Using an eSIM when you travel in Mexico

Published by Cass on 12/11/202612/11/2026

How did I test the eSIM?

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

My first attempt with an eSIM was with a locked, non-eSIM compatible phone because I didn’t know that not all models are compatible. I was so upset with myself for not having checked first. Luckily for me, eSIMs only activate once your turn them on so I simply kept the access and when I upgraded to a new phone l ensured it was compatible.

This time, with Simbye, I already knew my phone was compatible so I simply downloaded my eSIM. I was sent an email with purchase confirmation and a link to set up an account and pick up my eSIM. The email gave clear instructions on how to download the SIM, with links to a QR code, and manual activation code, all laid out extremely clearly. I followed the instructions and 💥, there it was, happily working on my phone.

How to choose between the various options?

There are different eSIMS available.

If you’re just visiting Mexico, you can buy a Mexico only SIM. If you’ll be exploring more of the region you can build your own eSIM that covers more countries. The eSIMS also vary depending on how much internet access you need/want and how long you’ll be travelling for.

➕ There are some eSIMs that are data only and don’t provide a local number and there are others that do come with an actual number. 

☎️ My opinion is that a phone number is not necessary while you’re in Mexico. Mexico is pretty much WhatsApp addicted and most ‘phone business’ is done via WhatsApp. You can contact most restaurants via WhatsApp and if you’re staying in an apartment, for sure your contact with the owner/manager will be via WhatsApp.

What’s the connectivity quality like with Simbye?

I have been travelling around Mexico for years, mostly with pay-as-you-go non-contract SIM cards that I pick up in OXXO (the most common convenience store). I noticed absolutely no difference between the TelCel, and OXXO own brand SIM cards that I’ve used over the years, and the Simbye eSIM.

The Simbye eSIM connects to the same 4G and 5G networks (Movistar, TelCel and AT&T), whichever is strongest where you are.

I carried on with my normal behaviour using Google maps, I listened to music via my YouTube app as much as I liked, and merrily used social media. Everything was exactly as it is with my regular service provider.

📜 🛂 It’s also worth noting that the new mobile phone rules in Mexico require everyone to register their details as they buy a SIM card – if you were planning on picking up your SIM card at an airport, it’s important to keep in mind that this will slow the process, far better to simply show up, turn your phone on and have your eSIM ready to go.

What do I like about Simbye eSIMs?

Protection against my own failings – My absolute favourite thing about using an eSIM is that I don’t have to remove my physical SIM card from my phone. I know this sounds silly but I rarely remember to carry a pin to open the teeny tray, and I absolutely never have anywhere safe and dust-free to store my precious Spanish SIM. I generally wind up wrapping it in a piece of paper for the duration of my adventure, and hoping I don’t lose it.

And yes, this is absolutely why I lost my original Spanish SIM card in Mexico and had to go to the one shop in my town that deals with SIM replacement cards (don’t ask, I don’t understand why either) three damn times. The first time I went I didn’t know I’d need every single piece of ID I’ve ever had to declare it lost. 1 hour of my time gone. The second time I went I had all the paperwork but something got filled in wrong so the SIM card they gave me never got activated but I was home by the time we realised. 2 hours of my time gone. The third time, yes it worked. What a stress. An eSIM would have saved me this frustration (so would looking after my possessions better, I agree).

Stress remover – My other favourite thing is that they remove the worry about finding a physical SIM card when I arrive in a new place. Remember my story about Cancun airport above? Instead of wasting precious vacation time searching for a shop selling SIM cards, I can spend ten minutes at home before I leave and have my SIM waiting for me as I arrive in the new country.

Variety of plans – There are options for everyone, depending on your data use, vacation duration, and if you’ll be sharing between devices or people.

Quality of service – Because the eSIM is literally access to a local network, it’s generally as good quality as having a regular local SIM (without the stress of having to buy it).

Return policy – if you don’t use it, return it. And if it doesn’t work because of a technical error, you can get a refund too.

Who should use an eSIM?

^{Atlixco, Puebla}

​I think eSIMs are a great option for everyone, for families visiting with kids / teens with mobile phones, for solo travellers who might arrive late at night and not want to wait to have the safety of a working phone.

It’s also important to add that even if you’re not especially technologically savvy or comfortable, an eSIM is truly easy to use and with Simbye, you have extremely clear instructions and 24/7 support if you need it.

Purchase your Simbye eSIM using the code MexCass15% for a nice discount wherever your next adventure is taking you!

Buying a regular SIM in Mexico

If you’re not yet sure if an eSIM is a good idea, let me tell you a little about buying a SIM in Mexico:

It can be a pain in the bum.

If you arrive in a large airport such as Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City, you can absolutely pick up a SIM card from the convenience stores in arrivals. However, you’ll have to queue in a small place with all your luggage, know what you’re asking for, and then also register with the government before they’ll give you the SIM.

And as I’ve already whinged about, in Cancun, it’s really not that simple. People say there are options for buying SIM cards inside the airport but in over 15 years of travelling in and out of this airport, I’ve never found one. And even if there is and I’m wrong (gasp, shock horror), I can guarantee you it’ll be more expensive than buying one in a regular store away from places where tourists are basically a captive audience.

Once you’re in your destination city, you can go to a regular phone shop (the main brands are TelCel, OXXO own brand, AT&T, adn Movistar) to buy your prepaid SIM card. Smaller shops and kiosks may also sell them but obviously it’s harder to figure out the where and how. People may not speak English, particularly outside of the main tourist hubs. 

🛂 You must show a passport you buy a SIM card in Mexico because every card has to be registered. 

Roaming charges, physical SIM card or eSIM for travel in Mexico?

1️⃣ If you’re American or Canadian, I recommend you check your cell-plan as you may have access to Mexican networks included in your plan.

2️⃣ We all know how expensive roaming can be, especially when you think about how much we use our phones: google maps is imperative for driving or exploring any city, many tourist sites have audio guide apps to download, and then there’s music to listen to, Facebook and other social media to doomscroll and blogs like mine to help you figure out what to eat for breakfast!

3️⃣ Personally, unless your provider’s roaming service is truly excellent, I’d discount it as an option immediately unless you’re not planning on leaving your hotel and its wifi service. 

​So, between eSIM or physical SIM, which would I recommend? 

Definitely the eSIM. It works as well as a physical SIM card, and I really like having the ability to sort it out in advance, removing one boring and stressful job when I arrive at my destination. I really like being able to just turn my phone on when I land in a new country and just start using it, letting my loved people know I’m safe immediately. 

And remember, you can purchase your Simbye eSIM with the code MEXCASS15% for a 15% discount wherever your next adventure is taking you!