The Best SIM Cards for Travel to Chile
SIM Cards in Chile are not expensive and are relatively easy to get when you arrive. There are only a handful of providers and all of them have prepaid packages with lots of data, perfect for tourists. Where things get complicated is choosing the right plan for you. There is no net neutrality in Chile so the big cell phone networks all bundle social media apps into their plans, but they vary wildly. Most include unlimited Whats App and Facebook while others even have unlimited Spotify data, which is sweet for the long Chile road-trips to Patagonia in the South or San Pedro de Atacama in the North!
Like always, I’ve broken down all the offerings into the Best Value, Best Price and Monster Data packages. I’ve based my picks on a 15-30 day stay with moderate data use. Data is very handy in Chile, there are a lot of Apps for Chile for Uber, BEAT, Translator, Chile360, and all the usual Essential Travel Apps. But first, read through all the requirements and check your phone’s compatibility, details below.
SIM Cards Available in Chile
There are not a lot of options out there for Chile SIM Cards. But just picking one will be enough. Before reading through the options, here are a few things to consider.
- How long is your trip?
- Will you be traveling from the USA?
- Important: Will your phone work on Chile networks?
This article is a little lengthier than our usual ones. But do take the time to check out the requirements to get a SIM in Chile, bookmark this page if you must, and confirm your phones compatibility with Chile SIM Card providers.
Where to Buy a SIM Card?
So here is a quick list of stores:
- JUMBO, Santa Isabel, UNIMARC, Express Lider, Lider, CruzVerda, Farmacias Ahumada, Mayorista, Sencillito, OK Market, Chilecpress, Movilway, Maxfacil, MEGA COMPRA, Promx.
Social Media Data in Chile
If there was ever a reason to vote to maintain Net Neutrality, Chile’s cellular market is the perfect example. Data included in plans is separated into “general internet” and “social media“. Worse, what is included in the “social media” data changes for each package. It’s a real nightmare.
Here is an example, when you use Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, WhatsApp or Instagram on Entel Chile, the data is drawn from the “Social Media” amount. But if you watch a Youtube video, the data is used from the general internet data. The cheapest social media plan with Entel doesn’t include Instagram, while the most expensive one includes all Spotify data.
As a traveler, it’s either great because you get more data on the apps you use like Instagram, or a feature you’ll never use. It really depends how much data you consume on which apps! As a blogger, I use Instagram and Twitter a lot but not WhatsApp. So getting a plan with 1 GB for only WhatsApp makes no sense for me.
So read the notes I placed for each SIM Card because I’ll list what is included in “social media” there and point out which plans only include some platforms, usually WhatsApp, but not all of them.
SIM Card Requirements
Stolen mobile phones in Chile is a huge problem, so keep yours safe. In response to all these thefts, all foreign phones in Chile must be registered, using the IMEI#. The only exception is for the first 30 days, which is obviously intended for tourists. If you need more info, check out this guide. A phone purchased in Chile is already registered.
You don’t need to register your phone for the first 30 days of your trip. After 30 days your phone will be blocked from cell service if it is not registered. You can register 1 device for free at any of the these certification companies, takes 1-24 hours. You can also use an online service but it takes 24-48 hours and may charge a fee.
Easter Island: There is very poor cellphone coverage on Easter Island. Only Entel and Movistar have networks operating on the Island. So if you intend to visit the famous destination and see all the statues of a civilisation long gone, I recommend getting a SIM Card on the Entel or Movistar Network.
You do need an unlocked phone to use a SIM card in Chile.
Check Your Phone Compatability
Your phone needs to be compatible with the SIM provider’s network. What does this mean?
There are two network types worldwide: CDMA and GSM. Chile uses a GSM network for 3G signals. 4G/ LTE works on both types. Most new model of phones work on a wide range of signal frequencies and can be used around the world with ease but it never hurts to check your phone first. All the major cities in Chile have reliable 4G/LTE service, however small rural towns may only have 3G service.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to know the details because nice internet people have come through for us! Check out WillMyPhoneWork.NET. Here is what you need:
- Your Phone Brand (Apple ,Samsung, LG, HTC, Huawei etc…)
- Your Phone Model (Samsung Galaxy S9, IPhone X, etc…)
- Your Phone Sub-Model Number (Model A1532) May also have to know your carrier (Verizon, Sprint, Rogers etc…)
- The country you are visiting (United States, Japan etc…)
- The carrier whose network you’ll be using (AT&T or T-Mobile)
Example of Compatibility (USA)
- Brand: Apple
- Model: IPhone 5C
- Sub-Model: N# on the back of the phone A1532.
