How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Mexico?

Going on a trip to Mexico soon? You’re probably busy planning the last details of your itinerary. However, one practical thing you should also think about is how you’ll be getting around and communicating while you’re there.

To make your vacation more enjoyable, consider swapping your UK SIM for a Mexico SIM card. This will help you avoid additional expenses and allow you to use translation apps and maps without having to rely on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Mexico and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Mexico from the UK?

Getting a Mexico SIM card is a smart way to save money, as most UK monthly plans don’t cover international calls or data. It’s often a better deal to buy a local SIM in Mexico than to pay your provider’s extra charges for using your phone abroad, which can be expensive.

A local Mexico SIM will make it easier to stay in touch with your friends and family while you’re away. You’ll be able to stay online all day long, since you’ll have good network coverage. You won’t have to rely on Wi-Fi or take unnecessary breaks. Besides, having a local SIM card gives you access to some important travel apps like translation services and maps.

If you're still not convinced you should get a Mexico SIM card, you can always rely on international roaming. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover Mexico. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Mexico?

Prepaid SIM cards are fairly cheap in Mexico. There are plenty of unlimited data options, at least when it comes to social media use. The prices start at around 50 MXN, which is the price of Telcel’s 7-day Friend Without Limit plan.

eSIMs are slightly more expensive, but still very affordable. For example, Airalo has a 7-day Mexico eSIM with 1 GB of data for £5.50.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Mexico?

Mexico SIM cards are available in official provider stores, convenience stores and at the airport. You can also order an eSIM before your trip and arrive prepared.¹

Getting a prepaid travel SIM in Mexico is simple and easy, especially since it won’t be registered under your name. This means you likely won’t have to go through a registration process at all, just make sure your phone is unlocked.

In case you don’t have pesos yet, make sure you ask the employees whether you can pay with your credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Mexico in the UK?

You can order a Mexico SIM card before leaving the UK, so you’re ready to go as soon as you arrive. However, your options will be limited, and you may end up paying more than necessary.

For example, SimCorner offers a 30-day Mexico SIM for travellers. It includes 5 GB of data and costs £26. If you want calls and texts included, it’s an extra £8. Don’t forget to factor in delivery time if you choose to order this SIM.²

Can you buy a Mexico SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can get a Mexico SIM at the airport, but not at all of them. Smaller airports might not have shops that sell SIM cards, while larger airports typically have convenience stores that stock them.¹

However, airport stores tend to be more expensive. If it’s not urgent, it’s better to wait and buy a SIM card at a store in the city.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Mexico

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your vacation in Mexico.

Telcel

Telcel’s Amigo Sin Límite SIM plans work in Mexico, Canada, and the US. All plans include unlimited calls and texts, with data coverage abroad starting at 50 MB.³

The 7-day Friend Without Limit plan costs 50 MXN and comes with a few perks, including unlimited access to WhatsApp and 750 MB for social media apps like Instagram or X. If that’s not enough, there’s also a 15-day plan for 100 MXN, which includes 1.3 GB of data that can be used in Canada or the US.³

AT&T

The main plans that AT&T Mexico offers to tourists cost 100, 150 and 200 MXN each.

The first plan is valid for 14 days and includes unlimited calls and social media use, along with 1.5 GB of data for browsing. The other two plans are valid for 30 days, one offering 4.6 GB of data and the other 6 GB.⁴

Movistar

Currently, Movistar offers two prepaid 5G SIM plans suitable for tourists. The 60 MXN plan provides unlimited calls and social media use for 14 days, along with 1 GB of data for browsing. The more expensive plan costs 100 MXN and offers 4 GB of data for 30 days.⁵

The plans also include unlimited access to apps like Google Maps and Uber, which can be very useful when travelling.⁵

Best e-SIM cards for Mexico

Buying an eSIM is one of the easiest ways to avoid hefty roaming charges. You can even buy one before leaving the UK and activate it once you arrive.

Just be sure to check if your phone supports eSIMs. If it does, here are some of the best eSIM options for Mexico.

Maya Mobile

With Maya Mobile plans, you can choose between four data options - 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB or unlimited data. The minimum coverage period is five days, but you can also get a monthly plan.⁶

If you opt for a 10-day card, prices start at £9.99 for 3 GB. The 5 GB plan is £13.99, the 10 GB option costs £23.99 and unlimited data is priced at £4.29 per day.⁶

Holafly

Holafly’s plans have unlimited data and their final price depends on the number of days you buy.

Their Mexico eSIM costs £6 for a single day. However, the daily rate decreases with longer plans. For example, 10 days costs £30, while two weeks of use is priced at £38.⁷

Since this is a data-only SIM, you can keep your number. Also, you can share data via hotspot to keep your travel group connected.⁷

Airalo

Airalo’s Mexico eSIM are called Chorro Fon and there’s five to choose from. They’re all data-only plans and the validity ranges from 7 to 30 days.⁸

The cheapest eSIM plan they offer has a 7-day validity period and 1 GB of data for £5.50. There’s also a £10 option with 2 GB of data that can last you up to 15 days. The other eSIMs are 30-day packages costing between £13 and £35.50.⁸

Spend like a local in Mexico with Wise

While you’re deciding which Mexico SIM card to buy for your trip, you might also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Mexico and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 16-Jan-2025