Are you planning your trip to Mexico and looking for the best way to stay connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Mexico including a comparison of the best Mexico eSIMs in 2025.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Mexico on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2025, including all specifications per tourist eSIM.

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

Table of Contents

Since 2012 I am already 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, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Mexico in 2025.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Mexico 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

If you are traveling to Mexico it is very important on which mobile network your eSIM operates. There are 3 different mobile internet providers in Mexixo: AT&T, Telcel and Movistar. The big difference between these providers is the mobile network coverage.

In my guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Mexico in 2025 Traveltomtom compared the mobile data network coverage maps and the simple conclusion is that Telcel has by far the best coverage around Mexico and that AT&T and Movistar are far behind.

Before giving you my Mexico eSIM recommendation read the following carefully:

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

1. Jetpac eSIM for Mexico - $30 USD

  • 10 GB data-only eSIM
  • 5G ready
  • Operates on the Telcel network
  • Valid in Mexico only
  • Valid for 30 days
  • $3 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Mexico.

Jetpac is the best value eSIM for Mexico in 2025 and it operates on the Telcel network, by far the best mobile data network in Mexico.

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

2. Airalo eSIM for Mexico - $23.5 USD

  • 5 GB data-only eSIM
  • 4G/LTE
  • Operates on the Telcel network
  • Valid in Mexico only
  • Valid for 30 days
  • $4.7 USD per Gigabyte

Click here for ordering an Airalo eSIM for Mexico.

Traveltomtom also recommends an Airalo eSIM for traveling to Mexico as they are also operating on the Telcel network.

Don't make the mistake to end up with an eSIM that operates on the AT&T or the Movistar network. You will regret later! For traveling in Mexico Traveltomtom always recommends a prepaid or eSIM from Telcel over any other mobile internet provider.

Traveling onwards to Central or North America after visiting the best places to see in Mexico? There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries.

Mexico eSIM comparison

As of January 2025 there are some phone stores in Mexico that now offer eSIMs for tourists. But buying an eSIM on arrival in Mexico is unfortunately still not possible at the international airports of for example Cancun, Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta.

Some Telcel stores have eSIMs for tourists available, but definitely not all of them. They still mostly sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists only. For more info check out Traveltomtom's guide about buying a local prepaid sim card in Mexico.

But don't worry there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell Mexico eSIMs for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Mexico from one of the well-known eSIM providers like: Jetpac, Nomad, Airalo, SimOptions, Holafly, Saily, GigSky, Airhub, etc. which have proven to be reliable operators.

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

Jetpac

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider and they do not only offer eSIM solutions but also add a couple other benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac. Traveltomtom has tested, reviewed and approved Jetpac eSIMs for Mexico.

The Traveltomtom team has tried Jetpac now in a couple different countries without any issues. Check out our complete Jetpac review.

One of the main reasons why Jetpac is listed as one of the best eSIMs for Mexico is because the Jetpac Mexico eSIMs also operate on the Telcel network, just like Airalo.

Let's check out the eSIM plans Jetpac has for Mexico in 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
  • 3 GB data for 7 days = $10 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $61 USD

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Mexico.

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

The Jetpac eSIM plan for Mexico with 10 GB data for $30 USD is the best value eSIM for Mexico with a rate of only $3 USD per Gigabyte.

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

The Jetpac Mexico eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Data is only valid in Mexico and the Jetpac eSIMs operate on the Telcel 4G/LTE/5G network. Yes, the Jetpac eSIMs for Mexico are 5G ready.

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 they provide free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel 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.

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.

Why using Airalo? When it comes to Mexico eSIMs Airalo has the best eSIM plans and in contrary to Nomad and SimOptions they operate on the best mobile data network in Mexico: Telcel.

Therefore Traveltomtom recommends Airalo as one of the best eSIMs for Mexico.

Here are the Airalo data-only eSIM plans for Mexico for 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
  • 2 GB data for 15 days = $11.5 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $15.5 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $23.5 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Mexico from Airalo.

The Airalo eSIMs for Mexico are from Chorro Fon and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel. Unfortunately the Airalo Chorro Fon eSIMs for Mexico are not 5G ready yet.

At the moment the best value eSIM from Airalo gives you 10 GB data for $42 USD, which comes down to $4.2 USD per Gigabyte.

