Planning a trip to Mexico can be a bit overwhelming. It is quite big, after all, and it has so many great places to visit. You’ll likely be very busy enjoying your time, so it’s a good idea to plan in advance and get all your accommodations and needs sorted before your trip.
One of the very basic you’ll need is a reliable way to keep you connected with the rest of the world. An eSIM card will solve that problem easily. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of them before. This article will explain everything you need to know about this technology and why to choose one for your trip to Mexico.
What is an eSIM, and how does it work?
You probably are already familiar with the regular SIMs. These plastic cards have been in use since the very first mobile phones. But more recently, the eSIM is becoming more and more common. eSIM stands for embedded SIM, which means that it does not require a physical card to be put into your device to be used. It can be activated remotely to let you connect and switch between mobile networks and plans.
How is an eSIM different from a physical SIM card?
You can either use a prepaid physical SIM or an eSIM during your travel to Mexico, so what are the differences?
You can check this article from our blog for a more in-depth analysis of each type of SIM. But for a quick overview, here are the main differences.
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Activation: The eSIMs are easier, you just have to scan a QR code. With a SIM, you have to physically put it in your phone.
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Multiple plans: If you travel a lot, you’ll prefer an eSIM, if you want to stay for a long in a country, it would be best to use a physical one.
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Availability: Both are relatively easy to find in Mexico. You can buy a SIM at the airport or any big store. ESIMs are easy to find online.
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Compatibility: Unfortunately, eSIMs are only compatible with more modern smartphones and not with all of them. A regular SIM will work on any unlocked phone.
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Environmental Impact: eSIMs are more eco-friendly, as they don’t use plastic.
Does everyone use eSIM now?
They aren’t universal. Not yet, and not for most people. For everyday use in your own country, a regular SIM works well enough, but for travelers, eSIMs are a game-changer. Since their introduction in 2016, they have grown in popularity, supported by most manufacturers and SIM providers. So, nowadays, you have many options to adapt the eSIM plans to your specific necessities.
Why Choose an eSIM for Traveling in Mexico?
Cut Your Roaming Expenses
Let’s be real: roaming costs are a rip-off. Traditional roaming can cost up to $5 per every MB you use! And it’s easy to accumulate a really big bill before you even realize it. Even if you’re a light user, you can still be charged over $150 a month! To learn more about this, you can our article about roaming plans.
Instead, get an eSIM card with access to Mexican data plans. This way, you’ll be paying only the local rate instead of international. For example, with a normal roaming plan, you spend $300 per month, with an eSIM, the same amount of data could be as little as $30 for the same amount of data. That’s a 90% in savings!
Quick Setup
To enjoy more of your trip, why not set up your eSIM before you leave your country? With a regular SIM, you need to find a store in the airport that sells them and then install it into your phone. eSIMs do not require physical installation, so you don’t have to fiddle with your phone and then find a way to keep your original SIM safe.
One eSIM for Several Countries
Mexico is a great place to visit, and it has so much to do and see, but maybe you have plans for a longer trip with multiple stops. You can take a detour on the USA or go South to visit other Central American countries. If that’s the case, you can buy an eSIM card that covers multiple countries instead of buying a physical card for each country you travel to.
Great for the Environment
Single-use plastic is terrible for the ecosystem, and unfortunately, physical SIMs are made of hard plastic. Every year, over a billion plastic SIM cards are manufactured. That’s a lot of plastic. And if you keep buying physical cards every time you travel, you’ll just keep producing waste. Instead, help to protect the natural beauty of Mexico and use an eSIM.
Keep in Touch, Even in Remote Locations
Take a good look at the map. Mexico is the fifth biggest country in all of America. So, you need reliable coverage if you plan to traverse the whole country during your trip. A good provider will help you keep your 4G/5G coverage in every city you travel to. This way, you won’t have a problem if you need to check the route, a schedule, or make some translations.
How to Choose the Best eSIM for Mexico
If you’ve read so far, you probably are already sold on the idea of getting a travel eSIM. So, let’s evaluate your personal needs before talking about providers.
Will The Network Coverage Be Available Wherever You Travel?
Unlike other countries, Mexico does not have nationwide 5G yet. This advancement is still limited to major cities, so you’ll be using 4G LTE for most of your trip. So choose a provider that works with the best networks, the ones that are most reliable and have better coverage if you want to travel the country. The three main networks in Mexico are TelCel, AT&T, and Movistar. If you’re staying in the big cities, you should be fine with most providers.
How Much Data Will You Need?
If you prefer using your phone only the bare minimum, a plan of 1GB-3GB for a week should be enough. Maybe you like to scroll while you’re going from one place to another, or you want to post videos of your trip. If that’s the case, 5GB-10GB for two weeks is best for you.
