Best Argentina eSIM for Tourists | Complete Guide

Are you planning to travel to Argentina and looking for the best tourist eSIM to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Argentina including a comparison of the best Argentina tourist eSIMs in 2024.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below before ordering an eSIM for Argentina. Find up to date prices and info as per November 2024, including all eSIM specifications.

Find out how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM for Argentina, FAQ about using eSIMs and much more.

Table of Contents

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 Argentina.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Argentina 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 I show you my favorite eSIMs for traveling to Argentina in 2024 read the following carefully:

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

1. Airalo eSIM for Argentina - $49 USD

• 20 GB data-only
• valid in Argentina only
• No calls/sms
• valid for 30 days
• Operates on the 4G/LTE network of Movistar
• Only $2.45 USD per Gigabyte

By far the best value eSIM for Argentina is the 20 GB data plan from Airalo for just $49 USD.

My first recommendation is to order an eSIM for Argentina via Airalo. They have 6 different eSIM plans for Argentina. The above plan with 20 GB data is the best-buy. It has the lowest rate per Gigabyte of all the available Argentina eSIMs on the internet.

2. Jetpac eSIM for Argentina - $19 USD

• 5 GB data-only
• valid in Argentina and 15 other countries in Latin America
• No calls/sms
• valid for 30 days
• Operates on the 4G/LTE network of Claro
• $3.8 USD per Gigabyte

Jetpac has 8 different eSIM plans for Argentina and their 5 GB pack is the cheapest compared to all other eSIM providers. So if you need just 5 GB data for your trip to Argentina then a Jetpac eSIM is the best recommendation.

Is Argentina one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an international eSIM for traveling the world or an eSIM from Roamless, a different eSIM concept that allows you to use the available data in any country that is supported and has no expiry date.

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Comparison of the best eSIMs for Argentina

On arrival in Argentina you can still not buy an eSIM in an official phone store of one of the mobile internet providers: Personal, Movistar or Claro.

If you want to arrive prepared and have data on your phone as soon as the plane lands then order an eSIM for Argentina on the internet.

There are multiple eSIM Providers on the internet that sell eSIMs for Argentina. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Argentina from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: SimOptions, Jetpac, Nomad, Holafly, Roamless, Airalo, Sim Local, etc.

But before you buy an eSIM for Argentina first read all my tips below.

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Argentina. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Argentina and it is plug and play when you arrive.

Airalo, Holafly, Sim Local, Roamless, Jetpac and Nomad only sell eSIMs for Argentina.

Airalo

Airalo is a very reputed eSIM provider, in fact the first eSIM provider and market leader. Airalo is very much recommended by Traveltomtom and ordering your eSIM for Argentina via Airalo is done fast and easy.

Why using Airalo?

Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Never an issue and often some of the best eSIM deals.

Airalo also has 6 different Argentina eSIM plans:

• 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
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD

Click here for more info or to order a Argentina eSIM via Airalo.

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

These data-only eSIMs are from Abrazo! and operate on the Movistar 4G/LTE network. Data-only means that incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported and the Abrazo eSIMs from Airalo do not come with a phone number.

An Airalo eSIM has to be activated within 90 days after purchase and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network, basically on arrival in Argentina. For more info check out the Airalo website.

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.

The Traveltomtom team has tried Jetpac now in a couple different countries without any issues, only positive reviews. Check out our extensive Jetpac eSIM review with all pros and cons.

One of the main reasons why Jetpac is listed as one of the best eSIMs for Argentina are their competitive prices and in fact when we look at the price per Gigabyte, Jetpac is one of the best eSIMs for Argentina in 2024.

On top of that Jetpac operates on the Claro mobile data network, which is the best and most extensive 4G/5G network in Argentina.

Check out the Jetpac eSIM plans for Argentina in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $12 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $53 USD
• 25 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 Argentina.

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

The Jetpac eSIM plans for Argentina are also valid in: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.

The Jetpac eSIM plan for Argentina with 5 GB data for just $19 USD makes it the best value 5 GB eSIM for Argentina. 5 GB at Nomad cost $28 USD, 5 GB at Airalo is $23.5 USD, 5 GB at SimOptions is $25.90 USD.

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

The Jetpac Argentina eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Jetpac eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Claro. Yes, the Jetpac eSIMs 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 Jetpac also provides free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel to Argentina 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.

Sim Local

Sim Local is a trusted eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has been recommending Sim Local for several different countries. Sim Local is no-nonsense, straight forward and easy to use. For more details check out Traveltomtom's extensive review of Sim Local.

Sim Local offers 6 different eSIM plans for Argentina: 3 eSIMs plans from Smartroam, 1 eSIM from Orange and 2 Flexiroam eSIMs for Latin America.