In the most popular places to visit in Mexico you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty good these days. There is in fact still very little 5G in Mexico, especially on the Movistar and AT&T network.

For more info about the best 4G/5G mobile data network in Mexico check my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Mexico, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a reputed eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM for Mexico through SimOptions is done fast and easy.

Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals.

Read our independent SimOptions review.

SimOptions is a marketplace for eSIMs and has several (international) eSIM plans.

simoptions esim cards for mexico

Here are the eSIMs for Mexico from SimOptions for 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $11.90 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $17.90 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
  • 10 GB data for 14 days = $39.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $63.90 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $91.90 USD

Click here to order any of the above SimOptions eSIMs for Mexico.

All the SimOptions eSIM plans for Mexico are pretty expensive compared to Jetpac and Airalo eSIMs. The best value Mexico eSIM deal from SimOptions is 30 GB plans but it cost a staggering $91.90 USD.

SimOptions doesn't specify exactly which mobile network operator in Mexico they use and therefore it is not Traveltomtom's first pick anyway. The eSIMs from SimOptions are not 5G ready, so the max data speed is 4G/LTE.

The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year. The credit validity only starts when it connects to a supported network in Mexico. For more info check the SimOptions website.

Nomad

Lately I have been recommending Nomad eSIMs a lot as they have really great deals for a lot of countries. The Nomad eSIM plans for Mexico are not bad at all. In fact some are even better value deals than the Airalo, Jetpac and SimOptions eSIMs.

However, the Nomad eSIMs for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE mobile data network of Movistar and AT&T. Not recommended!

nomad esim cards for mexico

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Mexico:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
  • 20 GB data for 45 days = $30 USD
  • 30 GB data for 365 days = $64 USD
  • 50 GB data for 365 days = $90 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Mexico from Nomad.

As you can see above the prices for Nomad Mexico eSIMs aren't bad at all compared to Airalo, SimOptions, Jetpac, etc. The best value eSIM for Mexico from Nomad is the one with 10 GB data for $16 USD, which comes down to $1.6 USD per Gigabyte.

The Nomad eSIMs are from eSIM Go and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. They operate on the LTE/4G network of Movistar and AT&T.

The Nomad Mexico 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 Mexico. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.

Nomad also has daily plans that give you a set amount of Gigabyte per day.

  • 1 GB data per day for 1 day = $4 USD
  • 1 GB data per day for 3 day = $11 USD
  • 1 GB data per day for 5 day = $18 USD
  • 1 GB data per day for 7 day = $25 USD
  • 1 GB data per day for 10 day = $35 USD

Personally, these daily plans would not be enough for me as I can easily spend 1 GB data in just 1 hour.

Watching TikTok video for about 45 minutes is about 1 GB data, watching Instagram reels for 30 minutes is also already 1 GB data.

Holafly

Holafly sells eSIMs for Mexico with unlimited data. Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data, but more about that later. Here are the Holafly eSIM plans for traveling to the United States of Mexico:

  • 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
  • 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
  • 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
  • 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
  • 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
  • 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
  • 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
  • 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
  • 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
  • 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
  • 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
  • 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
  • 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
  • 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD

The Holafly eSIMs for Mexico are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel and AT&T. The Holafly eSIMs for Mexico are not 5G ready.

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

Why 'unlimited'? Because Holafly eSIMs have a so-called 'Fair Use Policy' (FUP) which means that after you used an X amount of GB per day your data speed is reduced to an E signal.

Traveltomtom has had bad experiences in the past with eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.

Personally, my biggest frustration is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Mexico.

Telcel

Telcel now also sells eSIMs for tourists in official Telcel stores in Mexico. That means tourists can get an prepaid sim card in a Telcel phone shop as an eSIM, but only on arrival in Mexico, not on the internet.

telcel mexico prepaid sim card plans

  • 3 GB data + unlimited social media + unlimited calling/texting for 30 days = $200 MXN - $11 USD
  • 4 GB data + unlimited social media + unlimited calling/texting for 30 days = $300 MXN - $16.5 USD
  • 6 GB data + unlimited social media + unlimited calling/texting for 30 days = $300 MXN - $28 USD

You can not buy a Telcel eSIM in a convenience store, only in a Telcel phone store in Mexico.

