Best prepaid SIM Card for Cancun: prices and where to buy?

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One important factor when traveling is the budget, so we usually plan our trips very well, especially when we travel abroad. Since it has become essential to stay connected to the internet nowadays, this is an expense that we must also consider. In this article, we will tell you all about SIM cards for Cancun, an excellent way to stay connected without paying excessive costs for international roaming.

Besides, apart from the costs, wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to share your whole experience on the beautiful beaches of Cancun? In addition to the traditional SIM cards, we will introduce you to the new embedded SIM card or eSIM, with which it is even easier and faster to maintain mobile internet.

mexico esim

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Where to buy a SIM card for Cancun?

There are many ways to purchase a SIM card for Cancun. You can buy one through an online store, a physical store, or at the airport. Many times there are spots to buy it as soon as you arrive there, but this time we recommend you buy your card through an online store; why?

Mainly because of the low cost and ease of purchase through the Internet. In virtual stores like Holafly, buying an eSIM with the advantage of being virtual is very easy. They will arrive in your e-mail immediately. If you were to purchase a physical SIM card locally, you would stand in long lines, as usually happens in traditional physical points. In addition, you will have internet access when you arrive in Cancun. Something very useful if you need to order a cab or communicate urgently.

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Easy to buy

Cancun is a destination to enjoy, and we really want to have an internet connection during our visit. This is why it is normal that, as tourists, we look for an easy and secure way to be able to communicate whatever we need. From the experience we have collected from travelers around the world, the easiest way is to buy your prepaid SIM card in an online store. Within this alternative, it is possible to find physical tourist SIM cards and also virtual SIM card solutions. As long as you have a compatible phone, we recommend the Holafly eSIM for Cancun, but you can compare them yourself. 

It is not the easiest way, but you could also buy a local SIM card through physical stores once you are in Cancun. You would have to research which operators work locally and visit one of their stores to see the available plans. In this case, we anticipate that the options for tourists are limited. You will have to communicate generally in the local language, which may take longer than necessary.

Buy before you travel.

Although if you think it is better to buy it directly in Cancun. You can do it at the Cancun International Airport, in an official store, or in shopping malls. For this, we recommend you have time, as you may have to wait in line. Also, bring all your documents because they may be requested, and ask how long it takes to activate the card; normally, it can take up to two days. 

Remember that these stores often change their prices, so in Roami, we recommend you purchase at Holafly. They are a great alternative with affordable prices and several advantages that will make your trip easier.

Buy upon arrival

Purchasing a SIM card after landing has some points to review; The most important is to confirm before arrival if your phone works with the networks of the local operators. If your phone is incompatible, you might be in for a surprise once you arrive. On the other hand, the main advantage is that you will have a variety of brands to choose from. So if you have good timing, it is very likely that you will find a cheap SIM card that will offer you everything you need for your trip.

But if you buy there, verify the operator and the network it manages, and also if you can test the SIM there. This way, you will not have any surprises when you arrive at the hotel. Also, try to buy it in an official place and check the prices very well; you may be charged extra for being a foreigner.

Movistar, Telcel, and AT&T stores in Cancun

In Cancun, you will find several telecommunications companies that offer SIM services for tourists. Still, we recommend purchasing a SIM from a provider linked to the Movistar, Telcel, or AT&T network. These are the main local cell phone companies; therefore, it will be very difficult for you to run out of signal during your trip, and you will also have a very good data speed, so you will be able to enjoy very good service.

To purchase a SIM card linked to one of these companies, you only need to go to a store affiliated with or owned by these companies. Remember that the Holafly virtual SIM card uses AT&T networks to connect you in Cancun.

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How much does a SIM card cost to travel to Cancun?

Local operators in Cancun have affordable prices compared to other destinations in the world. As mentioned before, the obstacles are other factors. In Cancun, you can pay between 5$ to 30$ for a prepaid SIM card. The cheap basic versions with little data and the more expensive ones with more complete solutions. However, none of the local solutions offer unlimited data; therefore, it may be interesting to consider Holafly’s virtual SIM card, which has this benefit.

eSIM card for Cancun, the new alternative

cancun sim card

If you need to connect to data urgently and have a relatively new smartphone, eSIM cards may be the best option. This is a card that works completely virtually, so all you have to do is request it from Holafly’s online store. It is very easy to use, you will receive it immediately, and you will not have to change your phone number.

