San Juan Airport SIM Card in 2024: Get a SIM Card In San Juan

Last updated on March 12th, 2024 at 04:57 am

Looking to get a San Juan Airport SIM Card when arriving in San Juan Puerto Rico? We will write a full guide on how to buy a sim card in San Juan.

San Juan, a city renowned for its enchanting blend of history, culture, and picturesque beaches, is a gem in the Caribbean. As you arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the bustling gateway to this vibrant city, staying connected is essential to share your experiences and navigate with ease. Navigating the options for SIM and eSIM services at the airport is a crucial first step to ensure seamless connectivity.

For traditional SIM cards, Claro Puerto Rico and Liberty Puerto Rico (previously AT&T) offer the most comprehensive coverage on the island, ensuring reliable service for both calls and data. For a more modern approach, eSIM options from providers like Airalo and Holafly cater to the needs of international travelers, offering easy setup and flexible data plans.

This guide aims to be a comprehensive resource, helping you find the best mobile connectivity solution for your stay in San Juan. Though airport purchases may come with a slight premium, they provide the advantage of immediate connectivity, and is usually our top recommendation for convenience.

We’ll delve into all the available options, including insights on network coverage from U.S. carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Mobile, and their performance in Puerto Rico. Let’s dive into the details of staying connected through various mobile solutions at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

Related Travel Guides:

• Puerto Rico eSIM
• Heymondo Travel Insurance Discount for Puerto Rico
• How to Get from San Juan Airport to Old San Juan

Why a Local SIM in San Juan is Essential

San Juan, with its blend of historic charm and Caribbean vibrancy, offers an enriching Puerto Rican experience. To fully immerse yourself in the essence of this captivating city, a local SIM card is crucial for several reasons:

1. Effortless Navigation: Navigate through San Juan’s colorful streets, from the historic El Morro fortress to the bustling Condado Beach, with reliable GPS assistance.
2. Cultural Immersion: Easily translate local signage, menus, and conversations, bridging the language gap and deepening your cultural understanding.
3. Stay Connected: Share your San Juan adventures on social media in real-time or keep in touch with family and friends back home.
4. Emergency Access: In case of emergencies, having a local number can be vital for quick access to local help and services.
5. Cost-Effective Communication: Avoid expensive roaming fees while benefiting from local rates for calls, texts, and internet usage.

Having a local SIM card in San Juan not only enhances your convenience but also enriches your travel experience, ensuring you stay connected and secure as you explore the vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes of this Puerto Rican city.

Airport Location of the SIM Cards – SIM Card San Juan Puerto Rico

Location of SIM Card Kiosks at San Juan Airport: Once you have passed through customs at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, head to the arrivals area to explore options for purchasing SIM cards. While specific kiosk locations within the airport are not detailed, you can look for SIM cards in various retail outlets, tech stores, or shops that may offer them.

The primary mobile operators in Puerto Rico are Claro Puerto Rico and Liberty Puerto Rico (formerly AT&T), and their SIM cards might be available at these locations.

Physical Prepaid SIM Card (Buy SIM Card in San Juan Airport):

• Claro Puerto Rico and Liberty Puerto Rico Outlets: These operators are your primary choices for SIM cards in Puerto Rico. Look for any telecommunications store or kiosk that sell these providers’ SIM cards.
• Availability and Assistance: The stores or kiosks at the airport offer various prepaid SIMs with different data plans, and the staff can usually assist you in English and Spanish.

If you arrive at San Juan Airport late at night or find that nearby gas stations are closed (gas stations also sell sim card kits), don’t worry about your SIM card needs just yet. San Juan Mall houses a Claro shop, which is a convenient alternative for sorting out your SIM card requirements. This is particularly useful if you miss the usual business hours at the airport or other locations. The Claro store in San Juan Mall can provide you with various SIM card options and plans, ensuring you stay connected during your stay in Puerto Rico.

Arriving in SJU from the US with an American / US Mobile Provider – SIM Card San Juan Airport

If you’re coming from the U.S. to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with an existing phone plan, here’s what you can generally expect in terms of coverage and service:

T-Mobile

T-Mobile has robust coverage in Puerto Rico, as it operates its own network on the island. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, T-Mobile users can enjoy their regular plan features, including talk, text, and data, without any additional roaming charges. This means you can use your T-Mobile service in Puerto Rico just as you would in the mainland U.S.

