best esim for mexico travel

4 Best eSIMs for Mexico 2024 (Affordable Prepaid Data)

Are you struggling to find the perfect eSIM for Mexico?

An eSIM is one of the easiest ways to get mobile internet access when you travel to Mexico. Instead of wasting time getting a local Mexico SIM card when you land, you can get an eSIM now and have a fun trip.

At A Glance: Best eSIM for Mexico

• best unlimited data esim Holafly
• Most Flexible eSIMs Maya Mobile
• Cheapest Mexico eSIM Nomad

Below I will highlight the best eSIMs for anyone traveling to Mexico who wants a great data connection.

Choosing The Perfect Mexico eSIM

From my recent experience traveling around the world, I want to share with you the simplest way to pick and eSIM for your trip to Mexico. It boils down to a few simple questions about what features you need in your eSIM:

• Unlimited data – Holafly or Maya Mobile
• Smaller GB packages for occasional use – Maya Mobile or Nomad
• Data sharing (Hotspot/Tethering) –  Some Maya Mobile , Nomad  or Holalfly North America
• Regional plans in North America – Holalfly North America (Unlimited), Nomad North America

ESIM Product Comparison

Holalfy is all about eSIMs with unlimited data which means you can use your phone and be online as much as you like while in Mexico.

They also use AT&T so you know you have a reliable mobile provider while you are traveling too.

You might be thinking that their plans will be expensive, but that is not the case.

You can choose from these unlimited data eSIMs for Mexico or for North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) :

MEXICO ONLY – No Hotspot/Tethering

• 5 days for $19
• 7 days for $27
• 10 days for $34
• 15 days for $47
• 20 days for $54
• 30 days for $64
• 60 days for $84
• 90 days for $99

NOTE: Get a 5% discount with coupon: EXPERTWORLDTRAVEL

USA, CANADA & MEXICO

Hotspots/Tethering allowed for this package!!

• 5 Days – $27.00
• 7 Days – $34.00
• 10 Days – $44.00
• 15 Days – $54.00
• 20 Days – $64.00
• 30 Days – $87.00
• 60 Days – $144.00
• 90 Days – $214.00

The only downside is that you can not use the data with a hotspot or data sharing. Connecting to your laptop for work isn’t allowed, unfortunately.

• Unlimited data eSIMs
• Best price per day
• Quick and easy to set up
• Fast speeds and broad coverage
• Hotspot/data sharing is not allowed

Maya Mobile

If you want to buy a prepaid Mexico eSIM  before you leave, then Maya Mobile is the best option.

They have the cheapest eSIMs and a flexible eSIM with unlimited data for Mexico and Latin America. They have expanded the eSIM offerings a lot lately, so now you can choose exactly how long you want it for and how much data you need (1-10GB or Unlimited).

Below are some examples to give you a feel for the pricing:

• 1GB, 5 days, $6
• 3GB, 10 days, $14
• 5GB, 15 days, $22
• 10GB, 30 days, $36
• Unlimited, 30 days, $129 (Mexico)
• Unlimited, 30 days, $129 (Latin America)

The Latam option includes 16 countries in Central & South America, so if you move around, it is perfect. And it’s the same price as the Mexico-only option. Crazy, I know.

Unlimited Data Selection

Just be aware that Maya Mobile has some subtleties in their Unlimited data packages. I dived a little deeper on their page and saw you can select

• The timespan – 5, 10, 15, 30 days
• Data sharing allowed or not
• When data speed throttling occurs

So, although they allow sharing for some extra money, they also throttle the speed after 3 or 5 GB a day. Holafly does not do this.

Networks Used In Mexico

They work with Telcel and AT&T, giving you the best coverage in Mexico. So, whether you are in Mexico City or on a small beach in Baja, you will have coverage.

They also give the auto-renew option, so you don’t always have to watch your data usage. Just switch it on, and your data is topped up automatically.

• Lowest prices per GB
• Great esims with Unlimited data
• Best mobile networks
• Latin America eSim option
• Not the cheapest for unlimited data

Nomad is a global eSIM provider that is both reliable and offers a great service in a lot of countries, including Mexico.

They offer three different prepaid Mexico eSIM plans that are data only. You can choose from

• 1GB/7 days for $9
• 3GB/30 days for $14
• 5GB/30 days for $20
• 10GB/30 days for $3 2

The 5GB/30-day plan is the most affordable at $6 per GB which is pretty good. There are more affordable 7-day plans available from other providers like Maya and Airalo.

• Simple to buy and activate
• Fast connection and good coverage
• A range of plans to suit you
• Unlimited data is not available
• Short plans are a little expensive

Airalo (Chorro Fon)

Airalo has long been known as one of the best international eSIM providers as they have affordable prices, great customer support, solid speeds and coverage.

Airalo offers a great range of Mexico travel eSIMs using local Mobile networks, including AT&T, Movistar, and Telcel . So they can connect you to the best option in each location.

You have 4 to choose from, starting at

• 1GB / 7 days for $8
• 2GB / 15 days for $15
• 3GB / 30 days for $21
• 5GB/30 days for $32.50
• 10GB/30 days for $4 9 (Currently 50% off)

Their most affordable Mexico eSIM card is $4.9 per GB, which is average. Maya has cheaper options when you go above 1 GB.

If you are traveling further afield in North America, Airalo also offers regional packages that include the USA, Canada and Mexico. They are a little more expensive per GB

• 1GB / 7 days for $6.5
• 2GB / 15 days for $12
• 3GB / 30 days for $17
• 5GB/30 days for $25.50
• 10GB/30 days for $46

Again, unlimited data is not available with Airalo for heavy users.

• Affordable pricing
• Quick to buy and activate
• The best customer support
• Excellent speeds and coverage
• No unlimited data

Benefits of Getting an eSIM

The benefits of getting a Mexico eSim include:

• convenience
• flexibility
• keep your number

With a Mexico eSIM card, you can be connected to a local network within minutes of landing, and don’t have to go to a store to get a local SIM card.

With a Mexico eSim, you can keep your sim card from home, including your normal phone number. So, you will receive any calls or texts as normal.

An eSim is usually the cheapest way to get data while traveling in  Mexico. You can choose the perfect eSIM to match your trip time data needs. And you won’t be punished with roaming fees when you get home.

Buying a virtual SIM or eSim is also more eco-friendly. SIM cards use metals from mines and come covered in plastic, eSims are digital, so you will feel good about it!

Devices Compatible with a Mexico eSim

Not all devices are equipped with eSim technology. An eSim is an embedded SIM card built into your phone or tablet.

Since the technology is relatively new, only newer phones or tablets will be equipped with eSims. Generally, any high-end smartphone made in the last 3 years should have an eSim, other devices older than this probably won’t.

For example, the iPhone XS is the oldest iPhone model with an eSim inside it. So, how do you check if your device is compatible with an eSim? It’s very easy.

Dial *#06# on your phone. This will bring up all the unique information about your phone, including its IMEI number and maybe an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number. If you see an EID number, your phone is compatible with an .

The final step to using an eSIM on your device is ensuring it is unlocked from your provider. If you bought your phone or tablet through a contract, it might be locked to your mobile provider.

To check and unlock your phone, call your provider and ask them to unlock it. It should only take a few minutes to do.

Local Mobile Operators Offering eSIMs in Mexico

For the best network coverage in any country you visit, choosing an eSim that partners with a local network provider is always the way to go.

This will ensure you always have a data connection, and fast connection speeds, and may be able to add call minutes and SMS to your eSim data plan.

Currently, there are only three local mobile operators offering eSims in Mexico and these include Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T. Look for eSim providers that use these networks for the best experience while you are there.

Data Needed When Traveling to Mexico

How much data do you need while traveling around Mexico? This all depends on your budget and how you want to browse while you are there.

If you want to use your cell phone as you would at home, then you should find a data plan to match your usage.

Most people use about 5GB per week on average, but this can be as high as 20GB a week for those uploading to Instagram all the time or watching movies on their phones via a data connection.

You should be able to see your data consumption over time as a report on your smartphone or get a report from your provider. Once you know how many GB per week you use on average, you can find a data plan to match.

If you are traveling on a tight budget, you do have the option to choose less GBs per week but you’ll have to be smart about reducing your data consumption. Also, be careful not to run out of data and have to top up as this will almost double your local eSim costs.

Tips for Using eSIM in Mexico

Do not activate your esim until you land.

When you buy eSim data plans, they come with a limited time frame such as 7 days or 30 days. The data plan start date is the day you activate it. Therefore, if you activate it before you are in Mexico, you are losing days on your plan.

Make sure you only activate your eSim once you have landed in Mexico to make the most of the data plans.

Turn Data Off For Some Apps

If you are trying to conserve your data usage, go into settings on your phone and turn data off for the apps you don’t need. Apps that download photos and videos use the most data and Instagram is the biggest culprit.

By turning data off, these apps can never use your data allowance but they will still work on WiFi.

Download Google Map Areas

Did you know you can download specific areas on Google Maps and then use them offline without any data?

Google Maps is so helpful when traveling, I am on it more than anything else! I find everything from good restaurants to secluded beaches using it. By downloading the areas you are visiting on WiFi, you can use Google Maps as usual without using any of your data allowances.

Turn On Airplane Mode

Airplane mode stops your phone from connecting to a network so no apps can secretly use data in the background. This is a great way to conserve data and you can still use GPS with maps plus take pictures too.

Use Whatsapp

Whatsapp is the most used messaging app in Mexico. The free app allows you to send messages and make calls using data only, so it is perfect for an eSim data plan. Plus, you can communicate with hotels, taxis, tour guides, and more through the app.

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Home » Gear » Travel Sim's » The Best eSIM for Mexico with Unlimited Data in 2024!

The Best eSIM for Mexico with Unlimited Data in 2024!

Mexico is an awesome destination for digital nomads, backpackers and vacationers alike. Its got heaps of different landscapes, culture and epic things to do. However, roaming charges can be expensive, buying a local sim comes with the risk of getting scammed and WIFI can be slow and unreliable. That’s where an eSIM for Mexico comes into its own. This way you can organise everything before you travel and head off with complete peace of mind that you can stay connected for your trip. 

Using the internet and more specifically our phones when we travel has become pretty much essential in 2023. From booking flights to searching for a bed in a hostel, planning an itinerary for your next stop or just keeping in contact with family. Our phones are pretty powerful when we utilise them in the right way, they can help us make the most of our trip, save our arses when we get lost and most importantly, upload those selfies to the ‘gram! That’s not to mention e-tickets, digital visas and booking UBERS from the airport.

So, let’s take a deep dive and have a more detailed look at what buying a prepaid eSim for Mexico entails. 

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In this post we’re going to give you to low down on these epic eSims by HolaFly , trust us, these bad boys are going to revolutionise the way you use the internet and your phone when you travel!

What is an eSIM and How Does It Work?

An eSIM is exactly what you think it is, it’s a digital sim card that replaces the need for a conventional plastic sim card that you physically have to insert into your phone. Instead, you download the eSim package in a similar fashion to installing an app and after a simple set-up, away you go! It really is that simple! The eSim phenomena is growing fast and with good reason.

Advantages of Having an eSIM vs a Traditional SIM

There are several benefits to a travel eSIM when compared to purchasing a traditional SIM when you arrive in a new country.

