Mexico SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know | 2022 - A Broken Backpack (2023)

FAQs

How long does a Telcel SIM card last? ›

This SIM can be re-used as long as there is a refill every 6 months or less after activation. Our Telcel SIMs are tested before being shipped so there is no defect rate and we provide fast customer support in case it's needed.

The answer is YES! — especially for solo female travelers in Mexico, like me — you really do need a Mexico SIM Card. Mexico is a wonderful country, but its technology infrastructure isn't as sophisticated as some countries, so a SIM card with data is the only way to ensure you're connected at all times.

Getting a SIM card in Mexico is EASY and CHEAP. Seriously. It's one of the easiest and cheapest places I've ever gotten data in, and that says a lot. The process is super simple and the internet packages are actually impressive, coming with way more perks than you're probably used to.

A Surfroam international sim card is a data only global sim card. With mobile coverage in 200+ countries and territories as they state on the Surfroam website. You can not receive and make phone calls however you can receive sms.

Another way you have at hand to activate a Telcel chip is by using text messages. To do this, you must insert the SIM in your cell phone, turn it on and send a text message to the code 4848, in the message write the word ALTA and follow the instructions given in response.

First of all, your Mexican prepaid SIM card will still work in the US. You can still call home and receive calls without problems.

But if you get a Mexican international SIM card, you can visit Mexico City, Paraisos, or Cancun with unlimited data and domestic calls. And you'll have no extra charges for international roaming when you return. Another option (if your mobile phone is compatible) is to get an eSIM for Mexico.

They're tiny chips inserted into cell phones to connect them with the carrier network and a specific user account (phone number). Most of the time, if you purchase a new phone, you can transfer the SIM card from your old phone into the new one and keep your phone number.

Many carriers in the United States, like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and others include international travel to Mexico and Canada in their plans. In that case, you're good to go. Enjoy using your phone in Mexico.

If you want to buy your prepaid SIM card directly when you land in Cancun International Airport without paying a fortune, we recommend going to the nearest Oxxo store. When you land in Cancun Airport, inside the arrival terminal, you will see a couple of shops offering prepaid SIM cards, but do not buy from them.

How much does a cell phone cost in Mexico? ›

In the second quarter of 2021, the average expenditure per smartphone in Mexico was around 216 U.S. dollars, up from nearly 174 U.S. dollars reported one year earlier.

Using Your US iPhone In Mexico - YouTube

Mobile SIM vs Data SIM Card

A mobile SIM allows users to make standard phone calls, send SMS , and connect to the internet via mobile data, while a data SIM card provides only mobile data.

OneSimCard Universal global SIM card is a small electronic chip which when inserted into an unlocked GSM cell phone enables the phone with international mobile service.

In the USA, Telcel operates as a T-Mobile MVNO, and thus service is provided using T-Mobile's network.

USAGE: To check your data usage, text the word USAGE to 611611 here.

All plans include data, calls, and texts within the US, Canada and Mexico. Plus, Flexible and Unlimited Plus also come with international data in 200+ destinations, and for supported Pixel and Samsung phones, 5G coverage is available in select countries and territories.

These plans allow calls within the roaming country and to the US, while roaming. Data used while roaming internationally will be deducted from your service plan's high speed data allotment.

How do I get data in Mexico? ›

Traveltomtom recommends buying a Telcel sim card for Mexico. Telcel has by far the best 4G network coverage in Mexico and for less than $10 USD you get unlimited social media apps, calling and texting plus 6 GB data for surfing the internet.

Public parks, plazas, and museums: Many municipalities across Mexico are now providing free public WiFi access in public parks and plazas (especially the main square or zocalo of each town) as well in other public buildings including libraries and clinics.

Wi-Fi in Mexico

Wi-Fi works exactly the same in Mexico as it does in the USA, and you can use all your current equipment.

The SIM card has enough memory to typically store up to 250 contacts, some of your text messages and other information that the carrier who supplied the card can utilize. Photos are not stored on SIM cards, so make sure they are backed up.

The city and district police units have come across retailers selling SIM cards of a mobile phone operator without verifying the identity of the buyers. They do not bother to collect copies of photographs, proofs of identity and address, which are mandatory to hand over SIM cards.

