In this post, we will show you the advantages and disadvantages that you will have when using a virtual data SIM card for your trip through Mexico. In addition, we will show you the different rates that Holafly manages to connect to the internet through its virtual SIM card with unlimited data, which is known for offering an excellent quality/price ratio and for being simple to buy and activate.
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What is a virtual SIM card?
Before buying a virtual SIM card or eSIM, we must consider how it works, which can be complex. But, in a nutshell, is a chip inserted in your cell phone which allows you to manage virtual SIM card profiles to connect to the internet in Mexico. These virtual SIM card profiles simulate a traditional SIM card, so you will have access to a new number and the services that your virtual chip offers you.
How to get a virtual SIM card for Mexico?
To get your virtual SIM card, all you have to do is go on to the official Holafly page and then go to the eSIMs or virtual SIM section. Once there you’ll find multiple countries in which you can connect to the internet. In this case, you will select Mexico.
If your trip through Mexico involves other countries, that is, you will visit more than one country during your trip abroad, we recommend that you use a Latin America multicountry virtual SIM card, since with this virtual SIM, you will be able to connect to the internet from Mexico and other Latin American countries.
How do I know if my cell phone is compatible with the virtual SIM card?
As we mentioned before, the virtual SIM card works due to a chip inserted into the cell phone. In fact, that chip is the one that processes and saves the well-known virtual SIM profiles. For this reason, not all cell phones can use a virtual SIM card, since not all cell phones have the chip that makes it possible to use this technology.
So, how can you know whether your cell phone has the chip or not? To find out if your cell phone is compatible with a virtual SIM card, all you have to do is check the following list of cell phones compatible with Holafly virtual SIM cards: iPhone SE, XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini, Samsung S20, Galaxy Z Flip, Note 20 Ultra, Fold LTE, Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Google Pixel 3, 3a,4, 4a, and the Motorola Razr 2019.
Advantages of the virtual SIM card to travel to Mexico
If you still don’t feel sure about using a virtual SIM card for your trip to Mexico, then we will list some of the many advantages that you can have using this innovative and quite practical alternative to roaming or traditional physical SIM cards.
1. Coverage in multiple countries
As we mentioned before, you can use a virtual chip with data for Mexico, but you can also use a multicountry chip from Latin America, which in addition to providing data in Mexico, will also allow you to connect in several countries of a single region (In this case, in Latin America).
So, what does this mean? What it means is that you can connect to the internet in Mexico, and you can also connect to the internet in Argentina or any other country in Latin America using the same virtual SIM card, so you won’t have to throw away another SIM card to connect in another country of the same region.
2. Cheaper rates for international data
Unlike the roaming service offered by some operators, the virtual SIM card for Mexico offers you a data package at a fairly cheap price, which also includes a validity of several days (usually they are valid for 30 days). So, you won’t have to pay for each MB used during your trip, but for a data package that will be more affordable and more useful.
3. Purchase and activation processes in a minute
The processes of buying a virtual SIM card for Mexico are quick since all you have to do is go to the official Holafly page and choose the one that best suits your needs. Once you select the virtual SIM card you want, all you have to do is fill in the information that they ask for when you buy it. When you buy it and want to activate it, you only have to scan the QR code that you receive by email.
4. Keep your main line to receive calls and SMS
With Holafly virtual SIM cards, you keep your original number, that is, the number you used before buying the virtual chip. But, what benefits does this give you? The advantages of having the same number that you had before is one, but mainly, the greatest one is being able to receive SMS because now your cell phone is dual SIM phone. Moreover, your contacts on WhatsApp will not be modified either.
5. No surprises on the bill
When buying a virtual SIM card for Mexico, you get a data package that you can choose according to your needs. So, before buying the virtual chip, you already know the amount of data you can use and how much it will cost you. This is a great advantage since you won’t experience unpleasant surprises at the end of your trip, and you won’t have to pay additional fees.
Disadvantages of the virtual SIM card or eSIM to travel to Mexico
Although the virtual SIM card is a highly recommended option to have internet during your trip to Mexico, there’s one thing you have to keep in mind, since it determines whether you can make use of this incredible alternative to roaming in Mexico.