First up is the most important from a sustainable travel perspective. Each and every new SIM card you buy is yet another piece of single-use plastic that will be floating around in the ocean or piling up in a landfill. We just love any eco-friendly travel product that reduces our carbon footprint as we make our way around the world.

Then we come to the practicalities of getting a new SIM card in every country you visit. You’ve got to research what is required (some countries ask for ID or make it hard for foreigners), queue up at a store and figure out what plans are on offer in a different language and then there’s where to store your own SIM card for when you return home!

What’s more, eSIMs are fast becoming the norm, especially in Europe . More and more cell phones are compatible with the use of eSIMs and that continues to advance year by year from both the perspective of phone developers and eSIM companies.

Then comes the cost. Compared to getting stung with roaming data charges, you know where you stand with an eSIM. You pay for what you need and use what you want. No more nasty surprises when you get home from your trip!

Holafly eSIM in Mexico Advantages, Review, and Pricing

Holafly is a Spanish company built for travelers by Travelers. Besides the eSim Mexico package, they offer plans in more than 120 destinations including the USA, Turkey and Italy .. you can check our Holafly experience with the review of their  esim Europe .

Holafly eSIM Advantages

Holafly being one of the most established networks when it comes to eSIMs has a wider reach than many other start-ups. They partner with a network of local carriers to provide reliable packages in each region, so if you’re going to buy an eSIM for Mexico, you can’t go wrong with Holafly.

Not only that but in our experience we’ve found that their app and website are super easy to use and make it quick and simple to get set up. In fact, you can be up and running in only 10 – 15 minutes. Their support is top notch too with 24/7 availability meaning wherever you find yourself in the world, they’ve got your back. There are not many other providers that can say the same.

Other benefits to using Holafly include the ability to keep using your WhatsApp number which is super useful especially when you’re working overseas. With the eSIM you pay for the “card” and for a data package. Unfortunately, eSIMs don’t include a local phone number so traditional calls can’t be made, but with Holafly’s integration with WhatsApp, you can still easily ring out.

Oh, one more thing! If you’re planning on continuing your journey south after Mexico, then Holafly is also an awesome option for an eSIM for South America too.

Need to know more? We’ve put together a more in-depth review of Holafly eSIMs covering all the different regions they are available in and comparing them to other providers.

How to Activate the eSIM

If you’re wondering how do I use an esim ? You are in the right place, activating the eSIM on your phone is super easy. We’ve put together a little step-by-step guide here:

One of the most useful features of an eSIM is that you can activate it before you travel, meaning you’re all set when you arrive. Just install it on your phone before your flight and you can activate it whilst you’re in the air or as soon as you land.

For iPhone:

• Open your email – Have a different device available so you can open the QR code sent to your via email.
• Scan the QR code – Open your camera on the phone you’d like to install Holafly and scan the QR code on the other device.
• Follow the installation steps on your iPhone – Scanning the code will start the installation process. There will be a simple step-by-step configuration process to follow.

If you don’t have access to another device, you can use the provided “Activation Code” in your email by going to the “Mobile Data” selection on your settings menu. Select “Add eSIM” or “Add Data Plan” and then select “Use QR Code”. Then select “Enter Details Manually”.

For Android:

• Open Settings on your device – Press “Connections” and enter “SIM card manager”. Then click on “Add eSIM” to start the installation process.
• Open your email – Open your email on a different device to the one you will be installing Holafly on.
• Scan the QR code and follow the installation steps – Follow the on-screen steps to install your eSIM. When you arrive at your destination follow the instructions to connect to the internet.

Holafly eSIM Pricing

Holafly offers competitive pricing across the range of eSIMs available in Mexico. You might just find that buying a local sim card vs an international is cheaper, but with the hoops you’ve got to jump through and the uncertainty of arriving without a connection, your money is well spent being prepared before you travel.

Holafly offers unlimited data across all its packages in Mexico , instead, you pay by the number of days you want to use the service. This means you never have to worry about running out of data or being caught out without access to the internet.

For those travelling for longer, their prices are especially competitive and if you’re planning on working whilst travelling, they offer superb value for money as well as a solid and reliable connection. An example is that their 5-day package will set you back $19, whereas a 90-day package costs $99. – this works out at less than $1.40 per day.

For us, the 30 – 90 day packages offer incredible value and we’d highly recommend investing in the longer subscriptions if you know you’re going to be in the country for a while.

Holafly costs for Mexico are:

• 5-day: $19.00
• 7-day: $27:00
• 10-day: $34.00
• 15-day: $47.00
• 20-day: $54.00
• 30-day: $64.00
• 60-day: $84.00
• 90-day: $99.00

 Is my cell phone compatible with the eSIM Card?

If you’re living in the Jurassic age, your phone might just not be compatible with a 5g eSIM for Mexico! Not every phone is … especially the Nokia 3210 you’ve had since high school! Basically, for your phone to be compatible with an eSIM it’s got to have this special microchip hardware installed, and unfortunately, a lot of older models don’t have this.

This even includes some iPhones that you might not think are that old, an iPhone 8 for example. In this case, you’re going to have to opt for an old-school SIM card in Mexico this time! * boomer alert! *

The following devices are eSim compatible

• iPhone XS, XS Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro
• iPhone SE 2 (2020)
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 3 (2022)
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPad Pro 11? (model A2068, from 2020)
• iPad Pro 12.9? (model A2069, from 2020)
• iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
• iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
• iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20+ 5g, S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21+ Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4, Z Flip, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
• Google Pixel 2, 2 XL
• Google Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL
• Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
• Google Pixel 5, 5a
• Google Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro

* Google Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan , and Taiwan are not compatible with eSIM./ Google Pixel 3a from South East Asia is not compatible with eSIM.

Need to stick to a traditional SIM card? We’ve got you covered too! Check out our guide to the best travel SIM cards and see which one suits your needs.

Other Options to Connect to the Internet in Mexico

Of course, getting an eSIM isn’t the only way to stay connected when travelling around in Mexico and depending on your needs, there might be other options that suit you more. We’ll have a look at each one and the pros and cons of them.

Pocket Wifi

Pocket Wifi isn’t actually all that different to using data, in fact, that’s exactly what it is, just in a different configuration. Think of it like when you use your phone to share your data, connecting your laptop to the internet via your mobile.

Rather than having your data on an eSIM inside your phone, your data instead is on a portable WiFi device that, as the name suggests, is small enough to fit inside your pocket. This device can then be used to connect almost anything compatible to the internet.

So you could take it out to the beach and connect your phone, laptop, or speaker to the internet. You can then take it back to your apartment and connect up your TV and stream a few movies.

The big problem is that with this versatility comes a much higher cost. Often you’ll be paying over $80 for the week and the amount of data you receive is limited. Some companies also require you to pay either a bond or insurance for their device in case you lose or break it.

We all love a bit of free wifi and when you travel to Mexico you’ll be able to find it often in bars, restaurants, cafes and your accommodation. It’s a great way to stay connected to your social media and plan out a few activities for the day ahead.

The biggest issue with free wifi however is reliability. Mexico in particular is known for its substandard Wifi connection and you just never know from one hostel to another if you’ll actually have a useful wifi connection or one that drives you insane just trying to share a story to Instagram … let alone have a full-on Watsapp video call with your folks back home!

What’s more, sometimes free wifi connections can be compromised and insecure, meaning your information is at risk of getting stolen.

If you’re either unfortunate or you’re rich AF and just don’t care, then old-school roaming might just be the way you go! Roaming is basically when you keep your SIM card from home and when you arrive at your destination, your carrier connects to a local network and charges you a hefty bill for the pleasure! No bueno!

Different providers have different prices when it comes to roaming charges, but generally speaking, roaming in Mexico does seem to be particularly expensive. Expect to pay something like $15 per MB or $5 a day depending on how much data you use. You’ll usually get a text message when you land from your provider explaining the charges. However, it’s always best to research them beforehand as some providers do offer packages that are substantially cheaper than their roaming fees.

Whilst roaming does have its place and can get you out of a bind in an emergency, it’s also just hella expensive! If you’re not the kind of person who likes a nasty surprise after a worldy of a trip, then make sure to switch roaming off and stick with an eSIM instead!

Other eSim Mexico Options

So far we have focused on HolaFly as the best eSim option for Mexico but there are other providers out there. Let’s take a look at some of them now.

Established in 2010 and based in Palo Alto, California, GigSky is a mobile technology firm that specialises in providing e-SIM and SIM card data services to travellers across the globe. Distinguishing itself from the majority of eSIM providers, GigSky operates as an independent Network Operator, collaborating with over 400 carriers worldwide. This unique position grants them access to an extensive network infrastructure, ensuring more reliable service and fewer outages than many competitors.

GigSky offers competitively priced data packages accessible in more than 190 countries, along with a global sim option, several regional sim packages, and a bespoke “Land + Sea” package making it one of the best sim options for cruise goers.

GigSky offer a few different Mexico options including a FREE package that gies users 100MB for 7 days! They also cover Mexico as part of their North America package too – click the button below to find out more.

As our world gets smaller, needing an international sim while travelling becomes not just a luxury but an absolute necessity. Enter Jetpac, a game-changing travel eSIM provider promising seamless connectivity at low costs, across the globe, sign me up.

Singaporean-based Jetpac are fast carving out a chunky niche in the increasingly competitive eSIM market, by providing easy, instant access to network services in a digital format.

If you’ve just figured out how to add emojis and take a selfie, don’t panic, it’s simple to activate a Jetpac eSIM. Users need to sign up on the Jetpac website or app, choose a plan that fits their travel needs, and then scan a QR code to install the eSIM on their device. And it gets better, Jetpac eSIMs are compatible with a range of devices, including many models from Apple, Samsung, and Google.

We love Jetpac for its ease of setup and reliable connectivity. JetPac makes it a handy tool for international travel, ensuring continuous access to mobile data across multiple destinations. While they don’t offer local numbers, we love that most of their packs last for 30 days by default so you can just concentrate on how much data you need.

Sim Options

SimOptions is a reputable global marketplace that specialises in offering high-quality prepaid eSIMs for travellers in over 200 destinations worldwide. The platform has been dedicated to providing the best possible eSIM and international sim options at the most competitive rates for travellers since 2018. They rigorously test and select eSIMs to ensure that you receive the best connectivity and service wherever you travel.

As well as effectively acting as a broker from a number of the best eSIM providers, SimOptions also offer their own eSIM products too.

Basically, SimOptions is kind of like a market comparison website for helping you find the best sim for your travels . You simply type in your destination and they bring up the different eSIM options from a wide number of prospective providers and suppliers

Irish based Sim Local specialise in providing eSIM services, primarily targeted at global travellers to help them stay connected without incurring expensive roaming charges. Based in Dublin and London, Sim Local sells local SIM cards and eSIM profiles through their retail outlets, vending machines, and online platforms.

Sim Local offers a variety of eSIM plans that can be activated instantly and are designed to provide a convenient and secure way to stay connected in numerous countries. Their services are beneficial for those who travel frequently, as they provide the option to switch between multiple eSIM profiles on a single device, depending on the user’s location and needs.

