Aztecs, guacamole, rancheras, tacos—you guessed it, we’re going to Mexico. Well, you are. And you’ll inevitably want to use your phone while you’re there. There are plenty of options available to help you stay connected and use your phone while you’re in Mexico, and we’re going to walk you through them today. Whether you’re visiting for a short vacation or a longer stay, we’ve got you covered. Also, rest assured, Mexico is a large country, and in its major cities and tourist areas, internet and mobile coverage are generally very good, so you’ll have no trouble staying online. However, there can some remote areas where internet coverage might not be the best.
Now, let’s dive into the topic. If you have a relatively new and modern smartphone, especially one purchased within the last few years, it will almost certainly work in Mexico. Most newer devices are designed to support a wide range of international networks, including those used by Mexican carriers. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or another major brand, your phone is likely compatible with local 4G and even 5G networks, as long as it’s unlocked and supports the necessary frequency bands.
In this article, we’ll explore the best options for using your phone in Mexico just like you would at home. Whether you’re looking for a local SIM card, an international eSIM, mobile roaming, or a pocket Wi-Fi device, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and costs so you can stay connected with ease during your trip.
Is my phone compatible for travel?
Most modern smartphones are compatible for use in Mexico, but there are a few key things to check before, we’ll guide you in the following section:
Check if your phone unlocked
- The first step is to check if your can use SIM cards from any carrier. Some phones can be locked to your home provider (Claro, Verizon, AT&T, etc.) and may not connect to other providers. For example, if you purchased An iPhone purchased directly from Apple it is usually unlocked. However, if you bought your phone under contract from a carrier it may be locked. Before departing check with you local carrier if you think your phone might have some restrictions.
Check network compatibility
Mexico uses the following major network types:
- 4G/LTE: Most common
- 5G: Available in larger cities
- Bands Used in Mexico:
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 66
- 5G (varies by carrier): n41, n77, n78
How to check your phone’s supported Bands
Now that you know which bands are used in Mexico, the next step is to check if your phone supports them. To find out whether your phone will work there, you need to verify which network bands (frequencies) it supports. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: check for supported Bands
In order to do so, you have to dial this number: *3001#12345#*. After a few seconds, an image or list will appear showing the bands your phone supports, including the frequency bands and technologies (like 4G or 5G) it can use.
Final step: Match bands with Mexican Networks
Now use the following table to compare your phone’s supported bands and the ones used in Mexico:
| Network | 4G/LTE Bands | 5G Bands |
|---|---|---|
| Telcel | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 66 | n41, n77 |
| AT&T Mexico | 2, 4, 5, 17, 66 | n66, n77 |
| Movistar | 2, 4, 5 | n78 (limited) |
Now that you know whether your phone is compatible, let’s go over all the options you have for getting mobile internet while you’re in Mexico.
The straightforward option: Public Wi-Fi in Mexico
In major cities and popular tourist areas across Mexico, you’ll find plenty of public Wi-Fi hotspots available in places like cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and airports. These networks are often free to use and can be convenient for quick internet access. However, in more remote or rural areas, public Wi-Fi is much less common and can be unreliable or even unavailable. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a mobile data plan or another form of internet access when traveling outside the main urban centers.
While public Wi-Fi can be convenient, it’s important to remember that these networks are often unsecured, which means your personal information could be at risk. To protect yourself, avoid accessing sensitive accounts like online banking when connected to public Wi-Fi, and consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic. Additionally, public Wi-Fi speeds can vary widely depending on the location and number of users connected, so relying solely on it may not be ideal if you need consistent and fast internet access during your trip.
The millionaire’s option: roaming
If convenience is your top priority, and budget isn’t, international roaming might be the simplest way to use your phone in Mexico. Most major U.S. and Canadian carriers offer roaming packages that allow you to use your regular phone number and plan abroad. For example, Verizon TravelPass charges $10 per day, AT&T International Day Pass is also $10/day, and T-Mobile offers free 2G data with optional high-speed add-ons. While roaming is easy (you don’t need to change your SIM or configure anything), it can get expensive quickly, especially on longer trips. If you’re only in Mexico for a couple of days and want the smoothest, no-hassle experience roaming might be your best bet.
The bountiful option: mobile hotspots
Renting or purchasing a mobile hotspot (also known as pocket Wi-Fi) is an excellent choice. These small devices create your own personal Wi-Fi network using local cellular data, allowing you and your friends to connect multiple devices at once. With widespread 4G and growing 5G coverage in cities and many tourist areas, mobile hotspots offer abundant and consistent internet access without relying on potentially unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Plus, they often come with generous data plans, making them ideal for heavy internet users or those who need constant connectivity for work or entertainment.
However, not everything that glitters is gold. Portable Wi-Fi devices tend to be a bit more expensive than other options. You’ll need to keep them charged, and you must be careful not to damage them, as there may be additional fees if the device is lost or broken.
Here’s a convenient option if you’re interested in renting a mobile hotspot for your trip to Mexico. You can order the device online and have it shipped directly to your location before you travel. One reliable provider is My Webspot, which offers pocket Wi-Fi devices specifically for Mexico, making it easy to stay connected from day one.
Feeling Mexican: local SIM cards
If you want to feel like a local while staying connected, you can buy a local SIM card and swap it into your phone. Mexico offers several plans to choose from, provided by major carriers like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, and Movistar. These plans often include data, calls, and texts at affordable rates, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers.
Many local SIM cards in Mexico allow you to have a Mexican phone number, so you can send SMS and make phone calls just like a local, helping you truly feel connected to the country. You can easily purchase these SIM cards at airports, convenience stores like OXXO, mobile carrier stores (such as Telcel, AT&T, or Movistar), and even some supermarkets. Activating a SIM card is usually quick and straightforward, and many stores offer assistance if you need help setting it up. Before traveling, remember to check where you plan to buy your SIM card and their opening hours to ensure you can purchase it without any problems.
Easy Way Out: eSIMs
eSIMs offer a convenient and flexible way to stay connected without swapping physical SIM cards. Best of all, you can install your eSIM before traveling, so once you land, you’ll have a working internet connection right away. Simsolo provides popular Mexico eSIM plans starting at around $8 for one day of unlimited data, with options extending up to five days or fixed data plans like 5 GB for $31. Other providers like Airalo and aloSIM also offer affordable plans ranging from $6 for 1 GB up to $45 for unlimited data, usually valid for 7 to 30 days. These eSIMs work on major Mexican networks with 4G and 5G coverage, and activation is simple via QR codes on compatible smartphones. Whether you need data for a quick trip or a longer stay, eSIMs are a great hassle-free option for mobile internet in Mexico
Before purchasing an eSIM make sure your phone is compatible. To do so Dial *#06#
- If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears, your device supports eSIM.
Our Pick
Now, that you know whether your phone will work in Mexico, you’re ready to explore with confidence. Staying connected while abroad doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated, and thanks to eSIM technology, it’s easier than ever. If you’d rather skip the hassle of finding a local SIM card, swapping it out, or dealing with physical setup, an eSIM is an excellent alternative. With just a few taps, you can download a data plan before you even leave home, activate it upon landing, and enjoy instant internet access.
