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Are you planning a trip to Mexico and looking for the best way to stay connected while you're there? Consider using a travel eSIM. These little chips allow you to connect to local networks without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
In this guide, I'll cover what travel eSIMs are, how they work, and the advantages of using an eSIM for your trip to Mexico.
I'll also give you an overview of my top recommendations for international providers that offer service in Mexico.
Finally, we'll go over some examples of data packages and prices so you can see what fits your needs and budget. Let's dive in!
Maya Mobile
Best overall travel eSIM
Maya Mobile partners with over 400 mobile networks worldwide, including in Mexico, connecting you to the best signal wherever you roam.
What's really great about this provider is that they offer international service with unlimited data. As with most wireless carriers, unlimited data doesn't mean unlimited high-speed data. After your allotted high-speed data is used, you'll get unlimited data at 1 Mbps.
Like any phone plan, Maya Mobile has its own pros and cons. Let's look at the aspects we love about Maya Mobile, as well as a couple of disadvantages.
Pros
- Reasonable pricing
- Offers unlimited data plans
- Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed
- LTE coverage on multiple networks
- Full refund if service doesn't work
Cons
- No phone number included
- Short validity period
- Customer support is only available by message via the app or website
One thing about travel eSIMs is that if the service doesn't work on your phone or your eSIM fails for some reason, you're generally out of luck. Since we aim to protect your financial wellness here at MSP, we love Maya Mobile for its generous refund policy.
This provider is the ideal solution if you need to connect to your laptop for work or you don't want to have to constantly monitor your data usage while trying to enjoy your vacay.
Airalo
Airalo is a household name in the travel phone plan industry due to its strong partnerships with major local networks in more than 200 destinations, including Mexico.
Airalo stands out for its flexible plan options, allowing customers to choose between local, regional, or global plans. While you can select a single-country plan for Mexico, the North America regional plan is the better deal, covering the US, Canada, and Mexico.
If you want calling and text messages, opt for the global plan. It's a little more expensive, but you get a phone number to use during your travels.
Validity periods range between 7 and 30 days for local and regional plans and up to one year for global.
Here are some of the features we like and some we don't.
Pros
- Flexibility - data only or data/voice/SMS
- Extensive coverage
- Mobile hotspot usage
- Phone number included w/ global Discover+ plans
- Connects you to the fastest local network
Cons
- Prices on the expensive side
- Customer service is only accessible by message
If you want a straightforward, well-known travel provider, an Airalo eSIM is a solid choice used by over five million people worldwide.
Eskimo
If you're a frequent visitor to Mexico or you're planning an extended stay, Eskimo is one of the best options, saving you the hassle of constant top-ups.
Where Eskimo really shines in comparison to its competitors is in its validity periods. They range up to two years, depending on the chosen plan:
- Individual country eSIM: 180 days
- Regional eSIM: 365 days
- Global eSIM: 2 years
Mexico is available as a single-country eSIM, although I will say the regional and global prices are only nominally higher, which means you could get a full year out of it if you went with regional.
Per usual, there are some things to consider in terms of the pros and cons of Eskimo.
Pros
- Extended periods of validity
- Mobile hotspot allowed
- Ability to share data with anyone
- No daily usage restrictions
Cons
- No calls or SMS (except via third-party apps like WhatsApp)
- A little more pricey than some providers
Eskimo eSIM prices aren't the bottom of the barrel; however, considering the short validity periods of some options, this provider has carved out a niche that may just solve your long-term travel connection needs.
Holafly
Holafly is another one of the few travel eSIM providers to offer unlimited data plans. They're budget-friendly and offer validity periods of 5 days up to 90 days.
So, with all those great features, why didn't we put Holafly at the top? Mobile hotspot - as in, you can't use it. If you don't need to connect your laptop or share data with your travel companions, Holafly could be an excellent solution for your trip to Mexico.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Competitive prices
- WhatsApp customer service number
Cons
- Data speeds may slow after a certain amount of use
- No mobile hotspot
- No phone number included
While the provider doesn't offer a truly global eSIM, they do have regional plans as well as an individual country plan for Mexico. The prices are reasonable, and you'll never run out of data while traveling.