They also offer pretty comprehensive customer support and a range of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, all processed securely via Stripe.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Hopefully, you’ve got all the information you need to decide whether a prepaid eSIM for Mexico is right for your trip. As you can see, when it comes to cost, practicality, usability and sustainability, Holafly offers an incredible service that is frankly hard to beat. They’re one of the top eSIMs for travel right now.

Sure, you can queue up in the market and risk getting scammed for a traditional SIM card. Spend a fortune on roaming charges. Or have the most frustrating video call with your Nan that leaves her thinking you’ve been kidnapped by the cartel on the free wifi!

But why put yourself through all that when you can organise your data before you fly and relax in the knowledge that you’ll be connected as soon as you land … and you won’t be left with any nasty surprises?

Avoid all the hassles and join the new eSIM technology. you will save a lot of time and money. and, if you want to save even more money, use my coupon code “THE BROKEBACKBACKER” to get a 5% discount.

Have you ever used Holafly or another eSIM company? What was your experience like?

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely people suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Nic Hilditch-Short

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Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

What is the best eSIM for travel in Mexico in 2024?

The best eSIM for travel in Mexico made our multi-city trip smoother than we had hoped. Here, we share how we stayed online entirely hassle-free

It’s fair to say that after 100 countries of travel across seven continents, Peter and I have found ourselves in some pretty sticky situations. There was the time we got a flat tyre in Etosha National Park in Namibia, home to an estimated 750 lions. Tourists are strictly forbidden from leaving their vehicles – but we had no connectivity so couldn’t call for help. Cue a very sweaty tyre change .

Then there was the time all our credit cards failed in a Belarus restaurant. Peter tried several nearby ATMs to no avail while I sat in the restaurant desperately trying to connect to the wifi. We were unable to communicate with the manager, unable to seek help from our bank, and quickly lost the good grace of the staff. 

Then there was the time we ended up in a roach-infested roadside hotel between two towns in Sri Lanka . Unable to get online to find and book somewhere else, I endured one of the most challenging nights of my life. 

Compare this to our time in Mexico in December last year. Logistically, our trip wasn’t straightforward. We had a five-city itinerary with long drives in between including a number of remote stops.

Thankfully, we had done our research and bought the best eSIM for travel in Mexico, which meant that we were able to stay online for the entire time. To help you have a hassle-free trip, we share our recommendations below.

• What is an eSIM
• Why use an eSIM
• Best eSim for travel in Mexico
• Other options

Compatibility

What is an esim.

An eSIM is not a physical SIM card. As such, you do not have to open up your phone, trim the card down to size and stick it into a fiddly slot. Instead, think of it as a virtual card that already sits in your phone or tablet. To use it, you simply buy a package (known as an ‘eSIM profile’) from a supplier. They will email you a QR code which you can scan to activate the package once you reach your destination – in this case, Mexico. 

Atlas & Boots; Shutterstock

Instagram ready: kia at suytun cenote in mexico.

The eSIM will connect your device to a local mobile network on the fly, which means that you can quickly sign up for service without having to track down a physical store and install a traditional SIM card.

Once you leave Mexico, you can delete the eSIM profile and install a different one when you visit another country. 

Why use an eSIM?

There are numerous benefits of using an eSIM:

It’s cheap: Using an eSIM for travel in Mexico is far cheaper than the data roaming plans the major networks offer.

It’s easy: eSIMs are available in over 165 countries worldwide. Even if you are fluent in Spanish, they are far more convenient than tracking down a store and sourcing a local SIM card for your phone. Installation is quick and painless and they connect to local networks on the fly, meaning you can move around Mexico without losing coverage or connectivity. 

Convenience: You do not need to eject your physical SIM so it’s easier to keep it safe. Using dual SIMs allows you to make and receive calls from your normal phone number. If you’d rather not use your physical SIM at all, you can make and receive calls via WhatsApp rather than a phone network. Some eSIMs limit hotspot creation, so check the technical specs of the eSIM you are thinking of buying.

Reliable: As eSIMs piggyback off local mobile networks, their internet connection is as fast and reliable as using a physical SIM card.

Sustainable: An eSIM eliminates the environmental impact of physical SIM card production , packaging and distribution.

Best eSIM for travel in Mexico

There are several providers to choose from but based on our first-hand experience, the best eSIM for travel to Mexico is Holafly eSIM . 

The Holafly eSIM comes with unlimited data plans in Mexico. While it did not allow for hotspot sharing, it did prove to be fast and reliable during our time in Mexico. Based on Trustpilot reviews (4.7 stars out of 5 stars), thousands of other travellers have had a positive experience with Holafly too.

The Holafly eSIM comes in various packages based on the length of time you will be spending in Mexico and has dual SIM capability so you can continue using your own SIM if you wish. Getting online is easy but if you do have an issue, they offer 24/7 chat help as well as lots of other eSIM support. 

We can offer our readers 5% off on Holafly purchases with this coupon: ATLASANDBOOTS

Packages include the below. Prices are quoted in USD.

• Unlimited data, 5 days: $19
• Unlimited data, 7 days: $27
• Unlimited data, 10 days: $34
• Unlimited data, 15 days: $47
• Unlimited data, 20 days: $54
• Unlimited data, 30 days: $64
• Unlimited data, 60 days: $84
• Unlimited data, 90 days: $99

You can also opt for the regional eSIM for North America which allows you to connect in the United States, Canada and Mexico (6Gb, 15 days, $54).

Consider downloading the Holafly app , which will help you manage your data plans and top up after your plan expires.

Holafly covers 165 destinations worldwide, so once you’re finished with your eSIM in Mexico, you can simply delete it and buy a different package when you’re ready for your next trip.

OTHER OPTIONS

Airalo comes in a close second with a wide range of eSIMs available covering short and long-term plans. We can offer new users 15% off all Airalo eSIM packages with the code ATLAS&BOOTS15 and current users 10% off with ATLAS&BOOTS10.

Nomad eSIM  is another decent option for an eSIM in Mexico. They are competitive when it comes to price and reasonably well-rated on Trustpilot. However, they have a limited number of options for Mexico (only seven-day or 30-day durations) and only 1GB, 3GB and 5GB data plans. They also change carriers depending on the plan which is rather unusual.

eSIM.net  is part of O2 so enjoys a reliable and fast service. It is  well-reviewed on Trustpilot , but when we looked into buying an eSIM for Mexico, the website said it was out of stock, which was rather confusing for a digital product! It’s also worth noting that this provider only has 30-day rolling or fixed plans, making it less suitable for long-term trips.

Keepgo  has traditionally focused on pay-as-you-go physical SIM cards but has recently transitioned to eSIMs. Currently, their offering is limited, but on the plus side, their data plans do not have a time limit, meaning that they’re valid forever.

Modern smartphones should be compatible with eSIMs including the most current models of iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Sony and Oppo running on Apple iOS or Android mobile operating systems. eSIMs will also work on newer tablets and laptops. Remember that your device must be carrier-unlocked to use the eSIM.

Currently, Mexico travel eSIM plans only include mobile data. They do not allow you to make phone calls or send SMS/text messages. You can still make calls via WhatsApp, Skype or iMessage.

Holafly’s Mexico eSIM uses Movistar and AT&T Mexico, two of the most reliable networks in the country. Other eSIM providers also use Telcel which is also reliable or Truphone which is not so well-regarded.

If you are planning to travel throughout North America consider getting a regional plan which covers Mexico, the USA and Canada. Some providers also offer regional plans for the Caribbean and Latin America.

Enjoyed this post? pin it for later…

Lead image: Frederick Millett/Shutterstock

Best eSIM for Mexico – Essential SIM Card Mexico Travel (2024)

Are you planning to travel to Mexico this year? Then, consider buying an eSIM for Mexico. It’s a great choice; let me explain why. 

The best SIM card for Mexico is affordable and convenient and will connect you immediately to the local network upon arrival.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

Avoid paying high prices and inflated roaming charges to stay connected on your vacation and get the best eSIM for Mexico instead!

The best part is that it’s super easy to buy online, and you can choose which pre-paid SIM card Mexico data package suits you best. 

Table of Contents

The best travel SIM card for Mexico

Choose the best esim for mexico that suits your needs.

So, how do you choose the best SIM for Mexico ? It depends on how long you plan to travel in Mexico and whether you’re likely to be a small or large consumer of data on your phone. 

Some people are happy to try and use free wifi in hotels & cafes to conserve data when travelling. If this sounds like you, you should go with the smallest eSIM Mexico plan (1GB for $8, valid for 7 days) .

Alternatively, if you mainly depend on phone coverage for your data, choose a data plan that includes more data. For example, I’d recommend this 3GB eSIM data pack for $21, valid for 30 days , or  5GB for $32.50, valid for 30 days .

If you need more data, top up online using the Airalo App within minutes. I love this feature, another reason why this is the best Mexico SIM card for your trip.

The best thing about buying an eSIM for Mexico is the convenience. You no longer have to waste your precious vacation time lining up at small phone charge stores trying to buy phone credit or navigating phone messages in Spanish. 

Airalo offers the best travel sim card for Mexico to suit every kind of traveller.

The best prepaid SIM card for Mexico is eSIM

Take it from a traveller who has visited every country in the world ; the ease of buying an eSIM to stay connected on my travels worldwide is the best! 

I’ve purchased a few SIM cards in my time, but with the introduction of eSIM only a few years ago, this was a game-changer for me. 

Nothing is more convenient than landing at your destination and instantly connecting to the local carrier.

Every visitor with a pre-purchased eSIM can enjoy an instant connection to immediately order a taxi or Uber from the airport. It’s better than spending time waiting to get a SIM card at Mexico Cancun airport or the larger Mexico City airport.

You can immediately access google maps to follow navigation and even reserve that last-minute hotel room in Mexico City on Booking.com .

Let’s face it, getting a SIM card in Mexico couldn’t be easier than downloading an eSIM to your device within minutes. 

Download any of these best eSIM for Mexico Data Packs ; it will save you time and hassle, not to mention the prices are very reasonable. 

The Best eSIM for Mexico – How much does it cost?

Thanks to technology, the best SIM card for Mexico is better than ever with the introduction of eSIM (embedded SIM card). To learn more, read my post about what even is an eSIM and how does it work?

The best eSIM for Mexico is Airalo. Currently, Airalo offers four great options to stay connected in Mexico, and honestly, that’s all the choice you need. It’s the best option for a SIM card Mexico Pre paid plan. 

The combination of price and the best coverage makes  Airalo Mexico eSIM  an easy (and convenient) option.

There are 5 x Data Plans Available for the best eSIM in Mexico:

• 1GB for $8, valid for 7 days
• 2GB for $15, valid for 15 days
• 3GB for $21, valid for 30 days
• 5GB for $32.50, valid for 30 days
• 10GB for $42, valid for 30 days

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

How to Download the best eSIM for Mexico in 3 Easy Steps

• Download  the Airalo app
• Purchase one of these 5 data packs for the best eSIM for Mexico. 
• Then, follow the easy step-by-step guide to activate the eSIM for Mexico before arriving at your destination. 

Important:  Your device must be compatible with eSIM. Please check this list to see if your device supports eSIM before purchasing an eSIM for Mexico.