Verizon

Verizon treats Puerto Rico as a domestic location for its users. This means if you have a Verizon plan, you won’t face extra roaming charges in Puerto Rico. Your regular plan rates for calls, texts, and data will apply.

However, it’s essential to note that Verizon’s coverage in Puerto Rico might be less extensive than on the mainland, and there may be areas with connectivity issues. Prepaid Verizon customers can also use their service without extra charges, as Puerto Rico is considered a domestic location for Verizon​

US Mobile

US Mobile offers comprehensive coverage throughout Puerto Rico, including in more rural and challenging terrains. If you’re a US Mobile customer, you can expect reliable connectivity and high-speed data across the island

AT&T and MVNOs Using AT&T’s Network

AT&T had a solid network in Puerto Rico, which has been sold to Liberty. However, AT&T/Cricket customers can still use the Liberty network without issues. It’s important for customers of MVNOs that use AT&T’s network to check with their providers about the compatibility and coverage in Puerto Rico​

For travelers with existing U.S. phone plans, it’s always a good idea to check with your carrier before your trip to confirm the specifics of your coverage and any potential roaming arrangements in Puerto Rico. This ensures you won’t face any unexpected charges or service interruptions during your stay.

SIM Cards in San Juan Puerto Rico (SIM Card San Juan Airport)

In Puerto Rico, the primary options for tourists seeking SIM cards are indeed Claro Puerto Rico and Liberty Puerto Rico. These two are the major players in the telecommunications market in Puerto Rico, offering extensive coverage and a variety of plans suitable for tourists.

Claro Puerto Rico

Known for wide coverage across the island, including both urban and rural areas, Claro offers reliable connectivity for tourists. They have a range of prepaid plans that vary in price, often including affordable options for basic needs as well as comprehensive plans with data, calls, and text.

Liberty Puerto Rico (formerly AT&T)

Liberty stands out for its exceptional 5G coverage, making it an excellent choice for tourists needing high-speed internet. Their prepaid plans might be priced slightly higher but are reflective of the premium services, especially for those seeking faster data speeds.

These providers dominate the market due to their extensive infrastructure and reliable service. While there may be other smaller operators or resellers, Claro and Liberty are most frequently recommended for tourists due to their widespread network coverage and variety of plan options.

eSIM Options for San Juan

Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular and first eSIM brands in the market and it continuously stays popular because of its lower plans and competitive prices. And while eSIMs will almost always be pricier than local sim cards, eSIM are a good alternative in case you’re in a hurry to get a connection and you can’t get it from the airport and willing to spend a little bit more for convenience.

Below are Airalo Puerto prices.

• 1GB for $4.50 USD valid for 7 Days
• 2GB for $8 USD valid for 15 Days
• 3GB for $11 USD valid for 30 Days
• 5GB for $16 USD valid for 30 Days
• 10GB for $25 USD valid for 30 Days
• 20GB for $40 USD valid for 30 Days

Holafly – SIM Card San Juan Airport

Holafly eSIM, the most popular eSIM in the market at the moment for their unlimited plans and strong coverage to over 170+ countries around the world is the best option for more spending with unlimited data needs.

For Puerto Rico, Holafly starts at $27 USD for 5 Days Unlimited Data. Below are Holafly’s other offers:

• 5 Days Unlimited Data in Puerto Rico for $27 USD
• 7 Days Unlimited Data in Puerto Rico for $34 USD
• 10 Days Unlimited Data in Puerto Rico for $37 USD
• 15 Days Unlimited Data in Puerto Rico for $47 USD
• 20 Days Unlimited Data in Puerto Rico for $54 USD
• 30 Days Unlimited Data in Puerto Rico for $79 USD

You will see that prices really do get high when it comes to longer days of travel so you’ll have to make sure that you know how important high data need is for you or for your trip. For video calling needs while traveling for example, you might want to schedule these activities on certain days you’ll have wifi or do them together within a few days / a week of you having unlimited data. Stick to lower data plans when you know you’ll spend a lot of time in areas with wifi.

Maya eSIM – SIM Card San Juan Airport

Maya eSIM is a great eSIM in Puerto Rico that offers competive rates for data needs in Puerto Rico.