Maybe you’re not on a vacation per se. If you’re doing work that requires an internet connection 24/7, you’ll need a stronger plan. A minimum of 20GB+ a month, or even an unlimited data plan, is fundamental.
- Pro tip: If you’re afraid you’ll run off data, choose a provider that lets you recharge your eSIM without having to buy a new one.
How Long Will You Be Staying?
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Short trips (1-7 days): A plan with a GB per day for a week is a good option for you.
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Longer stays (2 weeks – 1 month): If you’re a heavy user, try unlimited data, if not. Try a plan of 10-20GB for 30 days.
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Frequent traveler: Consider a multi-country eSIM and make sure you can recharge your data plans.
Do You Require Calls and Texts, or Is It Just Data You’re Looking For?
With most eSIMs, you won’t be able to use regular calls and messages since you won’t actually have a phone number. You can still use apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Skype for communication, though. If you feel like you prefer that option, there are eSIM providers that give you a local number with call minutes.
Do You Require an eSIM Hotspot?
If you are working, you probably prefer to share your data plan with a laptop, so choose an eSIM that allows tethering (hotspot sharing) since not all eSIMs do. This is also useful if you plan to travel in a group and want to save some costs.
Pricing Information
As with most services, prices can vary a lot depending on your provider and the specifics they offer. Even then, you can adapt your eSIM within your budget. Options like Jetpac and Nomad offer great plans for a decent price if you’re not a heavy user. Other options like Mexfon can be a lot cheaper, but they may be more difficult to work with if you don’t speak Spanish.
Best eSIM Providers for Mexico
Jetpac
Jetpac is a solid provider of eSIMs in Mexico. They’re connected to the Telcel network, one of the most reliable and widespread in Mexico, so you’ll have a great connection and 5G/4G in most areas. Their prices are competitive but work better for long-term users. They offer a 30GB plan for a whole month for only $61, costing each GB only $3. However, they do not have unlimited data plans currently and do not allow regular messages and calls.
They do support tethering and have great customer service. With a whole section in the app dedicated to common problems and solutions and a live chat for immediate assistance.
Telcel network
Another generally good option with some interesting features compared with other eSIM providers. Their prices tend to be on the higher side, with plans ranging from $12.50 for 3GB to $78.50 for 45 GB. However, they offer excellent connection speed and coverage, and most of their plans also include unlimited calls and SMS.
On the bad side, you’ll have to find a physical store to get their eSIM, unlike most other providers. This means you can’t get it arranged before your trip and you’ll have to spend time. Also, their customer service, while it is fast and works 24/7, works mainly in Spanish.
Nomad
Nomad offers good fixing plans, but they don’t have any unlimited data plans. So, they work better for travelers who prefer to keep strong control over their data usage. A regular plan for 1GB a week costs $6, while a 30-day plan with 10GB is $35. Coverage is usually good, but it can be unstable in some cities.
Service to the customer is also not as good as other providers’ since their online channel doesn’t have the best response times. They do support tethering, so if you’re traveling in a group setting, it is a good investment.
Yesim
Yesim offers both limited and unlimited data plans for Mexico travelers. Their prices are quite high compared to other eSIM providers, with a 3GB plan for 7 days costing almost $20 and their unlimited data plans starting at $11 for a single day. Despite that, they have excellent coverage, partnering with major Mexican networks like Movistar and Telcel.
Their customer service is excellent, offering English, Spanish, and some other languages, and contact via e-mail, live chat, and WhatsApp.
Yoho Mobile
If you want a reliable and well-balanced provider, Yoho Mobile is a great option. One of their strong points is that they do global and regional eSIMs, with which you can travel all the way up to Canada and down to Argentina if you want to. They offer multiple options so you can customize all their plans to your specific needs.
Their international plans are better and cheaper. For example, 3 GB of data for 15 days at just $22.85 for an eSIM that will work in 121 countries! If you still feel that that’s still expensive, try using their promo code! All our readers get a 12% discount after all with our promo code YOHOREADERSAVE.
They also offer reliable customer service, 24/7 via email and WhatsApp, and if you have any problem or dissatisfaction, you can get a full refund! You shouldn’t have problems with your connection, though, since Yoho Mobile has partnerships with strong networks worldwide and offers a stable 4G LTE and 5G connection.
Overall, Yoho Mobile is the best eSIM provider for Mexico, with good plan prices and flexibility, both limited and unlimited data plans, hotspot support, and great customer service.
Local eSIM Providers
AT&T Mexico
AT&T Mexico might be more known for their traditional SIMs, but they do offer eSIMs for their network. These plans are widely used by travelers who use AT&T in the US and want to keep the same provider while traveling to Mexico. Their prices are similar to other providers, with unlimited plans for a month starting at $36, but their data speed tends to be lower if the network is congested or you leave the big cities. It’s also worth noting that they do not support 5G.