Here are a Few Tips: 

• Before arriving in Mexico, swap from your current mobile provider to the Mexico eSIM provider. As I mentioned, follow the easy step-by-step guides on how to do it during installation.
• Once your eSIM is activated, turn off data for all apps you don’t use and those that can use a lot of data. Apps such as Netflix, YouTube,  Instagram,  and TikTok will eat up your data quickly. So, only access that once you reach your hotel and access the free wifi. 
• The best eSIM for Mexico works like a dream if you want to instantly send those videos to friends and family back home of you enjoying the best Mexican tacos on that Food Tour of Mexico City  or the highlights from your day spent at Teotihuacán Pyramids . 

11 AMAZING Historical Places in Mexico

Travelling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card . We love this card; it has saved us so much in fees.

You can top up your eSIM for Mexico anytime, anywhere

Mexico is a thrilling destination! However, you may spend all your data on your Mexico eSIM much quicker than you planned.

If your data is running low, Airalo sends a message to alert you. If you require more data, no problem; you can select your current eSIM for Mexico and top up online before it runs out entirely. 

Get online, go to the Airalo App, and find your eSIM for Mexico in your account. Select the eSIM, tap the option to buy more data, and follow the prompts. 

It’s simple, not to mention incredibly convenient!

Best Cooking Class in Puerto Vallarta (2024)

Mexico Food Guide – 21 Most Popular Mexican Foods

How to Visit Tlacolula Oaxaca Sunday Market

Keep your original SIM card in your phone

Another bonus of downloading an eSIM for Mexico is that you do not need to remove your physical SIM card. eSIM is digital, so all the data is encrypted inside your phone.

It’s great news because you won’t need to remove your tiny SIM from your device. We all understand how easy those things are to misplace! 

Purchasing an eSIM for Mexico also means you can receive your messages from home on the original phone number that all your friends and family have.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your tickets online: We use Viator and GetYourGuide
• 🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
• 📸 Join a Group Tour: View our tours OR search Tourradar
• ✅ Get Connected with eSIM: Easy and affordable! View eSIM

Here’s another bonus; (I told you there is more than one).

Once you buy the eSIM for Mexico, you can navigate the Airalo app in English or many other languages.

Get 15% off your first eSIM purchase with our referral code

SAVE 15%  when you buy an eSIM for Mexico or any other Airalo eSIM . Use our referral code:  NOMAD15 , to get 15% off your first purchase! 

Already an existing Airalo user? Use our referral code  NOMAD10  to get 10% off your next purchase.

There are so many reasons to visit Mexico —it’s one of our favourite countries in the world! We can’t get enough of delicious Mexican cuisine , and our Foodie MEXICO Map is a must-read if you love to eat!

Travel Tips for Mexico

We have many travel guides and tips for Mexico—what a delicious country!

Start your food journey with our Mexico Food Guide (21 of Mexico’s popular dishes).

Check out our Food Map of MEXICO, including 15 places to eat the best food! If you’re short on time, these are our top 5 food cities in Mexico .

Did you know Mexico is featured in our TOP 10 best countries for food lovers?  

Still trying to decide where to take your next trip? Read these 10 reasons to visit Mexico; it’s the ideal vacation spot.

For history lovers, these  11 historical places in Mexico will amaze you! 

If you plan to visit Oaxaca, a food lover’s paradise, you must taste these 20 most delicious dishes in Oaxaca. I also recommend these 12 best breakfast places .

For an unforgettable and authentic cultural experience, visit the Tlacolula Markets on Sunday – an absolute highlight of our visit! 

You may want to try as many of these popular Mexican drinks as possible; they’re so good!

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Mexico. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View options for eSIM in Mexico.

If your travels in Mexico are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries , offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM . The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

Want to travel in Mexico with like-minded travellers? View the best deals on group adventures in Mexico .

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours : We now offer Group Trips; check them out here . Alternatively, we recommend G Adventures OR Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

Tasty Food Adventures

Food in Scotland – 12 Popular Scottish Foods to Try

Food of Algeria – 10 Delicious Dishes to Try

What to Eat in Mauritius – 9 Delicious Foods to Try

The Best Thai Food You Need to Try – 12 Top Dishes

See all Food Adventure blogs

Expert Travel Guides

20 Most AMAZING Archaeological Sites you Must See

The Perfect 14 Days Itinerary for Tunisia

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Sao Tome and Principe

How To Get to Lake Como from Milan – 3 Easy Options

See all our Travel Guides

Trusted Hints & Tips

What Travel Insurance Covers & How To Choose The Best One

Visiting the New 7 Wonders of the World

7 Tips: How to Find the Best Food when Travelling

Africa Packing List: The ESSENTIAL Packing List for Africa

See all our expert Hints & Tips

11 Amazing Historical Places of Mexico

Foodie Mexico Map – 15 Places to Eat the BEST Food

20 Dishes – The Best Food in OAXACA Mexico

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Mexico eSIM: Compare The Best eSIMs Plans

Last updated Feb 13, 2023

3GB, valid for 30 days

Unlimited data, valid for 30 days

Table of Contents

Mexico is a beautiful destination for travelers who love beaches, swimming in cenotes, and Mexican foods. From the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza to the majestic Palenque, Mexico is a country full of history and culture. And now, with a Mexico eSIM , it’s easier than ever to stay connected while you’re on vacation or traveling for work.

New to eSIM? An eSIM is a new type of SIM card that doesn’t require a physical card. Instead, you can activate your Mexico eSIM plan online, and then use your phone as you would normally.

This makes it easy to switch between carriers and plans without worrying about changing your SIM card every time you land in a new country or need to verify your identity.

Plus, with a Mexican eSIM you can always be sure that you have the best rates available.

Compare the best eSIM plans from Mexico’s leading providers and find the perfect plan for your needs. With an eSIM for Mexico, there’s no excuse not to stay connected while you travel!

So, how much does a Mexico eSIM plan cost? Keep reading to find out!

Best eSIMs For Mexico

Mexico eSIM plans start at just $8 for a week, or $18 for a month. Let’s take a look at your options.

Mexico eSIM Plans 7 Days

1GB, valid for 7 days

Although 1GB is rather small, so we think you’d get better value for your money by picking a 30-day plan.

Mexico eSIM Plans 30 Days

Airalo chorro fon mexico.

Airalo offers 4 local plans in Mexico via Chorro Fon. The supported networks are Movistar, AT&T, and Telcel (LTE).

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $8
• 2GB, valid for 15 days for $15
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $21
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $32.50

Thoughts On Airalo

Airalo is a reliable eSIM provider, and they offer excellent support. In my opinion, their plans are worth it. Learn more by reading our complete Airalo review .

Holafly Mexico

Holafly offers 7 local plans in Mexico. The network supported is AT&T (3G/4G/LTE).

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $19
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $34
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $64
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $84
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $99

Thoughts On Holafly

Holafly is a reliable eSIM provider that offers unlimited plans in Mexico. If you need a lot of data, Holafly might be the best option for you. Learn more by reading our complete Holafly review .

Nomad Mexico

Nomad offers 3 local plans in Mexico. They have plans supporting different networks with 4G/LTE.

• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $18
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $27

Thoughts On Nomad

Nomad is a reliable eSIM provider, and they have affordable plans in Mexico. Their plans are cheap and allow you to top up before your data expire if you need more data. Learn more by reading our complete Nomad review .

Best eSIM For North America

If you travel to other North American countries, you may want to look at a North American eSIM plan instead.

Holafly North America

Holafly North America includes coverage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Currently, there’s one plan available:

• 6GB, valid for 15 days for $54

Verdict: What’s The Best eSIM For Mexico?

If you’re looking for the best eSIM for Mexico, we recommend Airalo or Nomad. They offer reliable coverage, and their plans are very affordable.

If you’re looking for unlimited data, Holafly is a good option. However, the plans on Holafly are the most expensive ones. That said, if you’re traveling to Mexico and Canada, Holafly is a great option.

However, there’s another alternative to consider. You could opt for a global plan on Airalo . The global plan offer coverage in Canada, Mexico, the United States, and multiple other countries.

Buying A Mexican SIM Card

Not sure if eSIM is the right thing for you? Or perhaps, your phone doesn’t support eSIM, and you’re looking for a Mexico SIM card instead.

There are three leading providers of SIM cards in Mexico: AT&T, Telcel, and Movistar. All three offer 4G/LTE coverage.

You have two options for buying a SIM card in Mexico:

• Buy an expensive SIM card directly at the airport (rates are usually higher at the airport)
• Buy an affordable SIM card at a local store (recommended)

If you’re looking for the best rates, we recommend buying a SIM card at a local store. That said, remember that you can’t always find SIM stores at the airport. It can depend on your destination.

Final Thoughts On Mexico eSIMs

Mexico eSIMs are great options for travelers who want to stay connected during their trip. If you’re looking for the best eSIM for Mexico, we recommend Airalo or Nomad. They both offer reliable coverage, and their plans are very affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does esim work in mexico.

Yes, eSIMs work in Mexico. Read our guide to find the best eSIM providers in Mexico.

Can Foreigners Buy SIM Card In Mexico?

Yes, foreigners can buy SIM cards in Mexico, but some restrictions may apply.

Which Is Better In Mexico: SIM Or eSIM?

For your travels, we recommend using an eSIM in Mexico if your device supports them.

Before You Go

If you’re planning on traveling soon, it’s essential to make sure that you take all the necessary steps to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Here are our top recommendations:

• Double-check that you have all the necessary documents such as visa, passport, and other paperwork. If you don’t know if you need a visa, you can have a look at iVisa .
• Make sure you have travel insurance for your trip. We recommend SafetyWing or Genki . Both are affordable options with automatic monthly payments if you travel long-term.
• Book your accommodation via Booking.com . You can find hostels, hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and apartments.
• Don’t leave without a universal charger. We like this model with USB ports.

What are you looking for?

8 best esims for international travel [unbiased 2024 guide].

I first started using eSIMs for traveling internationally back in 2021.

In countries including Canada , the USA , Mexico , Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, and more. 

And honestly … they have been a game changer!

For a while, we got into the habit of buying new sim cards in each new country we traveled to.

But as you will see below, this isn’t always the most convenient thing to do.

Nor is it necessarily cheaper either!

Plus, with an eSIM you can actually just switch back between your home network (if you want to receive texts) and your eSIM network instantly. 

Plus you can even get multiple eSIMs! 

Woooah slow down, I’m getting ahead of myself … 

Below I’m going to take you through:

• What an eSIM is exactly
• The advantages of eSIMs
• The best eSIMs for international travel

Let’s get started …

Travellerspoint

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is basically the digital version of a traditional SIM card.

Instead of a physical SIM card, eSIMs are already embedded in your phone .

Which means all the information is digital.

You can activate it by purchasing and installing different eSIM plans, which then allow your device to connect to different mobile networks across the globe.

With this virtual technology, you don’t have to insert any physical card into your phone.

Compared to a mobile WiFi hotspot , or portable WiFi, an eSIM means your phone connects directly to internet access from the local cellular provider.

You don’t need any external device!

What phones are compatible with eSIMs? 

Below is a list of phones that can use eSIMS.

Note that this isn’t exhaustive (200+ devices currently support eSIM!) and it’s constantly growing as new phones enter the market.

• iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
• iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
• Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
• Apple watch SE

All iPads with 4G connectivity that have come out since 2018 support eSIM:

• iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
• iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
• iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
• iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
• Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
• Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra
• Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3
• Samsung Watch (through Samsung wearable application)

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G is not compatible with eSIM.

• Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
• Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don't work with eSIM), 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL, 3 XL
• Google Pixel 
• Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL 
• Google Pixel 5, 51
• Google Pixel 6, 6 plus

Other ESIM Compatible Devices

• Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro (The Huawei P40+ is not compatible with an eSIM)
• Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3 Pro
• Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
• Sony Xperia 10 IV, 10 III Lite
• Honor Magic 4 Pro
• Fairphone 4
• Motorola Razr 2019
• Nuu Mobile X5
• Rakuten Mini
• Microsoft Surface Duo

The chances are, if it’s older than those on this list, then your phone will not be compatible with an eSIM. But if it's a new phone then it's likely an eSim will work!

Advantages of eSIMs when traveling

1. flexibility.

Perhaps the main benefit of using an eSIM for travellers is its flexibility.

You can easily change between different call and data plans, according to what you need.

This also allows you to virtually change carriers when you reach your destination.  

Not to mention unlimited data packages and global plans where you can stay connected throughout multiple countries without having to constantly buy a new plan!

2. Convenient and quick

You don’t have to deal with buying a new, physical SIM card whenever you arrive in a new country.

As the eSIM is already embedded in your phone, all you have to do is purchase and download a new plan, which can be done online and remotely.

It’s also super quick and you can get online as soon as your plane lands!

If you work online, this can be a huge advantage as you’ll be saving a lot of time.

3. More affordable

You often have to buy a data package in addition to the physical SIM card itself.

Even roaming packages can be expensive.

Most eSIM data plans are much more affordable , especially if you’re a frequent traveller.

4. No physical SIM cards

The fact that you don’t have to deal with physical SIM cards anymore is also a huge advantage.

In other words, there’s no risk of losing the card.

And no more fumbling with different SIM sizes too.

5. Keep your number

Although a lot of smartphones nowadays include a dual SIM card tray, having to constantly swap them in and out can be a hassle.

Plus, you might need two numbers anyway for business purposes.

With an eSIM, you can travel internationally, access internet, and still keep your number (or numbers)!

BEST eSIMs for international travel 

1. maya mobile - overall best esim for travelers.

Our top pick of eSIMs for traveling today has got to be Maya Mobile.

Overall, I think Maya Mobile generally has better prices than most other eSIMs on the market. 

For instance, we recently used them throughout South America and used their Latin America plan , which includes South America.

We paid £104 a month for unlimited local data , which might seem like a lot, but we work full-time on our laptops so this worked out perfectly.

Especially considering we were moving through three different countries in a month, so it was super useful to be able to connect easily from the van and get our work done.

Not to mention you can hot spot it, which is great as some eSIMs disable this feature! 

(If you’re wondering, the LatAm+ plan works in 16 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Chile).

Maya Mobile currently operates in 194 countries, with both local and regional plans available.

Again, they also offer unlimited data plan options for those of you who work online a lot.

Another great thing about their eSIMs is the sheer range of plans you can choose from.

The plan is for 30 days, but there’s an auto-renew feature you can use if you’re travelling for longer periods of time.

All in all, this was the perfect digital nomad eSIM for us, namely when exploring South America!

We didn't have any issues with speed, and we generally got good connection. There are some places where it struggles, but that is simply down to being in areas with limited signal, but I was using another eSIM alongside Maya Mobile, and I can tell you that Maya Mobile got connection when the other eSIM struggled! 

I've seen they also offer unlimited data plans for Europe too , for a simply excellent price of £40, so I think I'll be testing that out on my Iceland trip in October and will be reporting back with an update!

These are the included countries in Europe!

I also love just how quickly it was to set up. It literally took less than 5 minutes!

I know you might be thinking, "would it not just be cheaper to buy sims in each country in South America?".

I mean, you can go down this route, and I had bought a local sim in Peru, and almost lost my original sim card, which just can't happen with an eSIM and none of the data plans in South America were offering unlimited data, especially not for tourist sims, so this was without doubt the best price for us as digital nomads!

But overall Maya Mobiles rates for around the world are realllllyyy reasonable, and trust me I did a LOT of research and comparison before I settled on this one!

You can check out my full review here .

Advantages of Maya Mobile: 

• One of the best pricings for eSIMS
• Can be used for hotspots
• 194 countries with local and regional plans
• Unlimited data packages in some regions

Disadvantages of Maya Mobile: 

• No global plan

2. Firsty - The best eSIM global plan with FREE data (Get 5% off with code DBTF5)

With SO many eSIMS on offer, what can a company do to stand out?

Well, how about FREE data?

Yeah, you read that right!

Firsty is pretty much a one-of-a-kind eSIM provider, that believes everyone should have access to global data (and rightly so!).

Firsty automatically connects you to every mobile provider on the planet, as soon as you touch down!

So that means no need to switch eSIMS every time you enter a new location, and no need to buy expensive data bundles. 

I know what you’re thinking, what’s the catch? I mean, there isn’t one.

Firsty offers two different types of plans, “Free” and “Fast”.

‍ The free plan will get you a basic global data connection and if you want to speed things up then you will only pay the local rate, which is up to 60 times less than you would normally pay for an international bundle. 

Oh, and another perk? You don’t even need a credit card!

If you’re thinking “I bet the fast version is super expensive”, then you’d be wrong again!

There are now two plans for Firsty Fast: Comfort Plus and Ultra. Both plans are unlimited data, but let's check out the difference:

Comfort Plus: High speed, messages, email, maps and social media and no ads all for 1 EURO A DAY!

Comfort First Class: Extra high speed, message, email, maps, social media, streaming and no ads, PLUS, the big one for me, you can hot spot!! This means you can use that data on a laptop, which makes all the difference for someone like myself! All for 2.50 EURO A DAY!

I mean, those prices are excellent, especially for what you get!

And why can they keep the prices so low? Because they have access to every provider on the planet, which means it’s easier to negotiate better rates! 

OH, and if that wasn't great enough, they've been kind enough to give you guys an extra 5% off with the code DBTF5

Right now Firsty is available in 120+ countries, and available in ALL of Europe!

Advantages of Firsty 

• Free data: I mean, I think this speaks for itself, and if it’s free, fuss-free and doesn’t need your credit card information, then you’ve got nothing to lose in trying! 
• 24/7 customer support: Firsty customer service is 1st class (see what I did there? ;)) , and it’s supported in over 80 languages
• Firsty Pause : The ability to pause your fast data when you’re not using it. This means you won’t need to waste data, and just it just when you need it. For example, you’re on a cruise from Denmark to Iceland, you want data in both Denmark and Iceland, but you don’t need it whilst you’re on the ferry (because you want to relax and connections aren’t perfect), so you can pause your fast data via the Firsty app and restart once you hit land. And don’t forget, when you do have those bursts of signal (i,e when you pass by the Faroe Islands and even Scotland), you’d still have a basic connection thanks to Firsty Free. This is a real-life example, because I did this trip a few weeks back and this would have been useful. Or of course, you can use it to pause your data when you’re heading off out on hikes or a remote trip to the Amazon jungle (which I recommend you do!).

Disadvantages of Firsty 

• Less countries than other global eSIM plans: since they’re expanding, I don’t believe this will be a “disadvantage” for very long, but right now they do offer less countries that some other global data esim companies (although what they lack in countries they make up for in price)

3. Eskimo - the best esim mobile app for international travel

Looking for a convenient app that offers you accessible and affordable eSims with coverage across in over 60 countries?

Then let me introduce you to Eskimo !

We will be testing this eSim out on an upcoming trip, but I love it's features so much already, I wanted to share.

PLUS, there's an opportunity for you to try it for FREE!

Key features of Eskimo!

• Simple global data plans at lowest prices (you can get prices as low as $3 per GB- I promise you, that's a great deal!)
• Borderless eSims : All data plans include 60+ countries- this is a super useful feature if you are travelling for a longer period of time, for example, travelling throughout Europe.
• Super long expiry date : all data plans are valid for 2 years and they don't expire, so you can use one eSIM for lifetime use- again, this is a SUPER useful feature, so you don't need to chop and change between eSims, you can have an all-in-one solution
• Extensive 4G/LTE coverage without daily data limits or throttling
• Hotspots are available and unrestricted to a number of devices (a must for digital nomads like us!) 
• Data transfer : one of the really unique features of Eskimo, is that you can split, share or transfer data with anyone, anywhere, so you can share data with your partner on the road, or friends somewhere else if they need it.

AND this is all done in one convenient app on your mobile that you can go ahead and download right here .

CHECK OUR FULL REVIEW OF ESKIMO ESIMS RIGHT HERE!

FREE ESIMS & 1GB OF DATA

Want to test out Eskimo and see how awesome it is? Then simply click this link to download the app on your phone, and you'll get a free 1GB to test out :)

4. Jetpac - Best eSIM for multi-country trips

Jetpac are one of the most recent eSIM travel companies I've used- and I've been very impressed.

Check out my full review here .

Recently they won an award for 2023 Travel Product of the Year w ith Asia Telecom Awards, (which is a good sign!)

Jetpac offer a variety of different plans including a country specific plan, regional and global plan.

All of their plans offer a good amount of data so you’re safe in the knowledge that you’ve got enough internet to keep you going throughout your trip. 

Their most popular and most convenient eSIM plan is their Global Globetrotter plan which operates in the 50 most popular destinations around the world.

This is a perfect option if you're doing multi-country trip! This is particularly useful for me when roadtripping through Europe as I tend to go through a lot of countries in a realtively short period of time.

They also offer a range of other area specfic plans including, Europe, Asia and more!

But, what makes them truly stand out is that they offer complimentary airport lounge access if your flight is delayed, through their ‘Smart Delay’ program.

If the airline announces a delay that meets the qualifying delay threshold, or if your flight is cancelled you’ll be sent a LoungeKey voucher which gives you access to a network of over 1000 airport lounges around the globe.

That's a really cool perk!

Oh and they also allow you to hot spot to other devices, AND they don't throttle your speed!

Advantages of Jetpac: 

• Global package: one eSIM for 50 countries
• User-friendly mobile app
• Smart Delay (free lounge access if you're flight is delayed)
• No speed throttle
• You can hotspot!

Disadvantages of Jetpac: 

• No unlimited package available
• 50 countries may limit some people

5. Holafly - Best eSIM with long-term plans

With 160+ destinations and long-term plans of up to 90 days, Holafly might be the best option if you’re travelling for months at a time.

There’s no need to keep renewing your eSIM plan!

While they have a wider range of plans in certain places like Europe, unfortunately some (like Thailand) have more limited options, whereas competitors might offer more.

But another plus is that they have unlimited data plans in multiple areas, including USA, Europe, Asia, and more.

One of the biggest drawbacks to Holafly is that many of their eSIM plans can’t be used for hotspotting. Namely the unlimited data plans.

This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re only using one device anyway, but could be a disadvantage if you need to use your laptop.

They also don’t give you a local phone number, so you can’t receive or make calls with your eSIM.

But don't worry, you'll still have your Whatsap number so you an easily stay in contact via that!

They've also got another great perk, you can share your data with family and friends!

Share up to 500MB of data daily with family, friends, or fellow travelers.

