eSIMs have taken the world by storm because of their convenience and ubiquitousness. Since they became popular in 2018, many eSIM providers have emerged to offer data packages at much more affordable rates than traditional mobile carriers. eSIMs let you avoid steep roaming fees and maintain speedy internet access wherever you travel.
Mexico is one of the most visited countries, and tourists often wonder about the best eSIM package for their stay. Here is a guide to help, diving deep into the best eSIMs for Mexico and their unique features.
The best eSIMs for Mexico in 2024 in full:
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Best eSIM overall
Airalo is the world’s largest standalone eSIM provider, offering network coverage in virtually all countries. Its stellar network coverage and fast internet speed save you from expensive data fees whenever you visit Mexico. Airalo offers a Chorro Fon package with robust internet access across Mexico. However, Airalo has data-only plans, with no phone number for calls or SMS.
You can choose from various data plans, including $6 for 1 GB for 7 days, $11.50 for 2 GB for 15 days, $15.50 for 3 GB for 30 days, $23.50 for 5 GB for 30 days, and $42 for 10 GB for 30 days. We don’t like that Airalo’s highest plan is 10 GB or the lack of an unlimited data plan. However, Airalo’s widespread coverage and robust speed are unbeatable. You’ll also enjoy stellar customer service from Airalo’s well-heeled support team.
You don’t need formal documentation to buy an Airalo eSIM. You can purchase it online and activate the eSIM by scanning a QR code sent to your email address. Once you get to Mexico, switch to your Airalo eSIM profile and start surfing the web. There’s no phone number for direct calls or texts, but you can still use WhatsApp, Skype, and other VoIP plans for the same function.
Read our full Airalo review.
Best budget-friendly eSIM
Nomad is an eSIM provider that is well known for its budget-friendly plans. This provider offers unlimited data but with a catch. You can only browse with 1 GB daily at superfast speeds. If you surpass the 1 GB daily limit, your speed is capped at 512kbps till the next day. This feature might seem counterintuitive, but it's a smart tradeoff that lets Nomad offer unlimited data plans for an affordable price.
Nomad offers five data plans: $6 for 1 day, $11 for 3 days, $18 for 5 days, $25 for 7 days, or $35 for 10 days. We don’t like that 10 days is the highest duration for a Nomad plan when some competitors offer 30-day or annual plans. However, Nomad remains an excellent eSIM provider with robust internet access on a budget.
You don’t need documentation to buy a Nomad eSIM. You’ll pay online and activate the eSIM by scanning a QR code sent to your email address.
Read our full Nomad review.
Best eSIM for unlimited data
Holafly is an excellent eSIM provider that offers robust coverage in Mexico. This brand offers unlimited data plans, giving it an edge over most competitors. Another good thing is that Holafly has no fixed pricing plans– what you’ll pay depends on the exact number of days you choose. For example, 4 days cost 15 euros ($16), 15 days cost 47 euros ($51), and 30 days cost 69 euros ($74).
This eSIM provider is definitely not cheap. The plans are pricey but worth it, considering the unlimited data access. If you’re a heavy internet user and want to continue surfing the web without issues in Mexico, Holafly is a perfect option. This eSIM lets you share your data with other devices as a hotspot, so movie streaming, online gaming, and other data-heavy activities won’t be a problem.
Like its counterparts, Holafly doesn’t offer a phone number like its counterparts, but you can use VoIP apps to stay in touch with your peers. You don’t need formal documentation to get a Holafly eSIM—you’ll pay for it online and scan the QR code sent to your email address to activate the eSIM. Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.
Read our full Holafly review.
Best eSIM for network coverage
Yesim is another reliable eSIM provider with excellent coverage in Mexico. This eSIM provider offers both fixed and unlimited data plans, with the latter being more expensive. You can choose from various standard plans, including $19.80 for 3 GB for 7 days, $27.50 for 5 GB for 15 days, $45 for 10 GB for 30 days, and $64 for 20 GB for 30 days. The unlimited data plans are $46 for 7 days or $68 for 15 days.
Yesim’s plans aren’t cheap, especially the unlimited plans, but the tradeoff is stellar network coverage and speed. Yesim has roaming agreements with Telcel and Movistar, two of the biggest Mexican mobile carriers. Hence, you’ll enjoy speedy internet access across Mexico, including a 5G connection in some areas. Yesim doesn’t offer a phone number for calls and SMS messages, but VoIP apps can fill the same role.
You don’t need formal documentation to buy a Yesim package, making it easy to get. You can pay online and activate the eSIM immediately after payment. Turn on the Yesim eSIM profile once you arrive in Mexico and enjoy speedy internet.
