Planning a trip to Argentina and looking for the best sim card for your trip? Get yourself an eSIM or a buy a prepaid sim card in Argentina to avoid high roaming charges.
This is the ultimate guide with everything you need to know before buying a prepaid sim card in Argentina.
Find out where to buy a prepaid sim card, the registration process, up to date prices as per November 2024, the best 4G/5G network in Argentina, my recommendation, info about eSIMs for Argentina and more
In the past I always used to by a prepaid sim card sim card on arrival in my destination, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Table of Contents
- Why buying a sim card for Argentina
- My recommendation
- Mobile internet providers in Argentina
- Where to buy a prepaid sim card in Argentina
- Registration process for Argentina prepaid sim cards
- Best 4G/5G network in Argentina in 2024
- Prices prepaid sim cards in Argentina in 2024
- Best sim card for Argentina in 2024
- Best eSIMs for Argentina
- Order a prepaid sim card for Argentina online
- My experience buying a sim card in Argentina
- Vlog about buying a prepaid sim card in Argentina
Are you flying to Buenos Aires then check out my guide for buying a sim card at Buenos Aires Airport.
Some links in this article about the best prepaid sim cards for traveling in 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!
Why buying a sim card for Argentina
First off don't let high roaming costs ruin your trip to Argentina. A roaming plan for $5 USD per day doesn't sound too expensive but for $5 USD you can get 10 GB data for a whole month with an Argentina prepaid sim card. Also keep in mind that overseas data plans limit the max internet speed! Data speed on overseas roaming plans is very disappointing.
You think you can rely on WiFi? True, almost everywhere you can find public WiFi these days: restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. However, this is no guarantee! And what about ordering a taxi on the streets? Searching for things while on the road like nearby restaurants, bars, ATMs, emergencies, etc. Investing a couple dollars will make traveling to Argentina so much more convenient.
Also keep in mind that connecting to public WiFi is on an UNSECURED network. In these cases the use of a VPN is recommended.
Very important is too make sure that your phone is unlocked. Prepaid sim cards from another country or international or eSIMs only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked ask your mobile internet provider from home.
When getting to a new country the first thing I do is looking for the best sim card to stay connected and as a full time nomadic travel blogger who is on a journey to travel to every country in the world I change countries constantly.
Therefore on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Buenos Aires, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, USA, New York, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Spain, Europe, Dubai and many more.
Next time when planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest eSIM and prepaid sim card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a Claro sim card for Argentina.You can buy a prepaid sim cards for tourists in the Claro stores in Argentina and Claro has a great 4G/5G network in Argentina.
You can only buy a Claro sim card on arrival in Argentina and only physical prepaid sim cards are available, no eSIMs for tourists.
Traveltomtom definitely recommends eSIMs for Argentina, just because its convenient and you are online as soon as the plane lands.
Airalo has the best-buy eSIM for Argentina for $49 USD you get 20 GB data. But Argentina eSIMs already start from just $1 USD. Check out my complete Argentina eSIM guide with a comparison of the best eSIMs.
We also recommend international sim cards for traveling in Argentina. These global sim cards with data get extra interesting when traveling to multiple countries as their data is valid all over the world. Check out my comparison of the best travel sim cards with data in 2024 and pick the one that suits your trip to South America.
Mobile internet providers in Argentina
There are 3 mobile internet operators in Argentina: Movistar, Claro and Personal Flow. All of them have prepaid sim cards for tourists. However, getting one in Argentina is a little more complicated than in other countries.
All the mobile internet operators in Argentina only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, there are no eSIMs available for tourists.
Where to buy a prepaid sim card in Argentina
Buenos Aires Airport - EZE
The most convenient place to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in Argentina is of course at the international airport of Buenos Aires, called Ezeiza (EZE). There are two stores where you can buy a sim card for tourists. Read more about it in my guide for buying a sim card at Buenos Aires Airport in 2024.
Official retail stores
All operators have multiple phone stores around Buenos Aires and other cities and tourist destinations in Argentina. At the official retail stores of Personal Flow and Claro they sell prepaid sim cards or actually they give them for free and do the registration for free as well.
Movistar does NOT sell or register prepaid sim cards at their official retail stores.
Kiosks
There are uncountable kiosks all over every city, basically convenience stores. These little shop, often open 24 hours, sell prepaid sim cards for Argentina for less than $1 USD. These kiosks have sim cards from Personal Flow, Claro and Movistar. But Traveltomtom does NOT recommend buying a prepaid sim card here, keep reading.