All you do is use your smartphone to create a WiFi network and connect multiple devices

We’ve talked about using Holafly in Canada, so do check it out !

But rest assured, they're HIGHLY rated on Trust Pilot, and can personaly vouch for them since I've used them on more than one occasion! 

Advantages of Holafly: 

• Unlimited data packages available
• Long-term plans up to 90 days
• 160+ countries
• You can share data
• Excellent customer support

Disadvantages of Holafly: 

• Can’t be used as mobile hotspot
• No local phone number
• Only 1-2 plan options in certain areas

6. BNESIM - best all-in-one eSIM for travel

Experience the world without borders with BNESIM.

- Stay connected in over 200 countries with unlimited data plans, pay-as-you-go options, and hassle-free eSIM activation - Protect your privacy and data with built-in VPN  offerings - Enjoy unlimited high-speed hotspot capabilities - Never worry about running out of data again

With BNESIM, you can work, stream, and stay in touch no matter where you roam. Regional and single country plans fit every travel itinerary.

Unlimited data options keep you connected for daily activities or binge-watching your favorite shows.

VPN and hotspot capabilities empower you to use the internet freely and securely.

If you're a digital nomad, remote worker, or avid traveler who wants flexible, unlimited data worldwide, BNESIM has you covered. Their subscription plans and pay-as-you-go rates beat traditional providers. Experience true global connectivity and internet freedom with BNESIM.

As well as offering individual country data plans as well as regional plans covering popular destinations in Asia and Europe .

Plans start at less than £0.80p for 1GB which is incredible value.

You can purchase your eSIM via their app or their website!

Advantages of BNESIM: 

• Coverage in 200+ countries and regions
• No restrictions on hot spotting
• Local numbers and minutes available for purchase

Disadvantages of BNESIM: 

• No unlimited data for PAYG eSIMS

7. Sim Local - best eSIM for value for money (GET 20% OFF WITH AFFSIML20)

Sim Local is like having your digital passport to connectivity worldwide!

Cutting out the hassle of physical SIM cards and offering seamless, instant access to data networks wherever you go, Sim Local has a lot offer in the eSIM game.

The website and app are easy to use, and they offer lots of cover for various part of the world!

First up, they offer fantastic value on eSIMS in Europe (starting at just £3 per GB), and regional eSIMS that cover Europe as a whole, for a fantastic price (includes call and texts too!)

Not only that, but they also offer global eSIMS for when you're heading further afield.

For example, you can get 10GB for data for global use for a reasonable cost of £28. This actually covers 149 countries, which pretty much covers most of the destinations you may be looking to go, and it lasts for 2 weeks, which is the perfect amount of time for a holiday ;) 

But, if you don't want a global specific eSIM, then don't worry, you can get eSIMS for individual countries at great costs.

Let's take Thailand as an example.

You can get 1GB for as little as £3.50, the whole way up to 20GB for £27.00. That is an excellent deal, it lasts 30 days, which is perfect since the average itinerary in Thailand is 3 weeks (you can our 3 week guide right here !) 

So whether you're jetting off for business or pleasure, Sim Local is a great option!

Check out our full review here .

You can get 20% off with code AFFSIML20

Advantages of Sim Local

• Excellent pricing
• Hot spotting is allowed
• 24/7 customer support
• Easy to use app

Disadvantages of Sim Local

• Sometimes limited durations (such as max 14 days)

8. Roamless - Best Pay as you go eSIM

Roamless is your ultimate travel sidekick, ensuring you stay connected no matter where your wanderlust takes you. This is another one of the "global" eSIM services, which I LOVE, because it basically means, you get one eSIM and it gives you access to a number of different countries.

And in this case, it gives you access to over 200 countries!

I mean, you're pretty set for your travel adventures with that number! 

With Roamless, you can download a new eSIM in just a few taps. Whether you're exploring bustling cities, remote islands, or anywhere in between, Roamless has got your back, making sure you're always just a tap away from the internet, so you can keep those Insta stories rolling and stay in touch with loved ones back home.

What makes Roamless even cooler is how effortless it is to manage your data needs. No more switching SIM cards or dealing with confusing carrier plans—Roamless is all about convenience and flexibility.

But how does it work?

Roamless actually works on a Pay-as-you-go model, which means you only pay for what you use. It provides mobile data at rates up to 90% cheaper than typical roaming charges offered by other providers. This basically means you top up your account with how much you want, and spend as you wish.

Another GAME changer for this eSIM provider is that once you download your eSIM, there is no data plans, no time limits (that's a verrry good perk), and no expirations! So you can continue to use your eSIM until it runs out.

So if you are on one trip to Spain for 2 weeks, then heading to Italy on a city break the next month, you can use that data on both trips!

I've tested the app and had no issues with it. Within the app you can top up your data, check your usage, and even swap between different plans on the go. Plus, with their competitive pricing, you can save money while traveling without sacrificing connectivity.

Advantages of Roamless

• Instant access to local networks in over 200 countries
• Pay-as-you-go model, allowing you to save money
• Easy to use app and no expiration dates

Disadvantages of Roamless

• Some people may prefer a pre-set up data plan
• Texing and calls are not available (although I've read it will be introduced

Which eSIM will you go for?

That’s all for our version of the best eSIMs for international travel!

Whether you’re searching for the best eSIM providers or simply wondering if your device supports eSIM, we hope this post has been useful for you…

PPPSSSST, if you're looking for a specific eSIM for Europe, then check out our dedicated Europe Travel eSIM  guide!

Or, South East Asia!

Or the UK !

Which eSIM do you think you’re getting for your next trip?

Do you have a particular brand that we haven’t included?

Comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

Mexico Travel eSIM

• Regular Plans

Select the number of days of your trip.

How many GB of high-speed data you wish per day. You can continue to use your data at a throttled speed of 512kbps after you've used up your daily allocation. High-speed data will reset every 24 hours from the time you activate the data.

Plan Details

Please check the individual plan details for more information on the network, speed, service, add-on availability, and activation instructions.

About Nomad Mexico Travel eSIM

Get a Nomad eSIM for Mexico and stay connected as you explore. Enjoy high-speed data as you travel. This plan is prepaid and taxes are included, so you don't have to worry about unexpected roaming costs.

Coverage may not include overseas territories under the jurisdiction of the specified country (or countries). Please contact customer support to confirm before purchasing.

This data plan is expected to have 5G/4G/LTE speed. However, network coverage and speed may vary by location and time of day.

If you need more data, or wish to extend the validity of your plan, simply purchase an add-on. When your first plan expires, the add-on plan will be automatically activated. You can stay connected seamlessly using the same eSIM.

Choose our prepaid eSIM plans and enjoy seamless connectivity across Mexico without the hassle of post-travel billing surprises. Prepaid means you pay upfront, ensuring you control your data usage and costs effectively.

With our prepaid eSIMs, you benefit from competitive rates and no hidden fees. They're perfect for travelers looking to manage their spending while still enjoying reliable and high-speed data services wherever their journey takes them.

How to Install and Activate / Start eSIM

You can buy and install the eSIM now but activate / start only when you need it. Just make sure to activate your plan within 60 days of purchase date. After that, it will automatically activate and start the expiry.

Install your eSIM

Scan the QR code that is provided to install your eSIM. You will need internet connection to install your eSIM. The eSIM is now added to your phone.

Start your eSIM

Your plan will start automatically once connected to the destination network (as detailed in Step 3)

Connect at destination

STEP1. Go to Settings > Cellular and Turn this line on.

STEP2. Make sure "Data Roaming" is toggled on and you are selecting the Nomad eSIM for "Cellular Data".

STEP3. The eSIM will automatically find and connect to the best local network for you.

Mexico eSIM

Nomad Mexico eSIM FAQ

What is eSIM?

How to install eSIM?

Is my device compatible?

Do I need to remove my primary SIM card to use Nomad's eSIM?

What if I run out of data?

Does the eSIM support hotspot?

More reasons to choose Nomad eSIM for Mexico

Nomad eSIMs often come with more than one local network to connect to. If you experience problems with one, simply switch to another!

For multi-country plans, the eSIM will connect automatically to a local carrier as you move from country to country.

Nomad's eSIM keeps you connected throughout your Mexico adventure, offering reliable and high-speed internet access in popular must-visit destinations like Mexico City, Cancun, and Oaxaca . Our eSIM also connects you with cities, towns, and regions within Mexico, so you'll have data no matter where you are.

Hear from Nomad Users

2 hours ago

Very good experience in China trip 2024

Used for China trip Aug. 2024. Overall very good experience. + Easy to install, no app required. Activate eSIM when landed in China. + Good signal (China Unicom) and speed, often with 5G. + Can bypass the Chinese Firewall, no problem accessing Google services, Twitter, WhatsApp etc. + No problem using WeChat etc for payments. + Very good price! Some minor issues: - IP address is from Hongkong, occasionally blocked by certain services. Highly recommended.

Caroline Gray

18 hours ago

Easy set up

Easy set up - problem free

Samsung Galaxy S21+5G

May 18, 2024

Nomad has been a big help

Nomad has been a big help with our travels. Being able to remain connected is important, especially while traveling. The technical assistance was very helpful as well.

May 17, 2024

Reliable and cheap

First time using an e-sim, and all i can say is that it's worth every penny. Have used it in Germany and Netherlands and i had 0 issues so far.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

May 15, 2024

Fast set up. Easy to use.

Fast set up. Easy to use. Went to Italy for a conference recently and decided to give this esim service a try. It worked flawlessly. Just remember to activate your plan on the app before you leave for your trip. You can have the esim off in your phone settings and turn it on once you've arrived at your destination.

DallitudeMike

May 14, 2024

Super convenient!

Needed data for UK & France for a 2 week trip. The packages were very affordable compared to buying from my main provider and the data worked flawlessly. I was even able to pick which network I preferred in each country (using some advanced iPhone settings). Will definitely be using for my next trip!

Google Pixel 6a

May 13, 2024

Worked perfectly

Worked perfectly when I roamed to the USA. On entering Canada everything stopped working but a quick email to nomad support quickly fixed things so everything worked there too.

May 10, 2024

Won't travel without Nomad

From the time I landed in Italy, Nomad was amazing! The instructions on installing and setting up were flawless and customer service answered any questions I had before flying out of the US. I was worried having never used an eSIM before but within minutes of landing knew I would be just fine!! Thank you Nomad for an amazing service that kept me in touch with family in the states while I traveled to Europe for the first time! I will never use another as long as Nomad has coverage for the area!

May 6, 2024

I took an International plan (28 days from Jio). Within 2 days, it ran out and started selling me overpriced plans. I switched to Nomad and the on-boarding experience was smooth- it was over before I knew it. I traveled through Spsin and Portugal and never had any issues with bandwidth or lack of service. Highly recommended. The configuration I would use in future: Jio for inbound SMS ONLY. And Nomad for data especially Google Maps, WhatsApp for calls. Of course, YouTube using WiFi at airports and hotel.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The best eSIM brand

Works well in New Zealand both north and south island and in mainland China. It supports data sharing via hotspot to other devices. Coverage is decent and works in many places airalo doesn't. easy to top up from overseas unlike many other brands.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

May 5, 2024

It worked flawlessly

I downloaded Nomad eSim for my 10 day trip to London, Paris, Brussels, and Antwerp. It worked flawlessly, and I had mostly 5G combed throughout my travels. It was most helpful using Translation and Navigation, as well as anytime I needed to figure out the public transit systems.

