Best eSIM for Traveling to El Salvador in 2025

Are you planning your trip to El Salvador and thinking about staying connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to El Salvador including a comparison of the best El Salvador eSIMs for 2025.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for El Salvador on the internet. Below you will find up to date prices as per February 2025, including all tourist eSIM specifications.

Find out how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM for El Salvador, FAQ about eSIMs and more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed.

Table of Contents

Already since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in El Salvador.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for El Salvador are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Before showing you the two best eSIMs for El Salvador read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

1. Orange Global eSIM - 10 GB for $32 USD

• 10 GB data-only
• Valid in 156 countries
• 4G/LTE
• Valid for 14 days
• $3.2 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order the Orange Global eSIM for El Salvador via Sim Local.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the promo code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!

The Orange Holiday World eSIM is valid in 156 countries and in about 120 countries, including El Salvador you get 10 GB data. It is unclear on which network the Orange Global eSIM operates in El Salvador.

2. Airhub eSIM for El Salvador - 12 GB for $35.5 USD

• 12 GB data-only eSIM
• Valid in El Salvador only
• Valid for 30 days
• Operates on the Tigo network
• $3 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order an Airhub eSIM for El Salvador.

Downside of this Airhub eSIM is that validity starts immediately after installation, but all in all.

Is El Salvador one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for traveling the world. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries.

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Best eSIM for Traveling to Jordan in 2025

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El Salvador eSIM comparison

There are 4 mobile internet providers in El Salvador: Movistar, Claro, Tigo and Digicel. As of 2025 you can now also buy an eSIM for tourists in phone stores in El Salvador.

But let me tell you that ordering an eSIM for El Salvador on the internet is cheaper and faster and as soon as the plane lands you are online.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in El Salvador from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.

The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!

Sim Local

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested Sim Local eSIMs. Find al the pros and cons of Sim Local in our extensive review. Sim Local has loads of different eSIMs for El Salvador, it is like a sim card marketplace.

Here are all the Sim Local eSIM plans for El Salvador:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $10.75 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14.50 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.50 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $45.25 USD

But the most interesting eSIM from Sim Local is the Orange Global eSIM:

• 10 GB data valid in 156 countries for 14 days = $32 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for El Salvador via Sim Local.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the promo code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!

All the Sim Local eSIMs for El Salvador are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported.

Airhub

Airhub is also a marketplace for eSIMs meaning they often sell a lot of different eSIM plans from multiple providers but for El Salvador they only have a couple eSIMs.

The Traveltomtom Team wrote an extensive Airhub review for more info on how Airhub eSIMs work.

The Airhub website is a little less user-friendly as you can not filter or sort the available eSIMs and they are not in order of data volume or price. They are randomly sorted, but Airhub has only 3 eSIM plans for El Salvador:

• 4 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 7 GB data for 30 days = $18.5 USD
• 12 GB data for 30 days = $35.5 USD

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for El Salvador via Airhub.

When you click on the eSIM plan you get more info.

Airhub has some truly amazing data-only eSIMs for El Salvador. The Airhub eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE Ncell network. These Airhub eSIMs are data-only and incoming or outgoing calls or sms are not supported.

You have to instal the Airhub eSIMs on your phone within 30 days of purchase.

Jetpac

Jetpac quickly made name in the eSIM world by not only offering very affordable eSIM solutions, but also by adding a couple benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac. Check out our extensive Jetpac eSIM review with all pros and cons.

Check out the Jetpac eSIM plans for El Salvador in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $13.5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $59 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $65 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $90 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $135 USD

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for El Salvador.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!

The Jetpac El Salvador eSIMs are valid in 16 countries from Mexico to Argentina. Pretty much all of Central and South America. The Jetpac eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Jetpac eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Claro. 5G is not supported.

You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to El Salvador, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in El Salvador. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.

An extra advantage of using a Jetpac eSIM is that you get a free VPN subscription, 50% discount on airport lounges and Fast Track passes. And Jetpac also provides free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel to El Salvador and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided.

These are all complimentary services that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your El Salvador eSIM.

The Traveltomtom Team wrote down all pros and cons about SimOptions in our honest SimOptions Review.

SimOptions also has data-only eSIMs for El Salvador:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $14.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $23.90 USD
• 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD*
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $82.90 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $118.90 USD

*valid in 141 countries

Click here to order a data-only eSIM for El Salvador from SimOptions.

The data-only eSIMs from SimOptions are only valid in El Salvador. SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate. 5G is not supported. These eSIMs do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.

If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.

