Introduction

Mexico is a popular destination for travelers from around the world who come for its rich culture, historical monuments, beautiful beaches, and excellent cuisine. Each year, millions of tourists, digital nomads, and business travelers visit this country.

When traveling to Mexico, reliable mobile connectivity is essential, but traditional roaming can be very expensive. Arranging a local SIM card after arrival means losing valuable time, which is why more and more visitors are choosing eSIM – a digital SIM card that can be activated without physical exchange.

In this complete guide, we'll introduce the most reliable eSIM providers for Mexico, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll explore their most popular data packages from 2 GB through 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB up to unlimited plans, so you can choose the optimal solution.

With eSIM, you can avoid surprisingly high roaming fees and handle the entire process online before departure. In the following sections, you'll find detailed information about installation, useful travel tips, and comparisons of different plans that will help you enjoy your stay in Mexico without worrying about internet connectivity or unexpected charges.

eSIM Plans in Mexico at a Glance

Best eSIM Providers for Mexico

eSIM4Travel in Mexico

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in Mexico uses the networks of Telcel and AT&T. These are the two largest operators in the country with excellent coverage in most tourist areas. For travelers looking for cost-effective and reliable connectivity, eSIM4Travel represents an ideal choice. Their service typically begins working immediately after activation, customer support is available and responds promptly. The main advantages include competitive prices, no speed throttling, and the ability to add data to an already activated eSIM. Additionally, there's no need to install any additional application to manage your connection.

Airalo eSIM in Mexico

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo partners in Mexico with Movistar, which is the third largest operator in the country. Movistar offers quality coverage primarily in cities and tourist destinations. Travelers appreciate the simplicity of using Airalo, eSIM activation usually takes only a few minutes, and the user application allows convenient monitoring of data usage and possible purchase of additional packages. Customers report positive experiences with Airalo not only in Mexico but also in other Latin American countries such as Colombia, Peru, or Brazil.

Holafly eSIM in Mexico

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly uses the networks of Telcel and Movistar in Mexico, which ensures stable coverage in most tourist destinations including the capital city (CDMX), Cancún, and other popular locations. However, it's important to know that Holafly's eSIM doesn't have coverage in some areas such as Baja California, Holbox Island, Contoy Island, Chiquilá, Ojo de Agua, and some sections of the Playa – Merida federal highway.

The main distinction of Holafly is their exclusive offer of unlimited data packages, which eliminate concerns about data depletion. For trips to Mexico, prices range from $6.90 to $139.90 depending on the validity period, which can be from one day up to 90 days. Although Holafly promotes unlimited data, it's necessary to expect that with excessive usage (such as continuous high-definition streaming), temporary speed restrictions may occur. Users have reported slowdowns after using approximately 5 GB of data in a single day.

Yesim eSIM in Mexico

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim uses the Diri network in Mexico, which provides seamless mobile connectivity in Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl, Ecatepec, Guadalajara, Juarez, Leon De Los Aldama, Mexico City, Monterrey, Puebla, Tijuana, and other Mexican cities. Yesim offers competitive prices and a simple user interface, making it a popular choice for both short-term visitors and longer stays. More detailed information about this service can be found in our comprehensive overview of Yesim.

Jetpac eSIM in Mexico

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac partners with Telcel in Mexico, which is the largest mobile service provider in the country with the most extensive coverage. This ensures reliable connectivity even in less populated areas, which is especially appreciated by travelers planning to visit more remote locations. For more information about Jetpac, we recommend our detailed guide to this service.

Best eSIM Plans for Mexico

Below you'll find a comparison of the most popular eSIM data packages available for Mexico. For a comprehensive overview of all available options, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool for Mexico, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other criteria according to your specific needs.

Free Data in Mexico

If you only need minimal internet connection, for example to check emails or quickly search for information, Roamless offers a free eSIM with 300 MB of data for Mexico.