May 1, 2024

Works well in China even with tethering

Works very good in China incl. tethering!!!!. Important to me to work with my notebook and mobile hotspot. Other providers do not offer it. Great!

#1 WiFi Finder App with 100,000,000+ free available WiFi worldwide

Wifi map blog.

September 13

Travel Light with eSIM: Mexico’s Connectivity Made Simple

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology continues to reshape the way we connect and communicate. One such innovation that has been gaining significant traction is the emergence of eSIM technology. This cutting-edge solution is revolutionizing the way we approach connectivity, offering a streamlined and efficient alternative to traditional SIM cards. As the world becomes more interconnected, it’s crucial to explore the potential of eSIMs and how they’re making their mark in various global markets. One notable example is Mexico , a country that’s rapidly emerging as a dynamic market for connectivity solutions.

The Rise of eSIM Technology

The traditional SIM card has long been a staple of mobile communication, but its physical nature has limitations in today’s fast-paced world. This is where eSIM technology comes into play. An eSIM , or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that’s built directly into a device, eliminating the need for a physical card swap when changing carriers or plans. This innovation not only simplifies the user experience but also opens up a realm of possibilities for manufacturers, network operators, and consumers alike.

Why Mexico? An Emerging Market for Connectivity

Mexico , renowned for its rich culture and vibrant landscapes, is rapidly becoming a hotspot for technological innovation. As the country experiences significant economic growth and an expanding middle class, there’s a growing demand for seamless and reliable connectivity. This demand is further fueled by the increasing adoption of smart devices, from smartphones to IoT gadgets, all of which require a solid network connection. With eSIM technology, Mexico’s connectivity landscape stands to undergo a remarkable transformation.

When considering the best eSIM for Mexico , several factors come into play. The provider’s coverage, data plans, customer support, and compatibility with various devices are all crucial aspects to consider. As travelers flock to Mexico’s picturesque beaches and bustling cities, having a dependable eSIM solution becomes paramount for staying connected without interruption. Whether it’s for business or leisure, having access to eSIM ensures that communication remains uninterrupted and data usage remains hassle-free.

Understanding eSIM

In the realm of modern connectivity, the term “ eSIM ” is gaining increasing prominence. But what exactly is an eSIM, and why is it being touted as a game-changer in the world of mobile communication?

What is eSIM?

At its core, an eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a small chip that is directly integrated into a device, serving the same purpose as a traditional SIM card. Unlike its physical counterpart, however, an eSIM doesn’t require insertion or removal; its data and credentials can be programmed and reprogrammed remotely. This digital nature of eSIMs opens up a world of convenience and flexibility that traditional SIM cards cannot match.

Benefits Over Traditional SIM Cards

The benefits of eSIM technology extend beyond the realm of simplicity. Imagine a scenario where switching between carriers doesn’t involve fumbling with tiny cards or worrying about their loss. With eSIMs, changing networks becomes a seamless digital process, eliminating the need for physical cards. Moreover, eSIMs enable users to manage multiple phone numbers or data plans on a single device, ideal for those who travel frequently or juggle personal and professional lines. This newfound flexibility is particularly attractive in a dynamic market like Mexico.

Compatible Devices

As eSIM technology gains traction, its compatibility with a range of devices is expanding. Initially, eSIMs were found predominantly in smartphones, but their integration has now extended to tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and even some IoT devices. The key requirement is that the device needs to be eSIM-enabled. This feature is increasingly becoming standard in new device releases, giving users the option to enjoy the benefits of eSIMs without being tethered to traditional physical SIM cards.

When considering the best eSIM for Mexico , it’s important to not only focus on the provider’s offerings but also ensure that the eSIM is compatible with your device. As Mexico continues to embrace eSIM technology, the market is witnessing a surge in options, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether it’s a local provider offering optimal coverage within Mexico or a global carrier with international roaming capabilities, selecting the best eSIM involves assessing factors like coverage, data plans, customer support, and device compatibility.

Getting Started with eSIM in Mexico

For those seeking the best eSIM for Mexico , understanding how to get started, activate the service, and navigate the coverage options is essential.

Where to Purchase eSIM

Obtaining an eSIM in Mexico is a straightforward process, albeit one that requires a slight shift in the way we’re accustomed to acquiring traditional SIM cards. Instead of visiting a physical store for a physical card, eSIMs are usually purchased online. Many mobile carriers and eSIM providers offer websites where users can browse through various plans and select the one that suits their needs. These websites often guide users through the purchase process, allowing them to choose a plan, provide their device details, and receive the necessary digital credentials.

This online purchasing approach offers several advantages. It eliminates the need to wait in lines at stores, particularly useful for travelers arriving in Mexico who want immediate connectivity. Additionally, it enables users to explore different plans, compare offerings, and make an informed decision from the comfort of their own space.

Activation Process

Activating an eSIM in Mexico is a streamlined process that takes advantage of the technology’s inherent digital nature. Once a user has purchased an eSIM plan , they will receive a unique activation code. This code is what contains the necessary information for the eSIM to connect to the chosen carrier’s network.

To activate the eSIM, users can follow these general steps:

• Access the device’s settings menu.
• Navigate to the “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” section.
• Select the option to add a new plan or manually input carrier details.
• If using manual input, enter the provided activation information.
• The device will then automatically retrieve the necessary information and activate the eSIM.

The entire process typically takes only a few minutes, making it a convenient option for individuals who want to get connected swiftly. The activation process is a testament to the user-friendly nature of eSIMs, where the need for physical interaction is reduced to a bare minimum.

Coverage and Network Providers

When choosing the best eSIM for Mexico , it’s crucial to consider coverage and network providers. Different carriers may have varying coverage maps, data speeds, and availability in different regions of the country. Researching the coverage of different carriers can help users make an informed decision, especially if they plan to travel extensively within Mexico .

Mexico’s telecom market has several prominent carriers offering eSIM services , and their offerings can range from local providers with comprehensive national coverage to global carriers with international roaming capabilities. These providers offer a range of eSIM plans , catering to diverse needs, whether it’s data-heavy usage, voice calls, or a combination of both.

Before making a decision, users should evaluate their connectivity requirements. If they intend to travel frequently, an eSIM plan with international roaming could be highly beneficial. For those residing in Mexico or primarily using the eSIM within the country, a local provider with extensive national coverage might be the better option.

Traveling in Mexico with eSIM

The allure of Mexico’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities draws travelers from all corners of the world. As you embark on your Mexican adventure, staying connected becomes an important consideration. In this digital age, the best eSIM for Mexico presents an invaluable solution, ensuring seamless communication and access to information even while on the go.

Top Connected Destinations

Mexico boasts a plethora of breathtaking destinations, each offering a unique experience. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Cancún and the historic charm of Oaxaca , staying connected while exploring these locales enhances your travel experience. Using eSIM allows you to instantly share your travel memories with loved ones, access maps for navigation, and discover local recommendations through online platforms.

Major tourist hubs like Mexico City , Cancún , and Playa del Carmen are known for their robust connectivity infrastructure. High-speed data and reliable coverage enable travelers to stay in touch with friends, stay updated on travel advisories, and upload captivating photos in real-time. Choosing a reliable eSIM provider that offers extensive coverage in these well-connected destinations ensures that your digital experiences enhance your physical ones.

Wi-Fi vs. eSIM

While Wi-Fi is readily available in many hotels, cafes, and public spaces in Mexico , relying solely on public Wi-Fi networks can present challenges, especially for travelers who seek consistent connectivity as the public networks can be slow, unreliable, and pose security risks.

Using eSIM for Mexico provides you with your own dedicated cellular data connection. This means you’re not at the mercy of crowded Wi-Fi networks or constrained by the opening hours of cafes. You can access the internet, make calls, and use navigation apps from the convenience of your smartphone, without worrying about connection drops or compromising your data security.

Staying Connected Off the Beaten Path

While Mexico’s popular tourist destinations are well-connected, travelers often seek to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, such as remote beaches, quaint villages, and natural wonders. These hidden gems might not offer the same level of connectivity as urban centers, but with the right eSIM, you can remain in touch even in these secluded areas.

Choosing an eSIM provide r that extends coverage to less frequented regions ensures that you can share the enchantment of your discoveries, check weather forecasts, and maintain communication with fellow travelers. This becomes especially important if you’re embarking on outdoor adventures or exploring areas where traditional cell coverage may be limited.

As you select the best eSIM for Mexico , consider the coverage maps provided by various carriers. Look for providers that prioritize comprehensive coverage not only in popular tourist destinations but also in remote and rural areas. This will enable you to enjoy the full spectrum of Mexico’s beauty while staying connected and secure.

Costs and Plans

When considering the best eSIM for Mexico , it’s important to delve into costs and plans to make an informed choice that suits both your communication needs and budget. 

Comparing eSIM Plans

As you explore eSIM options, take note of the following factors for effective comparison:

• Data Allocation: Different plans offer varying amounts of data. Assess your data usage patterns and select a plan that aligns with your needs, whether it’s casual browsing or heavy streaming.
• Voice and Text: Check if the plan includes provisions for voice calls and text messages. Depending on your preferences, you might prioritize data over traditional communication channels.
• Coverage: Ensure that the eSIM plan provides robust coverage in the areas you plan to explore in Mexico . Reliable connectivity enhances your travel experience.
• Roaming: If you intend to cross borders during your trip, verify whether the eSIM plan offers international roaming options for seamless connectivity in neighboring countries.
• Duration: Consider the duration of your stay. Choose a plan that fits within your travel timeframe, whether it’s a short vacation or an extended sojourn.

Money-Saving Tips

Managing costs while staying connected is essential. Here are strategies to keep your expenses in check:

• Plan Ahead: Research and select your eSIM plan before arriving in Mexico . This ensures instant connectivity upon arrival without any hassle.
• Wi-Fi Use: Make the most of free Wi-Fi available at cafes, hotels, and public spaces to reduce your data consumption.
• Data Monitoring: Regularly check your data usage through your device settings or the provider’s app to avoid exceeding your plan’s limits.
• Messaging Apps: Utilize messaging apps that use data for communication instead of traditional SMS to cut down on texting costs.
• Bundle Offers: Some providers offer bundled plans that combine data, voice, and text at a discounted rate. Explore these options for potential savings.
• Local SIM Comparison: For longer stays, compare eSIM plans with local SIM card options. Local SIMs might offer competitive rates.
• Data Optimization: Enable data compression settings on your device to reduce data usage while browsing and using apps.
• App Updates: Disable automatic app updates and cloud sync over cellular data to prevent unexpected usage.
• Data Roaming: Turn off data roaming if your plan doesn’t include international usage to avoid unintended charges.

By taking these steps, you can make the most of your chosen eSIM , enjoying the convenience of connectivity without straining your finances. With careful consideration of plans and cost-saving strategies, your eSIM experience in Mexico will be both enriching and economical.