Other eSIM providers

Why not showing Movistar and AT&T eSIMs? Trust me you want a Telcel based eSIM when traveling to Mexico. For that reason alone Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM from either Jetpac or Airalo and not from SimOptions, Nomad or Holafly.

Traveltomtom also tested and reviewed other eSIM providers like: GigSky, Roamless, Firsty, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, etc. and none of them offer eSIMs that operate on the Telcel network or have amazing eSIM deals for Mexico.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Mexico?

Truly the cheapest eSIM for Mexico is a Jetpac eSIM for just $1 USD, but it is only valid for 4 days.

SimOptions has another cheap eSIM for Mexico for just $4.50 USD for 1 GB for 7 days. Airalo offers the same eSIM plan but charges $6 USD. These eSIMs are only valid in Mexico and do not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Mexico

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Mexico 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.

Traveltomtom also wrote specific and in-depth guides for buying eSIMs in: Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Asia, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, USA, 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. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money while traveling!

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 in pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Mexico there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the eSIMs for Mexico 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 Mexico.

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 Mexico?

Online

You can buy an eSIM for Mexico on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Mexico. Traveltomtom compared lots of eSIM providers and concluded that ones mentioned ones in this guide are the best eSIM providers in 2025.

When buying an eSIM for Mexico 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 Mexico

There are 3 main mobile internet provider in Mexico: AT&T, Movistar and Telcel. As of January 2025 some of the mobile internet operators in Mexico offer eSIMs for tourists. Other only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Mexico in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Mexico, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. In that comparison you will clearly see the difference in network strength between AT&T, Movistar and Telcel.

Flying into Mexico and landing at Mexico City Airport then you can buy a tourist sim card for Mexico on arrival at the airport. Click on the link to read Traveltomtom's complete guide on where to buy a local prepaid sim card at Mexico City Airport.

At the international airports in Mexico you will find several sim card shops and phone stores that sell all kind of tourist sim cards. If you can't see any phone shops you can try your luck at the convenient stores. They randomly charge you something but if you are lucky they help you set up the sim card.

But as mentioned before the sim cards shops and convenient stores in Mexico only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, no eSIMs.

When to order/activate an eSIM for Mexico?

You can order an eSIM for Mexico 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 Mexico or before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much all the international airports in Mexico have free public WiFi which works ok most of the time, so you could use that to install your eSIM.

Just make sure it is a stable internet connection. Therefore just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Mexico before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands you will be connected to the internet without any problems.

How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Mexico 5 times and traveled all around the country. Check out my list of the best places to visit in Mexico.

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 Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico

Here are some general tips and FAQ's for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Mexico eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.

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 Mexico. 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 Mexico or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Mexico and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIMs?

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 Mexico.

However, you can still order a sim card for Mexico on the internet before your trip. 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 Mexico 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 Mexico.

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

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our article: Honest Review of SimOptions.

Recently the Traveltomtom Team also reviewed Airhub and also reviewed Saily. The results were positive.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider and the Traveltomtom Team only received positive feedback. That is why we went to test it ourselves and came to the conclusion that Jetpac is an excellent choice. Read more about it in our extensive review about Jetpac eSIMs.

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.

On top of that there is now also Firsty and Roamless. Roamless is an eSIM provider with no data expiration and Firsty gives out free data for watching ads in return. Truly two game changers!

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

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 a Mexico eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Mexico. 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 Mexico 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 a Mexico eSIM?

No, unfortunately all the tourist eSIMs for Mexico available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting.

If you buy a prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in Mexico in a store or at the airport then you get (unlimited) calling and texting included.

Most hotels, restaurants and tour companies in Mexico have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes.

Does a Mexico eSIM come with a phone number?

No, none of the Mexico eSIMs that you can buy on the internet come with a phone number, which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.

Local prepaid sim cards that you can buy on arrival in a phone store in Mexico offer incoming and outgoing calling and texting.

Can I use 5G on an Mexico eSIM?

Yes, depending on the eSIM. Jetpac now offers 5G on their Mexico eSIMs. Jetpac operates on the Telcel network, the best mobile data network in Mexico another reason why it is rated as the best eSIM for Mexico. Nomad eSIMs for Mexico are also 5G ready.