Online
Traveltomtom encourages to buy sim cards for traveling to Argentina online because of its convenience. Therefore international prepaid sim cards are a very easy way to stay connected when traveling to Argentina. You can order a physical international prepaid sim card for Argentina via SimOptions.
In 2024 most travelers are looking for eSIMs and no wonder. It is a super easy way to stay connected when traveling to Argentina. Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIMs for Argentina with eSIMs from GigSky, Firsty, Sim Local, SimOptions, etc.
Registration process for Argentina prepaid sim cards
Prepaid sim cards need to be registered on your passport, so when buying a sim card in Argentina bring your passport. A copy of your passport will be taking when buying a sim card at an official retail store.
However, in a kiosk you can buy a prepaid sim card without your passport. But don't get too excited as these sim cards are NOT pre-activated and you will need to do the activation by yourself online on the operators website or go to an official retail store.
I tried to do the registration process myself on the internet last year, but it was too much of a hassle. Eventually I gave up and went to an official store only to found out there was an issue and I ended up waiting more than 1 hour to get everything fix. Precious holiday time that I had definitely wish I had spent differently!
Buying a prepaid sim card in Argentina is a little more complicated than usual. In my opinion the online sim cards for Argentina are pretty expensive and buying a sim card at a kiosk is too much effort. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends buying a sim card at an official retail store.
That automatically means Movistar is NOT a recommended mobile internet provider to buy a prepaid sim card in Argentina. Movistar only sells prepaid sim cards at street kiosks and the registration you will have to figure out yourself.
If this all sounds like too much hassle then simply order an eSIM for Argentina on the internet and you don't need any ID verification for these eSIMs, just your email address.
Best 4G/5G network in Argentina in 2024
Essential for determining the best prepaid sim card for traveling in Argentina is the mobile internet network coverage in Argentina. Therefore Traveltomtom compared the 4G/5G mobile data network coverage maps of the mobile internet operators in Argentina. Have a quick look below and thank me later, especially if you are traveling to the amazing Patagonia in South Argentina.
Is there 5G in Argentina?
Yes, there is 5G in Argentina, but it is very limit. As of 2024 there is pretty much only 5G available in Buenos Aires and some other big cities. From my own recent experiences traveling to Argentina I can tell you that I was barely connected to 5G while visiting Buenos Aires, mostly just 4G/LTE.
Personal Flow has the best 5G network in Argentina in 2024, but... keep reading.
Personal Flow 4G/5G coverage map
Movistar 4G/5G coverage map
Claro 4G/5G coverage map
From the above coverage maps we can clearly see that the Personal Flow 4G/5G coverage is very weak in the Southern regions of Argentina. Therefore especially for those people traveling to Patagonia a Personal Flow sim card is NOT recommended.
Traveltomtom also concludes that Movistar has the weakest mobile data network coverage in Argentina in 2024.
Based on the above comparison of the mobile internet operators in Argentina Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Claro has overal the best 4G/5G network coverage in Argentina in 2024.
Prices prepaid sim cards in Argentina in 2024
Info and prices are updated as per November 2024 and displayed in Argentinian Pesos.
The Argentina Peso is one of the most volatile currencies in the world and in the last years it devaluate multiple times.
Get your Argentinian Pesos on the Blue Market Currency Exchange. For more info read below about my experienced buying a sim card in Argentina.
As of November 2024 the Blue Market exchange rate for the Argentinian Peso is already up to $1 USD = $1,130 ARS, the official rate is about 980 ARS for $1 USD.
Movistar
Although not recommend for tourists because of the tedious registration process, above are the Movistar prepaid data bundles for tourists. More info on the Movistar Argentina website.
Personal Flow
Above you can see the data packages for Flow prepaid sim cards. There are only small data bundle available for prepaid sim cards. More info on the Personal Flow website.
Claro
Claro has a wide range of internet data packs available for prepaid costumers. See the above and there are even more data plans for tourists.
Personally I would recommend the 15 GB data plan for 30 days + free social media for a total of $9,200 ARS, which around $9 USD. More info on the Claro Argentina website.
Another reason to choose Claro as your prepaid sim card for Argentina.
