eSIM for El Salvador: compare, buy and travel connected

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If you’re traveling to the beautiful country of El Salvador, you need to think about how to connect to the internet. When visiting wonderful places like Coatepeque Lake, El Tunco Beach, or El Boqueron National Park, you don’t want to be left isolated without an internet connection. The best way of staying connected is to buy an eSIM for El Salvador, which offers a fast internet connection so you can get directions, search for restaurants and send photos to loved ones.

You can buy an eSIM for El Salvador online from the comfort of your own home. It’s easy to set up and it’s sent to you via email. If you don’t know much about eSIMs, don’t worry. We’ll explain everything you need to know from their features, price, and how to use them.

esim el salvador holafly

Contents

What you need to know about eSIM cards:

Before you buy an eSIM, you must check that your cell phone is compatible. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy:

  • Your cell phone must be compatible with an eSIM card. Also, check that your cell phone is supported by the carrier or eSIM card provider. The iPhone XR and later models are compatible with most providers. 
  • You need an email address to receive your eSIM.
  • You need an internet connection to activate your eSIM. Your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the provider after scanning the QR code or installation code.
  • Some providers will ask you to install their app to download the eSIM.

Cellular eSIM cards for El Salvador

If you have a compatible phone, you will be able to purchase and activate an El Salvador eSIM card. Take a look at the companies that sell international eSIM cards:

  • Holafly
  • Au by KDDI
  • Simtex
  • Travelsim

Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for El Salvador

Take a look at the different packages offered to access the internet in El Salvador. Pay close attention to the prices of each provider, so you can choose the deal that suits you best.

Holafly plans and prices in El Salvador:

  • 6GB for 15 days at $44 USD

Au by KDDI rates and prices for El Salvador:

  • 5GB for 30 days at $53.22 USD
  • 8GB for 30 days at $81.67 USD

Simtex plans and rates in El Salvador:

  • 5GB for 30 days at $75 USD

Travelsim rates and prices for El Salvador:

  • 250MB for 14 days at $31 USD
  • 500MB for 30 days at $51 USD
  • 1GB for 30 days at $75 USD
  • 2GB for 30 days at $105 USD
  • 3GB for 30 days at $156 USD
  • 5GB for 30 days at $181 USD

Comparison of eSIM providers for El Salvador

ProviderDataDaysPriceCustomer support available inSales channels
Holafly6GB15$44Spanish, English, French, and GermanWeb
Au by KDDI 5GB30 $53.22 English, and Portuguese App Store, Google Play
Au by KDDI8GB30$81.67English, and PortugueseApp Store, Google Play
Simtex5GB30$75EnglishWeb
TravelSIM250MB14$31SpanishWeb
TravelSIM500MB30$51SpanishWeb
TravelSIM1GB30$75SpanishWeb
TravelSIM2GB30$105SpanishWeb
TravelSIM3GB30$156SpanishWeb
TravelSIM 5GB30 $181Spanish Web
Table 1. Comparison of eSIM providers to connect to the internet in El Salvador.

eSIM features for El Salvador

eSIMs are different from physical eSIMs. Here’s what you need to know about eSIM cards for El Salvador:

  • Most eSIM cards do not offer voice calls, only data. You can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead.
  • eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you’re experiencing problems with your eSIM card do not remove it from your cellphone and contact your eSIM provider instead.
  • Some eSIMs set up automatic APNs.
  • You can add several data plans on your iPhone, although it is only possible to use one at a time.
  • Some eSIMs allow you to share data between devices.
  • With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your local SIM when you travel to El Salvador. 

eSIM coverage in El Salvador

It’s important to consider your eSIM’s coverage. Remember that sometimes cheap eSIM cards have poor coverage, possibly leaving you without internet in some areas. eSIMs which use main providers such as Claro, Red, Movistar, or Digicel will offer the best coverage. Here are coverage maps for the main providers.

Claro’s 3G coverage map in El Salvador

esim coverage map in el salvador
Coverage map with Claro in El Salvador. Source: Unsplash

Digicel’s 3G network coverage in El Salvador

map of coverage in el salvador with an esim
Coverage map with Digicel in El Salvador. Source: Unsplash

Movistar 3G coverage map in El Salvador

coverage map in el salvador with esim
Coverage map with Movistar in El Salvador. Source: Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

See below for frequent questions you might have before purchasing your eSIM to travel to El Salvador.

Do I need a passport to buy an eSIM card in El Salvador?

You don’t need to present your passport, but some providers might ask for your address.

Can I share data between devices with the El Salvador eSIM?

Yes, the eSIM for El Salvador will allow you to share your data with other devices. However, we recommend that you check with the provider’s customer service first.

How to activate an eSIM for El Salvador?

Install the eSIM with a QR code from your email, chose it as the default cellular data medium, turn on cellular data and data roaming, and your virtual SIM will work. Contact the company for more advice.

Do international prepaid eSIM cards expire?

Yes, just like physical cards, virtual SIM cards also have an expiration date. Look at the days of validity when you buy your plan.

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