Another option is to try GigSky, which provides a trial eSIM with 100 MB of free data without requiring payment details. This test version allows you to verify the functionality of the service before potentially purchasing a paid package.

For more information about options for obtaining free data not only for Mexico, visit our article Free eSIM | How to Get Free Data for the USA and Abroad. A complete overview of all available offers including free options can be found in our eSIM comparison tool for Mexico.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Mexico

Purchasing and activating an eSIM for Mexico is an easy process that will save you many hassles while traveling. The main advantage is the ability to arrange everything in advance, so you'll be immediately connected after arrival without having to look for SIM card vendors or deal with language barriers.

• Detailed guide for activating eSIM on iPhone
• How to easily set up eSIM on Samsung phones
• List of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Before buying an eSIM, it's necessary to verify whether your phone supports this technology. Most newer models from brands like Apple, Samsung, or Google are compatible. To be sure, you can use our updated list of phones with eSIM support.

2. Choose a suitable provider: For Mexico, you have several proven providers available such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO, or GigSky. When deciding on a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for regular use of navigation and social media, 2 GB is usually sufficient, while for more demanding users, 5 GB or 10 GB packages are more suitable. For detailed comparison of all available options, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool for Mexico, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation using QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and select the option "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection will configure automatically after installation is complete. If this doesn't happen, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also remember to check that you have data roaming activated for the eSIM profile in your phone – don't worry, you won't be charged any additional roaming fees.

We recommend installing and preparing the eSIM before departure, preferably in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This way, you'll be sure that you'll be immediately online after arriving in Mexico without any complications. More information about first-time setup can be found in our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Mexico

Mexico is a country full of contrasts – from vibrant metropolises to quiet beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. Regardless of whether you're traveling for relaxation, business, or as a digital nomad, reliable internet connection is key. Here are practical tips for maximizing the use of your eSIM during your stay:

Security and Data Protection

Using a VPN is recommended in Mexico, even though internet censorship isn't as strict as in some other countries. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) will provide you with an additional layer of protection when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, which can be vulnerable to cyber attacks. Additionally, a VPN will allow you access to American streaming services that may be geographically restricted abroad. We recommend installing and testing a VPN before departure.

Data Limit Management

Monitoring data usage is important to avoid unpleasant surprises. Most eSIM providers offer applications or web interfaces where you can check your current status. In your phone's operating system, you can also set alerts when reaching a certain limit. For efficient data usage, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find useful tips such as:

• Downloading Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation
• Pre-downloading translators and guides for offline use
• Limiting streaming quality on platforms like YouTube or Spotify
• Deactivating automatic app updates and photo backups

If you're not sure how much data you'll need during your trip, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the right package size. For precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period exactly according to your needs.

Communication with Home

Most eSIMs for Mexico provide only data services without the option for traditional calls and SMS. However, this isn't an obstacle to maintaining contact with family and friends. With a data connection, you can use applications like WhatsApp, which is very widespread in Mexico, Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free calling and messaging. If you need to call standard phone numbers, read our article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other options.

Financial Services and Payments

Access to online banking and payment applications is invaluable when traveling. Services like Revolut or Wise offer advantageous exchange rates and the ability to pay in Mexican pesos without high fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll always have access to your finances and the ability to quickly respond to unexpected expenses. In Mexico, cash payment is still common, especially in smaller towns and markets, so it's good to have access to online banking for possible transfers or topping up your travel card.

Regional Travel

Planning to visit other countries in the region? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for North and Central America, which cover not only Mexico but also USA, Canada, or Caribbean countries. These packages are often more economical than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify exactly the countries you plan to visit. If you're planning to travel to the Dominican Republic or other places in the region, also check out our specialized guides for these destinations.

✈️ Expert advice: In Mexico, time zones differ by region – most of the country uses CST (Central Standard Time), but northwestern states including Baja California are in PST (Pacific Standard Time) zone. Remember to set your phone to automatically update the time to avoid confusion with planning. Learn more about time zones in our articles Why Do Time Zones Exist? and 7 Facts About Time Zones.

