Getting ready for a trip to Cancun? Let’s first take a look at our full guide on getting a Cancun Airport SIM card. In this guide, we’ll help you find where local SIM card kiosks are in Cancun airport, how much, and alternatives if you want to purchase a SIM Card In Cancun outside the airport or get an eSIM online: Holafly, Maya eSIM, Nomad and Airalo
If you’re like most travelers visiting Cancun, staying connected is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. So, can you buy or get a local SIM card at Cancun Airport? The short answer is yes, and it’s probably one of the first things you’ll want to do upon landing.
Purchasing a Cancun Airport SIM Card is not just about convenience; it’s about starting your adventure right. The good news? Cancun Airport makes it easy to get a local SIM card as soon as you step off the plane. Whether it’s for sharing those beachfront selfies, navigating to your resort, or staying in touch with new friends, having a local SIM card is your ticket to a hassle-free holiday.
In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about buying a SIM card at Cancun Airport. From the types of SIM cards available to how to choose the best plan for your needs, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get you prepped and ready to enjoy all that Cancun has to offer.
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Where to Get a Local SIM Card at Cancun Airport
After touching down at Cancun International Airport and making your way through customs, you’ll find a few straightforward options to get connected with a local SIM card:
1. At the Viva Aerobus Counter: Before you even hit passport control in Terminal 3, the Viva Aerobus counter is a convenient stop. They offer Telcel SIM cards, Mexico’s largest mobile network, ensuring you’re covered from the get-go. Expect to pay around 300 pesos ($15 USD) for a standard prepaid SIM.
2. Airport Kiosks: In the baggage claim and arrivals areas across terminals, small shops and kiosks sell SIM cards from a variety of providers including Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T. Prices hover around the 300 pesos mark, but it’s wise to head there early as stocks can run low.
Getting a Mexico SIM Card Outside Cancun Airport
If you find airport options pricier or prefer to explore outside for alternatives, a short trip to nearby convenience stores like Oxxo, located in a gas station just off the highway leading to Playa del Carmen, offers a more budget-friendly choice. Here, you can snag a SIM for about 220 MXN ($10 USD) with generous data allowances.
SIM Card Brands in Cancun
In Cancun, the top local SIM card brands offering prepaid plans are Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T Unidos México, each with a range of options catering to different needs and budgets.
Telcel
Telcel is widely recommended for its extensive coverage and reliable service across Mexico. For prepaid plans, you can expect the following options:
1.2 GB of Internet valid for 17 days for $100 MXN ($5 USD)
2 GB of Internet valid for 28 days for $150 MXN ($7.36 USD)
3 GB of Internet valid for 30 days for $200 MXN ($10 USD), which is a popular choice among travelers
5 GB of Internet valid for 33 days for $300 MXN ($15 USD)
10 GB of Internet valid for 33 days for $500 MXN ($25 USD)
These plans include unlimited social media usage (Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Messenger, and Twitter) and unlimited calls and texts, which can be very handy for tourists.
Movistar México and AT&T Unidos México
Movistar México and AT&T Unidos México are also significant players, offering competitive prices for their prepaid SIM cards. Movistar SIM cards are priced between 50 MXN & 60 MXN, and AT&T options range from 100 MXN to 200 MXN.
Local SIM Card Stores for Movistar Mexico
OXXO CEL
Another interesting option is OXXO CEL, with SIM cards priced at 29 MXN, though a 50 MXN top-up is required upon purchase.
When choosing a SIM card, it’s essential to ensure your phone is unlocked and supports the frequencies used in Mexico to enjoy optimal service. Mexico primarily uses GSM technology, and the main frequencies for mobile communication are 2G (850 MHz & 1900 MHz), 3G (850 MHz & 1900 MHz), and 4G/LTE (850 MHz, 1700 MHz, 1900 MHz, & 2600 MHz).
For the most extensive coverage and reliable service, Telcel is often recommended. However, Movistar and AT&T might offer more data and app benefits, making them attractive alternatives depending on your specific needs.
For American Travelers with US Plans
For American travelers heading to Mexico, understanding your options for staying connected is crucial. Both AT&T and T-Mobile offer solutions that can make your travel smoother without the need to buy a local SIM card.