Maya offers are below:

• 1GB for $21 USD available from 5-30 days
• 3GB for $54 USD available from 5-30 days
• 5GB for $69 USD available from 5-30 days
• 10GB for $101 USD available from 5-30 days

Final Thoughts and Recommendations on San Juan Airport SIM Card

When considering staying connected in San Juan, Puerto Rico, tourists have a choice between local prepaid SIM cards from providers like Claro Puerto Rico and Liberty Puerto Rico, and eSIM options such as Holafly, Airalo, and Maya eSIM. Each option has its advantages, depending on your needs and preferences.

Local Prepaid SIM Cards (Claro and Liberty Puerto Rico)

• Pros:
  • Physical Stores: Easy to purchase upon arrival, with in-person support.
  • Local Number: Useful for local calls and potential emergencies.
  • Compatibility: Likely to have strong network coverage across Puerto Rico.
• Cons:
  • Physical Swap: Requires changing your existing SIM card.
  • Variable Pricing: Costs and plans can vary, may require in-store inquiry for the latest deals.

eSIM Options (Holafly, Airalo, Maya eSIM)

• Pros:
  • Convenience: Can be set up before your trip, no need to swap SIM cards.
  • Flexibility: Often offer a range of data plans to suit different needs.
  • Easy Setup: Activated digitally, usually through a simple QR code scan.
• Cons:
  • Device Compatibility: Not all phones support eSIM technology.
  • Potentially Limited Coverage: Depending on the provider, might not offer as comprehensive coverage as local SIM cards.

Recommendations

• For Ease of Use: If you prefer the convenience of setting everything up before your trip and have an eSIM-compatible device, going with Holafly, Airalo, or Maya eSIM is a great choice.
• For Comprehensive Coverage: If you want the assurance of strong network coverage throughout Puerto Rico and don’t mind swapping SIM cards, a local SIM card from Claro or Liberty would be more suitable.
• For Longer Stays: For extended visits, a local SIM card might be more economical and practical, especially for making local calls or if you anticipate using a significant amount of data.
• For Short Trips or Data-Only Needs: For short stays or if you primarily need data and not voice or text, eSIMs offer a straightforward solution.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the length of your stay, your device’s compatibility, and your specific communication needs while in Puerto Rico. Always check the latest plan details and compatibility requirements with your device before making a decision.

Note for Travelers from the U.S. with Existing Mobile Phone Service

If you’re traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from the mainland U.S. and already have a U.S. mobile phone service, here’s some additional information to consider:

1. T-Mobile: T-Mobile customers can expect reliable coverage in Puerto Rico with no additional charges for talk, text, and data usage. The carrier treats Puerto Rico as a domestic location, ensuring seamless service as on the mainland U.S.​​.
2. Verizon: Verizon also considers Puerto Rico a domestic location. Users on both postpaid and prepaid plans can use their service without extra roaming charges. However, the coverage might not be as extensive as in the mainland U.S. It’s advisable to check your plan specifics before traveling​​.
3. US Mobile: Known for its robust coverage in Puerto Rico, US Mobile offers consistent connectivity across the island. If you’re a US Mobile customer, you’ll enjoy reliable service without additional fees​​.
4. AT&T and MVNOs Using AT&T’s Network: AT&T has an agreement with Liberty (which now owns AT&T’s network in Puerto Rico) to provide seamless service for its customers. If you’re using AT&T or Cricket Wireless, you should be able to use the Liberty network in Puerto Rico. However, users of other MVNOs using AT&T’s network should verify coverage with their provider​​.

Recommendations for U.S. Travelers

• Check Your Plan: Before traveling, confirm with your carrier about the coverage and any potential charges in Puerto Rico.
• Consider Roaming Options: If your current plan does not offer favorable terms for use in Puerto Rico, consider local SIM card options or eSIMs for a potentially more cost-effective and convenient solution.
• Be Prepared for Coverage Variability: In more remote areas of Puerto Rico, coverage can be spotty, so prepare accordingly, especially if you plan to venture outside urban centers.

Travelers from the U.S. with existing mobile service can usually rely on their current plans in Puerto Rico, but it’s always wise to double-check details to ensure a hassle-free communication experience during your trip.

FAQs on San Juan Airport SIM Card