We are a big fan of using eSIMs when traveling nowadays, and use them as often as possible.
The first time we used an eSIM was back in 2021 on a trip to Canada (which, by the way, is a GREAT way to save on Canada’s extortionate internet fees!), and we haven’t looked back since.
Given the benefits of using them in comparison with a traditional SIM, whenever I travel abroad I always look for an eSIM to use in that country.
My current phone plan is hosted by O2 (the largest mobile network operator in the UK), which allows me a limited amount of data in Mexico. Whilst this is useful, it doesn’t allow me to hotspot onto my laptop which is essential for me since it’s where I do ALL my work!
That’s when an eSIM becomes the perfect solution. If you’re from the USA or any other foreign country, then an eSIM will be the most convenient way for you to access the internet in Mexico. Gone are the days of searching for a physical sim to put in your phone, or having to pay expensive roaming fees. eSIMS are here, and they’re great!
In this guide I’m going to take you through:
Let’s get started…
Although they are extremely versatile and useful, many still haven’t heard about eSIMS or what they have to offer. An eSIM is basically a digital SIM card, where all of the information is stored inside your phone and online.
This makes them a great alternative to a traditional SIM Card, which requires manually changing it every time you land in a new country (not to mention the time spent looking around markets and shops for one). Instead with an eSIM, you can switch mobile networks with just a few clicks as soon as you reach a new country, and be online immediately.
They’re slowly becoming more popular nowadays as more learn about their advantages (especially in the Western World), and we personally think using an eSIM is a must when traveling to Mexico.
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
Apple watch SE
All iPads with 4G connectivity that have come out since 2018 support eSIM:
iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra
Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3
Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3
Samsung Watch (through Samsung wearable application)
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G is not compatible with eSIM
Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don't work with eSIM), 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL, 3 XL
Google Pixel
Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
Google Pixel 5, 51
Google Pixel 6, 6 plus
Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro (The Huawei P40+ is not compatible with an eSIM)
Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3 Pro
Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
Sony Xperia 10 IV, 10 III Lite
Honor Magic 4 Pro
Fairphone 4
Motorola Razr 2019
Nuu Mobile X5
Gemini PDA
Rakuten Mini
Microsoft Surface Duo
Using roaming data has always been an option for travelers heading abroad, and has been quite popular in the last couple of decades (this as well as buying local SIMs when arriving into new countries).
However the costs of using roaming data can quickly add-up, and if you’re not careful then you may end up having a pretty lofty bill to pay when you come back home. In some cases you may end up spending as much as $20 a day! This is not ideal for those who want to browse freely, and especially so for those who want to work and will hotspot the connection to their laptop or other devices.
As well as the higher costs, the connection quality is also not as reliable when roaming abroad, where you’ll often be downgraded to 3G or have intermittent signal.
Many networks will also cap your internet usage, and if you are browsing frequently then they may reduce your speed too. For example, whenever I use O2 abroad, I am capped at around 25 GB and they will throttle my speed if I’m using it a lot. They will also charge me more if I hotspot my connection to another device.
Out of all the eSIM providers that we can choose from in Mexico, Maya still remains my favorite on the market today.
They are a leading provider who operate in over 190 countries all across the world, and as a result have great know-how with what their customers need. Here in Mexico they have great value plans that suit most travelers and come in handy in a range of different scenarios. This ranges from their 5 day eSIM data plan which costs $6, to their 30 days plan which can cost up to $130 (if selecting unlimited data).
One of the biggest benefits of selecting Maya’s eSIM is that you can hotspot data without any caps on data or speed. Now if you’re just traveling and don’t need this then it’s not a problem. However if you’re a digital nomad or need to share data with other devices, then Maya is a really great choice here.
The fact that your internet speed will also be quick and smooth on your other devices is a real perk too (whereas they can sometimes be slower with other connections that are hot-spotted). I've also found their setup of eSIMs to be one of the easiest that I’ve ever experienced too.
Overall I think that Maya is the best value for money option, along with the amount of data and connection speed that you will get. They also include Mexico in a South America SIM package too, which is useful if you’re traveling further south after Mexico. This includes bordering countries like Belize and Guatemala, as well as other popular destinations like Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil.
Eskimo is another solid eSIM provider, who has their own unique benefits that other companies don’t offer.