Smartroam eSIMs

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $36.5 USD

The Smartroam eSIMs operate on the Claro, Personal and Movistar 4G/LTE network, which ensures the best connectivity. Data is only valid in Argentina.

Flexiroam eSIMs Latin America

• 5 GB data for 30 days in 13 countries in Latin America = $31.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days in 13 countries in Latin America = $60.5 USD

The Flexiroam eSIMs are valid in: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Orange Holiday World eSIM

• 10 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD

The Orange Holiday World eSIM gives you 10 GB data valid in 149 countries according to the Sim local website. The Orange eSIM does not specify which network it uses in Argentina.

All Argentina eSIMs from Sim Local are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported and these eSIMs do not come with a phone number.

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Argentina via Sim Local.

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

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 an eSIM.

Why using SimOptions?

SimOptions has proven over the years to be very reliable. Excellent costumer service, great eSIM deals, eSIMs for pretty much every country in the world and an innovative product. Traveltomtom never faced an issue with SimOptions eSIMs.

Check out Traveltomtom's detailed and honest SimOptions eSIM review.

Simoptions has Argentina eSIMs, Global eSIMs for Argentina as well as South America eSIMs.

SimOptions eSIMs valid in Argentina only:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $7.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $15.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $25.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD

eSIM2FLY Global valid in 141 countries:

• 6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD

On top of that SimOptions also has eSIMs for South America with unlimited data... but these eSIMs are not recommended!

• unlimited data in 8 countries in South America for 7 days = $54.90 USD
• unlimited data in 8 countries in South America for 7 days = $79.90 USD
• unlimited data in 8 countries in South America for 7 days = $119.90 USD

These eSIMs are valid in: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay.

Why not recommended? It says unlimited data, but it is in reality just 2 GB data per day! Data speed of 384 Kbps is completely useless!

Click here for more info or to order an eSIMs for traveling in Argentina via SimOptions.

The eSIM2FLY Global eSIM comes with a phone number from Thailand starting with +66. But calls are not supported as you are in Argentina and you would need calling credit (that you don't have) to make or receive calls. So basically only good for receiving OTP (One Time Password) or other free sms services.

All other SimOptions eSIMs do not come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of this eSIM is 1 year and the credit validity starts in general only on arrival in any of the supported countries. But some eSIMs from SimOptions have different policies, so always be aware of this when installing your SimOptions eSIM.

For more info check the SimOptions website.

Holafly

Personally Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data. Unlimited is only unlimited if there is no so called FUP (Fair Use Policy). Holafly is an eSIM provider that only sells eSIMs with unlimited data, but uses an FUP. Unfortunately they do not specify what is their FUP.

Especially when traveling in Argentina, a huge country with very long bus rides for example. You don't want anyone to tell you that you have used too much data on your 'unlimited' data eSIM.

But that is just my personal advice.

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $9.90 USD
• 2 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
• 4 days 'unlimited' data = $25.90 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $28.90 USD
• 6 days 'unlimited' data = $30.90 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
• 8 days 'unlimited' data = $37.90 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $38.90 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $39.90 USD
• 11 days 'unlimited' data = $41.90 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $89.90 USD

The Holafly eSIMs for Argentina 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/5G network of Movistar.

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

Because of the FUP Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Argentina.

Nomad

Nomad is quickly trying to gain some market share in the eSIM business by constantly adding new eSIM deals. Traveltomtom has had some mixed experiences with Nomad eSIMs.

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Argentina:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $10 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 Argentina from Nomad.

The prices for Nomad Argentina eSIMs are not something that will get you super excited. Other eSIM providers have better eSIM deals for Argentina.

All the Nomad eSIM plans for Argentina are from eSIM Go and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Movistar and are not 5G ready. These eSIM Go plans are data-only sim cards. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported.

The Nomad Argentina eSIMs have to be installed/activated on your phone within 30 days after purchase otherwise they are automatically activated. After installing, the eSIMs starts its validity from the first moment when it connects to a supported network, basically the moment the plane lands in Argentina. For more info check the Nomad website.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Argentina?

No other eSIM provider can beat the $1 USD eSIM for Argentina from Jetpac. You get 1 GB data for 4 days.

Airalo is a good second best with an eSIM plan for Argentina for just $6 USD for 1 GB data for 7 days. Sim Local offers a similar eSIM plan for $6.5 USD.

Why ordering an eSIM for traveling to Argentina

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Argentina in 2024 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 Argentina 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 Argentina with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands and you don't have to buy a prepaid sim card at Buenos Aires Airport.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Argentina, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Argentina 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 2024.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. In 2022 I visited 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIMs I used throughout the last two years.