- There are two options: Verizon CDMA and GSM (other carriers). I’m not with Verizon so it must be GSM (North America)
- Country: United States
- Carrier: AT&T
Compatibility Result: 3G & 4G. Next I checked T-Mobile, but I only had 2G, 3G and only maybe 4G compatibility on their network. So AT&T is probably better.
Best Value SIM Cards
Top Choice: Movistar
- Network: Movistar
- Data: 4G/ LTE
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Supermarkets & Pharmacies, see list above.
- Top Ups: Online
- Note: Activate the SIM in Stores, or Call 301 after inserting the SIM
- Note2: Social Media includes Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, WhatsApp & Instagram.
SIM Price: 2,000 CLP ($3.05 USD)
- 1,990 CLP ($3.00 USD) for 4 GB of Data, 400 Mins Voice for 7 Days.
- 2,990 CLP ($4.55 USD) for 6 GB of Data, 600 Mins Voice for 10 Days.
- 6,990 CLP ($10.65 USD) for 10 GB of Data, 500 Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- For “Preplan” dial *303# – 2nd option to activate
- All “Preplan” have unlimited social media use.
Unlimited “Free Gigas” Prepaid Plans
- 1,290 CLP ($1.98 USD) Unlimited Data & Unlimited Mins Voice for 1 Day.
- 2,490 CLP ($3.81 USD) Unlimited Data & Unlimited Mins Voice for 3 Day.
- 4,990 CLP ($6.83 USD) Unlimited Data & Unlimited Mins Voice for 7 Day.
- All Unlimited Plans include Unlimited Social Media, obliviously.
- Non-Auto Renewing Plans
- Dial *303# – 3rd option to activate
The “Preplan” packages are auto-renewing. They are still prepaid, but at the end of the 30 days for example, the package will renew for another 30 days if there is enough credit on the account. You won’t get charged if the account doesn’t have enough funds, it simply won’t renew the package.
Runner Up: Entel
- Network: Entel
- Data: 4G/ LTE
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Supermarkets & Pharmacies, see list above.
- Top Ups: Online by Int. Credit Card, with vouchers sold in stores.
- Note: Activate the SIM in Stores, or Call 301 after inserting the SIM
- Note2: Social Media includes: Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Messenger, Instagram. Spotify is only included in the most expensive plans and Top-Up.
SIM Price: 4,000 CLP ($6.05 USD)
- 1,000 CLP ($0.75 USD) for 1.5GB of Data, 150 Mins Voice for 3 Days.
- 2,000 CLP ($3.05 USD) for 2GB of Data, 80 Mins Voice for 5 Days.
- 3,000 CLP ($4.58 USD) for 4 GB of Data, 150 Mins Voice for 7 Days.
- 4,000 CLP ($5.48 USD) for 4 GB of Data, 150 Mins for 30 Days.
- 5,000 CLP ($7.63 USD) for 5 GB of Data, 200 Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- 6,000 CLP ($8.22 USD) for 6 GB of Data, 300 Mins for 30 Days.
- 8,000 CLP ($12.20 USD) for 8 GB of Data, 400 Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- SIM has 1,000 CLP included to start
Unlimited Packages- Entel “Prepower”
- 890 CLP ($0.65 USD) for Unlimited Data & Unlimited Minutes for 1 Day.
- 2,490 CLP ($3.41 USD) for Unlimited Data & Unlimited Minutes for 3 Day.
- 5,290 CLP ($8.08 USD) for Unlimited Data & Unlimited Minutes for 7 Day.
- 6,990 CLP ($9.57 USD) for Unlimited Data & Unlimited Minutes for 10 Day.
There is also a Data-Only SIM for Tablets called “BAM Prepago” but the rates are more expensive than the Data and Voice packages.