AT&T’s Approach to Connectivity in Mexico
AT&T offers seamless use of your plan in Mexico, similar to how you’d use it in the U.S., with no additional setup required. This includes unlimited talk, text, and data, although it’s worth noting that AT&T may slow down data speeds when the network is busy. The service emphasizes that no roaming charges apply and there are no specific data usage limits beyond the usual terms of your plan. This offering is part of AT&T Unlimited Your Way® plans, starting at $35.99/month per line for four lines, subject to eligibility and plan requirements.
T-Mobile’s Coverage for Travelers in Mexico
T-Mobile also caters to travelers with their plans that include coverage in Canada and Mexico. You can enjoy unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data up to a certain limit (5GB or 10GB based on your plan), after which speeds may be reduced. This service is designed not for extended international use, meaning the primary use of the plan should be within the U.S. However, it offers a hassle-free experience with no setup or roaming charges, allowing your phone to work the moment you arrive in Mexico.
T-Mobile’s Go5G Next and Go5G Plus plans include Mexico, offering up to 15GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at reduced speeds. These plans allow for unlimited talk, text, and data usage in Mexico with no roaming charges and no setup required. The Go5G plan also provides similar benefits but with up to 10GB of high-speed data. These options ensure that your phone works seamlessly upon arrival in Mexico, with coverage and data speeds varying by location.
Before traveling, it’s best to check the latest offers from these providers and consider how you plan to use your phone in Mexico to choose the most suitable option.
Cancun eSIM
Maya Mexico eSIM
For eSIM in Cancun 2024, we recommend Maya eSIM and Nomad eSIM. If you have an iPhone 14 above purchased from the US, your phone will not have access to a physical SIM, so your only choice is an eSIM.
5 Day Data Pass Plans (Maya eSIM also offers 10 days, 15 Days, and 30 Days data plans)
$6 USD for 1 GB
$17 USD for 3 GB
$24 USD for 5 GB
$42 USD for 10 GB
$69 USD for 20 GB
$29 USD for 5 Day Unlimited Data – Latin America Regional eSIM
Nomad eSIM For Mexico
Nomad eSIM plans for Mexico also offer great prices. You’ll have options to get regular eSIM packages ranging from 7 to 30 days or day by day eSIM plans.
$8 to 9 USD for 1GB valid for 7 Days
$14 USD for 3GB valid for 30 Days
$18 USD for 5GB valid for 30 Days
Day to Day eSIM Plans start at $4USD for 1GB/day
Holafly – Cancun Airport SIM Card
Holafly is a notable eSIM provider offering various data plans for travelers. Its eSIMs are designed to provide internet access across different countries without requiring a physical SIM card.
Plans and Prices: The pricing can vary based on the destination and the data allowance. For instance, for Mexico, they offer an unlimited data plan for 5 days at €19.00, and for 10 days at €34.00. Visit the Holafly website to explore more plans and pricing options.
Airalo
Airalo is a platform that boasts a wide range of eSIM data plans for over 190 countries, allowing travelers to stay connected without worrying about roaming charges.
- Plans and Prices: Airalo offers various plans with different data allowances and validity periods. For Mexico, plans start at $8 for 1GB of data valid for 7 days. They also offer a 3GB plan for $20 valid for 30 days. Check the Airalo website for more details and plan options.
Our Final Thoughts on Getting a Cancun Airport SIM Card
For travelers seeking connectivity in Cancun, consider these recommendations based on convenience, price, and connectivity:
Telcel SIM Card at Cancun Airport offers broad coverage and reliability. Ideal for immediate connectivity, with plans starting around $10 USD for 1.2GB of data, scaling up to $25 USD for 10GB.
AT&T and T-Mobile Plans for Americans include Mexico coverage without needing a local SIM. AT&T provides seamless use in Mexico with its plans, starting at $35.99/month. T-Mobile’s Go5G plans offer up to 15GB high-speed data, then unlimited at reduced speeds, ensuring connectivity from the moment you arrive.
eSIM Options like Maya eSIM and Nomad eSIM provide flexible, data-centric solutions without physical SIM swaps, suitable for devices supporting eSIM technology.
Choosing between these options hinges on your travel duration, data needs, and whether your device supports eSIM. Local SIMs offer immediate, cost-effective data access, while US plans and eSIMs provide convenience and ease of use without the need for physical SIM changes.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.