Find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all around the world: Brazil, Paraguay, USA, Canada, Europe, Spain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, French Polynesia, Casablanca, Hurghada 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 me 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 at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Argentina there is 4G/LTE available.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "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 Argentina. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from a friend.

Where to buy an eSIM for Argentina?

Online

There are a ton of websites that offer eSIMs for Argentina. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that SimOptions, Sim Local, Roamless, Jetpac, Nomad, Holafly and Airalo are the most reliable eSIM providers for traveling to Argentina in 2024.

When buying an eSIM for Argentina 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 Argentina

There are 3 main mobile internet provider in Argentina: Personal, Movistar and Claro. As of 2024 none of the mobile internet providers in Argentina sell eSIMs for tourists. In phone stores in Argentina you can only get physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

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

When to order/activate an eSIM for Argentina?

You can order an eSIM for Argentina 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 Argentina or before. You will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM.

Therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM before departure to Argentina. As soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.

How to activate your Argentina 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 Argentina 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 Argentina 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 Argentina 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 Argentina

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Argentina eSIMs, but are things 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 Argentina. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

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If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Argentina or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Argentina 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 to dial *#06# on your phone. A screen will pop up and will show you a bunch of barcodes. If you see a barcode with 'EID', then you know your device is eSIM compatible.

If you are not sure then simply ask 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 Argentina.

In that case check out Traveltomtom's complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Argentina.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

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

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

Check out our Honest Review about SimOptions with all pros and cons.

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 lately about connectivity and activation.

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 proved to be a reliable eSIM provider after Traveltomtom extensively tested and reviewed Sim Local.

Personal, Movistar and Claro are local eSIM providers in Argentina. The biggest difference between the mobile internet providers is not the price for prepaid sim cards but is the mobile data network coverage. Find a comparison of the 4G/5G network in Argentina in my guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Argentina.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back.

On top of that there is now also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. A complete different concept, truly a game changer!

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

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 eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Argentina. An eSIM can be used at the same time as your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time.

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 Argentina 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 Argentina eSIM?

Unfortunately none of the Argentina eSIMs you can buy on the internet allow calls/sms. All of them are data-only.

Does a Argentina eSIM come with a phone number?

Unfortunately none of the eSIMs for Argentina come with a phone number.

Can I use 5G on a Argentina eSIM?

First of all don't get too excited about having 5G when traveling to Argentina in 2024. There is still hardly any 5G around, the 5G network in Argentina is still very limited and pretty much only in Buenos Aires city center you will find a 5G signal.

Are there eSIMs for Argentina with unlimited data?

Yes, some eSIM plans for Argentina include unlimited data. Holafly and SimOptions both sell eSIMs for Argentina 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 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down to an useable data speed like 384 Kbps.

Sometimes eSIMs have an FUP of 30 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 Argentina with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

Jetpac, Roamless, Sim Local, Airalo and Nomad do NOT offer eSIMs for Argentina 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 eSIM 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 Argentina 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?

There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Argentina in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

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

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

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

• 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 local prepaid sim cards for Argentina are a cheaper way to stay connected compared to the eSIMs you order online from Airalo, Holafly, Sim Local, Airalo, Roamless, Jetpac or SimOptions.

If you buy a prepaid sim card in a phone store in Argentina you will get much bigger data plans for much cheaper than the available eSIMs. On top of that these local prepaid sim cards come with the option of calling and texting.

Find more info about how to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Argentina in my complete guide.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad.

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!

SimOptions is the only provider that sells international prepaid sim cards for Argentina and there is not much choice. Just 5 GB data for $49.90 USD. Not worth it I think.

If after visiting Argentina you are traveling onwards to other continents or countries in the Pacific then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally.

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 Argentina in a mobile internet provider store

Unfortunately as of 2024 eSIMs are still not available in phone stores in Argentina. In fact most of the phone stores from Movistar, Personal and Claro don't even sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. They will send you to a kiosk for getting a tourist sim card.

Even on arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport it is a hassle buying a prepaid sim card for tourists. There was a Personal Store, then it was closed and reopened again in a different location... 

Read all about it in my detailed guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card at Buenos Aires Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

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

Price

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

When we compare Argentina eSIM prices with local prepaid sim cards for Argentina, our conclusion is that local prepaid sim cards are more affordable and you get more Gigabytes for the same price.

You can already get 10 GB data for just a couple dollar. As a comparison for $6 USD you only get 1 GB data with an eSIM for Argentina.

That said, 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. With an eSIM that 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 Argentina in the comparison above. Faster, easier and less stress.

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 sim card you buy in Argentina on arrival.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Argentina 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 Argentina 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 November 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Argentina!