3rd Choice: Claro
- Network: Claro
- Data: 4G/ LTE
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Supermarkets & Pharmacies, see list above.
- Note: Activate the SIM in Stores, or Call 301 after inserting the SIM
- Note: Social Media includes Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat & Instagram.
SIM Price: 2,500 CLP ($3.81 USD)
- 500 CLP ($0.68 USD) for Unlimited Data & Free Voice to 100 numbers for 1 Day. (Buy it by sending LIB1 to 2020)
- 2,500 CLP ($3.81 USD) for 2 GB of Data, 200 Mins for 7 Days.
- 2,990 CLP ($4.09 USD) for Unlimited Data & Free Voice to 100 numbers for 4 Days. (Buy it by sending LIB4 to 2020)
- 3,500 CLP ($4.79 USD) for Unlimited Data & Free Voice to 100 numbers for 7 Days. (Buy it by sending LIB7 to 2020)
- 4,990 CLP ($6.89 USD) for 4 GB of Data, 150 mins & Unlimited Social Media for 30 Days.
- 6,990 CLP ($9.57 USD) for 8 GB of Data, 500 mins & Unlimited Social Media for 30 Days.
- 9,990 CLP ($13.68 USD) for 10 GB of Data, 700 mins & Unlimited Social Media for 30 Days.
Claro is the smallest of the big three networks in Chile, they have a lot of different prepaid plans you can add, from only SMS messages or Long Distance Calling. But for our travels, I’ve only included the ones with data.
Best Price SIM Cards
Top Choice: WOM Chile
- Network: WOM, (Movistar & Claro in some areas)
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Supermarkets & Pharmacies, see list above.
- Note: Dial *103# to add plans, or call 103
- Note2: When you top up your account to get ones of these packages (add funds to your account), WOM gives out nice Bonus Data from 500 MB to 4 GB and Unlimited Whats Apps for 30 Days
SIM Price: Unlimited Data & Mins
- 1,590 CLP ($2.18USD) for 2 Day.
- 2,990 CLP ($4.09USD) for 4 Day.
- 4,990 CLP ($6.83USD) for 7 Day.
- 7,990 CLP ($10.94 USD) for 12 Days.
Mixed Plans: Voice, Data & Social Media
- 1,000 CLP ($1.37 USD) for 1GB, 50 Mins Voice & Unlimited Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat for 3 Days.
- 2,000 CLP ($2.74 USD) for 2 GB, 100 Mins Voice & Unlimited Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat for 7 Days.
- 3,500 CLP ($4.79 USD) for 3.5 GB, 150 Mins Voice & Unlimited Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat for 15 Days.
- 4,000 CLP ($5.48 USD) for 4 GB, 300 Mins Voice & Unlimited Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat for 30 Days.
- 6,500 CLP ($8.90 USD) for 6.5 GB, 400 Mins Voice & Unlimited Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat for 30 Days.
- 8,000 CLP ($10.95 USD) for 9 GB, 500 Mins Voice & Unlimited Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat for 30 Days.
WOM has great bonuses on Top ups which make the lower priced packages a lot better. For example, here is what I would do if I wanted some data for cheap!
- Buy the SIM for 2,000 CLP, it comes with 150 MB, 20 Min Voice and 2,000 in credit on your account.
- Top up 1,000 CLP to get 500 MB for 5 Days and Unlimited Whats Apps for 30 Days.
- Now you have 3,000 CLP on your account
- Add the 2,500 CLP – 1 GB Data Plan for 15 Days.
- Total: 3,000 CLP ($4.58 USD) for 1.75 GB, 20 Min of Voice and Unlimited Whats Apps.
- Less than $5 for a quick 15 day trip to Chile.
Runner Up: VTR Movil
- Network: Movistar
- Data: 4G/ LTE
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Supermarkets & Pharmacies, see list above.
- Top Ups: Available in Stores
- Note: Dial *103# Option 2 to activate plans
- Note: No Social Media
SIM Price: 5,000 CLP ($7.63 USD)
- 500 CLP($0.75 USD) for 250 MB of Data for 3 Days.
- 1,000 CLP($1.53 USD) for 500 MB of Data for 3 Days.