1. Limited cell phone compatibility
The compatibility of cell phones with the technology used in Holafly’s virtual SIM card for Mexico is one of the things you have to consider when buying a virtual chip. If your cell phone is incompatible with this technology, or it’s not in the list shown above, there’s nothing you can do to use a virtual SIM card in this case.
However, you can choose another option quite similar to the virtual SIM cards in case your cell phone is incompatible. Like the virtual SIM cards, the Holafly physical SIM cards are also a good option if you want to be connected to the internet throughout your trip at a more affordable price.
Comparison of the virtual SIM card in Mexico
Although many companies offer you a virtual SIM card with data for Mexico, not all companies offer the same advantages and don’t have the same data rates. For this reason, we have made this comparison chart so that you can compare the multiple virtual SIM card companies for Mexico and choose the one that best suits your needs.
| Virtual SIM card for Mexico | Countries covered | Data | Validity | Full price |
| Holafly | Mexico | Unlimited | 15 days | $47 USD |
| Flexiroam | Mexico | 7 GB | 15 days | $40 |
| TravelSim | Mexico | 1 GB | 14 days | $25 |
Comparison of the virtual SIM card for Mexico vs roaming
As a matter of fact, roaming rates in Mexico are known to be costly and very inconvenient. Unlike the virtual SIM card, roaming rates in Mexico are charged per MB used, instead of a bundle of MB. With this service, you’ll pay for each MB you use during your trip. Surely, there are usually unpleasant surprises on the bill by the end of your trip, since in most cases, we don’t know how many MB we are going to use up or how many we will spend during the trip.
If you want to learn more about the differences and similarities between the virtual SIM card with data for Mexico and roaming, we invite you to check the following chart, in which you’ll find many of the features of these two options to be connected to the internet.
| Criteria | Virtual SIM card for Mexico | Your carrier’s roaming |
| Price | Low | High |
| Convenience | High | Medium |
| Unlimited internet | Yes | No |
| Calls | No | Yes, usually |
| SMS | No | Yes, usually |
| Free use | Yes | No |
| Coverage or signal | 4G LTE network of Pegaso PCS, Corporation of Variable Capital, the one with the greatest coverage in the country | Depends on the operator |
| Share data | No | No |
Comparison of the virtual SIM card for Mexico vs Pocket WiFi
Like the roaming service, Pocket WiFi is well known for being a somewhat risky option when connecting to the internet from Mexico. But, why? This is due to certain limitations that these small pocket routers have. One of them is that you need to charge the battery for it to work, but apart from this, the main reason why it’s not usually recommended is because of its high price.
For more information, we invite you to read the following table. Certainly, there you’ll find the features of the Pocket WiFi vs the virtual SIM card for Mexico.
| Feature | Virtual SIM card for Mexico | Pocket WiFi |
| Shipping costs | No | Yes |
| Share data | No | Yes |
| Unlimited data | Yes | No |
| Need return | No | Yes |
| Fine for loss | No | Yes |
| Need to charge | No | Yes |
Virtual SIM card for Mexico vs traditional SIM card
Both the virtual SIM card and the physical SIM card are excellent and recommended options to travel to Mexico connected to the internet. Still, the virtual SIM card has a great advantage to consider. Its purchase and setup process is much faster and easier compared to the physical SIM card. Additionally, you won’t lose or damage your virtual SIM card, since it is integrated into your cell phone, unlike traditional SIM cards, which can be damaged.
Conclusion on the virtual SIM card for Mexico
- The virtual SIM card for Mexico is a pretty good and cheap option if you want to stay connected during your trip to this country. But you have to consider the compatibility of your cell phone.
- If you would like to travel to other countries besides Mexico, Holafly’s multicountry virtual SIM cards are your best option to enjoy a stable connection at an affordable price and without additional costs.
- The prices of Holafly’s virtual SIM cards are much cheaper than the ones offered most of the other operators in Mexico, in addition to having fewer advantages during your trip.
