The Best SIM Cards for Travel to Mexico
Picking up a SIM Card for your next trip to Mexico is pretty easy. There are a lot of options for travelers, most of which can easily be found after arriving in one of the major airports or corner stores like Oxxo or 7-11. Prepaid SIM Cards are the norm in Mexico and relatively cheap compared to the USA or Canada.
Most locals use prepaid phones which don’t require any registration and many can be ordered online for delivery to your hotel or hostel. The one peculiar part of Mexico’s plans is that all the big social media apps are treated differently to general internet browsing. Plans have special data amounts for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and sometimes even Netflix. So I apologize if some of the details are messy as the plans vary a lot! You’ll see what I mean below! Read carefully and save this article for later if you have to.
SIM Cards Available in Mexico
There are a lot of options out there for Mexico SIM Cards and factors to consider before selecting one.
- How long is your trip?
- Will you be traveling to or from the USA?
- Will your phone work on Mexico networks?
This article is a little lengthier than our usual ones. But do take the time to check out the requirements and your phones compatibility with Mexico SIM Card providers.
Where to Buy a SIM Card?
Getting a SIM card in Mexico is easy. Most Mexicans use prepaid phone plans and top-up cards so they are available almost everywhere. A good place to start are the flagship stores in the major airports upon arrival. The three big providers in Mexico are AT&T, Telcel and Movistar which should all have stores or kiosks at the airport.
Other places to look include Oxxo convenience stores, 7-11s, grocery stores, Walmart, Bodega Aurrera stores, Elektra, Coppel, Famsa, Circle K etc..
Some SIM cards can be ordered online for free, just pay for shipping to a Mexico address like your hotel.
Social Media Data in Mexico
If there was ever a reason to vote to maintain Net Neutrality, Mexico’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, Instagram or Snapchat on AT&T Mexico, 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.
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 some platforms, usually WhatsApp, but not all of them.
SIM Card Requirements
Unlike the USA and Canada, most of the active phones in Mexico use prepaid SIM cards. So this is the standard and you won’t find the price gauging in Mexico for prepaid versus post-paid plans.
In Mexico, you do not need ID or a local address to purchase a SIM card, although some providers will ask for registration anyway so bring ID and your hotel address just in case.
You do need an unlocked phone to use a SIM card in Mexico.
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. Mexico 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 Mexico 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: Virgin Mobile – 1 Month Unlimited
- Network: Movistar
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes, sent to Mexico address
- Available Locations: Virgin Mobile Shops, Oxxo, 7-11
- Top Ups: Online by Int. Credit Card, at outlets counters.
- Note: Check Balance Dial *188#
- Note2: Minutes include Mexico, USA & Canada
- Note3: Social Media includes Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Messenger, Instagram & Snapchat
SIM Price: Free+
Each add-on includes unlimited social media, unlimited mins & unlimited SMS.
- Chico: $150 Peso ($7.29 USD) for 2 GB + for 30Days
- Mediano: $199 Peso ($10.62 USD) for 3 GB for 30 Days
- Ilimitados1: $299 Peso ($15.93 USD) for Unltd. GB for 30 Days
- Ilimitados2: $199 Peso ($10.62 USD) for Unltd. GB for 20 Days
- $129 Peso ($6.27 USD) for 3 GB for 30 Days
- $500 Peso ($24.31 USD) for 9GB for 30 Days
Runner Up: Movistar – 1.4 GB Plan
- Network: Movistar
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Movistar Shops, 7-11, Walmart
- Top Ups: In Shops for $10 to $500 Peso, valid for 10 to 90 days.
- Note: Minutes and SMS messages include to Mexico, USA & Canada.
- Note2: Social Media includes Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram & Snapchat.
- Note3: Data rolls over when you recharge with the same amount.
SIM Price: $60 Peso ($2.18 USD)+
SIM may be free with $100 Peso Top Up at purchase. All plans include unlimited, soial media, mins and unlimited SMS.