Comparison of the best eSIM plans for Mexico
Let's take a quick look at our top picks for plans from each provider. These plans represent an overall estimate of what the average traveler may need from their Mexico eSIM.
Maya Mobile Mexico eSIM
- 3GB data
- Networks: AT&T (Iusacell) & Telcel
- Valid for five days
- Cost: $12
Airalo Mexico eSIM
- 5GB data
- Networks: AT&T (Iusacell), Movistar, Telcel
- Valid for 30 days
- Cost: $32.50
Eskimo Mexico eSIM
- 10GB data
- Network: AT&T (Iusacell)
- Valid for 180 days
- Cost: $32
Holafly Mexico eSIM
- Unlimited data
- Network: AT&T (Iusacell)
- Valid for 15 days
- Cost: $47
Each of these providers offers plans above and below those detailed above. Prices generally go down the more data you buy and up with less data or a shorter validity period.
What is a travel eSIM?
A travel eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that lets you use data and make calls in different countries. It offers convenience for travelers, eliminating the need to purchase local SIM cards.
A wide variety of international providers offer global or region-specific options. To take advantage of this convenient option, you'll need to ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked.
How travel eSIMs Work
In most cases, using an eSIM is ridiculously simple. Scanning a QR code makes the activation process quick and hassle-free, ensuring you're set up and ready to go before even setting foot in Mexico.
Once activated, your travel eSIM connects to local networks, offering reliable internet connection and phone service without having to waste your valuable vacation time hunting down a local SIM card.
Advantages of using an eSIM for travel
We all know how much of a hassle it is to deal with physical SIM card trays, even in the comfort of our own homes. Being in an unfamiliar place kicks the hassle factor up several notches. That's why embedded SIM technology is such a game-changer for travelers.
Additionally, eSIMs offer a host of other benefits:
- Seamless activation: Do everything online; no need to visit a physical store for a local SIM card.
- Easy management: Most providers have apps allowing you to manage your plan directly from your smartphone.
- Access to multiple SIMs: Switch between your home and travel plans at the touch of the screen.
- More affordable: Travel eSIMs are typically way cheaper than international roaming options, helping you avoid bill shock when you get home.
- Flexible communication: Most international eSIMs are compatible with various apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, ensuring you can stay connected even if you don't purchase voice minutes.
What to consider when choosing the best eSIM for Mexico
There are several great options if you're looking for the best eSIM for Mexico. However, there are a few things you need to look at before making your choice:
- Destinations: Are you staying in Mexico for your whole trip or country-hopping?
- Data use: If you're a digital nomad who needs internet for working on the go, you'll want to look at plans that offer more mobile data. Light users can get away with just enough for Google Maps navigation and things like email.
- Calls & text messages: Calling & SMS aren't always included in international data plans. If you must have voice minutes, choose a plan that includes them or has an add-on option or download an app to use on Wi-Fi.
- Validity period: Providers offer a range of validity lengths, from a few days to a few months or more. Balance your projected data usage with the validity period so you don't overspend or underestimate.
Fortunately, there are travel eSIM providers catering to virtually any needs you could have. Which ones do we recommend? It's time to jump into the details.
Best eSIM for Mexico FAQs
That depends on your personal preference and whether your home carrier offers roaming and data in Mexico. For example, if you have a Boost Mobile prepaid eSIM plan, you can add Mexico to your service.
You'll typically receive a QR code upon payment. Once you scan the QR code, you'll receive detailed activation instructions.
While some providers do sell voice minutes, you'll usually have to use an app like WhatsApp to make phone calls and send and receive text messages from Mexico.
Yes. Your eSIM cellular data will run on a carrier different from your regular provider. Devices cannot be carrier-locked to do this, so you'll need to contact your carrier to request an unlock.
Recap - What's the best travel eSIM for Mexico?
As you can see, there are a number of options when it comes to staying connected during your visit to Mexico. Whether you need unlimited data, a long validity length, or the lowest price you can find, there's a travel eSIM out there for you.
Ready to head out to other destinations around the world? Get our hot take on the best eSIM for international travel.