All the SimOptions eSIMs for El Salvador are valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet and the credit validity won't start only on arrival.

Airalo

Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.

Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders, but has not innovated much over the last years and prices have not changed either. But Airalo is rock solid and Traveltomtom has never faced an issue using Airalo eSIMs.

Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for El Salvador for 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $15 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD

Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for El Salvador.

Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.

Data-only means that incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported and these eSIMs from Airalo do not come with a phone number. The Airalo eSIM plans for El Salvador are called Cerrocom and operate on the 4G/LTE network of Movistar. 5G is not supported.

An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 90 days and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network.

aloSIM

Not a new kid on the block, aloSIM has earned its stripes already in the eSIM world, but Traveltomtom didn't use aloSIM much until lately. The Traveltomtom Team tested and reviewed aloSIM and came with positive notes.

Read all about it in our extensive and honest aloSIM review.

Here are the aloSIM plans for El Salvador in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $15 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for El Salvador via aloSIM.

The aloSIM eSIMs operate on the Tigo and Claro 4G/LTE network. 5G is not supported.

What differentiates aloSIM from Airalo and other eSIM providers is that they offer an eSIM for El Salvador including an international phone number. This phone number that comes with the eSIM is via a separate application called Hushed.

GigSky

GigSky has been around for a long time and is also recommended in my list of the best international eSIMs for traveling the world in 2025.

The Traveltomtom Team tested GigSky and was positively surprised. Check out our complete GigSky review with all pros and cons.

Here are the GigSky eSIM plans for El Salvador in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $7.99 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $16.79 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $25.99 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $35.99 USD

• Unlimited data* for 7 days = $21.59 USD
• Unlimited data* for 15 days = $39.19 USD

*2.5 GB high speed data per day then reduced data speed. High speed data resumes every 24 hours from plan activation.

Click here to order a GigSky eSIM for El Salvador.

Downside of GigSky is that they do not provide much info about their eSIM plans. So it is unclear on which network they operate in El Salvador, neither if they support 5G or when and how the eSIM will be activated.

Another essential thing that is missing is what is the reduced data speed after you used the 2.5 GB per day.

Because all this essential info is all missing we are hesitant ranking GigSky higher in this El Salvador eSIM comparison.

Nomad

Nomad is another trusted eSIM provider that offers eSIM plans for El Salvador. The Nomad eSIMs for El Salvador are much more expensive compared to other eSIM providers.

On top of that Nomad eSIMs for El Salvador only support 3G data speed!

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for El Salvador:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $11 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for El Salvador from Nomad.

All the Nomad eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The Nomad El Salvador eSIMs are only valid in El Salvador and operate on the 3G networks of Digicel. Yes, that is correct. Only 3G is supported on Nomad eSIMs for El Salvador.

The Nomad El Salvador eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 30 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in El Salvador. Basically when the plane lands.

Holafly

Personally Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data that do not explicitly define what is the exact Fair Use Policy.

In fact, unlimited data eSIMs are not really unlimited, they all reduce your data speed and you only get a certain amount of high speed data per day.

Holafly is an eSIM operator that only has eSIMs with unlimited data but does NOT mention what the FUP is. They only say the following:

• Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.

These are the Holafly eSIM plans for El Salvador:

• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $39.90 USD
• 15 days 'unlimited' data = $50.90 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $69.90 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $104.90 USD

The Holafly eSIMs for El Salvador are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number.

The Holafly website claims that their El Salvador eSIMs support 5G but there is pretty much no 5G in El Salvador as of 2025. Check out my guide on how to buy a tourist sim card in El Salvador for more info about 4G/5G network coverage in El Salvador.

The Holafly eSIMs operate on the Claro, Tigo and Digicel networks in El Salvador.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly El Salvador eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Because of the undefined FUP Traveltomtom is not a fan of Holafly eSIMs but Holafly eSIMs for El Salvador are also much more expensive than other eSIM providers.

What is the cheapest eSIM for El Salvador?

No other eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM plan with 1 GB data for just $1 USD.

There are more eSIM plans with 1 GB data. SimOptions charges $4.90 USD. GigSky, aloSIM and Airalo charge $8 USD.

Then there is Airhub with an eSIM for El Salvador with 4 GB data for just $12 USD.

Why buying an eSIM for traveling in El Salvador

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to El Salvador in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to El Salvador without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in El Salvador with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to El Salvador, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to El Salvador so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Croatia, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Israel, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, Ireland, Netherlands, Peru, Nepal, Bali, South Africa, Namibia, Turkey, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Europe, international eSIMs and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in El Salvador there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how cheap the eSIMs for El Salvador are.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to El Salvador. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM for El Salvador?