Alternative Internet Connections in Mexico

eSIM technology offers a convenient and efficient solution for internet connection while traveling, but it's not the only available option. If for some reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, there are several alternatives:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Mexican SIM cards are readily available at international airports, shopping centers, supermarkets, and specialized telecommunications operator stores. The main providers are Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar, who offer special packages for tourists with data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card lie in its relatively low price (approximately $7-20 for a basic package) and the possibility to get a Mexican phone number for local calls and SMS. The disadvantage is the necessity of personally visiting a store after arrival, potential language barrier during purchase, and the need to have an identification document, usually a passport, for card registration.

If you decide on a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing from official retailers or authorized stores. Make sure your phone isn't locked to a specific operator (so-called SIM lock) and that you either have a dual SIM phone or are prepared to temporarily remove your home SIM card. In Mexico, registration of your phone's IMEI is required for SIM card activation, so have this number ready (you can usually find it printed on your phone's box or dial *#06# to display it).

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices represent a practical alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network, to which you can connect multiple devices simultaneously – smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart watches. They are ideal for families or groups of friends who want to share one connection.

Portable hotspots can be rented before your trip from specialized companies that offer delivery of the device to an address in the USA or directly to the airport in Mexico. Some models combine the hotspot function with a power bank, which is very practical during long trips. More information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is that they represent another thing you have to carry with you and regularly charge. Also, the price for rental or purchase tends to be higher than for eSIM or physical SIM card, and in some more remote areas of Mexico, they may have more limited coverage.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your American operator is the simplest, but usually the most expensive option. Roaming works based on partnership agreements between your home operator and Mexican providers, which allows you to use your existing phone number and services abroad as well.

Prices for roaming in Mexico can be very high – often ranging from $10-15 per MB of data (not GB!). This means that even brief browsing of social media or searching on maps can lead to a bill in the thousands of dollars. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for travel outside the USA, which can be more affordable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions or eSIM.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Mexico has a relatively good infrastructure of public Wi-Fi networks, especially in large cities and tourist areas. Free Wi-Fi can be found in hotels, restaurants, cafes like Starbucks, shopping centers, and some public spaces. The government has also introduced the "México Conectado" program, which provides free Wi-Fi in some public places.

The main risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security. Unsecured connections can be exploited to steal personal data or monitor your online activity. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, we strongly recommend using a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into internet banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be offline whenever you leave an area with coverage. This can be problematic when navigating in an unfamiliar city, searching for transportation information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for internet connection, especially if you plan to travel outside the main tourist areas.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Mexico

Mexico has a developed telecommunications infrastructure with several main operators providing services to both local residents and visitors. Understanding the local market will help you select the most suitable eSIM or other connection option.

Main Mexican Mobile Operators

Telcel is the dominant player in the Mexican market with the most extensive coverage. This company, owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, covers approximately 90% of Mexico's inhabited territory. Telcel offers the best coverage in remote areas and rural regions, making it the preferred choice for travelers planning to visit less touristy destinations.

AT&T Mexico represents the second largest operator with very good coverage in cities and tourist areas. After acquiring Iusacell and Nextel in 2015, AT&T significantly expanded its network and now offers competitive services with emphasis on quality and connection speed, especially in urban areas like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and tourist destinations like Cancún or Los Cabos.

Movistar, operated by the Spanish company Telefónica, is the third main operator in the country. Although its coverage isn't as extensive as Telcel's, it offers good services in large cities and tourist areas. Movistar is often the choice of price-sensitive customers because it offers competitive prices and flexible packages.

Among smaller operators are Unefon, Virgin Mobile Mexico, and Weex, which function as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) using the infrastructure of larger companies. These smaller brands may offer interesting pricing strategies but are usually not the first choice for tourists due to more limited coverage and lesser availability.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Mexico varies significantly by region. In large cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and tourist destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Puerto Vallarta, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G/LTE connection, in some areas even with developing 5G network.