Travel Light with eSIM

In today’s digital world, eSIM technology is transforming travel, and Mexico is a prime example. By eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, eSIMs offer seamless connectivity amid Mexico’s diverse landscapes. From bustling Mexico City to serene beaches, eSIMs ensure instant sharing of experiences and access to real-time recommendations. While Wi-Fi is available, eSIMs provide a reliable, dedicated cellular connection, freeing you from crowded networks. Even in off-the-grid locations, the best eSIM for Mexico offers comprehensive coverage. By comparing plans based on data allocation, voice, text, coverage, and roaming, travelers can choose the ideal eSIM to match their needs. Money-saving tactics like using Wi-Fi strategically and monitoring data usage further enhance the eSIM experience. Travel light, stay connected, and let the best eSIM for Mexico be your gateway to enhanced exploration.

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Best eSIMs for Italy in 2024

Add these eSIMs to your travel list

Best eSIM overall

• Best for network coverage
• Best for affordability
• Best for customer support
• Best for user-friendliness
• Best for unlimited data
• eSIMs for Italy FAQs

eSIMs offer many advantages for travelers. There’s no longer any need to buy new SIM cards in every country you visit or pay expensive roaming fees to your traditional mobile carrier. Instead, you can buy an eSIM package that gives you data access in foreign countries, connecting to the same internet infrastructure locals use.

Italy is one of the most visited countries worldwide, and visitors often need eSIMs for internet access. We tested different eSIM providers in Italy to curate the best ones for you.

The best eSIMs for Italy in 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airalo is the world’s leading eSIM marketplace, covering virtually all countries. It offers a range of eSIMs with robust coverage for Italian visitors. Airalo's Mamma Mia package covers the whole of Italy, piggybacking on three domestic networks: Vodafone, TIM, and Wind Tre. TIM provides 5G coverage, while Vodafone and Wind Tre provide LTE coverage.

You can choose from a variety of Mamma Mia plans, including $4.50 for 1 GB for 7 days, $8 for 2 GB for 15 days, $10 for 3 GB for 30 days, $14.50 for 5 GB for 30 days, $24 for 10 GB for 30 days, or $33 for 20 GB for 30 days. Airalo’s plans aren’t as affordable as some competitors, but the widespread coverage and speedy internet make this eSIM provider worthwhile.

Alternatively, you can choose Airalo's Eurolink plan, which covers Italy and 38 other European nations. Eurolink data plans are slightly more expensive than the Italy-only packages. For example, 3 GB for 30 days costs $13 with Eurolink, compared to $10 for the Italy-only deal. But, this higher cost is understandable because of the broader coverage.

Airalo offers data-only plans. There’s no phone number for calls and SMS, but you can use VoIP apps like WhatsApp and Skype to call and text via the internet.

Read our full Airalo review.

• ^ Back to the top

Best eSIM for network coverage

aloSIM is a popular eSIM provider with coverage in 175+ countries. Italian visitors can choose from various plans, including $4.50 for 1 GB for 7 days, $8 for 2 GB for 15 days, $10 for 3 GB for 30 days, $14.50 for 5 GB for 30 days, $24 for 10 GB for 30 days, and $33 for 20 GB for 30 days.

You can also choose the aloSIM Europe eSIM, which covers Italy and 30 other European countries. The Europe-wide plans cost the same as the Italy-only plans, so it’s a smart choice if you plan to visit Italy and some neighboring countries.

aloSIM has network-sharing agreements with Vodafone, Iliad, and Wind Tre, giving users robust internet access. However, your speed is limited to LTE; there’s no 5G connection, which is a disadvantage.

You don't need documentation to buy and activate your aloSIM plan. You can pay on the website and activate the eSIM by scanning the QR code sent to your email address. 

Read our full aloSIM review.

Best eSIM for affordability

Nomad is an eSIM provider that is well known for its affordability. It offers a broad range of data plans for Italian visitors, including $6 for 1 GB for 7 days, $12 for 3 GB for 30 days, $14 for 5 GB for 30 days, $19 for 10 GB for 30 days, $27 for 15 GB for 30 days, and $33 for 20 GB for 30 days. 

Nomad offers an unlimited plan but with a catch. You can only browse at fast speeds with 1 GB daily. Once you surpass 1 GB in a day, your unlimited browsing speed is throttled to 512kbps. This feels counterintuitive, but it’s a good tradeoff between affordability and speed. The unlimited plans cost $4 for 1 day, $5 for 3 days, $7 for 5 days, $10 for 7 days, and $13 for 10 days.

Like most eSIM providers, Nomad’s plans are data-only, with no phone numbers for calls and SMS. Activation is easy– you’ll pay for the plan online and scan the QR code sent to your email address, which takes you to the website or app to activate the eSIM. Turn on the eSIM profile when you arrive in Italy, and you’re good to go. 

Read our full Nomad review.

Best eSIM for customer support

Saily is an excellent eSIM provider with robust coverage in Italy. You can choose from five plans, including $3.99 for 1 GB for 7 days, $8.99 for 3 GB for 30 days, $12.99 for 5 GB for 30 days, $20.99 for 10 GB for 30 days, or $28.99 for 20 GB for 30 days. These prices are similar to those of other eSIM providers.

It doesn’t take much to activate a Saily eSIM. You can buy the plan online and then scan the QR code sent to your email address to activate the eSIM– the activation takes place in the Saily app, which you must download on your iOS or Android device. Of course, you can activate the eSIM outside Italy, but it won’t work until you arrive in the country.

One of the best things about Saily is its 24/7 customer support. Its well-staffed and skilled support team is available to field your complaints. Like most providers, Saily offers data-only plans with no phone numbers for calls and SMS.

Read our full Saily review.

Best eSIM for user-friendliness

Jetpac is another eSIM provider offering stellar service for Italian visitors. You can choose from various data plans, including $6.50 for 3 GB for 7 days, $9 for 5 GB for 30 days, $14 for 10 GB for 30 days, $19 for 15 GB for 30 days, $25 for 20 GB for 30 days, $37 for 30 GB for 30 days, or $48 for 40 GB for 30 days.

Jetpac offers a plan that covers only Italy and a Europe plan covering 28 countries, including Italy. The latter is the smart choice if you plan to tour Europe and include Italy as one of your destinations. This eSIM provider has network-sharing agreements with Vodafone and Wind Tre, giving customers access to the same robust telecoms infrastructure Italian locals enjoy. 

Activation works via the Jetpac app. You'll pay for your plan and activate your eSIM via the iOS and Android app, which has an intuitive interface you’ll likely enjoy using. After activating the eSIM, you can always return to this app to monitor and top up your data balance.

The main drawback is Jetpac’s lack of an unlimited data plan. 

Read our full Jetpac review.

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Holafly is another top-notch eSIM provider for Italian visitors. Unlike others with capped data plans, this provider's best feature is its unlimited data packages. Holafly has no rigid pricing—the amount you’ll pay depends on the exact number of days you choose, ranging from $6 for 1 day to $37 for 10 days, $75 for 30 days, and $139 for 90 days.

Holafly’s plans are noticeably expensive but worth it, considering the unlimited data you’ll enjoy. You can browse as much as you want with unthrottled speed, unlike Nomad’s unlimited plan that caps your browsing speed after 1 GB of daily usage.

You can choose a Holafly plan that covers only Italy or one that covers 30+ European countries, including Italy. Both options cost the same, so it’s wise to choose the latter and enjoy unlimited data if you visit neighboring countries.

Holafly doesn't offer a phone number for calls and SMS, but you can use WhatsApp, Skype, and other VoIP apps to call and text seamlessly via the internet. You can use your mobile phone as a hotspot, although sharing is capped at 500 MB daily. Holafly's Italian coverage is powered by Iliad and Wind Tre, two major domestic mobile carriers. Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.  

Read our full Holafly review.

Best eSIMs for Italy FAQs

What is an esim  .

eSIM means embedded SIM. It is a type of SIM card directly embedded in a device, rather than the physical SIM cards you can swap or remove at will. It comprises software installed on a chip permanently embedded in a device instead of the integrated circuit on a plastic card that you can easily remove.

You can re-program an eSIM with new information anytime. In other words, you can add or remove SIM profiles without changing any physical component. Everything works via software configurations, which is more convenient than having multiple physical SIM cards.

Most new smartphones since 2018 are eSIM-compatible. There’s a clear global shift towards eSIMs, with eSIM device shipments expected to grow to 14 billion by 2030, compared to 350 million in 2021. Like most new technologies, eSIMs have become prominent in more developed countries and are gradually becoming popular in developing countries. At current growth rates, physical SIM cards could become a thing of the past in a few decades. 

Why do I need an eSIM in Italy?

Italy is one of Europe’s most visited countries, with over 60 million annual tourists. Most tourists need data connection during their Italy stay, and an eSIM is the most convenient way to get it. Gone are the days of waiting in queues to buy a local SIM in every country you visit. You can now purchase and activate an Italy-enabled eSIM from anywhere and switch it on when you land in the country to enjoy data access.

Companies like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly offer eSIMs that give anyone data access in Italy and many other countries. These providers have partnered with domestic carriers in different countries, so their eSIMs connect you to the same telecom infrastructure local carriers enjoy. For example, an Airalo eSIM connects users to 5G coverage from TIM, Italy's largest telecoms carrier, and LTE coverage from Vodafone and Wind Tre.

How do I know if my device is eSIM-compatible? 

Most new smartphones have eSIM slots. Some smartphones have ditched the physical SIM altogether and only support eSIMs. For example, Apple sells eSIM-only iPhones in the U.S., but in other countries, it sells iPhones compatible with both eSIMs and physical SIMs. 

Checking eSIM compatibility for your smartphone is easy. Follow the below steps:

For iPhones

• Open the Settings app and click Cellular.
• Look for the Add eSIM button. If you see this button, your iPhone works with eSIMs. If you don’t see this button, your iPhone is not eSIM-compatible.

For Android phones

• Open the Settings app.
• Select About Phone.
• Look for SIM Status or a similar setting.
• Check for any mention of eSIM or Embedded SIM. If you see it, your Android device works with eSIMs. Otherwise, the device isn’t eSIM-compatible.

If you’re still unsure, check your smartphone manufacturer’s website for specifications. eSIM compatibility will likely be listed under your smartphone’s technical specifications.

Considerations for choosing an eSIM 

Cost is the primary consideration when choosing an eSIM package. It’s necessary to find a package that doesn’t break the bank, striking a balance between affordability and useful features like speed and data allocation. Nomad is the most affordable option on this list but has tradeoffs like limited data or throttled speed on the unlimited plan.

If you want the best option and are willing to pay more, we recommend Holafly because of its unlimited data and robust speed. 

2. Coverage

You need an eSIM provider that provides robust network coverage across Italy, not just in the city clusters like Rome and Milan. Fortunately, most providers on our list have network-sharing agreements with multiple domestic mobile carriers, giving users redundant, excellent network coverage.

3. Customer service

Customer support is an essential part of any eSIM package. You should be able to contact your provider’s support team via email, live chat, or telephone to file complaints and get them resolved. Fortunately, all eSIM providers on our list offer robust customer support. 

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Stefan has always been a lover of tech. He graduated with an MSc in geological engineering but soon discovered he had a knack for writing instead. So he decided to combine his newfound and life-long passions to become a technology writer. As a freelance content writer, Stefan can break down complex technological topics, making them easily digestible for the lay audience.

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