Hello people! Do you have any plans to visit Mexico in the near future, and do you wish to communicate with somebody or make calls? Keep reading. Most often purchasing the SIM is the fastest, easiest and cheapest method for one to obtain the mobile data and make a call or talk to the clients back at home on the trip.
This article will provide you with all of the information you require about buy sim card in Mexico, including the best ones, how to purchase them, usage, and more. We will explain where you can find a SIM card, who the best local networks are, and how much it will cost you.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How a SIM Card in Mexico Is Beneficial
This is especially true if one carries one’s own local SIM card, which one uses when supporting foreign travel customers to such a destination as Mexico. Here are some of the reasons a traveller would choose to purchase a local SIM card rather than use international roaming services or wifi for their stay in Mexico
Cost-Effective
Roaming can be extremely costly if it’s done with the original service provider par, particularly for data services. Local SIMs are to be used for affordable data tariffs and calls, all at an affordable cost, cutting mobile expenses.
Reliable Coverage
There is a stable signal in all the big cities of Mexico and in the places that are most interesting for tourists. If you have a local SIM, you don’t need Wi-Fi most of the time, and the services are much better in the countryside.
Easy Access to Local Services
They anticipate many services, such as phoning devices, including ride-hailing apps like Uber, mapping apps, and local booking apps in general, which need a phone number. Carrying a local SIM card guarantees that at any given time, you can access those tools with just one click.
Buy SIM Card in Mexico: A Complete Guide
Now that you understand the importance of a SIM card let’s turn to the comprehensive tutorial on buying one in Mexico. Getting any service necessitates enjoying it, so below is a step-by-step guide to make the whole process easy.
Choose the Right Provider of SIM card Services
Mexico has a number of mobile service providers that provide various packages based on the price of the SIM card, both prepaid as well as postpaid service, offering flexible data options. Here are the top three most popular and reliable ones
T Elcel: The company in the Mexican mobile telecommunication industry is Telcel, which provides extensive network coverage and quality customer services. They offer many innovative call and data packages that will be useful for those who will be travelling for a short term.
- AT&T Mexico: Its data service is good, with reasonable speed and coverage, which is best in cities and the most visited tourist attractions. They have attractive mobile plans.
- Movistar: Movistar is another cheap company, although if you are going to areas where other operators are unlikely to venture, Movistar will be your best bet. Both are famous for their flexible prepaid service.
How to Buy SIM Card in Mexico
When visiting Mexico, one can get a Mexican SIM card from many different places either physically or via the web. On the list of the most frequent places to purchase SIM cards, below are some examples
- Airport Kiosks: Almost all airports in Mexico have shops or stands with SIM cards of companies such as Telcel, AT&T, Movistar, etc. Using airport kiosks would be easy, though they might be slightly more expensive than other outlets.
- Mobile Carrier Stores: If you would like to have a more individual approach, go to the official stores of such carriers as Telcel, AT&T, or Movistar. It is the work of the staff to guide you on what plan suits your case to the latter.
- Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: Most large supermarkets and convenience stores, like OXXO or 7-Eleven, offer cheaper SIM cards for prepaid connections. This is one of the most widely used techniques by travellers because these stores are plentiful in Mexico.
- Online: Some service providers allow their clients to get SIM cards via online shops. This is the best option if one wants the SIM card to be available upon arrival in Mexico without having to pay for the day they arrive.
Things You Need When Wanting To Purchase A SIM Card
To purchase a SIM card in Mexico, you’ll need the following
- Passport: The only acceptable identification is a valid passport. Mexico laws demand that any foreigner who wishes to acquire a SIM card have an identification.
- Payment: This also means that you will need cash on you and your identification card to purchase a SIM card. SIM cards are relatively cheap, ranging from $3 to $10.
- Phone Compatibility: Make sure that your phone is not locked and that it supports the network that is in use in Mexico. Many of the current phones should be perfectly fine, but it would be good to verify that.