The max data speed on most other eSIMs is 4G/LTE.

That said, AT&T and Movistar barely offer 5G in Mexico anyway. The only provider with a decent 5G network is Telcel, but compared to other countries it is also still very small. There is not much 5G in Mexico yet as of January 2025.

Are there eSIMs for Mexico 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 sometimes is already 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down. Sometimes eSIMs have an FUP of 30, 50, 80 GB data per month. It depends on the eSIM specifications.

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 Mexico with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

Jetpac, SimOptions and Airalo do NOT offer eSIMs for Mexico with unlimited data. No hidden fees, no Fair Use Policy. Clear terms & conditions!

Holafly is different and Holafly only offers eSIMs with unlimited data plans per day. However, Holafly but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP) and therefore it is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation.

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 for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Mexico with unlimited data. But if you think you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite eSIM.

However, if the FUP is 2 GB per day then what is the point of having an eSIM with unlimited data!? Right?

Some of the Nomad or SimOptions eSIMs give you 10 GB data, which for most travelers is more than enough for their trip to Mexico. If this is not enough you can also order 2 eSIMs and after one is done, you instal the second one.

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico?

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

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Mexico:

  • 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

In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip.

Local Mexico prepaid sim cards for tourists offer bigger data plans than the tourist eSIMs you order online. In fact local prepaid sim cards with data are fairly cheap for tourists in Mexico. For around $10 USD you get a physical sim card plan with unlimited social media and 3 GB data.

However, a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Mexico in a phone store or at the airport but NOT on the internet.

Another big difference is that local prepaid sim cards have the advantage that they come with a local phone number and mostly with calling minutes and sms bundles. That means incoming and outgoing calls are supported.

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

International prepaid sim cards

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

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

international prepaid sim cards for mexico

As I mentioned before SimOptions also sells physical prepaid sim cards for traveling internationally.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your door step before your trip to Mexico. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Mexico 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 Mexico directly online via SimOptions.

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 Mexico in a mobile internet provider store

However, as of January 2025 not all the mobile internet providers in Mexico offer eSIMs for tourists. Most of them still only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists in Mexico.

On arrival at any International Airport in Mexico it is not possible to get an eSIM, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. Some Telcel stores now offer eSIMs for tourists, but it is still a hit or miss.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Mexico.

You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Mexico. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

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

When we compare the prices for Mexico eSIMs with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Mexico, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable as you get many more Gigabytes for the same price.

In fact, for around $10 USD you can already get a prepaid sim card with unlimited social media and 3 GB data for 1 month. For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for Mexico in 2025.

But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Mexico on arrival in a sim card shop or at the airport and a tourist eSIM for Mexico can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet before your trip to Mexico.

Remember that some of the eSIMs for Mexico also go down to only $2.45 USD per Gigabyte as well.

After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With eSIMs you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.

For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Mexico in the comparison above.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Mexico. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.

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 Mexico sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Mexico 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 Mexico right away.

Best 4G/5G mobile data network in Mexico

Traveltomtom researched the 4G/5G network of all the mobile internet providers in Mexico and compared the mobile internet coverage maps of AT&T, Movistar and Telcel.

Although the above mobile data network coverage map of Telcel is updated for 2025 it is not 100% accurate. However, it is a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Mexcio in 2025.

Telcel has the strongest 4G/5G network in Mexico. see the network coverage map below.

telcel 4g 5g network coverage map mexico 2025

This is Movistar 4G/5G network coverage map.

movistar 4g 5g network coverage map mexico 2025

Traveltomtom came to the simple conclusion that there is a huge difference between the 4G/5G coverage of AT&T, Movistar and Telcel. For more information check out Traveltomtom's article about the best prepaid sim card for Mexico in 2025.

I am sure now you understand why Traveltomtom recommends an eSIM for Mexico that operates on the Telcel network.

  • Jetpac eSIMs for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel
  • Nomad eSIMs for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Movistar
  • Airalo eSIMs for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel
  • Holafly eSIMs for Mexico operate on the 4G/LTE network of Telcel and AT&T
  • SimOptions does not specify on which network their eSIMs operate in Mexico

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

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 680K Instagram account or 1.4 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. 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 January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Mexico!