Best Simcard for Mexico Travel: eSIM or Local SIM?
Before our trip to Mexico, we bought an eSIM from Airalo so we would have internet access as soon as we landed at the airport. Later in Oaxaca, we also purchased a local SIM card because we noticed the eSIM coverage wasn’t great. Below you’ll find our experiences with using a SIM card in Mexico (Airalo and Telcel), so you can make the best choice for the best simcard in Mexico during your own travel!
SIM Card Mexico: Airalo eSIM
The Airalo SIM card uses the Movistar network and supports up to 4G. The big advantage is that you can install it before departure, meaning you’ll have internet right away upon arrival. This way you can start your itinerary through Mexico with an internet connection.
Airalo eSIM Coverage
- Mexico City: 4G
- Oaxaca (center): 4G
- Puerto Escondido: only in the town center, hardly any coverage on the beaches
- San Cristóbal de las Casas: weak coverage
- Palenque: weak coverage, especially in jungle accommodations
- Mérida: 4G
- Cancún: good coverage in the city center, weaker at our accommodation
SIM Card Mexico: Local Provider Telcel
Telcel is said to be the largest and best network provider in Mexico. With 5G, it’s internet speeds are faster than Movistar. We didn’t test it in Mexico City, as we only purchased the SIM in Oaxaca. Since our phone has a dual SIM slot, we simply inserted the card and it worked immediately.
You do need to register with a number and password via the Telcel app. The app is useful since it shows your data usage. Topping up didn’t work for us through the app, but it was quick and easy to do at a Telcel store or supermarket.
Telcel SIM Coverage
- Oaxaca (center): 5G
- Puerto Escondido: coverage even outside the center, often 4G but still reliable
- San Cristóbal de las Casas: mostly 5G, occasional dropouts
- Palenque: 4G, enough for video calls
- Mérida: 5G
- Cancún: 5G
Best Simcard in Mexico: Airalo eSIM or Telcel Local SIM?
Despite the weaker coverage, we would still recommend getting an Airalo eSIM with a minimum data package. This way, you’re connected to the internet as soon as you land. As an addition, we suggest purchasing a Telcel SIM card, since it offers much better coverage and faster speeds across Mexico.
Telcel also offers tourists unlimited use of WhatsApp and Instagram, which really works and makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Tip: Use the code MEIKE4854 to get €3 off your first Airalo purchase.