Best eSIM for pay-as-you-go
BNE is an eSIM provider that offers reliable data plans in Mexico. You can buy a plan that works only in Mexico or pay for a Global plan that covers Mexico and 101 other countries. This eSIM provider is well-known for offering pay-as-you-go data plans that never expire. Your data remains valid as long as you’ve not exhausted it on browsing. If your data allocation is finished, you can top it up and continue browsing seamlessly.
BNE offers various data plans from 1 GB to 20 GB. The same data plan costs more for pay-as-you-go than the 30-day option, understandably because the former doesn’t expire. For example, the 10 GB non-expiring data plan costs $73, while the 30-day option costs $52. The drawback is that BNE doesn’t offer unlimited data plans like some competitors.
You don’t need formal documentation to register and activate a BNE eSIM. You can pay online and activate the eSIM by scanning the QR code sent to your address. You can monitor your credit balance and top-up data via the BNE mobile app. BNE’s Mexico coverage is powered by Telcel, a leading domestic telecoms firm.
Best eSIMs for Mexico FAQs
What is an eSIM?
eSIM is an abbreviation for embedded SIM. It’s a SIM card embedded directly on a smartphone, rather than the removable SIM cards typically made of plastic. An eSIM comprises software installed on a chip permanently attached to a smartphone– it can’t be removed or replaced physically. Instead, every configuration occurs via a software interface– you can add or delete eSIM profiles whenever you want.
An eSIM can hold up to 8 different network profiles (it varies depending on your smartphone). In contrast, you’ll hardly find a smartphone with 8 physical SIM slots.
Research into eSIMs began in the 2010s, funded by the GSM Association (GSMA). They were initially targeted at industrial products but gradually crept into consumer products. The first eSIM standard was released in 2016, but eSIMs became popular after Apple announced the first eSIM-compatible iPhone in 2018. Other smartphone manufacturers followed suit, and most modern smartphones now support eSIMs.
eSIMs have taken the world by storm because of their convenience. They enable users to manage many network profiles simultaneously and switch between them easily. Swapping physical SIM cards is no longer necessary when you want to register for a new network. Instead, you can scan a QR code and register a new eSIM on your device.
Let’s say you want to travel from Brazil to Mexico. You don’t need to wait till you land in Mexico to find a local carrier and register a new physical SIM. Instead, you can purchase and activate a Mexico eSIM while in Brazil. When you land in Mexico, simply turn on the eSIM profile for data access.
In the U.S., Apple now sells eSIM-only iPhones, although foreign models retain support for both eSIMs and physical SIMs. eSIM-enabled device shipments are expected to grow to 14 billion by 2030, compared to 350 million in 2021. This explosive growth hints at a time when most smartphones will have eSIMs, delivering more convenience and reducing plastic waste.
Why do I need an eSIM in Mexico?
Mexico is one of the most visited countries in North America, welcoming nearly 40 million foreigners annually. Most tourists in Mexico need internet access, and eSIMs deliver that access.
Like all countries, Mexico has highly regulated mobile carriers, and foreign SIM cards won’t work unless the owner is on a roaming plan. Since eSIMs became popular, many companies have emerged to provide eSIM packages to travelers. These companies have roaming agreements with mobile carriers in Mexico and many other countries. Hence, you can purchase and activate a Mexico eSIM in your country. When you visit Mexico and turn on the eSIM profile, you can start browsing seamlessly.
The leading telecoms firms in Mexico are Telcel, Telmex, Movistar, Axtel, and Grupo Televisa. Any Mexican eSIM will connect you to one or more of these networks to guarantee robust coverage. For example, the BNE eSIM plugs you into Telcel's network in Mexico, while Yesim combines Telcel and Movistar for better coverage. The drawback is that most eSIM providers don’t offer phone numbers because of the complicated regulations and infrastructure required to do that. All providers mentioned in this guide offer data-only plans.
Considerations for choosing an eSIM
1. Cost
Cost is the first consideration, as it’s necessary to choose something you can easily afford. eSIM providers give you a broad range of options to choose from. You can select a capped data plan (1 GB to 50 GB) or unlimited data, which is more expensive. You can select an eSIM that gives you network access only in Mexico or one that combines Mexico and many other countries. It depends on how much you’re willing to spend on an eSIM.
2. Validity
How long does your data plan remain valid? Most eSIM providers offer plans valid for between 7 and 30 days, but a few, like BNE, have data plans that never expire. The duration of your trip determines the validity of your chosen data plan. If you plan to spend a long time in Mexico, getting a plan valid for at least 30 days is wise.
3. Customer service
If you have eSIM issues, you should be able to access speedy help. An ideal provider should have a skilled support team you can contact via email, telephone, or live chat. Before making a final decision, check customer reviews to see if an eSIM provider has noticeable complaints regarding support.