- 1,200 CLP ($1.83 USD) for 50 International SMS
- 2,000 CLP ($2.74 USD) for 2 GB of Data for 15 Days
- 2,200 CLP ($3.01 USD) for 2 GB of Data for 15 Days
- 4,000 CLP($6.10 USD) for 2 GB of Data for 30 Days.
- SIM includes 5,000 CLP in credit to start, data plans would be deducted from that amount.100 SMS All Destination
With VTR Movil, just buy the SIM Card for 5,000 CLP. It comes with 5,000 CLP in credit on your account. Then simply activate the 4,000 CLP plan for 2 GB of Data for 30 Days. You’ll have 1,000 CLP in credit left for local calls in Chile. The call rate is 35 CLP/min. That’s roughly 28 minutes of calls.
Monster Data SIM Cards
Top Choice: Virgin Mobile Chile
- Network: Movistar
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Lider, Full Carga, Jumbo
- Top Ups: Online with Int. Credit Card, or in Stores
- Note: Social Media varies by plan, with cheaper plans having Unlimited Whats App. All plans at 15,000 CLP or more include Unlimited Facebook, Messenger, Whats App, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify and itunes.
SIM Price: 2,000 CLP ($3.05 USD)
- 2,000 CLP ($3.05 USD) for 2GB of Data, 50 Mins Voice for 7 Days.
- 3,000 CLP ($4.11 USD) for 3 GB of Data, 100 Mins Voice for 7Days.
- 5,000 CLP ($7.63 USD) for 2 GB of Data, 100 Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- 7,000 CLP ($ 10.68 USD) for 4 GB of Data, 200 Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- 10,000 CLP ($15.25 USD) for 14 GB of Data, 300 Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- 13,000 CLP ($17.80 USD) for 18 GB of Data, 500 Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- 15,000 CLP ($20.54 USD) for 30 GB of Data, 900 Mins Voice for 30 Days
- 20,000 CLP ($30.51 USD) for 35 GB of Data, Unlimited Mins Voice for 30 Days.
- Social Media varies by plan
- SIM includes 2,000 CLP in credit to start
Virgin Mobile is the only company that offers Unlimited Prepaid for 30 Days. Other companies have unlimited plans but only 7 Days or on postpaid accounts. As a traveler, you don’t want a contract or to be charged after you leave on postpaid.
Virgin has Unlimited but also data plans with 10 GB, 23 GB, 30 GB. Big Data plans!
Roam from the United States
There aren’t many SIM Card providers in Chile but compared to North American countries like the US and Canada, prices are very reasonable for a decent amount of 4G/ LTE Data.
Picking up a SIM Card in the country you are visiting is always cheaper than roaming from abroad. But it can mean having to do research, visit a local store or trying to talk with someone in Spanish.
So for travelers going to Chile from the USA, I’ve picked out three options for roaming from the USA. These are plans that include roaming fora short duration (30 days) to Latin American countries.
Top Choice: T-Mobile One
- Network: T-Mobile, Roaming Abroad
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes, Vision Global Wi-Fi
- Available Locations: T-Mobile Shops in the US.
- Top Ups: Yes
- Note: Roaming to 210 Countries, including Chile at 2G speeds.
- Note: Must be used in the USA first, before arriving in Chile.
SIM Price: $25 USD+
- $47 USD for Unlimited 5G Data, SMS & Voice for 30 Days.
- Netflix for 2 screens included.
- Mobile hotspot tethering at 4G speeds
Disclaimer: Amazon are affiliate partners, we make a small commission on any purchases at no cost to you.
More Info on Chile
We are currently building out our content on Chile and other countries in South America. We had our first guest writer, Maria Peinador share her experience in San Pedro de Atacama, North Chile. We have two more articles from Maria to come, stay tuned.
We put together a list of Chile travel inspirations under Books & Things
Do check out our other travel articles on 5 Hostel Essentials, 5 Travel Essentials, & Best Maps Apps . We also dived into the big question, to GoPro or not? What video camera is right for you and what you need to know before you buy. I’ve been getting into video more and more, so be sure to follow us on Instagram & Twitter for future articles.
