regions or travel between cities, differences emerge. Telcel's coverage is by far the most extensive – it often maintains signal in remote towns or on highways where Movistar and AT&T have none. In terms of technology, 4G LTE is the standard across Mexico and will be your workhorse for data. 5G service exists but is still rolling out, with Telcel leading at about 8.6% availability and AT&T close behind at 5.3% as of early 2023.
Network Providers Overview
| Provider | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Telcel | 99% population coverage with 4G, leading in 5G rollout | Best overall coverage, especially in remote areas and highways |
| AT&T Mexico | ~95-97% population coverage with 4G, ~5.3% 5G availability | Strong in cities like Tijuana, Mexicali, and Monterrey |
| Movistar | ~95-97% population with 4G, limited 5G deployment | Good coverage in cities and towns, weaker in rural areas |
3Guide to Getting Mobile Internet
Local SIM vs eSIM
When it comes to getting your phone online in Mexico, you have two main options: buy a local SIM card (from Telcel, AT&T, or Movistar) or use an international eSIM that provides data service in Mexico. Local SIM cards provide great value for money, offering a lot of data and calling at local rates – usually cheaper per GB than international plans. You also get a local Mexican phone number, which can be useful if you need to call local businesses or receive SMS codes. Many Mexican plans include unlimited usage of certain social apps (like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter) that doesn't count against your data cap. The main drawback is the initial inconvenience of finding a place to buy the SIM after you arrive. An eSIM provides the convenience of setting up before your trip, instant connectivity upon arrival, and if your phone supports dual SIM, you can keep your primary number active simultaneously. eSIMs are typically data-only (no local phone number) and can be a bit pricier per GB.
Where to Buy
Getting a local prepaid SIM card in Mexico is straightforward and affordable. You can purchase a SIM for Telcel, AT&T or Movistar at official carrier stores (found in malls and city centers), at mobile service kiosks in airports or bus terminals, and even at ubiquitous convenience stores like OXXO, 7-Eleven, and others. Unlike some countries, buying a prepaid SIM in Mexico as a tourist is refreshingly easy – you do NOT need to show a passport or ID for a basic prepaid line. For eSIMs, you can purchase online before your trip through providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad. These are installed via a QR code or app and can be activated as soon as you land in Mexico.
4Major Mobile Providers and Plans
Airalo
Airalo is one of the largest global eSIM stores and a go-to choice for many travelers. For Mexico, Airalo offers an eSIM called "Hola Mexico" which operates on the Telcel network (the best coverage network in Mexico). This is a big advantage – by using Telcel's 4G/LTE infrastructure, Airalo's eSIM ensures you get broad coverage and solid data speeds virtually everywhere, from big cities to rural highways. Using Airalo is straightforward: you purchase the eSIM through their website or mobile app, and you'll receive a QR code to scan (or if using the app on an eSIM-capable phone, it can install directly).
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hola Mexico 1GB | 1 GB | 7 days | ~$6 |
|
| Hola Mexico 3GB | 3 GB | 30 days | ~$15.50 |
|
| Hola Mexico 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | ~$42 |
|
Holafly
Holafly has made a name by offering "unlimited data" eSIM plans in many countries, including Mexico. Instead of buying a set number of gigabytes, with Holafly you choose a duration and you get unlimited cellular data for that period. Holafly eSIMs in Mexico operate on a combination of Telcel and AT&T's 4G networks. This means coverage is generally very good across most of Mexico's populated areas – between Telcel and AT&T, your phone will find a signal in all the places a typical traveler goes. However, Holafly does not currently offer 5G access, so the eSIM will use 4G LTE only.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited 5 Days | Unlimited* | 5 days | ~$21 |
|
| Unlimited 10 Days | Unlimited* | 10 days | ~$37 |
|
| Unlimited 30 Days | Unlimited* | 30 days | ~$75 |
|
Nomad
Nomad is another eSIM provider popular among budget travelers and digital nomads. Nomad is known for competitive pricing and often runs promotions, making it one of the most cost-effective eSIM options. Nomad's eSIM for Mexico uses local partner networks Movistar and AT&T (it can switch between these as needed). This is a crucial point: unlike Airalo which uses Telcel, Nomad does not use Telcel's network. Movistar and AT&T together cover all the major cities and most populated areas, but their combined coverage in rural zones still doesn't match Telcel's reach.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico 5GB | 5 GB | 30 days | ~$20 |
|
| Mexico 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | ~$16 |
|
| Unlimited Lite 10 days | 1 GB high-speed per day | 10 days | ~$35 |
|
Telcel Prepaid
Telcel is Mexico's largest mobile carrier with the most extensive network coverage. Their prepaid "Amigo" packages are popular among travelers and locals alike. These plans offer generous data allowances, often with unlimited social media usage (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) that doesn't count against your data. Getting a Telcel SIM means you'll have a local Mexican phone number, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts within Mexico. SIM cards can be purchased at Telcel stores, airport kiosks, or convenience stores like OXXO throughout Mexico.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amigo Sin Límite | 3GB + unlimited social apps | 30 days | ~$10-15 |
|
| Tourist SIM | Varies by location/promotion | 7-15 days typical | ~$15-25 |
|
5Device Compatibility and Activation
Almost all modern smartphones will work in Mexico without issues. Mexican carriers use standard 4G LTE bands that are compatible with most international phones. The key requirement is that your phone must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Mexican SIM card or an international eSIM. If your device is locked to your home provider, contact them before your trip to request an unlock. For eSIM usage, your device needs to support eSIM technology. This includes iPhone XR/XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up, and many other recent smartphone models. If your phone is eSIM-only (like newer US iPhones), you'll need to use an eSIM solution rather than a physical SIM card.