Text messages sent to phone numbers in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico are charged domestic rates per your plan. While traveling outside the U.S., Canada, Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico the text messaging rates are: $0.50/address sent. $0.05/message received.

Roaming is activated automatically once you use your phone in Mexico ¹¹.

New and existing customers with an AT&T Unlimited Plan can say goodbye to roaming charges in both Mexico and Canada. Talk, text and use data in and between the United States, Mexico and Canada for no roaming charge.

Cancun airport at all terminals offer this service for free.

Passengers and visitors have access to Internet service in any public area of the airport, you can read your email and surf the Internet via a secure and reliable.

Will my phone work in Cancun Mexico? ›

Will your cell phone work in Cancún? Yes, depending on your provider and your options, there are ways to ensure your cell phone will work in Cancún. You can use Wi-Fi, purchase a Mexican cell phone or chip, or talk to your current provider about what options you have for traveling to Mexico.

Cell phone prices in Mexico are also substantially lower than in the United States, although it often depends on the manufacturer, as some can be more expensive.

Roaming allows you to make calls, send texts, and use wireless data even when you're outside of your network's boundaries. The downside, of course, is that roaming data usually comes with extra charges to your account.

Need to avoid roaming charges because you arrived at your destination without an international data plan? Turn off Cellular Data and Data Roaming. Open Settings and tap Cellular, or Cellular Data, or Mobile Data. Turn off Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options and turn off Data Roaming.

Some data-only SIMs will still let you receive calls and messages, and some will let you make them too (but you'll need to pay extra, and typically, per call or per message). This varies from provider to provider, so be sure to check with the telco if this functionality is important to you.

It is typically as easy to cut through the metal of the SIM card as it is the plastic card surrounding it. You can also use regular scissors but the smaller pair offer more accuracy. If you're using nail scissors be sure to use a straight pair, not ones with a slight curve.

A "Data SIM" is an internet-only SIM card. Therefore, texting and calling are not possible using a Data SIM.

Which is the fastest SIM in the world? ›

Most people need around 600 GB of data per month for their home internet connection. That gives you enough data to stream movies, play online games, and participate in video conferencing calls. While many internet providers offer unlimited data, data caps are still common.

SIM Cards Change Your Number

You need to understand that when you replace your SIM card, you'll automatically be getting a new phone number since cell phone numbers are actually associated with the SIM cards and not the individual phones.

This is a 3-in-1 SIM Card Adapter, a three small pieces of non-aging plastic that give you the ability to turn your nano or micro SIM into a card the next size up for your cellular project. This adapter is able to convert a nano sized SIM card to both micro and standard size and a micro sized SIM card to standard.

A Surfroam international sim card is a data only global sim card. With mobile coverage in 200+ countries and territories as they state on the Surfroam website. You can not receive and make phone calls however you can receive sms.

Insert your new SIM card into your phone's SIM slot, close the tray, and turn on your phone. To reset your network, you will need to go into your phone's settings. For Android, go to Settings & tap Reset or Network Settings. Tap Network Reset and follow the prompts.

Check your balance by text: Dial *133#, then press send. You'll receive a response text. Check your balance by voice: Dial *333, then press send and listen.

These plans allow calls within the roaming country and to the US, while roaming. Data used while roaming internationally will be deducted from your service plan's high speed data allotment.

Its sister brand, Simple Mobile, offered and still offers all the same features that Telcel did plus more. Simple Mobile customers actually get international roaming in 16 Latin American countries including Mexico.

How much data do I have left Telcel? ›

USAGE: To check your data usage, text the word USAGE to 611611 here.

In the USA, Telcel operates as a T-Mobile MVNO, and thus service is provided using T-Mobile's network.

About 1 million Mexicans are now connected to the 5G network from subsidiary Telcel, part of the company owned by the family of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim , executives told a news conference.

In contrast, Apple's iOS has achieved limited success in Mexico in comparison to its popularity in the rest of the world. At the end of 2016, the Apple operating system held 3.7 percent of the market share in Mexico, which is significantly lower than the 18.3 percent market share it enjoyed globally.

Owned by Carlos Slim's America Movil (AM), Telcel is one of three main players in Mexico's wireless market. It's joined by Telefonica subsidiary Movistar Mexico and AT&T Mexico. Telcel dominates the sector, while doing its best to dismiss concerns over its status as a Preponderant Economic Agent (AEP).