In more remote areas, coverage may be more limited, especially in mountainous regions like Sierra Madre or in some parts of the Yucatán Peninsula. Here, Telcel is usually the best choice due to its most extensive network. It's important to mention that some areas, including Baja California, Holbox and Contoy islands, the Chiquilá area, Ojo de Agua, and parts of the Playa – Merida federal highway, may have more limited coverage even with the main operators.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of Mexico, we recommend using interactive maps on the websites of individual operators or the nPerf.com service, which allows you to compare signal strength of various providers in places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local operators to be able to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Mexican networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Uses the Movistar network
• Holafly: Collaborates with Telcel and Movistar networks
• Nomad: Offers access to Telcel and AT&T networks with automatic switching for optimal signal
• Yesim: Uses the Diri network
• eSIM4Travel: Provides access to Telcel and AT&T networks
• Jetpac: Collaborates with the Telcel network

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. If you'll be moving primarily in large cities and tourist areas, any provider should offer sufficient coverage. For trips to more remote regions, we recommend choosing a service using the Telcel network for the most reliable connection. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Mexico, which will help you find the most suitable solution according to your specific needs.

How to Call from Mexico

Communication with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of any travel. With eSIM in Mexico, you have several options for staying in touch without having to pay high fees for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for Mexico include only mobile data, not traditional voice services. However, this doesn't present a problem because with a data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is an extremely popular application in Mexico for communication, and local residents commonly use it for both personal and business purposes. It offers quality voice and video calls and works reliably even with weaker connections. Other popular options include Facebook Messenger, which is useful for contacts from your friends list, and Skype, which allows calling standard phone numbers at favorable rates.

For communication with local businesses and services, it's good to know that many Mexican companies, restaurants, hotels, and taxi services actively use WhatsApp as their primary communication channel. It's often simpler and faster to contact a hotel reception or order a taxi via WhatsApp than through a traditional phone call.

More detailed information about internet calling options can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or other countries, there are specialized services offering more advantageous rates than regular international calling.

Rebtel is a popular service for international calling with competitive prices. It works via WiFi or mobile data and provides quality connection. Calling to the United States starts at approximately $0.15 per minute, which is significantly less than standard international rates. Rebtel also offers the possibility to receive calls, which is practical for longer stays.

Google Voice represents another popular alternative, which provides an American phone number usable for calling and SMS. Calls to many countries are free or at very low fees. The disadvantage is that for registration, you need an American phone number, although there are ways to bypass this limitation using various online services.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM providers are starting to offer packages that include classic calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call just like with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in some destinations including Mexico. You can activate this service as an add-on to your data package and thus gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates. Similar services are beginning to be offered by other providers as well, so we recommend checking the current offer at the time of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Mexico

Summary

Traveling through Mexico with eSIM is significantly more convenient and carefree. Instead of searching for local SIM card vendors or paying high roaming fees, you can secure reliable internet connection before departure and be online immediately upon landing.

In this guide, we've introduced the most reliable eSIM providers for Mexico, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each has its specific advantages, and the optimal choice depends on the length of your stay, planned activities, and personal preferences.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or unlimited plans for more demanding users, digital nomads, or those who need to stream videos.

For a cost-effective and reliable solution, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel, which uses Telcel and AT&T networks with excellent coverage throughout Mexico. Their service is user-friendly, doesn't require additional applications, and offers competitive prices.

If you prefer unlimited data without worrying about depletion, the best choice is Holafly, which exclusively offers unlimited data packages for Mexico with validity from one day up to 90 days.

We strongly recommend installing and activating eSIM before departing for Mexico. This gives you the assurance that you'll be connected immediately upon arrival, which is especially useful for navigation, contacting accommodation, or ordering transportation.

For the most accurate and current comparison of all available eSIMs for Mexico, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your requirements.