Holafly’s eSIM for Cancun also comes with unlimited data, so you won’t be thinking about how much data to use during your trip. Also, in the online store, there are options for more destinations in the world. Finally, you can use their multilingual and multi-channel customer service if you have any questions. 

The virtual SIM card is an excellent option. However, you must take into account some features:

  • The first recommendation is that you check that your cell phone is compatible with eSIM. To help you, you can check this updated list. 
  • You must have a valid email address and access; a QR code will be sent to install your eSIM. 
  • It is advisable to purchase your trip because you need an internet connection for the installation and process. In case you are in Cancun, you will need to find a wifi zone for a few minutes.

Holafly online store

The service at Holafly is in different languages, so you will not have any inconvenience when communicating with an advisor or customer service; in addition, they will provide you with all the necessary information for your virtual SIM to work perfectly in Cancun and you can enjoy it to the fullest, all without having the hassle of translating the information.

Likewise, the Holafly Cancun virtual SIM card has unlimited data, so you can connect from apps, browse and send photos and videos without problems since you will always stay connected. In case you need your service for more days, Holafly will send you an email with the notification to purchase a top-up once you have consumed 90% of your package. If purchased, it will be activated immediately on your eSIM without the need to install a new one.

In addition, you will not have to change your WhatsApp number, and you will be able to make calls within Cancun through Apps. Also, the shipping of the card is completely free to your email address, so you will not have to worry about extra expenses. Likewise, Holafly’s eSIM cards for Cancun use the AT&T network, one of the best locally.

Disadvantages of Holafly’s eSIM card

Like everything, Holafly eSIM cards also have their disadvantages, and among them is that the virtual SIM card with destination Cancun does not allow data sharing. So be very careful with international roaming in case your cellphone is a dual SIM phone, as it could be activated automatically.

How can I shop at Holafly?

This is one of the biggest plus points of Holafly’s eSIM for Cancun. The process is simple; you must visit their online store, select your destination, and plan of interest. After that, you proceed to checkout, where you will enter your information along with your email with access. Finally, you will see the payment window where you can select methods such as debit and credit card, PayPal, G Pay, and Apple Pay, among others. When you have completed the purchase, you will receive the eSIM with installation instructions, and ready to use.

How much does the eSIM for Cancun cost?

Surely you already have in mind to buy a virtual SIM card for your trip to Cancun. You will be surprised to know that this alternative is much more economical than others, like renting a pocket wifi. To help you choose, we will give you a table with the plans that Holafly has for this destination. You will find the ideal one for your stay.

eSIM Card for Cancun

Days of useAmount of cellular dataPrice (USD)
5 days Unlimited data$19
7 days Unlimited data$27
10 days Unlimited data$34
15 days Unlimited data$47
20 days Unlimited data$54
30 days Unlimited data$64
60 days Unlimited data$84
90 days Unlimited data$99
Holafly virtual SIM for Cancun Pricing Table

eSIM North America card, with coverage in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

Days of useAmount of mobile dataPrice (USD)
156GB$54
Holafly eSIM North America Pricing Table

Frequently asked questions about the Cancun SIM card

We are very glad you made it this far. We hope you found all the information useful and that your Cancun trip will be successful. Here are some frequently asked questions that travelers have when purchasing a SIM Card for Cancun, have a great time!

How do I keep my number on WhatsApp?

The thing is simple. To keep your number in WhatsApp, you don’t need to configure anything.

Can I share data with other terminals?

You can share data with some prepaid SIM cards for Cancun, but this will always depend on the provider. So you should check with them to avoid high bills.

Can I have unlimited data with a prepaid SIM card for Cancun?

It is not very common to find options with unlimited data on physical SIM cards. However, Holafly’s virtual SIM card for Cancun allows you to enjoy unlimited data on all available options.

What do I do if my SIM card is not working in Cancun?

If your virtual SIM card does not work or is inconvenient, you can always contact Holafly’s customer service, which will answer no matter the time or place. If your SIM card is not from Holafly, we recommend contacting the provider.

Is the SIM card compatible with my Smartphone?

You must verify that your mobile is compatible with the SIM. This can be done by comparing the frequency bands of our phone with that of the local operators in Cancun.

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