Choosing the Right Plan
Mexican carriers have several prices for both initial connection and subsequent monthly connections, and they come with a number of data, talk time, and validity based on a prepaid system. Here’s a breakdown of typical plans
- Data-Only Plans: Mobile data only, if used for browsing and navigation, is ideal for most users, and data-only plans should suffice. These tend to provide between 1GB and 5GB of usage and are good for low internet usage.
- Combo Plans: Combo offers are of both data and talk time. These are the best for if you will be making some calls in addition to just browsing the net on the Internet. 95% of combo offers are in between 200MB to 5GB data usage besides a number of call minutes.
- Unlimited Plans: For highly mobile consumers who use a lot of data and voice minutes, there are high-speed data plans that include unlimited calling within Mexico. These are a bit costly but attractive if you will be using your phone a lot.
Activating Your SIM Card
The last thing to decide is when your SIM card is purchased; the next stage is the activation. Many of the SIMs are readily activated by following a basic process. Here’s how it works
Insert the SIM Card
- Insert the above-mentioned SIM card into your unlocked cellular phone. After a few moments, you should see a network signal.
Follow the Instructions
- It was found that some carriers offer an activation code, or you receive a welcome message containing instructions. If not, they can usually activate the plan by calling a particular number or by going online to the carrier’s site.
Top-Up Your Balance
- If you have switched from one of the preceding points to a prepaid plan, you may need to recharge your account to enable the plan. This can be done on the web, using apps, or physically in a store.
Customer Support
- If you have problems with activation, it is recommended that you contact the carrier’s customer service. In most carrier stores, their staff has a good command of English and can help you with the problems.
The video is following about HOW TO GET A MEXICAN CELL PHONE NUMBER FOR DATA AND FREE CALLS TO US, MEXICO AND CANADA. WATCH THIS
Analysis of Roaming Vs. Local SIM Cards in Mexico
Another issue which, in fact, keeps many people at a cross is whether to continue using their provider’s roaming facilities at exorbitant rates or get a local sim card. Here is an assessment of the advantages and the disadvantages of two options, which could be followed in armed conflict.
Taking Your Current Provider with You
Pros
- There is no need to change SIM cards because they can keep their original number
- Roaming policies for a majority of mobile network providers are made for a brief period.
Cons
- The cost of data roaming may be very high.
- The network may be unavailable in rural areas or away from tourist spots.
Local SIM Cards in Mexico
Pros
- Cheaper rates, especially with the data.
- Remote coverage is good even in far-off regions
- Different prepaid options are available.
Cons
- Temporary changes to your number will be required.
- You must ensure your phone is unlocked before using a local SIM card.
- In most cases, reconnecting with people while in Mexico involves buying and using a local SIM card, which is economical and efficient.
Conclusion
Are you eager to remain connected in Mexico at an affordable cost? Acquiring a SIM card is one of the easiest processes and is very cheap. Plus, it provides mobile services when on a tour.
Mexico’s three main mobile service providers have numerous plans depending on the level of usage: data-only plans or those with unlimited calls. With the help of the material, you can follow the steps and maintain pleasant communication throughout the journey.
FAQs
- How can one be so sure that their phone is unlocked?
Either call your present service provider or put in a SIM card from a foreign country. One of the ways is to try inserting a new SIM; if your phone can “{}” the new SIM, it is unlocked.
- Is it possible to purchase a SIM card before getting to Mexico?
Of course, there are times when some providers let you buy your SIM card online before you travel to their country.
- Can I use WhatsApp if I get a Mexican SIM card?
Of course, as long as WhatsApp is connected to the Internet, using it with a Mexican SIM card is no problem.
- I have a Mexican SIM card, and my question is, how do I add balance to the same?
You can recharge your balance through their application, online, or at any OXXO convenience store.
- That brings me to my next question: Can I implement my US plan in Mexico?
Almost all American plans operate in Mexico when roaming internationally, but they come with charges. However, it is usually cheaper to buy a local SIM card.