Best sim card for Argentina in 2024
Traveltomtom advices ordering an eSIM for Argentina online to avoid all the hassle of buying a prepaid sim card in Argentina.
Fact is that eSIMs are more expensive. The best-buy eSIM for Argentina is from Airalo and you get 20 GB data for $49 USD.
But there are also already eSIMs from just $1 USD. Check out Traveltomtom's list of the best eSIMs for traveling to Argentina in 2024.
For Traveltomtom it leaves no doubt that Claro is the best prepaid sim card for traveling to Argentina in 2024. They have the best 4G/5G network coverage in Argentina and the best prepaid sim card deals for tourists and also excellent service in the Claro retail stores.
When traveling to Patagonia in the South of Argentina then definitely don't get a Personal Flow prepaid sim card. Their 4G/5G network coverage is pretty much non-existing in Patagonia and beyond. Which is sad because in the Central regions of Argentina Personal Flow actually has the strongest 4G/5G network coverage.
Buying a prepaid sim card from Movistar is complicated in Argentina. You will have to buy a sim card at a kiosk and then go to an official retail store to get it registered. Then back to the kiosk to get credit on your account.
For real Movistar Argentina? Who wants to do that? Big no-go!
Also Movistar has the weakest 4G/5G network coverage in Argentina, so all in all buying a sim card from Movistar is NOT recommended for tourists.
Best eSIMs for Argentina
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Argentina in 2024. You arrange everything online within just a couple minutes. No more swapping physical sim cards or visiting a sim card shop.
You order an eSIM for Argentina on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Argentina eSIM installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Argentina it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
For more details check out my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Argentina.
Airalo
Airalo is one of the most trusted eSIM providers and have some of the best 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 directly order an Argentina eSIM via Airalo.
Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.
The above Abrazo eSIMs for Argentina use the Movistar 4G/LTE network, are data-only and phone calls are not supported.
Jetpac
Jetpac uses the Claro mobile data network which is stronger than Movistar (Airalo).
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 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.
Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM for Argentina.
There are many more eSIM providers that offer eSIMs for Argentina like: SimOptions, GigSky, Roamless, Sim Local, Firsty, etc. Check out Traveltomtom's complete Argentina eSIM guide.
Order a prepaid sim card for Argentina online
Is your phone not eSIM compatible then there is still the possibility to order a sim card for traveling to Argentina on the internet. Have a look at the options below.
Arrive prepared in Argentina with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Argentina, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions sells the following physical prepaid sim card that is valid in 22 countries including Argentina:
- 5 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order this international sim card for Argentina via SimOptions.
My experience buying a sim card in Argentina
Nowadays when I visit Argentina I get myself an eSIM, but here are my experiences from a couple years ago...
The process of buying a prepaid sim card in Argentina is rather complicated. Only Claro stores sell a decent prepaid sim card deal with a big data plan. You can also choose to get your sim card registered in a Claro store and then go to a kiosk to add money on your account.
The in-store prepaid sim card deal from Claro costs 2,700 ARS and you get 25 GB data. Since I was only staying for a week and also wanted to know more about the kiosk and the top up options I got a free Claro sim card at an official Claro store. They registered my new Argentina sim card on my passport and I was good to go.
I walked out of the store with a registered prepaid sim card and a new phone number, but there was NO data or credit on it yet. In the Claro store itself they could NOT add credit!
Upon activation I got a text message and the very friendly guy in the Claro store showed me that I only had to click on the link in the sms and I got redirected to the account page logged in with my mobile number on the Claro website. Then I directly saw all the top-up packages available, the above picture is a screenshot of what it looked like on my phone.
Then I went around the corner to the first kiosk that I saw and I topped up my account with 1,300 ARS. I gave the guy in the kiosk my number and the money and within 5 seconds my account was topped up with 1,300 ARS. With that credit I was able to activate a 10 GB data bundle for 30 days. The topping up process went very smooth in the kiosk, activating the data plan took me less than a minute.
Vlog about buying a prepaid sim card in Argentina
Here is a complete vlog about buying a sim card in Argentina with all my tips and experiences.
If all the above sounds like too much hassle remember that you can also still order a sim card for Argentina online. If your phone is eSIM compatible then simply order an Argentina eSIM. Check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Argentina.
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of November 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
If you have any questions then please leave me a comment below and I will try to help you out. I hope all the above tips for buying a sim card for Argentina were helpful.
Enjoy your trip to Argentina!