Their customer support is relatively good, and since they have a strong network available nationwide, it is easy to find a store if you prefer in-person service. If not, you can always use their online assistance, although response time can be a bit slow.
MexFon
Mexfon is another local provider, a bit less known than AT&T Mexico. They work in the Altan Redes, which also provides good coverage in the whole country. Their prices are similar to other providers but are only available in Mexican pesos, so it can be confusing. A 5GB plan for a month can cost around $6, and an unlimited data plan for 15 days costs around $5, but you have to pay $9 extra for activation.
Their eSIMs support hotspots, so it may be a good choice if you need to work there for a time. Their unlimited data plan offers unlimited calls and SMS as well. Their customer service is limited, with a chat available on their website and WhatsApp every day from 9 am to 9 pm.
Picture by Ricky Esquivel on Pexels
How to Set Up and Activate an eSIM for Mexico
Step 1: Choose the right eSIM provider
Once you’ve carefully analyzed all the available providers and their pros and cons, you are ready to choose. Remember all your needs and your budget, and compare each plan before you make your decision.
Step 2: Purchase the eSIM
So you just choose your provider, now that you’re on their website or you downloaded their app, you just have to follow these simple steps.
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Choose “Mexico” as your travel destination. If you’re planning to travel to multiple countries, choose that option.
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Select the plan that better suits you.
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Choose a payment method, it usually gives you the option to use a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.
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Now is the time to use any promo codes or discounts you can. If you choose Yoho Mobile, don’t forget to use our promo code YOHO12 to get a 12% discount.
Step 3: Receive and scan the QR code
You’ll receive an e-mail after completing the purchase. There, you’ll find the QR code with the corresponding instructions to activate the eSIM. It usually reads something like:
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Make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
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Go to Settings, Mobile Dara, and select Add eSIM. Maybe your device has a different name, but it shouldn’t be hard to find.
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Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Install and activate the eSIM on your phone
After you scan the QR code, you’ll see some instructions on the screen. Just follow them carefully. Depending on the provider, the specifics may vary, but in general, they should be simple. Most eSIMs activate automatically; others require that you change the network manually or select them as your primary data plan.
Step 5: Troubleshoot common setup issues
Some common problems you might have with your eSIM and how to fix them:
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Activation code expired: Some eSIMs require being activated within a certain amount of time. If the QR expired and you haven’t used your plan, you can contact them and request a new one.
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eSIM profile missing: Reinstall the SIM or request a new QR code.
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Hotspots not working: You can enable tethering manually or check if your eSIM supports tethering.
FAQs about the Best eSIM for Mexico
Can I make calls with an eSIM?
It depends on what eSIM you end up choosing. Most eSIMs do not support regular SMS and calls, but you can work around that by using apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. If you really want an eSIM to make calls, you can check Telcel and MexFon data plans. To learn more, read our article
Is an eSIM Worth It in Mexico?
Yes, it is. An eSIMs have many advantages over the alternative physical SIM. With an eSIM, you’ll find a reliable connection and excellent speed with a few clicks. You can find many options for providers with incredible ease, each of them with its unique advantages, so you can fully customize your eSIM to your specific needs. All this even before you leave your country and with an eco-friendly option too.
Why eSIMs are the future of travel connectivity?
eSIMs are the future of travel connectivity because they are just too convenient. It’s easy to set them up while you wait for a checkup in the airport and then just relax and enjoy your travel. If you want a multi-country trip, you just need to do the set-up a single time, and most providers have easy methods for recharging your existing eSIM. Also, don’t forget that you don’t even have to remove your personal SIM from your phone, so people who don’t even know you’re traveling the world can still contact you.
What is the best eSIM for Mexico?
This depends solely on the personal needs of each traveler. There is no right and wrong provided since each has its own strengths, and every person has their own idea of what makes the best eSIM the best eSIM. Having said that, if you want a good, reliable eSIM provider with flexibility and customizable plans, Yoho Mobile is a good eSIM provider to consider.
Does eSIM work in Mexico?
Yes, eSIM does work in Mexico, but it depends on your carrier and device. Many international carriers, such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, offer eSIM plans that work in Mexico. These carriers often have specific plans tailored to travelers visiting the country. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, carriers like Yoho Mobile can be a good choice since their rates are often cheaper compared to the major international carriers.
How to Get an eSIM for Mexico?
To stay connected in Mexico, you can get an eSIM before your trip or buy a prepaid SIM card upon arrival. eSIMs, like those from Yoho Mobile, are convenient and don’t require swapping SIM cards. After purchase, you’ll receive a QR code to activate it. Prepaid SIM cards, available from providers like AT&T and Telcel, are better if you need voice or SMS services but don’t support eSIM. Both options work, but eSIMs are often more convenient.