Online

You can buy an eSIM for El Salvador on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for El Salvador. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers in 2025.

When buying an eSIM for El Salvador through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in El Salvador

There are 4 mobile internet providers in El Salvador: Movistar, Claro, Tigo and Digicel and as per 2025 they also provide eSIMs for tourists. You can buy them in Movistar, Claro, Tigo and Digicel stores in El Salvador.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in El Salvador in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in El Salvador, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

When to order/activate an eSIM for El Salvador?

You can order an eSIM for El Salvador pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to El Salvador or before. When in El Salvador you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much every international airport in El Salvador has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for El Salvador before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an eSIM plan for El Salvador you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your El Salvador eSIM.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your El Salvador eSIM.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM for El Salvador

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply to El Salvador eSIMs, but are general things you have to know before buying an eSIM.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to El Salvador. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to El Salvador or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to El Salvador and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIM?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to El Salvador.

However, you can still order a physical sim card for El Salvador on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in El Salvador or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for El Salvador recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in El Salvador.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

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But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.

On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!

Traveltomtom does NOT sell El Salvador eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to El Salvador.

All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with an El Salvador eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to El Salvador. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new El Salvador eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with an El Salvador eSIM?

No all eSIMs for El Salvador are data-only eSIMs and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

If you buy a prepaid eSIM in El Salvador you get calling and texting included.

Does an El Salvador eSIM come with a phone number?

Data-only eSIMs do not come with a phone number and can not receive calls or sms.

aloSIM has a calling service including in their eSIM, but it is via an application called Hushed, not directly on the eSIM. This calling service is complimentary when buying an aloSIM eSIM.

Can I use 5G on an El Salvador eSIM?

No, as of 2025 there is no 5G yet in El Salvador and therefore none of the eSIMs support 5G.

Are there eSIMs for El Salvador with unlimited data?

Yes, some eSIM plans for El Salvador include unlimited data. GigSky has an unlimited data plan and Holafly only sells eSIMs for El Salvador with unlimited data.

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? There is mostly a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy), which is sometimes already after 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down to a data speed which is completely useless.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it barely works!

So yes, there are eSIMs for El Salvador with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

GigSky has an 'unlimited' data eSIM but at least mentions that you get 2.5 GB data per day at high speed. That means for 7 days you have 17.5 GB data. That is a lot.

A GigSky eSIM with unlimited data for 7 days = $21.59 USD.

Holafly does not specify what the FUP is and that makes it very tricky. Is it after 1 GB or after 2 GB?

A Holafly eSIM with unlimited data for 7 days = $36.90 USD. Holafly are the most expensive eSIMs for El Salvador.

On Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait the rest of the day until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! Imagine being on a 10 hour bus ride and after 2 hours you reached the FUP...

Therefore Traveltomtom does not directly recommend eSIMs with unlimited data.

Think about it... if you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then what is the point of having an eSIM with unlimited data?

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to El Salvador?

eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to El Salvador, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to El Salvador:

• Local prepaid sim cards
• International prepaid sim cards
• eSIMs

Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then in general local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected. Prepaid sim cards are pretty cheap in El Salvador.

The big difference with eSIMs is that a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in El Salvador in a phone store.

More info about the best El Salvador sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in El Salvador in 2025.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to El Salvador. Some of them are great for El Salvador as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting El Salvador you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for El Salvador directly online.

eSIMs

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:

• eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIMs that you buy in El Salvador in a mobile internet provider store

The mobile internet operators: Movistar, Claro, Tigo and Digicel also sell eSIMs for tourists in phone stores in El Salvador.

But as of February 2025 at San Salvador International Airport they do NOT sell eSIMs, there are only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists available at San Salvador Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to El Salvador, no doubt. You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to El Salvador. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in El Salvador.

As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

Buying a tourist sim card at San Salvador Airport is possible, but at tourist prices. There are no eSIMs for tourists available at San Salvador Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards.

Buying a local prepaid sim card is only possible in a phone store in El Salvador.

Price difference

But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

Prepaid sim cards in El Salvador are pretty cheap and let's take for example a Claro prepaid sim card. For $10 USD you get 5 GB data for surfing the internet, free social media apps + 2 GB Youtube/Spotify and even 60 minutes to USA/Canada.

For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards in El Salvador in 2025.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. Another reason why Traveltomtom recommends to order an eSIM online.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid El Salvador sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to El Salvador were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for El Salvador right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of February 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to El Salvador!