Whilst present in just 80 countries (compared with Maya in over 190), the best thing about Eskimo is that they offer long-term eSIMs that cover all of these countries together. This is perfect for travelers who may be heading to Mexico as part of a longer backpacking trip, and especially so if visiting different continents after.
You can choose from their 365 day plan which costs $33, or their 2 year plan which costs $90. Again these are ideal options for long-term travelers (or those who will come home for a bit before heading out on another trip).
The other unique benefit of Eskimo is that as well as allowing you to hotspot, you can also transfer data to others too. This is great since you can gift it to family and friends if you’re not such a heavy-data user yourself, or if you’re about to end your trip and want to give data to friends who will keep traveling after you leave.
Unfortunately Eskimo doesn't provide coverage in any other Latin American countries, so is better for those who will then head to the USA, Europe, Asia or Africa.
Holafly is another popular eSIM provider, and especially for those who are traveling to Mexico.
All of their plans include unlimited data, which is perfect for those who know they will use a lot whilst on the road. Their most basic plan starts at $19.00 and lasts for 5 days, whilst their 90 day plan is better for travelers who will spend longer in Mexico (which costs $99.00).
It’s important to mention that Holafly does not allow hotspotting on their unlimited plans, which unfortunately includes all of their Mexico plans. However if you can do all of your work from your phone then it’s ideal.
One of Holafly’s strongest benefits is that they have a rapid-quick customer support team ready to help you (currently available in English and 6 other languages). Whilst this would seem standard, sometimes other companies can take a while to get back to you - and knowing that you have that immediate response when out on the road can be very comforting in case you have any issues.
Holafly also offers a North American eSIM, which will allow you to travel to the USA and Canada without having to change plans. It's also considered to be one of the best eSIMs for Europe travel!
Just be aware that they don’t include Mexico in their Latin America regional plan.
Next up we have Airalo, who offer the largest variety of eSIM plans for travelers heading to Mexico.
They are most renowned for their Global Plans, with the best being the 365 day plan which costs $69 (and includes coverage in 130 countries - including Mexico). This is by far the best option for travelers heading on a multi-continent trip (especially if you're after an eSIM in Southeast Asia).
Next we have their Regional Plans, which are much better for travelers who are looking to explore Mexico along with other countries in the Americas. Their North American eSIM includes Mexico along with the USA and Canada (with plans ranging from 7 days at $6.50 to their 30 day plan which costs $46). The other regional plan they offer covers Latin America along with Mexico (starting from 7 days for $15 to 30 days for $60).
Aside from offering arguably the largest range of plans for Mexico, they also have a really easy to use app too. Through this app you can easily buy new plans, monitor your usage as well as get in contact with their support team in case you have any issues.
It’s important to note that their plans don’t last that long, and also don’t include as much data (so aren’t not ideal for those who are heavy data users).
Lastly we have Nomad, who offer plans which cover over 135 countries all around the globe (making them a popular option for those after international travel eSIMs).
Their individual Mexico plans start at $8 (which lasts for 7 days), with their best plan costing $29 (that lasts 30 days).
Nomad also offers regional plans which are quite useful for travelers heading throughout the Americas continent. In this case we would pick from their North America plans, which start at $9 for 7 days and their longest-lasting plans which costs $40 for 30 days.
Lastly you have their Global eSIM, which lasts for 30 days and costs $57 (much better for those who are on a much quicker trip through different countries).
Whilst this list is impressive, the plan durations are short and are best for those on shorter trips (of up to a month). Of course you can always extend your plan through their app if you like.
Nomad does allow you to transfer the eSIM between different devices, however the list is somewhat limited, and mostly includes newer phone models (you can check out the full list here).
You can also hotspot, however given the data caps are low for these plans it’s best to avoid doing this (not ideal for those who will work a lot with their laptop or other devices).
And that’s all for our guide, as we've rounded up the best eSIMs for travel when in Mexico.
Whilst traditional SIM cards have been a popular option for many decades, the new eSIM provides more powerful benefits as well as convenience. Firstly you’ll find it much easier to access the internet and switch between your carrier abroad and back home, and you’ll enjoy higher-speed connections too.
You’ll also find an eSIM to be cheaper than traditional SIM cards!
In this guide we’ve covered why using an eSIM is advantageous over the other traditional options, as well as 5 of the best eSIM companies you can use when in Mexico.
Which eSIM do you think you’re getting for your next trip?
Do you have a particular brand that we haven’t included?
Comment below and let us know your thoughts!
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