6Tips and FAQs for Staying Connected
Can I use my phone as a hotspot with these plans?
Generally yes. All the major eSIM options (Airalo, Nomad's fixed-data plans) allow personal hotspot usage without specific restrictions. Local SIMs from Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar also support tethering. Holafly's unlimited plan, however, explicitly limits hotspot data to ~500 MB per day. After that amount, tethered connections may become extremely slow while your phone itself continues to have data. If you need to do a lot of work on a laptop via your phone's connection, consider Airalo, Nomad, or a local SIM instead of Holafly.
How can I use dual SIM to keep my home number while in Mexico?
If your phone supports dual-SIM (or an eSIM + physical SIM), you can maintain your home SIM alongside your Mexican connection. This is extremely useful for receiving texts or calls to your regular number (like verification codes from your bank) while using Mexican data. In your phone settings, designate the Mexican eSIM/SIM as your data line, and keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS. Make sure to turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges. This way, you can use WhatsApp, maps and other apps on the Mexican data plan while still receiving important messages on your home number.
How can I conserve data while traveling in Mexico?
Download offline maps for the regions you'll be visiting – Google Maps lets you cache areas while you're on Wi-Fi, so you can navigate without using data. Use Wi-Fi whenever available at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Download Netflix shows or Spotify playlists while on Wi-Fi for offline use. Be mindful of high-data activities: streaming HD video can use 1-3 GB per hour. Consider turning off auto-play in social media apps and set cloud backups to only occur on Wi-Fi. Many travelers find that with moderate use (browsing, maps, chat) they use only ~0.5-1 GB per day.
Does my phone carrier already include Mexico in my plan?
Many US and Canadian carriers include Mexico roaming in their plans. For instance, T-Mobile and Google Fi include Mexico/Canada in their standard plans, AT&T and Verizon often have low-cost add-ons for Mexico, and many Canadian providers allow you to use your plan in the US/Mexico for a daily fee. Check with your carrier before purchasing a new SIM or eSIM – you might already have coverage. Just verify any limits or "fair use" policies for roaming; some carriers may throttle speeds after a certain amount of roaming data.
Are there backup options if I run out of data?
Mexico has widespread public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and even some public spaces. Many city centers have free Wi-Fi zones, and long-distance ADO buses often offer Wi-Fi. As a backup, save important information offline, such as hotel addresses, booking confirmations, and emergency contacts. In a pinch, every Mexican phone (even without a SIM) should be able to dial 911 for emergency services. If one eSIM provider has no coverage in a particular area, you can often quickly purchase another provider's plan if you can find Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Staying connected in Mexico is straightforward with several excellent options for travelers. If coverage is your primary concern, especially if venturing to more remote areas, Airalo's eSIM on Telcel's network or a physical Telcel SIM provide the most extensive coverage. For unlimited data without worrying about limits, Holafly offers peace of mind despite some throttling restrictions. Budget-conscious travelers in major cities and tourist areas will find Nomad's affordable data packages hard to beat. Whichever option you choose, you'll be able to navigate confidently, stay in touch with loved ones, and share your Mexican adventure online without breaking the bank. With reliable connectivity in hand, you can fully immerse yourself in Mexico's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.