- $150 Peso ($7.29 USD) for 2 GB for 28 Days
- $200 Peso ($9.73 USD) for 3 GB+ Netflix and Youtube for 30Days
- $300 Peso ($14.59 USD) for 4 GB+ Netflix and Youtube for 30 Days
- $500 Peso ($24.31 USD) for 6 GB + Netflix and Youtube for 30Days
Best Price SIM Cards
Top Choice: FreedomPop Free SIM Card
- Network: Telcel
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes, to Mexico address
- Available Locations: online only
- Top Ups: recharge online
- Note: Freemium Model
- Note2: All plans and add-ons include unlimited minutes and SMS messages
- Note3: Social Media includes Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram & Snapchat.
SIM Price: Free+
- $150 Peso ($7.43 USD) for 2,300 MB + Ultd of social media for 30 Days
- $200 Peso ($9.90 USD) for 3,450 MB + Ultd of social media for 30 Days
- $300 Peso ($14.85 USD) for 4,600MB + Ultd of social media for 30 Days
- $500 Peso ($24.75 USD) for 10,000 MB + Ultd of social media for 30 Da
Although FreedomPOP sounds like the name of a late 90s American children’s band doing covers of pop culture classics, I assure you this is an actual company operating in the USA and Mexico.
FreedomPOP operates on a freemium model where SIM Cards are pre-loaded with a free minimum service of 50 MB of Data, 50 MB of Social Media, 50 Mins & 50 SMS. But they make money by up-selling prepaid plans.
The issue is that they make you jump through hoops to deactivate all the free trials and services that come pre-activated on the SIM, services that will automatically be charged to your credit card the second month. You are also forced to send SMS messages and make calls through the official FreedomPOP App which displays ads. As someone who prefers simplicity, this is quite annoying. But some may find it worthwhile to get a monthly recurring free plan which may be very useful in emergencies. Just know this SIM Card can be a hassle even though the base is free.
Runner Up: Weex Mobile
Network: Movistar
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes, sent to a Mexico address
- Available Locations: 7-11, Extra, Circle K
- Top Ups:
- Note: $50 Peso for the SIM in Stores
SIM Price: Free Online+
Weex uses a customization model where you choose a basic plan and add packages for the apps you use. I’ll include the 7 Day and 30 Day options for each add-on package below.
Choose Data:
- 150 MB at 20 Peso ($0.99 USD) for 7 Days.
- 250 MB at 32 Peso ($1.70 USD) for 7 Days.
- 400 MB at 48 Peso ($2.30 USD) for 7 Days.
- 600 MB at 63 Peso ($3.12 USD) for 7 Days.
- 300 MB at 35 Peso ($1.73 USD) for 15 Days.
- 400 MB at 46 Peso ($2.28 USD) for 15 Days.
- 500 MB at 60 Peso ($2.97 USD) for 15 Days.
- 800 MB at 72 Peso ($3.56 USD) for 15 Days.
- 1500 MB at 90 Peso ($4.46 USD) for 15 Days.
- 400 MB at 44 Peso ($2.18 USD) for 30 Days.
- 600 MB at 58 Peso ($2.87 USD) for 30 Days.
- 800 MB at 68 Peso ($3.37 USD) for 30 Days.
- 1000 MB at 75 Peso ($3.71USD) for 30 Days.
- 2000 MB at 100 Peso ($4.95 USD) for 30 Days.
- 3000 MB at 145 Peso ($7.18 USD) for 30 Days.
- 4500 MB at 199 Peso ($9.85 USD) for 30 Days.
Weex is a great option for travelers not looking to spend a lot on a SIM Card in Mexico. Some travellers like myself don’t need to stay connected all the time, but may want a SIM Card for emergencies or if Wi-Fi is unreliable. On Weex, you can customize your cell phone for your needs and only pay for the apps you use. You choose a base rate and add on extras for Instagram, Uber, Data by the Day when you want it. In some cases you can use a package for 1 hour, or 30 days. It’s up to you! The add-ons are easily added on the Weex App.
