Best eSIM for Mexico

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you reliably and conveniently access the internet around the world by connecting to local data networks.

Most new smart devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, come with preinstalled software that let you easily download and set-up a travel eSIM for your next trip.

Physical SIM cards, like the one you likely got from your cell phone provider, have to be manually put in your device and are easy to lose if you’re switching them around while travelling. Comparatively, an eSIM is entirely digital, so it doesn’t need to be physically added or removed from your phone.

As long as your device is compatible, an eSIM can be installed in a few quick steps using a QR code, and this can give you immediate access to multiple data networks when you travel to Mexico and around the world.

Why Get an eSIM?

There are many reasons to choose an eSIM for your next trip, such as:

• Easy to purchase, download, and install
• Affordable
• No physical SIM card to keep track off
• Flexible data plans, letting you have internet while you travel
• Reliable connectivity
• Stay connected with friends and family back home
• Easily contact hotels, Airbnbs, tour guides, and more
• Access ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft
• Be safer by using online maps to help you navigate
• Use online translation tools to better understand signs, menus, and local conversation

eSIMs for Mexico

Mexico is a big country with a tremendous diversity of regions that each showcase unique food, culture, climate, and activities.

Whether you’re navigating Mexico City’s bustling streets, eating and drinking your way through Oaxaca’s unique culinary culture, or relaxing on the beaches of the Mexican Riviera, having access to data using an eSIM will be a positive addition to your trip.

When selecting the best eSIM for Mexico, you’ll need to consider three main things:

• How long are travelling for? – eSIM data plans range from a single day all the way up to 365 days in length
• How much data will you need? – Data plans tend to be more expensive the more data you want, so give some thought to how much data you might use on your trip.
• Are you visiting more than one country? – Many eSIM providers offer both country-specific eSIMs and region-specific eSIMs, so if you’re travelling to more than one country, you may want to look into one of the regional options.

Compare available eSIM plans for your destination, trip length and data needs.

Saily eSIMs

In terms of the best eSIM for Mexico, our first recommendations are the eSIM options from Saily.

For Mexico, Saily offers the following data plans:

Not only are Saily’s eSIMs super easy to download and install, but since Saily is part of Nord Security, which owns NordVPN, one of the best and more reliable VPN services in the world, their eSIMs are also extra focused on keeping your data secure.

Additionally, Saily offers other customer-focused benefits like the ability to earn Saily credits with each purchase and the option to Refer-a-Friend to get an additional $5 USD credit towards your next eSIM purchase.

Plus, if you run into any issues with your eSIM, Saily also has excellent customer service, with their support team available to help you troubleshoot installing, accessing, connectivity, and more.

When purchasing an eSIM from Saily, you’ll be charged in US dollars, so your best option is to use credit card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction (FX) fees. By choosing a no-FX credit card, you’ll not only save money on your eSIM purchase, but you can also save the 2.5% fee on all foreign currency transactions while you travel.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that Saily has a 30-day eSIM activation window. This means that you must activate your eSIM within 30 days or it will be activated automatically.

Airalo eSIMs

Airalo eSIMs are our second recommendation for the best eSIM for Mexico, and this option stands out because not only can you choose from data-only options, but you can also select an eSIM that gives you texting and calling capabilities in addition to data connectivity.

Airalo’s current data-only eSIM plans for Mexico are as follows:

Comparatively, Airalo’s data/calls/texts plans offer the following options:

As you can see, adding texting and calling to your Airalo eSIM plan doesn’t cost much more than the data-only plans. If you’ve got the dollars to spare, having the ability to make and receive calls/texts can certainly help you stay connected and organized, especially if you’re navigating the many neighbourhoods of Mexico City or exploring a whole region like the Mayan Riviera and Yucatan Peninsula or Quintana Roo.

Airalo also rewards you for your customer loyalty by giving you Airmoney every time you purchase an eSIM. These rewards are redeemable to help cover the cost of your next eSIM purchase, making these eSIMs even more affordable.

Holafly eSIMs

If you find that you use a lot of data when you travel, you may want to choose an eSIM from our third recommendation, Holafly. This is because all of Holafly‘s eSIM plans come with unlimited data.

Regardless of whether you’re visiting Mexico for a week or for multiple months, Holafly lets you enjoy as much data as you want without you ever needing to top up your plan.

Holafly also lets you choose the exact number of days that you need your eSIM for, so you won’t pay for any time you’re not going to use.

Holafly also allows you to use hotspot function to share data with other devices up to 500mb per day. And if you ever need, you can contact them through their 24/7 customer support.

eSIM plans range from 1 to 90 days in length, and to give you an idea of what these will cost for your trip to Mexico, here are some examples:

• 1 day = $8.00 CAD
• 7 days = $40.00 CAD
• 14 days = $65.00 CAD
• 30 days = $103.00 CAD

If you want to purchase a Holafly eSIM for your next trip to Mexico, don’t forget to use the code MILESOPEDIA for 5% off at checkout.

Bottom Line

No matter where your travels take you in Mexico (or around the world), having an eSIM can make the experience smoother and more fun. Plus, getting a eSIM is easier than ever, with tons of great companies like Saily, Airalo and Holafly offering a wide range of plans to suit all types of travellers.

An eSIM is a great way to access reliable connectivity without worrying about roaming charges or having to swap out a physical SIM card, so whether you’re catching up on your favourite TV shows while poolside at an all-inclusive resort or exploring some luxury in Mexico City, an eSIM is a must-have travel companion.

FAQs

Do eSIMs work in Mexico?

Yes, eSIMs work in Mexico. As long as there is local network support, your eSIM will work.

Are eSIMs trustworthy?

Yes, eSIMs purchased from reputable vendors like Saily, Airalo, and Holafly are very trustworthy.

How do eSIMs work?

eSIMs are an entirely digital version of a physical SIM card, and they use your eSIM-compatible device’s preinstalled software to provide you with reliable internet access on your trips away from home.

To use an eSIM, you need to:

1. Purchase an eSIM
2. Install it onto your device prior to departing
3. Activate it when you arrive at your destination to access the local data network

What’s the difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM card?

An eSIM and a physical SIM card offer essentially the same features, but an eSIM is entirely digital and a physical SIM is a small microchip that you need to purchase from a local shop or service provider and physically insert into your connected device.

Since an eSIM is entirely digital, it can be installed onto your eSIM-compatible device similarly to how you would add a new app.

How do I find out if my phone is eSIM compatible?

Most newer smartphones are eSIM compatible. To confirm if your device is compatible, you can check for eSIM options under « Settings, » or you can check for the device’s name on eSIM-compatible list provided by vendors like Saily, Airalo, and Holafly.