App & Data Add-Ons
- Youtube: $14 Peso ($0.75 USD) for 100 MB for 7 Days, $48 Peso ($2.55 USD) for 500 MB for 30 Days
- WhatsApp & Facebook:$47 Peso ($2,55 USD) for 1 GB for 30 Days
- Netflix: $33 Peso ($1.75 USD) for 300 MB for 7 Days, $72 Peso ($3.82 USD) for 900 MB for 30 Days
- Instagram: $32 Peso ($32 USD) for 300 MB for 7 Days, $81 Peso ($4.30 USD) for 900 MB for 30 Days
- Spotify: $13 Peso ($0.69 USD) for 90 MB for 7 Days, $29 Peso ($1.54 USD) for 360 MB for 30 Days
- Twitter: $24 Peso ($1.27 USD) for Unltd. Data for 30 Days
- Navigation: Google Maps, Waze, Ecobici & Uber $8 Peso ($0.42 USD) for 1 Day
- Data by Day: $42 Peso ($2.23 USD) for 100 MB each day for 7 Days, $150 Peso ($8.00 USD) for 100 MB each day for 30 Days.
- 5 GB of Data: $295 Peso ($15.66 USD) for 5.12 GB for 30 Days
- See Website for full list here.
3rd Choice: Oui Movil – 1 GB Plan
- Network: Telcel
- Pre-purchase Online: No
- Available Locations: Elektra Sotres only
- Top Ups: Via the App by credit card
- Note: All plans include unlimited minutes and SMS messages
- Note2: All plans include unlimited Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter usage
SIM Price: Free+
- $29 Peso ($1.44 USD) for 150 MB
- $40 Peso ($1.98 USD) for 500 MB
- $60 Peso ($2.97 USD)for 700 MB
- $80 Peso ($3.69 USD) for Unlimited
Monster Data SIM Cards
- Network: Telcel
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes, Official Website & Amazon
- Available Locations: Oxxo Stores
- Top Ups: in stores and online
- Note: All plans include unlimited minutes and SMS to Mexico, USA & Canada
SIM Price: $29 Peso ($1.54 USD)+
- $20 Peso ($1.06 USD) for 100 MB + Unltd. WhatsApp + 200 MB Facebook, Twitter & Messenger for 1 Days
- $30 Peso ($1.59 USD) for 120 MB + Unltd. WhatsApp + 300 MB Facebook, Twitter & Messenger for 3 Days
- $50 Peso ($2.65 USD) for 400 MB + Unltd. WhatsApp + 500 MB Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat & Messenger for 7 Days
- $80 Peso ($4.25 USD) for 400 MB + Unltd. WhatsApp + 1 GB Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat & Messenger for 13 Days
- $100 Peso ($5.31 USD) for Unltd. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat & Messenger for 15 Days
- $150 Peso ($8.00 USD) for 1 GB + Unltd. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat & Messenger for 26 Days
- $200 Peso ($10.62 USD) for 1.5 GB + Unltd. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat & Messenger for 30 Days
- $300 Peso ($15.92 USD) for 4 GB + Unltd. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat & Messenger for 30 Days
- $500 Peso ($26.54 USD) for 6 GB + Unltd. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat & Messenger for 30 Days
Roam from the United States
- Network: AT&T
- Pre-purchase Online: Yes. AT&T, US shipping only
- Available Locations: Amazon, AT&T Stores
- Top Ups: Purchase plans & add-ons using any International Credit Card
- Note: 0.99 for the SIM Card in Stores & Online, $1 Daily Data can be used without activating the $2/day Voice & SMS
SIM Price: $0.99+
- $2/Day Ultd. Voice & SMS in USA & $1/100 MB/Day Data Add-On
- $35 USD for 1 GB, Ultd. Voice & SMS in US, Int. SMS to 100 countries
- $50 USD for 8 GB, Ultd. Voice & SMS, Int. SMS to 100 countries & Ultd. roaming to Mexico & Canada
- $65 USD for Unlimited Data, Ultd. Voice & SMS, Int. SMS to 100 countries & Ultd. roaming to Mexico & Canada
- $85 USD for Unlimited Data, Ultd. Voice & SMS, Int. SMS to 100 countries & Ultd. roaming to Mexico & Canada, 10 GB Hotspot (tethering)
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More of what you need: Check out the Best SIM Cards for other destinations, and the Essential Gear every backpacker should have for staying in hostels. If you found this helpful, like us on Facebook or Instagram, it really helps us out!
